Canaan Fellowship

Spring 2024 Retreat – Marriage and Family

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
Spring 2024 Retreat – Marriage and Family
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Bruce and Muriel Hempel deliver a sermon on family life, emphasizing the importance of protecting families from spiritual attacks, fostering honor and joy, and nurturing relationships through intentional actions. They draw parallels between Jesus as the Good Shepherd and parents as shepherds of their “little flock,” urging families to prioritize spiritual growth and emotional connection.

  • [05:07] The topic is family life, covering marriage and parenting, with four main points to discuss.
  • [06:07] Bruce reads John 10:1-15, comparing families to a flock protected by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, from the devil who seeks to destroy.
  • [08:15] Families are likened to a “little flock,” with parents as shepherds guarding against spiritual harm, especially for children who may stray.
  • [11:12] Parents are encouraged to sow seeds of faith early through family devotions, fellowship, and singing, as influence wanes as children grow.
  • [12:25] The devil also targets marriages, fostering resentment; couples should claim “abundant life” and reject division.
  • [13:11] Ephesians 6:1-4 is cited: children should obey and honor parents, while fathers must avoid provoking anger and nurture faith.
  • [14:35] Honor is “the atmosphere of heaven”; parents should model and teach it, creating a joyful home that reflects God’s love.
  • [16:47] Fathers are called to discipline without anger, fostering peace and instruction in the Lord.
  • [20:07] Homes should be marked by joy and love, correcting children without losing joy, as Jesus did with His disciples.
  • [21:16] Two parenting pitfalls: legalistic strictness or neglecting spiritual nurture; balance grace and truth (John 1:14-17).
  • [24:25] Romans 12:18-19 urges living peaceably and rejecting vengeance, applying to family conflicts.
  • [29:13] Muriel shares practical ways to combat negativity: turning to God first in conflicts and filling emotional “tanks” through eye contact, touch, and focused attention.
  • [33:55] Ross Campbell’s “How to Really Love Your Child” is referenced, emphasizing emotional connection.
  • [42:46] Q&A addresses handling parental anger: denying selfish impulses, apologizing, and seeking God’s help in the moment.
  • [55:53] Honoring children involves affirming good behavior and sacrificing personal preferences to engage in their interests.

Scripture References

  • John 10:1-15
  • Ephesians 6:1-4
  • Romans 14:17
  • John 1:14-17
  • Romans 12:18-19
  • Romans 15:5-7

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