House Or A Home Series

A house or a home. Matt. 7:24-27, Judg.6:11, 14

In case you haven’t noticed, lately, Satan has launched an all-out offensive attack against families - against the traditional home! It doesn’t take a "rocket scientist" nor does it take a degree in Sociology to recognize that the American family and home is in serious trouble! This great nation of ours - once upon a time "Under God" - is no longer a "Leave It To Beaver" society! In the past forty-eight (48) years, the American family has taken some pretty hard hits - it has fallen upon some hard times - it has sustained some pretty hard knocks!

Let’s examine, for just a few moments, some of the changes that have been wrought in the traditional American family and home, shall we? Since 1960, there has been a 400% increase in the divorce rate - with many of those divorces taking place within the Christian community - something that was unheard of in the past! There has been a 200% increase in the number of children being raised in "single-parent" homes! Today, my brothers and sisters, 70% of all preschool-aged children have mothers who work outside of the home; and, 80% of school-aged children - "latch-key children" - come home each day, after school, to an empty house. The traditional American family no longer exists! Instead, my brothers and sisters, the traditional American family has been replaced by a number of "new models" - American families and homes of diverse styles and shapes!

Sixty (60) years ago, some high school teachers were polled to find out what the top offenses were that their students had committed - they listed these things: "talking, chewing gum, making noises, running in the hallways, getting out of turn in line, wearing improper clothing; and, notputting paper in the waste basket." Do you know what was listed in this year’s poll? "Rape, robbery, assault, burglary, arson, muder; and, suicide" - in that order! Tell me, my brothers and sisters, that we do not have our work cut out for us! The question becomes, "How can we have a happy, ’Biblically-functioning home’ in a world such as ours?"

A home is not a house. It is those who live within the house. Those who spend their lives, or a part of their lives living and learning just what life is all about. So let us this morning, go to God’s word to see just what is meant by the word, HOME

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal they crawled into their tent and went to sleep. In the middle of the night, Holmes awoke and nudged his friend. “Watson, look up and tell me what you see.? Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.? “What does that tell you, Watson?? Asked Holmes. Watson pondered a moment and then replied, “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is within the Leo constellation. Chronologically I observe it’s nighttime 3 a.m. on June 14th. Meteorologically, the air appears dry, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day. Why did you ask? What does it tell you?? Holmes says, “Watson, you idiot! Someone has stolen our tent!

1. You need to be a warrior

A. Received the command from the Lord- Save Israel (save your home)

Build the home on the Rock.

Gideon is asking – where is the God of the past?

Jeremiah 6:16

16 Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads and look; and ask for the eternal paths, where the good, old way is; then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it!

There are thing we can learn from the past, past leaders, past generation, parents,

Grandparents. The society does not want us to do that.

Gideon only knows to press the wheat at winepress.

There are greater things you can do with your life.

There are unlimited potential hidden in you.

There are doctors, scientists, genius leaders executives living in your house,

but you are looking to press the whet in the wines press.

God placed us with a great hope, great purpose,

Build the home on the Rock – Jesus.

Build by faith –

Build with tears

Build with prayer

Build it on your heritage – (bible)

A. Prepared the offering

B. Placed on the Rock

C. Pour out the broth

D. Lord touched the sacrifice.

E. Fire came from the rock.

F. Saw the Lord (revelation of the Lord)

G. He had a revelation that our Lord is Jehovah Shalom ( Lord is our peace)

(If you need that peace in our family life today – you can have it by having a revelation of Him into your life)