When Heaven Invaded Earth

Building a Family That Last

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Strengthening the Family Message #2: "Building a Family That Lasts" Text: Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”   Introduction: The Difference Between a House and a Home Anyone can build a house, but only God can help build a home. A house is made of: * Wood * Brick * Concrete * Nails A home is built with: * Love * Faith * Prayer * Commitment * Forgiveness * God's Presence Jesus tells a story about two builders. Both built houses. Both faced storms. Both experienced wind. Both experienced rain. Yet one house stood while the other collapsed. The difference was not the storm. The difference was the foundation. The same is true for families today. Every family faces storms: * Financial storms * Health storms * Marital storms * Raising children * Grief and loss * Temptations and pressures The question is not whether storms will come. The question is: What foundation are we building upon?   1. A Strong Family Is Built on Christ Matthew 7:24 Jesus said the wise man built on the rock. Christ is that Rock. Many families build on: * Money * Success * Education * Popularity None of these are strong enough to hold a family together. Illustration When an earthquake strikes, weak foundations crack first. When life's earthquakes come, only Christ can keep a family standing.   2. A Strong Family Makes God First Matthew 6:33 Families often put: * Careers first * Sports first * Entertainment first But strong families put God first. Joshua said: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." When God is first, everything else finds its proper place. Short Story A professor filled a jar with large rocks and asked if it was full. Then he added smaller stones and sand. The lesson: Put the big things in first. God must be the first rock in every family.   3. A Strong Family Communicates with Love Ephesians 4:29 - . Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Many homes suffer not from lack of love but from lack of communication. Words can: * Build * Heal * Encourage * Destroy Illustration A nail driven into a fence leaves a hole even after it is removed. Words spoken in anger can leave lasting scars. Strong families speak life to one another.   4. A Strong Family Prays Together James 5:16 - Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Prayer invites God's power into the home. Families that pray together learn to depend on God rather than panic. Story A mother once said: "I couldn't stop every storm from reaching my children, but I could pray for them before the storm arrived." Prayer reaches places we cannot go.   5. A Strong Family Practices Forgiveness Colossians 3:13 - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. No family survives without forgiveness. Every member will make mistakes. Forgiveness does not excuse wrong. Forgiveness releases bitterness. Illustration Holding unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Strong families learn to let go.   6. A Strong Family Protects Its Children Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Children need more than food and clothing. They need: * Guidance * Discipline * Encouragement * Godly examples Joshua understood that every generation must be taught to know God. Illustration A young tree requires stakes and support. Without guidance it grows crooked. Children need loving direction while they are young.   7. A Strong Family Worships Together Psalm 95:6 - Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Worship changes the atmosphere of a home. Families that worship together learn to keep God at the center. Short Story One family began reading a Psalm before dinner every evening. Years later their children said those moments became some of their strongest memories. Small spiritual habits create lasting spiritual impact.   8. A Strong Family Leaves a Legacy 2 Timothy 1:5 - when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Paul spoke of the faith first found in Lois and Eunice before it reached Timothy. Faith was passed down. Strong families think beyond today. They ask: "What will our children remember about our walk with God?" Illustration A relay race is won when the baton is successfully passed. Every generation must pass faith to the next generation.   Conclusion Jesus never promised families would avoid storms. He promised that families built on Him could survive them. The wise builder and foolish builder faced the same storm. The wise builder stood because he built on the Rock. The question for every family today is: "What foundation are we building on?" If we build on Christ: * We can survive the storm. * We can overcome the pressure. * We can leave a godly legacy. Let us determine today: "We are not merely building houses. We are building families that will stand for generations." Because families built on the Rock are families that last.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]

