Home Discipleship - December 14, 2025
Discipleship Starts at Home: Making Your House a Center for Christ
Good morning, everyone! This past Sunday, Pastor Michael gave us a powerful and practical challenge on discipleship, focusing on where it matters most: our families and our homes.
If "discipleship" sounds like a "Christian-y word," Pastor Michael defined it simply: the practice of being like Jesus and calling others to do likewise. The main idea? Your home is the proving ground for your ministry, and it's time to bring Christ to the center of your daily life.
1. Make God's Word the Content of Conversation
The first, fundamental task goes all the way back to the heart of Israel's law in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We are told to love God above all, and then to constantly talk about His words:
"Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you get up."
The Bible shouldn't be a Sunday-only topic. It should be the central, unifying factor of your family's conversation, whether you're drinking morning coffee, making dinner, or going for a walk. This isn't about deep theology; it's about making Scripture the fuel for life.
2. Parents, Lead by Example
In Ephesians 6:1-4, Paul gives instructions to both children and parents. For parents (specifically fathers, as the household leaders), the command is clear: Don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
For Children: Obedience to parents is the first place we learn obedience to God and how to take correction.
For Parents: We are called to reflect God’s character in our parenting—to be patient, instructive, and present.
Pastor Michael emphasized the statement from Joshua 24:15: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The best way to lead your children to Christ is to set aside your own desires and actively follow Christ yourself. Your godly humility and activity are the primary example they will follow.
3. Spur One Another On to Holiness
Our homes should be a place of mutual encouragement. Citing Hebrews 10:24-25, Pastor Michael reminded us that we are communal creatures and need accountability:
"Let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works. Don’t neglect to gather together... but encourage one another..."
It’s easy to feel isolated or give in to grumbling, but we need housemates and family members to spur each other on to goodness every day. You want to read your Bible daily? Do it with your household! As he noted from Colossians 3:16, encouragement can even come through simple things like singing together.
4. Be a Christian Publicly in Your Home
Finally, your faith is a powerful force for the salvation of those closest to you. In the context of marriage, 1 Corinthians 7:14-16 teaches that the faith of one spouse has a sanctifying effect on the entire family.
Be bold and public in your faith at home! Even if your spouse or housemate is not interested in Christ, your undying love, peace, joy, and perseverance will not be ignored.
Pastor Michael’s closing challenge was simple: Be a Christian publicly in your home. God has fully equipped every believer with the Holy Spirit and His Word to display and pass on His truth, starting with your family.
