This Sunday we had guest speaker Pastor Noel Gandy with us. Pastor Noel Gandy was our Hunt to Harvest speaker. Pastor Noel is currently serving as a pastor in Shenandoah, Iowa.

1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-12

u joined us last week you are aware that we began a new series entitled, “RELATIONSHIP GOALS”  For some of us that was a new concept.  Today we will take a look at “FAMILY GOALS”

The word “family” alone could evoke a wide variety of responses in all of us.

From Thankfulness to Anx.   Delight to grief.   

The mere mention may bring tears of joy. Or tears of hurt.

I have a disclaimer – Pastor Kevin did not invite me to bring this message because the Kohl family has it all figured out, I don’t have it mastered as a mom, wife, sister or daughter.  Often when I get the opportunity to share, the message is to deepen me.

And I am pretty sure, the reason I was given this topic is because we are uniquely in the throws of parenting.  PICTURE of my family.

Here is a PICTURE of my family. My college sweetheart and husband of 27 years, Our oldest daughter Gwenna – she is a freshman at Liberty. Eli is a sophomore at East Rock. And Ivy is 4 and in Preschool. 

I would not want you to get distracted trying to figure out just how old I was when our youngest was born – I was 44. And for those of you who love statistics, there is only a 2-3% chance of two 44 years olds to have a child naturally – even less when being prevented. NOW THAT THAT’S CLEARED UP.  I will say I call that our “ONLY GOD” story.

 And though we would have never imagined that surprise in our family – we have seen the goodness of God. I remind you that the same powerful God is at work in your life and in your families – not to bring you all babies in your old age but to meet the needs you may not even know you have.

Last week Pastor Kevin shared that just as the world was created, we see how the Lord Places us, Provides for us, gives us purpose, gives parameters, and is the place we find our IDENTITY. 

                Our goal should be abandoning any image of myself that God doesn’t say about me.

This is KEY to any healthy, vibrant relationship!

What is a family?

Family – a group of people who are related to each other, including parents, children, and close relatives. – Oxford dictionary

Another source defines it as

family, a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

Marriage and family are Gods institutions.  God created the family when he made the first man and woman – telling them to be fruitful and multiply in Genesis 1:28

God wastes no time developing marriage and family. Marriage is a foundational unit of society.

Shortly after , we see sin enter the scene. Self-sufficiency enters and so does family disfunction.

The effects of sin, destroy families and society – wreak havoc, create unimaginable suffering, leading many to a Christless society and life.

In Genesis 4, we meet Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve’s first and second born son.

In Genesis 4:3-5, God favors Abels offering over Cains

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6-7

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”[a] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

Then Cain ran away to avoid punishment – creating yet more challenge and hurt.

This is not to discourage, but to remind us that as soon as sin entered so did the battle against and with family.

Though today’s challenges likely look different than God giving favor to one offering over another – Jealousy is a hurt that still reigns as destructive. The family is in battle.

Life, Hope, Truth.com research reveals that the some of the greatest or top THREATS that come against our families today are:

Materialism – keeping our families focused on acquiring more and more – and our children believing that material possessions are where happiness is.

                Secularism – 25% of Americans claim no religious affiliation

                                                Compared to 6% in 1991

                Negative Media Influence – not only bringing constant unwholesome influence, but                                                                                    keeping families from interacting.

But we all know, the ultimate enemy is not a physical enemy but a spiritual one – satan himself.

1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Why is this?

This quote by John Pale sums it up for me:

“God designed the family to fill the earth with His glory” -John Pale

Let’s visit our brother Joseph to see how this played out in his family.  His story takes up 14 chapters in Genesis – so though I would love to read it all to you this morning – I better just give you a quick summary…

Joseph – Genesis 37-50

Summary of the life of joseph

• Favored son:

Jacob openly favored Joseph, giving him a special coat, which further fueled his brother’s resentment. 

• Prophetic dreams:

Joseph had dreams where his family bowed down to him, which he interpreted as a sign of future power, further angering his brothers. 

• Sold into slavery:

Due to jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him to traders who took him to Egypt where he was sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. 

• False accusation and imprisonment:

When Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she falsely accused him of rape, leading to his imprisonment. 

• Interpreting dreams:

While in prison, Joseph gained a reputation for accurately interpreting dreams, including those of the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. 

• Ruling Egypt:

Pharaoh, troubled by a dream, summoned Joseph to interpret it, which revealed a coming famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second in command, allowing him to prepare Egypt for the famine by storing grain. 

