Home, A Little Church

Dear friend,

The great evangelist and theologian Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) wrote:

“Every Christian family ought to be as it were a little church, consecrated to Christ, and wholly influenced and governed by his rules. And family education and order are some of the chief means of grace. If these fail, all other means are likely to prove ineffectual. If these are duly maintained, all the means of grace will be likely to prosper and be successful.”

As a pastor, former Christian School teacher, and parent of seven children - I am totally convinced Edwards is right. God can work in the life of an individual apart from his or her spouse or parents. However, a Christ centered home life is the surest way to plant the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of others and help them grow in Christ! The Lord himself reminds us of this when he commands Christian fathers to bring up their children, “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph, 6:4b). Elsewhere he tells us, “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127).

If the Christian home is to be like a little church, than the father (or mother in his absence) is like the pastor. The word of God must be taught. Christian counsel must be given. Prayer and worship must take place. Discipline must be administered. All for the glory of God and the good of each family member.

Friend, is your house like a little church?

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder