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Introduction:
Let’s face it, we all want stronger and closer family relationships. The family of God should live differently from the world in our feelings and behaviors toward one another. Every family is different and is made up of individuals with different values and desires. If each family member is not making Jesus greater, the family will struggle. If our families are going to experience greatness, Jesus must be first. When we put Jesus first, we will see the impact in our families.
“He must become greater: I must become less.” —John 3:30 (NIV)
This collection of talks will focus on practical ways to strengthen the relationships in our lives so that we can be the family God intends for us to be. We will focus on the following “We Will” declarations:
April 6th/9th - Easter - We Will Make Jesus First in Our Family
April 13th/16th - We Will Love and Accept One Another
April 20th/23rd - We Will Pray for One Another
April 27th/30th - We Will Tell One Another the Truth
May 4th/7th - We Will Be Kind to One Another
May 11th/14th - Mother’s Day - We Will Be Patient With One Another
May 18th/21st - We Will Serve One Another
May 25th/28th - We Will Forgive One Another
Text: Luke 24:1-12; 35-49 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Jesus can transform your family.
Week 1 - We Will Make Jesus First in Our Family
I. JESUS BRINGS
AFTER DEATH
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” —John 14:6-7
In This Family Thought: The family that has life has
II. JESUS BRINGS
IN TURMOIL
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. 28You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. 30I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.” —John 14:27-30
In This Family Thought: The family that has peace has the
III. JESUS BRINGS
IN DOUBT
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” —1 John 5:11-13
In This Family Thought: The family that has assurance stands
IV. JESUS BRINGS
FROM SIN
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” —John 3:36
In This Family Thought: The family that has been
V. JESUS BRINGS
IN DESPAIR
“I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” —Acts 1:1-3
“So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? ” 7He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:6-8
“After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” —Acts 1:9-11
In This Family Thought: The family that has hope has a
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to make Jesus first in your family?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
In what personal/family situation do you need the peace of Jesus?
What doubts are plaguing you that Jesus could assure?
Tell somebody of the time you asked Jesus for forgiveness of sin and to be your Lord. If you haven’t done that, visit our Jesus page to learn more.
Where do you need the hope that only Jesus brings?