• Reunion with family:

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and he revealed himself to them, ultimately forgiving them and reuniting with his family. 

• Throughout Genesis 37-50, Joseph’s story showcases his reliance on God: despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. 
• His forgiveness of his brothers in Genesis 45: is a powerful example of how he trusted God’s plan even when faced with betrayal. 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.  His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. Genesis 39:2-3

In the Bible, Joseph turned to God in family trouble by trusting in God’s sovereignty and forgiving his brothers¹. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt and provided food for Egypt and his own family during a severe famine²

When you are asked to speak on family, you naturally reflect on your own.

My parents divorced when I was 2 – when I was around 3 or 4 my stepmom entered the family. When I was 13, my only child life ended as my beautiful fabulous sister entered the world, though I did not always think that when she was 2 and I was 15!

Early on labeled my family as my “happy dysfunction”. If you know me well, you know, I like things to be pretty and tied up with a bow.

But the truth of the matter the division of my family and all of its circumstances were not always happy.  My pretty bow was often removed or pushed to the side.

Here in the midst of these family circumstances is where I discovered that I needed Jesus.

I was desperate for him – his care, his comfort, his truth, his constant presence, his strength, his love, his grace, HIS ALL.

I am thankful for my story because it brought me to Jesus.

Do you let the story of your family take you to Jesus?

Whether it is the story of your youth, memories, or the moments you are living right now.

Whether you are from a family of Godly heritage – do you let your story lead and keep you in Jesus?

Whether you had a story you would have preferred to be different, do you let your story lead you to Jesus?

Regardless of our past stories and the ones we are currently living – there is a family goal that we can all choose.

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

What does this look like Angela?

Story of laying on the floor praying when I had toddlers?

There is one other goal – I’m going to ask that we commit to together

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

                JOSEPHS STORY TELLS US ABOUT OUR FAMILY DIRECTION CHANGING WITH JESUS

I know that my family’s tomorrow can be different because of Jesus and it starts with me.

This is not about you taking more control of your family, but surrendering it to God. This doesn’t mean by choosing Jesus that everything will be easy, but I promise your trajectory will be better – because you will be different in Him.

Your part is surrender

Your part is trust

Your part is

Your part is to be unrelenting light.

We need to hear this – ALL GOALS REQUIRE GODS HELP!

Psalm 121 tells us – My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.

The same helper that came along side of me as a child, has and continues to be the one who helps me as the mama of my 3 babies. Helps me as a, sister, daughter.

Mention Davids return?

Use COURAGEOUS VIDEO –   SUMMARIZE!

So, I invite us to commit to these goals together as the FAMILY of God

 (these goals apply to this family as well…          )

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

And now,  what are your personal goals for your family?

Pastor Kevin asked me this same question this week as we discussed this weeks message.

Here are the goals that were on my heart

Angela’s Family Goals:

1. I will be as hip and lively when Ivy is 18 as I am now when Gwenna is 18!
   1. Each of us would know and love Jesus deeply and personally.
   2. We will love one another well and reflect Christ, starting at home.
   3. My kids will always want to come home.
   4. Our family will be light and draw others to Jesus.

What about you this morning?  Will you bring your stories to Jesus?

Will you join me in seeking Family Goals for your family?

Grandmas, Grandpas, Mom, Dad, Single parent, step parent, Teen, Sister, Brother, son, daughter – what are your goals this morning.

We have cards all around the room on the alters, on the tables,

Come seek the Lord with me for your family as we “run to the Father”

 RELATIONSHIP GOALS

· STARTED A NEW SERIES 2 WEEKS AGO

RELATIONSHIP GOALS SERIES

· WEIGHT LOSS GOALS – FINANCIAL GOALS

· ACHIEVEMENT/ACCOMPLISHMENT GOALS

· FITNESS GOALS

· DO WE HAVE RELATIONAL GOALS?

