What counsel does the New Testament have for marriages divide by religion? 1 Cor. 7:12-15; 1 Pet. 3:1-2.

The blessing of being a Christian partner. In 1 Corinthians Paul responds to converts’ concerns that staying married to an unbelieving spouse might be offensive to God or bring defilement upon themselves and their children. Not so, says Paul.

Peace

The sacred state of marriage and its intimacies are to continue after a partner’s conversion. The presence of one Christian partner “sanctifies” the other partner and the couple’s children. The word “sanctifies” should be understood in the sense that unbelieving spouses come into contact with the blessings of grace through living with their Christian partners.

Heartrending as it is, the unbelieving partner may decide to abandon the marriage. Though consequences will be serious, the merciful word of our God—who always upholds human freedom of choice—is “let him do so”. The believer “is not bound in such circumstances” (1 Cor. 7:15, NIV).

Called to live in peace. The clear preference of the Word of God is that despite the challenges of a spiritually divided home, a way might be found for the peace of Christ to reign there. The hope is to keep the marriage intact, to give evidence of the triumph of the gospel in the midst of difficulty, and to promote the comfort of the partner with whom the believer is one flesh, though he or she be unbelieving.

What might be the limitations of a spouse’s responsibility toward a nonbelieving partner?

Lovingkindness, unwavering fidelity, humble service, and winsome witness on the part of the believer create the greatest likelihood of winning the non-Christian spouse. Submission in a Christian marriage arises out of reverence for Christ (compare Eph. 5:21). When a spouse relates with Christian submission to an unbelieving partner, the first allegiance is always to Christ. Faithfulness to the claims of God on one’s life does not require a spouse to suffer abuse at the hands of a violent partner.

Amen!(1)

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The memory text shows a chosen generation – those who can pour out thanks to God in 
Hymn 276, “Thanks to God”, Hymn 694/695,
“Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow”,
Hymn 1, “Praise to the Lord”, or
 Hymn 276, “Thanks to God”. Meanwhile others are praying fervently 
Hymn 654, Lord, Bless Our Home” and
Hymn 653, “Lead Them, My God to Thee”.

Amen!(0)

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1. What have they seen in your house?  What feelings does this question stir in your heart? If police suspect a crime has occurred in a house, what evidence do they search for? What about your house and your spiritual condition? Is there any physical evidence in your house of your love for God?  Look around. Can God-centered action that takes place in your house be detected? Do you ever run into a spell of time when things don’t look right in your house, and you communicate a wrong spirit by the clutter and  messiness there? What do the angels see in your house and in your actions? Does it trouble you to wonder, “What have they seen in your house?” 
2. Learning from a king’s mistake. Hezekiah was a rich ruler, no question about that. And a sick man until he was miraculously healed by God. Then what happened? How did Hezekiah show gratitude for his healing? Why did he choose this method of showing (or not showing) his thankfulness for the miracle that spared his life? Have you noticed how strained it seems to be to bring up a spiritual topic when visiting friends–even faithful members of the church? Why the reluctance? What are some ways you and I can share our love for Christ the next time visitors come to see you? 
3. Family first.  The best place to begin your work of witnessing of Christ’s love for you is (choose one): (A) at church after the sermon; (B) with friends who are eager to talk about their love for Jesus; (C)   at home with family members; (D) at work on a job that is not especially spiritual. How can you share your joy of  being a Christian with a relative who does not have a personal walk with God?  Do we as Christians need to spend more time planning and developing witnessing opportunities we can use at home? Why don’t we spend more time talking about our love for Jesus in  conversations with others? What should we do when any hint of a spiritual topic seems to pull family members away? 
4. Peace that wins. Likely you have some–and maybe many–relatives who simply do not care for your religious beliefs and try to stop any conversation that supports them. Paul’s friends wondered if it wouldn’t be better to divorce a husband or wife who becomes converted to Christianity. That would result in less controversy in the home, wouldn’t it? What was Paul’s thinking on this? Do you know any Adventist married couples who do not share the same religious teachings? If your marriage partner differs from you on key Bible principles, what should you do? Suggest ways to turn the following actions into acceptance of the Christian faith: Lovingkindness, unwavering fidelity, humble service, and winsome witness. 
5. Family life is for sharing. “That was some sermon,” a family member comments as the Sabbath meal is served. How can a sermon that leads a family member to make a comment like that result in a meaningful conversation at the dinner table? What are some ways a family can prepare a spiritual setting for talking about insights gained from Bible study or a church-related event? Does your family have a habit you have developed in sharing spiritual insights with others? If not, why not come up with some ideas for sharing as a part of your family life? 

Amen!(0)

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The most natural first recipients of our gospelsharing endeavors are the people in our households. There is no more important mission field than this.

What conclusions can be drawn from John 1:40-42 about sharing faith at home? See also Deut. 6:6-7; Ruth 1:14-18.

Ruth and Naomi

An enthusiastic report. Andrew went beyond mere reporting; he arranged for his brother, Simon, to meet Jesus. An enthusiastic report about Jesus and an introduction to Him as a person—what a simple formula for sharing the gospel with relatives in our homes! After the introduction Andrew stepped back. From then on, Jesus and Peter had a relationship of their own.

Helping children to a place of faith. Children in a home can often be overlooked as fitting recipients of gospel-sharing efforts. Parents mistakenly assume children will simply absorb family spirituality. This must not be taken for granted. While children and young people learn from the modeling they observe, it is also true that these younger members of the Lord’s family need individual attention and opportunity to be personally introduced to Him. Deuteronomy 6 is insistent on this point: Attention must be given to the most effective kind of religious education. Regular spiritual habits of personal and family worship are to be encouraged in the home. Time and earnest efforts must be put forth on behalf of children and youth.

What can we learn from the evangelistic efforts of Naomi? Ruth 1:8-22.

Ruth saw Naomi at the lowest of moments: when she tried to push her daughter-in-law away and when, angry and depressed, she lashed out against God as she recounted her losses (Ruth 1:15, Ruth 1:20-21). No more eloquent testimony than Ruth’s can be given to show that youth can meet and make a commitment to a perfect God, even when introduced to Him by an imperfect parent.

Amen!(0)

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Key Thought: What have people seen in your house? What kind of spirit is in our residences? Will someone who visits walk away thinking Jesus is in your house?

June 22, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read 2 Chronicles 32:25,31; Isaiah 38:39..

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What lessons can we learn about our faithfulness to God and appreciation of His goodness from the experience of Hezekiah?
3. Personal Application: In what ways are you able to use your home to witness to others? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I would like to open my home to those in need of help and for hospitality, but I am concerned about the safety and well-being of my family. How do I correlate the two and make balanced and wise decisions?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read John 1:40-42.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. How important is it to share your faith with your own family members?
3. Personal Application: What methods may work better in reaching your own family members with your faith? What methods have people tried that haven’t worked so well? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Theoretical Christianity is ideal, but there are so many pressures, distractions, and challenges in the home that make the ideal seem impossible. How can I witness to my own family when they can see my faults and weaknesses?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 7:12-15.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What might be the limitations of a spouse’s responsibility to a nonbelieving partner?
3. Personal Application: How can we help church members who may have a non-believing spouse? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I want to join your church because I believe what you are teaching about Bible truth, but my husband isn’t convinced yet. So I want to wait until he decides to join as well so we can come in together.” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read 1 Corinthians 4:16.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. How important is it to model the gospel in your own life in witnessing to others?
3. Personal Application: In what ways does your home life reflect your own spiritual condition? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!(0)

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