We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n God has designed us as social creatures that need years of training and care in the home. This is the job of building people! (Deut 6:4-8)

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n Deuteronomy 6:4-8 (NKJV) - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n What is the difference between a godly home and a home when there is no effort to train and teach?

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n It is the difference between humans and beasts. What did the breakdown of the home do for the Roman culture? (Rom 1:29-32)

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n Romans 1:29-32 (NKJV) - being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil- mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n Those who have good homes are the ones most likely to believe in God. (Eph 6:4)

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n God calls Himself our Father! What if one had a bad home?

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n God calls Himself our Father! What if one had a bad home? n I have a book called The Atheist Syndrome that brings these truths out regarding famous atheists.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n When you learn more about the works of the flesh, homosexuality and other enslaving sins, you come to see what a great advantage one has when they are put together well in a godly home.

We face a momentous task with the greatest consequences in our homes. n When you learn more about the works of the flesh, homosexuality and other enslaving sins, you come to see what a great advantage one has when they are put together well in a godly home. n You will never regret the time and effort you spend in building your home.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Those who study history know that war is not a casual issue. What happens to the loser?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Those who study history know that war is not a casual issue. What happens to the loser? n The Christian life requires this kind of faith. (Lk 14:28-33)

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Luke 14:28-33 (NKJV) - For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n How many wars have been lost because of overconfidence and under commitment?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n How many wars have been lost because of overconfidence and under commitment? n What can the worldly person expect of their marriage? Consider the current statistics. Do those in churches of Christ do better than the world?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n How many wars have been lost because of overconfidence and under commitment? n What can the worldly person expect of their marriage? Consider the current statistics. Do those in churches of Christ do better than the world? n What makes the difference between the world and the Christian in these areas? (1 Jn 5:4-5)

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 1 John 5:4-5 (NKJV) - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n We have to completely commit to Gods wisdom.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Many nations have studied war and built great armies and lost it all. Why does this happen? (Isa 34:1-2; 40:15-17)

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Isaiah 34:1-2 (NKJV) - Come near, you nations, to hear; And heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, The world and all things that come forth from it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is against all nations, And His fury against all their armies; He has utterly destroyed them, He has given them over to the slaughter.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Isaiah 40:15-17 (NKJV) - Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All nations before Him are as nothing, And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n What did David know about winning a war? (1 Sam 17:45-47; Psa 44:6-7)

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NKJV) - Then David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LordS, and He will give you into our hands.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Psalm 44:6-7 (NKJV) - For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our enemies, And have put to shame those who hated us.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Think of as many occasions where God gave instructions that led to great victories that to the worldly made no sense.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Think of as many occasions where God gave instructions that led to great victories that to the worldly made no sense. n In the home this is one of the greatest issues we will face! Will we really trust God and His wisdom?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Think of as many occasions where God gave instructions that led to great victories that to the worldly made no sense. n In the home this is one of the greatest issues we will face! Will we really trust God and His wisdom? n If you are not committed to God and taught His ways, then you will succumb to the deception of Satan.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Consider the temptation God allowed King Saul to experience. Why did Saul do what he did? Was it reasonable? (1 Sam 13:5-12)

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 1 Samuel 13:5-12 (NKJV) - Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 7 And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me. And he offered the burnt offering.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 10 Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 And Samuel said, What have you done? Saul said, When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash,

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 12 then I said, The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord. Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Make a list of the ways we will be tested in the home.

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Class Discussion:

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Class Discussion: n 1. How does the world influence us in how we build our homes?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Class Discussion: n 1. How does the world influence us in how we build our homes? n 2. Why is it difficult to trust Gods wisdom when it come to our home?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Class Discussion: n 1. How does the world influence us in how we build our homes? n 2. Why is it difficult to trust Gods wisdom when it come to our home? n 3. When should we first be taught about the home?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n Class Discussion: n 1. How does the world influence us in how we build our homes? n 2. Why is it difficult to trust Gods wisdom when it come to our home? n 3. When should we first be taught about the home? n 4. What do we see in our culture that is a result of bad homes?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 5. How can we be deceived about the real level of commitment we have in our homes?

Building a home requires the same kind of commitment as of going to war. n 5. How can we be deceived about the real level of commitment we have in our homes? n 6. What is the greatest gift we can give those in our homes? Is it easy?

How we start our homes is crucial n Did Abraham have any concerns over who Isaac married? (Gen 24:1-4)

How we start our homes is crucial n Genesis 24:1-4 (NKJV) - Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. 2 So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, Please, put your hand under my thigh, 3 and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell;

How we start our homes is crucial n 4 but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.

How we start our homes is crucial n Who did Abraham trust to find a wife for Isaac? (Gen 24:6-9)

How we start our homes is crucial n Genesis 24:6-9 (NKJV) - But Abraham said to him, Beware that you do not take my son back there. 7 The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my fathers house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, To your descendants I give this land, He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.

How we start our homes is crucial n 8 And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath; only do not take my son back there. 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.

How we start our homes is crucial n What steps were taken to find him a wife? (Gen 24:12-14)

How we start our homes is crucial n Genesis 24:12-14 (NKJV) - Then he said,O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.

