Topic:   BUILDING A CHRIST-LIKE FAMILY (1) 25 September 2021 By Pastor Faith Oyedepo Living Faith Church [ Winners Chapel]

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BUILDING A CHRIST-LIKE FAMILY

Dear Reader,

Peace and blessings in Jesus’ name. It is my prayer that you build a Christ-like family and all your good desires concerning your family life will be fulfilled this year and beyond, in Jesus’ name. It is important to know that it is God’s will for you to have a Christ-Like family, this will be the platform where every other thing you want from God will rest upon. Remember, if you succeed in your marriage then you will succeed in all other facets of your life. Therefore, the benefits of having a Christ-like family as it relates to you, your career, the Church, and the nation at large cannot be over-emphasized. Today, I want to show you the characteristics of a Christ-Like home.

What is a Christian Home?

A Christian home is a home run by the principles of Jesus and according to the demands of Scripture, which represents God’s mind, ways, and styles for us as believers. It is a home run in the manner Christ would run His own home.

Characteristics of a Christian Home

• Christ-like manner: A truly Christian family is Christ-like, which means that its members will treat each other as they will like to be treated. The Word of God says, therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12).While Jesus commanded this for all relationships, it certainly would have a special bearing within a Christian family.
• Every member of the family accepts Christ: To each family member, the acceptance of Christ (being a Christian) will serve as a foundation on which the home is built. When I say a Christian home, I mean a home where the people who dwell there are born again. That is a home where everyone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour.
• Accepting scriptural responsibility: A Christian home is a home where the residents accept their scriptural responsibilities. The Christian father will not provoke his children to wrath but will nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. Apostle Paul made this charge to all Christian fathers in his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:4). The Christian sons and daughters will obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-3). Jesus reaffirmed the ancient law, Honour thy father and thy mother. He strongly rebuked those Scribes and Pharisees who sought loopholes in the law and ways of avoiding it.
• Open honesty and integrity: A Christian home is where open honesty and integrity are practised, which results in complete confidence and trust. There is so much artificial and hypocrisy in the world and in the actions of men. However, in the Christian home, all of this is excluded. Therefore, it is very vital to know that there must be complete honesty between parents and children in a Christian home.
• Hospitality: Hospitality is a willingness to share with discernment what God has given us. It is an attitude of stewardship because we do not own anything; we are merely caretakers; the real owner is God. He desires that we share His blessings and love, and we comply out of reverence and gratitude to Him. In relationships, it is honouring the boundaries of others and sharing all we have without strings attached (Matthew 25:34-43; Luke 10:30-37; Romans 12:13, 16:3-16; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Peter 4:7-11; 3 John 5-8). There is a catalyst that makes hospitality easy, and it is called ‘brotherly love’. The Word of God says, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:10, 13). This makes you want to reach out to others and give them a helping hand. It is what makes you share what you have with others. Brotherly love can find expression through giving. It could be a cup of water, a meal, money, a warm smile or a listening ear. Make sure it is what is within your reach to give. Do not eat your food or drink your water alone. Remember that the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25). Hospitality is not really in what is given, but in the way it is given. Philemon ensured that he refreshed the bowels of the saints; therefore, he could be called a true brother. As Christians, we are all brothers and sisters since we have the same Father, and except we relate with one another on the basis of love, we cannot please Him. This was the strength of the first century Church. No one had a need because those who had eagerly distributed to others who had none. They had all things in common (Acts 2:44-45). As a result of this display of brotherly love, God’s power was evident in their midst. You must be ready to be sold out to hospitality in your home because it is the path to God’s presence. You can make it a point of duty to bring great joy and consolation to members of the household of faith.

However, the grace to practice the characteristics listed above only comes from God. If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God, and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Therefore, read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com, 07026385437 OR 08141320204. For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian