Introduction: Matthew 7:24-29 - “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
[28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Today I am starting a series of message on building strong families. I will be approaching the subject from ten different directions. Our basis for these messages will be the Ten Commandments. You might be thinking that this is a strange application of the 10 Commands of God. Yet, I know of no one who has put these 10 principles to practice in their live who have not also had strong relationships.
Family values always become a priority during a political campaign. The only question is whose version of family values? People are always coming to the church expecting them to parent their children. It is not my job to raise your children. It is my job to give you the tools to be effective parent your children on your own.
Everybody will go through a storm.
Since 1960 the family has been under terrorist attack.
Every 30 seconds a couple gets a divorce
¼ of all children born are born to unwed mothers
10 – 25 year olds just want to be loved.
Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before me.
What is a god? Anything that can or will dominate my life
The Principle: Put God First
The Promise: If you will put me first, I will bring you success.
Is the foundation Important to God? Yes
What is seen is often more important than what is seen!
Proverbs 3:6
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Deut. 6:1-2
These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, [2] so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.
How do you put God first? By giving God first place in these five areas
Finances –
Three things the Bible teaches
1) Be content – Live within your means
2) We should all save
3) Tithing
Deut. 14:23
Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.
1 Cor. 16:1-2
Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. [2] On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Three Dangers in talking about money.
1) Most sensitive never in the body is the one from the wallet to the heart.
2) Many of us come from hurtful church situations concerning money
3) Church attendance is declining not growing. The number onne reason are leaving the church is money.
Interest –
1 Cor. 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Relationships –
Do the types of friends we have matter to God? YES
1 Cor. 15:33
Don’t let anyone deceive you. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people.
It is much easier to pull down than to pull up.
Schedule –
What is the easiest way to catch a monkey – Cut a hole in a box smaller than the fruit inside.
Ephes. 5:16-17
Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. [17] So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.
A better way to live
I only have enough time in my life to do God’s will.
Trouble -
Psalm 50:15
Call on me in times of trouble.
I will rescue you, and you will honor me."
Application Point:
Joshua 24:15
But if you don’t want to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Even if you choose the gods your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live, my family and I will still serve the Lord."
