Overview
Certainly divorce, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and child and spouse abuse have had a tremendous effect on the structure of the family. But what, aside from talking, have Christians done about the problem?
Table of Contents
SCRIPTURE: Luke 8:19–21; Acts 2:44–47; 16:14–15, 40; Romans 12:9–16; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 5:21–33; Philippians 2:1–8; 4:10–18; Colossians 3:9–21; 1 Timothy 4:11–12; 5:1–4, 8, 16; Titus 2:3–8; Hebrews 12:5–10; James 1:27
LEADER'S GUIDE
• The Issue
Sample questions:
How does the Christian ideal for family relationships contrast with today’s secular philosophy?
What role does the family play in the church?
• The Scriptures
Sample Scriptures:
Read Ephesians 5:21–33. How important is the family in Scripture?
Read Acts 2:44–47; 16:14–15, 40; and Philippians 4:10–18. What examples of support from the Christian community do we find in these verses?
• The Application
Sample application questions:
In what specific ways has your church encouraged and supported you and your family? How has your family benefited from this support?
From where does your family draw strength and support? From nearby relatives? From friends and neighbors? From your church?
ARTICLE FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY
• Reinforcing the Fragile Family, by Peter Uhlenberg (January 1987, 10 printed pages)
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