Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, November 17, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

IF YOUR HOME IS IN HEAVEN THEN HEAVEN SHOULD BE IN YOUR HOME

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Psalms 127:1-5
Text: Psalms 127:1

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.

Introduction: I have experienced the worst week of sickness that I have had in my whole life. However, this month we’re emphasizing prayer and thanksgiving. So, I’m trying to be thankful for all God has done for me. If you ask me How I AM, my answer is:

I’m saved by the grace of God,
Kept by the power of God,
Led by the Spirit of God,
Sanctified by the truth of God,
And soon to be caught up in the clouds by the Son of God!

You say, “Well, Preacher, I mean, I heard you had a bad week! You sound good NOW, but I heard you WERE bad off!” And my answer to you is, Well, I USED to be “bad off,” but no longer! You see, Sin had me BOUND, But I’ve been unwound Ever since I was found By God’s Holy Ghost bloodhound! Now I’m heaven bound Just waiting for the sound So I can leave the ground! I’m not staying around; I won’t be found; I won’t even need a “single-bound!” I’ll be up-up-and away!! Are YOU going to heaven? Are YOU heaven bound? Does your face testify to that? Your speech? How about your HOME?

IF YOUR HOME IS IN HEAVEN, THEN HEAVEN SHOULD BE IN YOUR HOME! Let’s redecorate, repair, refurbish, and REVIVE our HOMES!

I. WITH PEOPLE
Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
How often do YOU entertain
A. Strangers
B. The saints
Note: visiting folks from out of town for our Watch Night Service

II. WITH PEACE
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Peace is the opposite of confusion and contention. Peace in the home comes from
A. Order, not disorder
B. Obedience, not disobedience

III. WITH PLEASURE
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Home should have the pleasure of
A. Relaxation
B. Recreation
1. WITH each other

IV. WITH PRAISE
Psalms 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
A. Instead of complaining
B. Instead of criticizing

V. WITH PURITY
Leviticus 27:14 And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the LORD, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.
Psalms 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
A. Appearance
    1. Posters of wrestlers and rock stars?
    2. Pictures of Jesus – He doesn’t look like that!
B. Atmosphere
    1. Music
    2. Talk
    3. TV programs
    4. Try SILENCE
    5. Try SINGING (God’s music)
    6. Try SCRIPTURES

VI. WITH THE PERSON OF CHRIST
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Not in pictures and paintings, but
A. In our conversation
B. In our conflicts
C. In our choices
1. WWJD What Would Jesus Do? is a popular and fine slogan
2. Here’s another one, perhaps even better: WWTHMTD What wilt thou have ME to do? Acts 9:6

VII. WITH A PASSION FOR SOULS
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
A home can be HEAVENLY if ALL the family members are:
A. PRAYING over people to get saved
B. PARTICIPATING in trying to get them saved
C. PRAISING God when they DO get saved
Matthew. 4:19 – A home will have heaven in it if everyone is going soul-winning, because everyone will be following JESUS!