EVERYBODY NEEDS A HOME
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Sept. 19, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
EVERYBODY NEEDS A HOME
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Psalms 68:1-6
Text: Psalms 68:6
Psalms 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Introduction: The Bible mentions the “fatherless” in 43 verses. It refers to the “widow” in 49 verses and “widows” in 24 verses. God has a special care for the fatherless (orphans) and widows. God instituted the home, and He said that it is not good that the man should be alone (Gen. 2:18).
When a person is living for the lusts of the flesh or is filled with unclean spirits, he may try to break loose from his home, but it is normal for a person to want a home. A home may not be the best home in the world, but there is a deep need in everyone to have a home. Rare indeed is the individual who feels entirely fulfilled who does not have a family.
I. EVERYONE NEEDS A CHRISTIAN HOME
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
A. God wants your home to be a holy home – Josh. 24:15
* Mal. 2:14-15 teaches that God ordained marriage for, among other reasons, to obtain “a godly seed.”
B. God wants your home to be a happy home – Prov. 15:16-17; 17:1
* The favorite hymn of too many Christian homes is “The Fight is On,” brother!
C. God wants your home to be a heaven-bound home – Acts 16:31-34
II. EVERYONE NEEDS A CHURCH HOME
Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
Every believer needs
A. A pastor to follow – 1 Cor. 11:1
B. A people for fellowship – Heb. 10:25
C. A place for fruitbearing – Acts 13:1-3
* Barnabas and Paul had been active in the church at Antioch for at least a year (Acts 11:25-26) before being sent out by the church.
III. EVERYONE NEEDS A CELESTIAL HOME
John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
What a wonderful home heaven will be for the saved!
A. Heaven is a righteous place
B. Heaven is a rich place (thinking about the New Jerusalem, which actually comes down OUT of heaven)
* Gates of pearl
* Streets of gold
C. Heaven is a royal place
D. Heaven is a rejoicing place
E. Heaven is a reunion place
F. Heaven is a restricted place
* No sin
* No crime
* No abortion clinics
* No gambling
* No drugs
* No unbelievers – Jn. 14:6; Rev. 20:15
Do you have a Christian home? How would your family members answer that?
Do you have a church home? How would other Christians answer that about you?
Do you have a celestial home? How would the Lord answer that about you?