How we start our homes is crucial n 14 Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, Please let down your pitcher that I may drink, and she says, Drink, and I will also give your camels a drinklet her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.

How we start our homes is crucial n What can we learn from these examples about what both the parent and the child can do to find a godly mate?

How we start our homes is crucial n Does Gods Law permit this one to marry? (Mt 19:9)

How we start our homes is crucial n Matthew 19:9 (NKJV) - And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those who may many fall into three groups.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those who may many fall into three groups. n Those who have never married.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those whose mate has died.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those whose mate has died. n Those who have put away their mate for the cause of fornication.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those whose mate has died. n Those who have put away their mate for the cause of fornication. n It is extremely foolish to date or keep close company with someone who is not eligible for marriage.

How we start our homes is crucial n Those whose mate has died. n Those who have put away their mate for the cause of fornication. n It is extremely foolish to date or keep close company with someone who is not eligible for marriage. n How many times have I heard We are just friends turn into something more.

How we start our homes is crucial n Is this person a Christian?

How we start our homes is crucial n Is this person a Christian? n Can anyone deny the strength in two faithful Christians serving God? (Luke 1:6)

How we start our homes is crucial n Luke 1:6 (NKJV) - And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

How we start our homes is crucial n Paul did not think in terms of marrying anyone else. (1 Cor 9:5)

How we start our homes is crucial n 1 Corinthians 9:5 (NKJV) - Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

How we start our homes is crucial n A marriage between a Christian and a non- Christian is regulated by the word of God and therefore is acceptable. (1 Pet 3:1-2, 7)

How we start our homes is crucial n 1 Peter 3:1-2 (NKJV) - Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

How we start our homes is crucial n 1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) - Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

How we start our homes is crucial n What will happen in the majority of cases?

How we start our homes is crucial n What will happen in the majority of cases? n See enclosed article on mixed marriages.

How we start our homes is crucial n What will happen in the majority of cases? n See enclosed article on mixed marriages. n See enclosed article Young Lady, Many a Christian by Bill Hall.

How we start our homes is crucial n If you are planning to many a non-Christian please do these things.

How we start our homes is crucial n If you are planning to many a non-Christian please do these things. n Talk with several Christians who married non-Christians and find out what can happen.

How we start our homes is crucial n If you are planning to many a non-Christian please do these things. n Talk with several Christians who married non-Christians and find out what can happen. n Give this as much time as you can. Marriage is forever!

How we start our homes is crucial n If you are planning to many a non-Christian please do these things. n Talk with several Christians who married non-Christians and find out what can happen. n Give this as much time as you can. Marriage is forever! n The rule of wisdom to follow: Make all necessary changes before marriage.

How to Find a Mate. n Be the kind of person that you want to marry. (Ruth 3:11)

How to Find a Mate. n Ruth 3:11 (NKJV) - And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.

How to Find a Mate. n Your reputation will limit the number of those who will ask you out. This is good!

How to Find a Mate. n Far too many enter the dating relationship as a parent. They think they will mother this person to the point he becomes of good character. This is a mistake!

How to Find a Mate. n Far too many enter the dating relationship as a parent. They think they will mother this person to the point he becomes of good character. This is a mistake! n Go to places where good companions can be found.

How to Find a Mate. n Far too many enter the dating relationship as a parent. They think they will mother this person to the point he becomes of good character. This is a mistake! n Go to places where good companions can be found. n Parents there is much you can do here. Do you open your homes to Christian young people?

How to Find a Mate. n I have known of Christians who went to bars to find a date!

How to Find a Mate. n I have known of Christians who went to bars to find a date! n Pray to God. (Matt 6:33)

How to Find a Mate. n Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

How to Find a Mate. n We may have to wait.

How to Find a Mate. n We may have to wait. n If we never marry, then so be it. I want to go to heaven.

How to Find a Mate. n God knows our needs and will respond to our faith in Him.

How to Find a Mate. n God knows our needs and will respond to our faith in Him. n Are you a faithful Christian? (Heb 11:6)

How to Find a Mate. n Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

How to Find a Mate. n Then place your trust in God and determine not to compromise in these areas.

How to Find a Mate. n Then place your trust in God and determine not to compromise in these areas. n In the end we will be blessed.

How to Find a Mate. n Class Discussion:

How to Find a Mate. n Class Discussion: n 1. What efforts did Abraham make in finding Isaac a wife? Why?

How to Find a Mate. n Class Discussion: n 1. What efforts did Abraham make in finding Isaac a wife? Why? n 2. If you marry the right person then will you not have any future problems? Why?

How to Find a Mate. n Class Discussion: n 1. What efforts did Abraham make in finding Isaac a wife? Why? n 2. If you marry the right person then will you not have any future problems? Why? n 3. Who is eligible to marry? What happens if we neglect this?

How to Find a Mate. n 4. May a Christian marry a non-Christian?

How to Find a Mate. n 4. May a Christian marry a non-Christian? n 5. How can you avoid marrying someone who in not eligible to marry?

How to Find a Mate. n 4. May a Christian marry a non-Christian? n 5. How can you avoid marrying someone who in not eligible to marry? n 6. How do you find the right person to marry?