"Jesus Christ in Your Home"
October 20, 2018
And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
~ Acts 5:42 (ESV)
The apostolic age was marked by outstanding courage. Bravely did all, apostles and laity, proclaim the risen Redeemer. The authorities in Jerusalem forbade them to preach; but they disregarded this decree, protesting: "We must obey God rather than men ... for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (see Acts 5:29; 4:20).
The leaders of the first church "did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus" from house to house, not only to save families by guiding them to the compassionate, sin-destroying Savior, but also, once the homes were won for the Gospel, to fortify them in the faith for a sin-defying, God-exalting life. Those early disciples were surrounded by sordid enemies of decency and truth. Once they openly acclaimed their Savior, the devil began to send double attacks against them. How could they keep themselves clean, their homes happy, their married life free from sin's vicious tyranny? The apostle does not direct them to physical culture courses or philosophers' theories; he does not hold up Greek culture or Roman schooling as the pathway to chastity; he does not tell his followers to master their difficulties alone and to boast themselves the captains of their own destiny. Great man of God that Peter was, he remembers his Lord's warning: "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (see John 15:5b). Therefore, hear it again, he and his coworkers "from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus."
In His limitless love the Son of God offers His constant companionship in building your family joy. What an all-wonderful Friend and Deliverer He is! He not only rescues you from sin's curse, frees you from hell's horrors, destroys death's dominion over you, He also gives you strength to overcome evil, resist temptation, subdue selfish natures, and live self-sacrificingly for others. The real reason for which I earnestly plead that you come to Christ is the eternal salvation of your souls, which can be yours by faith in Jesus. The second purpose for which I pointedly ask you to receive Him as your Redeemer is this, that you who know yourselves cleansed by His blood also have God the Holy Spirit. Through His indwelling you are made new creatures in Jesus, with a new love for the Lord, a new walk in life, and a new victory over vice. You must realize, then, that I have been waiting to ask every one of you this direct question: Does Christ dwell in your home? Does He live in our heart? Does He reign and rule your entire family circle?
Give Jesus your heart and your home, and when the blessed Redeemer crosses your threshold to rule and to be revered, He will repeat His reassuring pledge, "Today, salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9b).
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, by the Holy Spirit may we teach our families to know more about Jesus and His love. Guide our actions to be Christ-like examples of the Savior's life in all we say and do. In His Name we pray. Amen.
From "Jesus Christ in Your Home" a sermon excerpt from Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
The apostolic age was marked by outstanding courage. Bravely did all, apostles and laity, proclaim the risen Redeemer.
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