Strengthening the Family

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Strengthening the Family Theme Scripture: Joshua 24:15 “...Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Introduction: The Family Is Under Attack We live in a time when families are being challenged from every direction. Marriages are under pressure, children are facing influences never seen before, communication is breaking down, and many homes are struggling spiritually. The enemy understands something many people forget: If he can weaken the family, he can weaken the church, the community, and the nation. Before Joshua died, he gathered Israel together for one final message. He reminded them of everything God had done for them—from Abraham, to Egypt, to the Red Sea, to the Promised Land. Then Joshua confronted them with a decision: "You cannot live on yesterday's testimony. You must choose today who you will serve." Joshua understood that every generation must make its own commitment to God. The same challenge stands before us today. The strength of a family is not found in money, education, or possessions. The strength of a family is found in its commitment to God. Why Did Joshua Say, "As For Me and My House"? Joshua was about 110 years old. He had seen miracles, victories, failures, and battles. He knew: * A nation is only as strong as its families. * Children tend to follow the example of their parents. * If parents abandon God, future generations often do the same. * Every family must intentionally choose God. Joshua was not forcing anyone. He said: "You choose for yourselves, but my mind is already made up. My house will serve the Lord." Today God is looking for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and guardians who will make the same declaration. 1. Strong Families Have a Clear Commitment Joshua 24:15 Joshua removed all uncertainty. He didn't say: * We might serve God. * We will serve God when it is convenient. * We will serve God when things get better. He declared it. Illustration A ship without a destination will drift wherever the current takes it. Many families are drifting because nobody has established a spiritual direction. Strong families have someone who says: "In this house we pray." "In this house we honor God." "In this house Jesus comes first." 2. Strong Families Build on God's Word Deuteronomy 6:6-7 God instructed parents to teach His Word continually. The Bible should not be a Sunday morning book only. It should guide: * Decisions * Attitudes * Relationships * Finances * Parenting Short Story A father gave each child a Bible on graduation day. Years later one child said, "Every time life got difficult, I remembered what Dad taught me from that Bible." The greatest inheritance is not money. It is God's Word hidden in the heart. 3. Strong Families Pray Together Philippians 4:6 Prayer invites God's presence into the home. Families that pray together often survive storms that destroy other homes. Illustration A bundle of sticks tied together is difficult to break. One stick alone snaps easily. Prayer ties family members together. When one becomes weak, the others help carry the load. 4. Strong Families Learn to Forgive Colossians 3:13 Every family will experience misunderstandings. The difference between strong families and broken families is not perfection. It is forgiveness. Short Story Two brothers stopped speaking over a small disagreement. Years passed. At their mother's funeral they finally embraced and wept. One brother said: "We lost years over something that didn't matter." Families become stronger when grace is greater than pride. 5. Strong Families Spend Time Together Ecclesiastes 3:1 Love requires time. Children spell love: T-I-M-E Illustration A plant needs water regularly. One heavy watering a year will not keep it alive. Families need regular connection: * Meals together * Worship together * Conversations together * Activities together Relationships grow where attention flows. 6. Strong Families Protect Their Spiritual Atmosphere Proverbs 4:23 Joshua knew that Israel was surrounded by pagan influences. Today's families face influences through: * Television * Social media * Entertainment * Peer pressure We must guard what enters our homes. Illustration If a homeowner leaves the door open all night, unwanted things may enter. Likewise, families must guard the doors of their hearts and homes. 7. Strong Families Lead By Example 1 Corinthians 11:1 Children often do what they see more than what they hear. Joshua did not merely tell his family to serve God. He served God himself. Short Story A little boy saw his father kneeling beside his bed praying every night. Years later he said, "I learned how to pray by watching my father." People may forget our sermons. They rarely forget our example. 8. Strong Families Leave a Legacy of Faith Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another." Joshua wanted future generations to know God. Strong families think beyond today. They ask: * What values are we passing down? * What faith are we passing down? * What example are we passing down? Illustration A relay race is won when the baton is successfully passed. Every generation must pass the baton of faith to the next generation. Why We Must Follow Joshua's Example Today Because: * Families are under attack. * Children need godly direction. * Society cannot replace spiritual leadership. * The church is strengthened when families are strengthened. * Future generations depend on the decisions we make today. Joshua understood that if families served God, Israel would remain strong. The same principle is true today. Strong families build strong churches. Strong churches build strong communities. Strong communities build strong nations. Conclusion: Make The Choice Today Joshua stood before the people and said: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Notice he said this day. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Not when life settles down. Today. Every family must answer: * Who will guide our home? * What values will shape our home? * Who will be Lord of our home? Joshua's answer was clear: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let that become the declaration of every husband, wife, single parent, grandparent, and child in this church. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" Altar Call Perhaps your family has been struggling. Perhaps prayer has disappeared from your home. Perhaps relationships have been strained. Today God is calling families back to Him. If you want God to strengthen your family, restore your home, and establish His presence in your house, come and stand before the Lord today. Let's make Joshua's declaration our declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Amen.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]

The days of Noah Mirrors Today!

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What the Bible is to You!