WEEK 1- ADAM- I WILL GIVE YOU YOUR IDENTITY

WEEK 2 ANGELA KOHL ASKED US TO CONSIDER RELATIONAL (FAMILY) GOALS

1. WOULD YOU CONSIDER WRITING A FEW GOALS DOWN FOR YOUR FAMILY. (SHARED SOME OF HERS)

NOW BECAUSE THIS CAN BE A HEAVY TOPIC-

WE SHOULD INFUSE SOME LAUGHTER INTO THIS

NOT ONLY FOR MARRIED PEOPLE- BUT SPOTLIGHT

· NATE BARGZATE TALKS -LAUNDRY/MARRIAGE

VIDEO NATE BARGZATE

· RELATIONAL GOALS TIED TO LAUNDRY

· RELATIONAL GOALS TIED TO MOWING

· TAKE YOU BACK TO THE BEGINNING

· FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH RUTH RODRIGUEZ

WAWA PICTURE

· I HAD NO GOAL- GET A DATE/ THAT WAS THE GOAL

· TODAY ISNT “5 STEPS TO HAPPY MARRIAGE”

MATTHEW 19

1. WHEN JESUS HAD FINISHED SAYING THESE THINGS, HE LEFT GALILEE AND WENT INTO THE REGION OF JUDEA TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE JORDAN.

SAYING WHAT THINGS: HE JUST FINISHED A LESSON ON FORGIVNESS- THEN THE PHARISEES COME TO HIM WITH THIS.

2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

MATTHEW 19:3-4

3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

MATTHEW 19:5

5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate

· SIDE NOTE- HE DOES ADDRESS DIVORCE

· MATTHEW 20- LET CHILDREN COME TO ME

· VICTIMS IN THE DIVORCE

 GENESIS 2:18

18. THEN THE LORD GOD SAID, “IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE. I WILL MAKE A HELPER WHO IS JUST

RIGHT FOR HIM. BUT FOR ADAM NO SUITABLE HELPER WAS FOUND.

GENESIS 2:21-22

21. “SO THE LORD GOD CAUSED THE MAN TO FALL INTO A DEEP SLEEP; AND WHILE HE WAS SLEEPING, HE TOOK ONE OF THE MANS RIBS AND THEN CLOSED UP THE PLACE WITH FLESH. THEN THE LORD GOD MADE A WOMAN FROM THE RIB HE HAD TAKEN OUT OF THE MAN, AND HE BROUGHT HER TO THE MAN.

GENESIS 2:23-24

23. THIS IS NOW BONE OF MY BONE AND FLESH OF MY FLESH; SHE SHALL BE CALLED ‘WOMAN,’ FOR SHE WAS TAKEN OUT OF MAN. “THAT IS WHY A MAN LEAVES HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND IS UNITED TO HIS WIFE, AND THEY BECOME ONE FLESH.”

· JESUS QUOTES THIS PASSAGE

· PAUL IN CORINTHIANS SAYS

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

CASUAL

· DO YOU FEEL LIKE DOING THIS? MAYBE

· NO COMMITMENT- NO ATTACHMENT

· BOREDOM- SEEMS FUN- NO HARM NO FOUL

· MOSTLY PHYSICAL- WALLS ARE UP/PROTECT SEL

CONTRACT

· THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT

· HAS A TIME LIMIT

· WE ARRIVE AT THE SIGNING WITH A MUTUAL DISTRUST- ALMOST ASSUMING THE OTHER WILL BREAK THE AGREEMENT.

SETH

NOT INTERESTED IN PEOPLE MY AGE

WHAT I WANT TO SEE ARE PEOPLE YOUR AGE OR OLDER WHO WANT TO BE MARRIED STILL AND ARE STILL IN LOVE

 COVENANT

· A COVERING- THIS IS GODS IDEA

· HEBREW WORD IS “bĕriyth”- TO CUT

DROP OF BLOOD

· OVER ARCHING THEMES IN SCRIPTURE

· LOVE OF GOD-HE WANTS TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT

· GRACE OF GOD- HE KEEPS EXTENDING THIS

· THE BACK DROP OF BLOOD

· HEBREW WORD FOR BLOOD-CUTTING

BLOOD OVER THE DOOR POST

· BLOOD SYMBOLIZED PROTECTION/FREEDOM

CONTRACT VS COVENANT

STATED TERMINATION DATE PERMANENT

INK BASED BLOOD BASED

MUTUAL DISTRUST MUTUAL COMMITMENT

VISUAL OF GODS INTENTION MARRIAGE

· KEVIN GETS CLOSER TO GOD- I STILL DON’T LEAVE RUTH

· WE DON’T DRAW CLOSE AT SAME SPEED

· IN THE SAME WAYS- AT THE SAME TIME

· PULLEY SYSTEM-GOD DRAWS

· BUT WE DO HAVE TO PURSUE HIM

GODS MATH

1 + 1 = 1

COVENANT PICTURE

· WEEKEND TO REMEMBER -NEXT WEEKEND

· TITUS AND NICOLE

BECAUSE IT TAKES WORK

PEOPLE TRY SOMETHING- IT DOESN’T WORK-QUIT

· WE CHECK EVERYTHING ELSE BUT OUR MARRIAGE

· NOT A SCUD MISSILE IS A SLOW DRIP

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP GOAL?

