Making Family Relationships a Priority Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, February 22, 2015 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2015 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

How is it Going?  Week # 1 Nurture a growing intimacy with the Lord  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 9 9

How is it Going?  Week # 2 Cultivate vital friendships that encourage me to keep my promises  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 9

How is it Going?  Week # 3 Practice purity in thought and action “Signature Sin”  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 9

Making Family Relationships A Priority Now Jesus was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. Luke 3: 23

The Legend of the Lawn

“She will come back, won’t she?”

Week # 4 Day 22 I Promise to make Family Relationships a priority

Let’s Pray

Making Family Relationships A Priority Now Jesus was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. Luke 3: 23

As a Child When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him. Luke 2: 39-40

As a Pre-adolescent Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while His parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.

As a Pre-adolescent Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. Luke 2:41-44, 51

As a Young Man And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Matthew 13: 55-56

As a Young Adult Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?”

As a Young Adult “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Mark 6: 1-3 Now Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph… Luke 3: 23

At Thirty-something On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do what- ever He tells you.”

At Thirty-something What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed his glory; and His disciples believed in Him John 2: 1-5, 11

On the Cross Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple (presumably John) took her into his home. John 19: 25-27

Jesus is Your/Our Savior and Lord Jesus is Your/Our Great Example Jesus Made Family Relationships a Priority!

Going Deeper Challenges

How Did You Do?

“I Love My Family!” BUT… Choices that TEST us Happen

Signs of Our Times

“Book Reviews” by Jesus You've observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.

Book Reviews by Jesus That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served — and then to give away His life in exchange for the many who are held hostage. Matthew 20: 20 The Message

Week # 4 Day 22 I Promise to make Family Relationships a priority CARE FOR THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT Simple Acts of Servant Love

Week # 4 Day 22 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. I Peter 2: 21

Week # 4 Day 22 I Promise to make Family Relationships a priority CARE FOR THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT Simple Acts of Servant Love