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Never Forget the Sacrifice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Memorial Day Sermon “Never Forget the Sacrifice” Scripture Text: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 (KJV)   Introduction Today across the United States of America, families gather around flags, cemeteries, memorial walls, and dining room tables remembering those who gave their lives in service to this nation. Memorial Day is more than cookouts, parades, and long weekends. It is a sacred reminder that freedom has always carried a price. Somebody fought.  Somebody bled.  Somebody died. Every flag flying today represents a sacrifice.  Every folded flag handed to a grieving family represents a story.  Every military grave marker reminds us that liberty is expensive. But while we honor the sacrifice of soldiers, Memorial Day also gives us an opportunity to remember the greatest sacrifice ever made — the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary. There are people who died for our country…  But Jesus died for our souls. The soldier gave his life so we could live free politically.  Jesus gave His life so we could live free spiritually. Today I want to preach a message entitled: “Never Forget the Sacrifice”   1. Freedom Always Costs Something Jesus said in John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Freedom is never free. Throughout history, men and women left their homes, kissed their family’s goodbye, and walked onto battlefields knowing they might never return. Some sacrificed limbs.  Some sacrificed dreams.  Some sacrificed their futures.  Some sacrificed everything. Illustration:  A little boy once asked his grandfather, “Why do they put flags on graves?” The grandfather replied,  “Because somebody under that ground gave you the right to stand above it free.” That is powerful. Likewise, our spiritual freedom cost Heaven something.  Jesus left Heaven’s glory and walked onto the battlefield of sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 Jesus paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay.   2. Sacrifice Should Never Be Forgotten In the Old Testament, God constantly told Israel to remember. Remember the Red Sea.  Remember the wilderness.  Remember deliverance.  Remember what God brought you through. Why?  Because people forget. Deuteronomy 8:2 says: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee…” One of the dangers of modern society is forgetting the sacrifices that built the blessings we enjoy. Some people enjoy freedom but never honor the people who fought for it.  Some people enjoy church freedom but never honor Christ who died for it. Memorial Day calls us to remember. The cross also calls us to remember. Jesus said: “This do in remembrance of me.” — Luke 22:19 Every communion service is Heaven’s Memorial Day.   3. There Is Honor in Remembering Honor matters. When we remember sacrifice, we show gratitude.  When we honor sacrifice, we show character. The Bible says in Romans 13:7: “Render therefore to all their dues… honour to whom honour.” Today we honor: • Fallen soldiers • Gold Star families • Veterans • First responders • Those who stood for righteousness • Spiritual warriors who prayed us through Some mothers buried sons.  Some wives buried husbands.  Some children grew up without fathers because somebody answered the call to serve. They deserve honor. Illustration:  At Arlington Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded day and night, even during storms and snow. Why? Because sacrifice deserves honor. Likewise, Jesus deserves continual honor because His sacrifice never loses its value.   4. Jesus Fought the Greatest Battle Military battles are fought on land, sea, and air.  But Jesus fought a battle in the spirit. He battled: • Sin • Death • Hell • Satan • Shame • Rejection At Calvary, Jesus stood alone. The nails did not hold Him there.  Love held Him there. Isaiah 53:5 says: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Every whip stripe was a sacrifice.  Every nail was a sacrifice.  Every drop of blood was a sacrifice. And He did it for us.   5. We Must Live Worthy of the Sacrifice One of the greatest dishonors is benefiting from sacrifice while living carelessly. The Apostle Paul said: “Ye are bought with a price…” — 1 Corinthians 6:20 If Jesus paid for us with His blood, then our lives should reflect gratitude. We should: • Walk in holiness • Love one another • Stand for truth • Serve faithfully • Pray continually • Live purposefully Illustration:  A soldier once said,  “I don’t fight because I hate what’s in front of me. I fight because I love what’s behind me.” Jesus endured the cross because He loved us.   6. Some Battles Require Courage Memorial Day reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear — it is moving forward despite fear. Joshua 1:9 says: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid…” We need spiritual courage today.  Courage to: • Stand for righteousness • Speak truth • Raise godly families • Defend the faith • Keep trusting God in difficult times The battlefield may change, but courage is still required.   7. The Resurrection Gives Us Hope Beyond the Grave Memorial Day often reminds families of loss.  But believers have hope beyond death. Because Jesus rose again, death is not the end. 1 Corinthians 15:55 says: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” For the child of God: • The cemetery is not the end • The grave is not permanent • Death does not have the final word Jesus conquered the grave. That means every believer has eternal hope.   Conclusion Today we salute the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. But above all, let us never forget Jesus Christ — the Lamb of God — who gave His life for the sins of the world. The soldier died for a nation.  Jesus died for humanity. The soldier gave temporary freedom.  Jesus gives eternal freedom. The soldier was buried in a grave.  Jesus got up from the grave. So today: • Remember the fallen • Honor sacrifice • Appreciate freedom • But most importantly… Never forget the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.   Closing Appeal If Christ sacrificed His life for us,  then surely we should surrender our lives to Him. Today Jesus is still calling: • The broken • The weary • The sinner • The backslider • The wounded Come to the cross.  Come to the Savior.  Come while there is still time. Because the greatest memorial is not a statue…  It is a transformed life that never forgets His sacrifice.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]