WHAT IS GODS GOAL FOR YOUR MARRIAGE?

CAN THE TWO OF YOU BE MORE EFFECTIVE FOR GOD TOGETHER THAN YOU WOULD BE SINGLE?

· PRAY TOGETGHER ONCE A WEEK.

“WHAT IS GODS GOAL FOR YOUR MARRIAGE?”

SURVIVE- JUST GRIN AND BEAR IT- WAIT FOR THE KIDS TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND THEN WE WILL SPLIT

· CHILDREN ARE A BLESSING- THEY WILL NOT BRING THE FULLFILLMENT GOD DESIRES FOR YOUR MARRIAGE.

SINGLE PERSON WANTING TO BE MARRIED

THE GOAL MIGHT BE TO SEE MARRIAGE FOR WHAT IT WAS REALLY DESIGNED TO BE-SEEK IT ACCORDINGLY

DIVORCED PERSON

THE GOAL IS TO SEEK HEALING KNOWING THAT IT WAS NEVER GODS’ INTENTION OR DESIGN FOR YOU TO BE HERE. FIND HEALING IN GODS PROMISE.

THE WIDOW

TO THE ONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THE TEARING OF FLESH AND LONELINESS AND ABODONMENT FEELS LIKE-

CELEBRATE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU, AND LOOK TO HIM IN FAITH TO SEE YOU THROUGH.

Also within this community, we affirm that some believers are called to be married. As defined in Genesis, “a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) The marriage covenant, a reflection of the covenant between God and the people of God, is one of exclusive sexual fidelity, unselfish service, and social witness. A woman and a man publicly devote themselves to one another as a witness to the way God loves. Marital intimacy is intended to reflect the union of Christ and the Church, a mystery of grace. It is also God’s intention that in this sacramental union the man and woman may experience the joy and pleasure of sexual intimacy and from this act of intimate love new life may enter the world and into a covenantal community of care. The Christ-centered home ought to serve as a primary location for spiritual formation. The church is to take great care in the formation of marriage through premarital counseling and teaching that denotes the sacredness of marriage.

https://www.bible.com/events/49391752

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus

Relationship Goals Part 3

We will be covenant keeping

Over the next few weeks, we will work through several relationship goals that we can see in the scriptures.

By naming this series Relationship Goals, we are acknowledging from the very beginning that our relationships have room to grow. They may need work, maybe even a lot of it. We also recognize that WE need work. that ME in relationship, needs work.

The purpose of this series is not to make you feel guilty about yourself or the quality of your relationships. Our desire is to offer hope, to set some goals and find practical tools that will help us work on our relationships.

As the old saying goes “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” So why not set some goals to get us where the bible is calling in our relationships?

Today we continue with relationship goal #3 “We will be covenant keeping”

Genesis 2:20-24

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

God has spoken everything into existence, including Adam. Adam has his identity, worth, and purpose in life settled in the Lord.

All of Adams core longings are fulfilled in the Lord, yet God recognizes that it’s not good for man to be alone.

As the text notes, there was not a suitable helper or mate for Adam in creation before Eve.

Adam bursts into his own poetic response at the sight of Eve, but it’s not just about a physical attraction. With poetic language, it’s communicating the idea that they are a part of each other.

Adam recognizes this woman and this relationship as something deeply special and significant.

Verse 24 essentially notes: “This is why we do what we do and believe what we believe about marriage- It was God’s design, it was his idea.”

With this scene Gods design is upheld for future generations.

When it says Man is united to his wife- this literally means they stick together. It speaks of passion and permanence, it also speaks of covenant. An all in, put self aside commitment to the other person.

This was God’s design, before any sin or brokenness entered our world. It’s a relationship of harmony and unity. It’s a relationship built on covenant.

Contract verses covenant

A contract is essentially a transactional relationship

We contact the roofer, he offers to complete the leak repair for the cost of $2000. He repairs the roof and we pay. Contract.

