In his popular Bible paraphrase The Message, Eugene Peterson uses “message” wherever the biblical word for “gospel” appears. The good news about Jesus is truly the message still needed by the world today. Christian families are called to experience it together and to share it in whatever culture they live. How would you summarize “the message” using the following texts? Matt. … Continue reading –>
What crisis of faith developed in Israel after Joshua and his peers died? Judg. 2:7-13. Studies of how values and beliefs in organizations such as churches are transmitted to subsequent generations show that the founders have very high levels of commitment to the beliefs. They were the ones who first championed them. Within a generation or two, … Continue reading –>
Change is an inescapable, unsettling occurrence in families, regardless of whatever culture they live in. Some change is related to predictable passage through the life cycle. Often change is unpredictable, such as deaths, disasters, war, illnesses, family moves, or career failures. Many families face economic and social changes in their communities and countries. Other changes … Continue reading –>
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Gen. 18:19). Though they might come in various configurations, families are the building … Continue reading –>
As the gospel circles the globe, Christians encounter different cultures and practices, many of which pertain to family and social relationships. One of the great questions for Christian missionaries regards how they should relate to various cultural norms about many things, including family relationships they might personally find uncomfortable. Read Acts 10:1-28, Acts 10:34-35. What can we … Continue reading –>
Paying With Prayer By Andrew McChesney Choomba Simillah was being expelled from the University of Zambia. He owed 9,000 Zambian kwacha (about U.S.$900), and he had no idea where to obtain the money. But Choomba wasn’t going to give up. He was studying for a bachelor’s degree at the public university while teaching at Rusangu … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Little Times of Trouble “Too often the parents are not united in their family government. The father, who is with his children but little, and is ignorant of their peculiarities of disposition and temperament, is harsh and severe. He does not control his temper, but corrects in passion. The child knows this, and … Continue reading –>
“Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about” (Matt. 7:12, CEV). Think about all the ways in your own experience, within the family and without, in which you need to apply this principle, and, on the lines below, write down just what those times might … Continue reading –>
Sometimes unresolved conflict and anger may develop into a very negative, destructive dynamic, even an abusive relationship. Abuse can take a number of forms—physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, et cetera. But any form of abuse is contrary to the central principle of God’s kingdom—unselfish love. What crucial teachings about relationships are found in 1 John 4:7-8 and Colossians 3:19? … Continue reading –>
Who hasn’t experienced anger at one point or another? What makes it harder is when that anger is directed at a family member. Along with refusing to forgive, anger can turn into a poison that will wreak great pain and suffering on the home and family and relationships in general. Read Ephesians 4:26-27 and Ecclesiastes 7:9. How can … Continue reading –>
