The Blessed Household



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Brother Felmar Serreno: Chances are you’re part of a family. You might even be on the journey to starting your own family. Maybe you’re wondering, “what does it take to keep a family stable, happy, and peaceful?” Hello, and welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, where we hope you’ll join us for today’s topic: The Blessed Household.



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Brother Felmar Serreno: What many people usually consider as a fortunate or favored household is one which abounds in material possessions or is financially stable, such that its members can buy whatever they want. In short, they believe that material wealth defines how blessed such a family is. 



For members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ, however, being truly fortunate or privileged is not measured by material things. What they consider as their true wealth are the spiritual blessings from the Lord God—their membership in the Church, their right and privilege to worship Him, and their living hope for the salvation He promised. More than material comfort, they value the peace and security that reign in their household because of God’s fellowship with them as they continue in their steadfast faith and zeal in their services to him. But why are they certain that what they have outweigh any material riches? 



Reverently fears God



Brother Felmar Serreno: The household that has the promise of God’s blessings reverently fears the Lord God. The Bible teaches, thus: 



Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.



[Psalms 128: 1-2 New King James Version]



Brother Felmar Serreno: Those who fear the Lord deeply revere Him. Instead of staying away from Him, they yearn to be closer to Him and they do stay away from what He hates. They walk in His ways by leading a life according to His teachings. Thus, the members of the family who have reverent fear of the Lord God are obedient to His commands and devoted to their duties to Him. 



Such a family does not stand to lose. The Bible depicts them as blessed and happy, and all will be well with them. With God’s blessings, protection, and help, all its members will be in good health and will be able to realize their good dreams and aspirations. A Church Of Christ family fully understands that obedience to God is the key to such blessings.



Religious instruction begins at home



Brother Felmar Serreno: Because obedience to God’s commands is essential to receiving His blessings, the whole family should give much importance to listening to and learning His teachings. Church Of Christ members are thus exhorted to be active in attending the worship service, during which God’s words are learned (Deuteronomy 31:12-13).



For the children’s sake, religious instruction should begin at home. According to the Bible, teaching God’s words to the children is a responsibility not only of the Church but also of the parents:



And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”



[Deuteronomy 6:6-7 New King James Version]
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