Within Contracts there is an element of mutual distrust. We don’t trust each other to fulfill what we say, so we draft a document to lay out the terms.

Contracts usually limited in their scope and they normally contain expiration dates. They also contain clauses that if one party no longer fulfills the obligations of the agreement, the other party is free to exit the agreement.

That’s contract. Great for business, but terrible for close relationships and detrimental to a marriage.

Covenant on the other hand, is a relational agreement based on mutual trust and sacrificial love for the other person. It’s a commitment of our whole self, to the other person.

No conditions, no exceptions, permanent commitment.

Matthew 19:3-6

Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Jesus is asked about divorce and he answers them with God’s design for marriage. It’s interesting, Jesus doesn’t take up the argument as to what justified divorce.

He simply points back to Genesis and God’s design to set the record straight. He essentially resets their view from contract terms to covenant keeping.

Jesus reset the popular ideal for marriage in his day, and i believe he longs to do the same for us too.

How are you approaching your marriage?

Will you make God’s design, your goal? Will you be a covenant keeper?

If you joined us last week you are aware that we began a new series entitled, “RELATIONSHIP GOALS”  For some of us that was a new concept.  Today we will take a look at “FAMILY GOALS”

The word “family” alone could evoke a wide variety of responses in all of us.

From Thankfulness to Anx.   Delight to grief.   

The mere mention may bring tears of joy. Or tears of hurt.

I have a disclaimer – Pastor Kevin did not invite me to bring this message because the Kohl family has it all figured out, I don’t have it mastered as a mom, wife, sister or daughter.  Often when I get the opportunity to share, the message is to deepen me.

And I am pretty sure, the reason I was given this topic is because we are uniquely in the throws of parenting.  PICTURE of my family.

Here is a PICTURE of my family. My college sweetheart and husband of 27 years, Our oldest daughter Gwenna – she is a freshman at Liberty. Eli is a sophomore at East Rock. And Ivy is 4 and in Preschool. 

I would not want you to get distracted trying to figure out just how old I was when our youngest was born – I was 44. And for those of you who love statistics, there is only a 2-3% chance of two 44 years olds to have a child naturally – even less when being prevented. NOW THAT THAT’S CLEARED UP.  I will say I call that our “ONLY GOD” story.

 And though we would have never imagined that surprise in our family – we have seen the goodness of God. I remind you that the same powerful God is at work in your life and in your families – not to bring you all babies in your old age but to meet the needs you may not even know you have.

Last week Pastor Kevin shared that just as the world was created, we see how the Lord Places us, Provides for us, gives us purpose, gives parameters, and is the place we find our IDENTITY. 

                Our goal should be abandoning any image of myself that God doesn’t say about me.

This is KEY to any healthy, vibrant relationship!

INSERT STORY??

What is a family?

Family – a group of people who are related to each other, including parents, children, and close relatives. – Oxford dictionary

Another source defines it as

family, a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

Marriage and family are Gods institutions.  God created the family when he made the first man and woman – telling them to be fruitful and multiply in Genesis 1:28

God wastes no time developing marriage and family. Marriage is a foundational unit of society.

Shortly after , we see sin enter the scene. Self-sufficiency enters and so does family disfunction.

The effects of sin, destroy families and society – wreak havoc, create unimaginable suffering, leading many to a Christless society and life.

In Genesis 4, we meet Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve’s first and second born son.

In Genesis 4:3-5, God favors Abels offering over Cains

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6-7

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”[a] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

Then Cain ran away to avoid punishment – creating yet more challenge and hurt.

This is not to discourage, but to remind us that as soon as sin entered so did the battle against and with family.

Though today’s challenges likely look different than God giving favor to one offering over another – Jealousy is a hurt that still reigns as destructive. The family is in battle.

Life, Hope, Truth.com research reveals that the some of the greatest or top THREATS that come against our families today are:

Materialism – keeping our families focused on acquiring more and more – and our children believing that material possessions are where happiness is.

                Secularism – 25% of Americans claim no religious affiliation

                                                Compared to 6% in 1991

                Negative Media Influence – not only bringing constant unwholesome influence, but                                                                                    keeping families from interacting.

But we all know, the ultimate enemy is not a physical enemy but a spiritual one – satan himself.

1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Why is this?

