Sunday Sermons
Strengthening the Family - Part 5
By Pastor Dave Wilson
Nov 12, 2007, 11:35

Strengthening the Family - Part 5
Problems & Pointers for Blending the Family!

Jeremiah 29:11 states, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD , ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

RESULT OF DIVORCE STATISTICS

-1,300 step/blended families are formed daily.

-Each year 500,000 adults become new step parents.

-Children of divorced parents are 7 times more likely to suffer from depression in adult life than
those whose parents have not divorced.

John 1:12-13 states, “Yet to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Point: The church is a blended family!

1) Problem areas only blended families face.

1. Both parent and stepparent do not treat children in the blended family equally.
-What do we do?
-Ask Christ for supernatural love for children!

TEST: 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. V20 If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. V21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

2. Children do not accept the new “parental authority” in home.
-What do we do?
-Need to earn it not demand!

3. Extended families do not always accept the new spouse or stepchildren!
-What do we do?
-Give them time & include in special events!

2) Pointers to enhance the success of blending your family!!

1. Develop a solid couple bond.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: v10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

-Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

2. Decide general household rules as a couple.

3. Affirm & reaffirm the children.

4. Expect and accept different feelings.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. v13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. v14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Love is a choice!

5. Work out money matters together.
-Mark 10:8 and the two will become one flesh.

6. Avoid monopolizing your mate’s time.
5 stages of grief:

7. Follow children’s lead in what to call you.

8. Deal directly with parents in other households.

Colossians 3:21 (Amplified) "Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.]" (Parents can overwhelm and overburden their children - expecting too much too soon, and cause them to pull away from them, and the family.)


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