Two quotes on Family Worship from A Theology of the Family:
“We deeply want a revival of domestic religion. The Christian family was the bulwark of godliness in the days of the puritans; but in these evil times hundreds of families of so-called Christians have no Family Worship, no restraint upon growing sons, and no wholesome instruction or discipline. How can we hope to see the kingdom of our Lord advance when His own disciples do not teach His Gospel to their own children?” – Charles Spurgeon (A Theology of the Family, page 103)
“Would you keep up your authority in your family? You cannot do it better than by keeping up religion in your family. If ever a master of a family looks great, truly great, it is when he is going before his house in the service of God, and presiding among them in holy things. Then he shows himself worthy of double honor, when he [teaches] them the good knowledge of the Lord, and is their mouth to God in prayer, blessing them in the name of God.” – Matthew Henry (A Theology of the Family, page 103)
In this first chapter of A Theology of the Family, an essay by Joel Beeke is included with suggestions to help establish God honoring Family Worship in your home. You would do well to have the full gravity of what Beeke suggests four things to consider as you plan to conduct Family Worship.
- Read Scripture – J.C. Ryle said, “Fill their minds with Scripture. Let the Word dwell in them richly. Give them the Bible, the whole Bible, even while they are young.”
- Biblical Instruction – Beeke says, “Be plain in meaning: Ask you children if they understand what you are reading. Be plain in applying scriptural texts.”
- Prayer – With few exceptions, be short. Prayer is not a time of extended teaching.
- Singing – Sing doctrinally right songs. This is not as easy as it might seem but there are a lot of doctrinally strong songs to choose from.
This is a great source to help a husband/father establish a regular routine of Family Worship. This book is a great collection of help. Wives, get if for your husband. Husbands, buy it to help you prepare your family for kingdom work.
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