This quote by John Pale sums it up for me:

“God designed the family to fill the earth with His glory” -John Pale

Let’s visit our brother Joseph to see how this played out in his family.  His story takes up 14 chapters in Genesis – so though I would love to read it all to you this morning – I better just give you a quick summary…

Joseph – Genesis 37-50

Summary of the life of joseph

• Favored son:

Jacob openly favored Joseph, giving him a special coat, which further fueled his brother’s resentment. 

• Prophetic dreams:

Joseph had dreams where his family bowed down to him, which he interpreted as a sign of future power, further angering his brothers. 

• Sold into slavery:

Due to jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him to traders who took him to Egypt where he was sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. 

• False accusation and imprisonment:

When Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she falsely accused him of rape, leading to his imprisonment. 

• Interpreting dreams:

While in prison, Joseph gained a reputation for accurately interpreting dreams, including those of the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. 

• Ruling Egypt:

Pharaoh, troubled by a dream, summoned Joseph to interpret it, which revealed a coming famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second in command, allowing him to prepare Egypt for the famine by storing grain. 

• Reunion with family:

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and he revealed himself to them, ultimately forgiving them and reuniting with his family. 

• Throughout Genesis 37-50, Joseph’s story showcases his reliance on God: despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. 
• His forgiveness of his brothers in Genesis 45: is a powerful example of how he trusted God’s plan even when faced with betrayal. 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.  His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. Genesis 39:2-3

In the Bible, Joseph turned to God in family trouble by trusting in God’s sovereignty and forgiving his brothers¹. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt and provided food for Egypt and his own family during a severe famine²

When you are asked to speak on family, you naturally reflect on your own.

My parents divorced when I was 2 – when I was around 3 or 4 my stepmom entered the family. When I was 13, my only child life ended as my beautiful fabulous sister entered the world, though I did not always think that when she was 2 and I was 15!

Early on labeled my family as my “happy dysfunction”. If you know me well, you know, I like things to be pretty and tied up with a bow.

But the truth of the matter the division of my family and all of its circumstances were not always happy.  My pretty bow was often removed or pushed to the side.

Here in the midst of these family circumstances is where I discovered that I needed Jesus.

I was desperate for him – his care, his comfort, his truth, his constant presence, his strength, his love, his grace, HIS ALL.

I am thankful for my story because it brought me to Jesus.

Do you let the story of your family take you to Jesus?

Whether it is the story of your youth, memories, or the moments you are living right now.

Whether you are from a family of Godly heritage – do you let your story lead and keep you in Jesus?

Whether you had a story you would have preferred to be different, do you let your story lead you to Jesus?

Regardless of our past stories and the ones we are currently living – there is a family goal that we can all choose.

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

What does this look like Angela?

Story of laying on the floor praying when I had toddlers?

There is one other goal – I’m going to ask that we commit to together

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

                JOSEPHS STORY TELLS US ABOUT OUR FAMILY DIRECTION CHANGING WITH JESUS

I know that my family’s tomorrow can be different because of Jesus and it starts with me.

This is not about you taking more control of your family, but surrendering it to God. This doesn’t mean by choosing Jesus that everything will be easy, but I promise your trajectory will be better – because you will be different in Him.

Your part is surrender

Your part is trust

Your part is

Your part is to be unrelenting light.

We need to hear this – ALL GOALS REQUIRE GODS HELP!

Psalm 121 tells us – My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.

The same helper that came along side of me as a child, has and continues to be the one who helps me as the mama of my 3 babies. Helps me as a, sister, daughter.

Mention Davids return?

Use COURAGEOUS VIDEO –   SUMMARIZE!

So, I invite us to commit to these goals together as the FAMILY of God

 (these goals apply to this family as well…          )

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

And now,  what are your personal goals for your family?

Pastor Kevin asked me this same question this week as we discussed this weeks message.

Here are the goals that were on my heart

SLIDE

Angela’s Family Goals:

1. I will be as hip and lively when Ivy is 18 as I am now when Gwenna is 18!
   1. Each of us would know and love Jesus deeply and personally.
   1. We will love one another well and reflect Christ, starting at home.
   1. My kids will always want to come home.
   1. Our family will be light and draw others to Jesus.

What about you this morning?  Will you bring your stories to Jesus?

Will you join me in seeking Family Goals for your family?

Grandmas, Grandpas, Mom, Dad, Single parent, step parent, Teen, Sister, Brother, son, daughter – what are your goals this morning.

We have cards all around the room on the alters, on the tables,

Come seek the Lord with me for your family as we “run to the Father”