The Lords House and his Family

Many of us use the home as a place away from the world. It is our sanctuary from the ills of society and ravages of the world, so we hope. This sanctuary sometimes extends itself in precept, to the point that the home separates oneself from God, and this may manifest in many ways. When at home, some may ignore their spiritual responsibilities of study and prayer to the Lord. Some live two lives, one at home and one at church, both different and distinct from each other. Some may ignore the home, as physically being there, but living (within their heart) elsewhere, thereby leaving the home vacant of his or her heart and mind. While others may be the same in home as they are in church.

The one thing God wishes to convey is that your home needs the Spirit of the Lord. It is because the house you live in, the home you want as peaceful and fulfilling, is to represent the House of the Lord (1 Timothy 5:4).

Why is this important?

To be a Christian means to live the life of Christ, to follow him on his path (Colossians 2:6), to be a follower and disciple of Christ (Mark 8:34 / Luke 14:27 ). This applies in all aspects of life, both in and out of the home. We are to live the examples Christ showed us (John 13:15), and to live the laws, commandments, sayings and the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:9 / John 8:51). Why live all these things? Christ stated that his words are spirit and they are life [paraphrased] (John 6:63).

By that alone, the home we live in, even if the home is a small room in a rooming house, must also hold within it the life and spirit of God's word. Not part of God's word, or favourite verses, but all of God's word.

Why is it this way?

One of the reasons is because God states (paraphrased here), that if we keep all but one of his commandments, then we have violated all of his commandments (James 2:10-11). Now imagine what it would be if people kept only parts of God's word, then think that they gain the fullness of God. How broken their spiritual life would be in equal measure and life. I am sure that some will "disagree", but who is the one that sets the ground rules? No matter how much others may tarry with this, disagree with it, even claim something else; the truth is that no one sets the requirements for spiritual exaltation other than God. This places great importance upon the spiritual nature of our families and our homes, by ensuring we maintain them, in likeness to a temple of the Lord.

The word of God, as written within the Bible, uses certain temporal contexts to explain his principles and precepts in numerous applications. As with all things we choose and do, we also use principles and precepts learned from our parents and from society. All of these worldly precepts, no matter how similar they may appear to the precepts and principles of God, do not make a family and house under him. As we see, many families and homes are broken, corrupt, disjointed, where contention, argument and control, exist. Eventually many end in divorce, where the disharmony increases. This occurs as easily in a "Christian" home as it does in a non-Christian home. The main reason this occurs is because of the precepts of man, which cannot perceive nor use the precepts of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). It is the hope, here in this web page, to assist others in understanding how God's precepts apply to the family and its home. Then take this assistance and pray to the Lord for further assistance and teaching. You will see this truth of seeking the Spirit of the Lord for instruction throughout this web site.

The Bible uses the term, "House of the Lord" to indicate a temple and place of worship. To enter a true temple of God, a person must be of a clean heart and spirit, else the temple is defiled (2 Chronicles 23:19). Such personal sanctity does not end upon exiting the temple or house of worship. Your spiritual responsibilities are with you everywhere you go. This means we are to remain clean and undefiled, which is part of continued repentance (Isaiah 1:16). This is what Christ meant when he spoke these simple words of "...sin no more..." (John 5:14), the importance of which was emphasized in the last few words of that same scripture as, "...lest a worse thing come unto thee."

A true temple of God is a house of worship and a place where we fulfill many of God's ordinances, in accordance to his will. Our home also becomes a place of worship and a place to fulfill the ordinance of family under God (1 Kings 6:12), which the family is also his will. The temple is a place to maintain spiritual cleanliness and the home requires the same personal cleanliness, sanctity and holiness, of heart, mind and practice. As with a true Temple of God, we are to follow the will of the Lord to sanctify family and to teach his light and truth.

The home is where we eat, rest, revitalize ourselves and our family, teach grow and experience life. In likeness, we are to "feed" on spiritual food, being the word of God, so we can teach each other, become revitalize by the spirit of the word, and live the experience of a spiritual family under God. With these basic elements of the home, both of body and spirit, it is paramount to have proper spirit and spiritual conduct exist in the home. What you build and bind at home here on earth, you also build and bind in heaven (Galatians 6:8 /Isaiah 66:1 ). For all things we do in body (meaning on the earth and in the flesh), we will be judged accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Seeping Influences into the Home in Spirit and Body

What do you harbour or bring into your home, in spirit and/or body? Has many Christians taken this into mind? Most consider the body portion, that being material things, or things detected by the five senses. Most do not consider the "spirit" of what they harbour or bring into the home. The tendency of all human beings is to believe that what is out of sight is out of mind and not capable of affecting them. The "spirit" of something has no physical boundaries, and can infiltrate into your personal life and the life of the family and home without being seen. The "spirit" of something is what lives in our minds and hearts, that which we emanate from within us. Remember on the web page entitled, "Interpretation of God's Word", where I explained that in all things God does, it is in spirit first before it is manifested? The same occurs with us, from our minds and hearts as you will see below.

In all that we do, we choose to express and follow a certain nature. That nature will resemble a type or a "kind of spirit." (2 Peter 2:10-12 / 1 Timothy 4:1).

Now ask yourself this question; "Is the nature you express and follow, acceptable by God?"

By the word, "nature", I also mean energy, atmosphere, intent, focus, manner of thought, choice, and a sense of presence. The nature of what we do, will either attract the Spirit of the Lord or attract ill spirits (spirits of Satan). The scripture of Deuteronomy 7:26 above refers to abominations in our homes. What, for example, is an abomination to him?

These are examples of what the Lord God deems an abomination unto him, and within the scriptures there are more. For example, Jeremiah 32:33 - 34, where the people of Baal turned their backs to God and brought abominations into their house which they claim is God's. Translated to today would be people who turned their backs unto God by ignoring his commandments, his Spirit and his instruction by the Spirit, then bring abominations into their homes. Foolishly and falsely, with these abominations, claim their home as a house under God. As part of the abomination, is the turning one's back to God. (To see more, use the key words "abomination, defile" in the scripture search

For example, adultery is an abomination unto the Lord (Ezekiel 22:11). To commit it outside the home, that adulterous spirit will live within that sinner as he/she returns home. By the spirit of that choice and act, that adulterous spirit defiles the spouse, children, and the home ( Numbers 14:18 / Jeremiah 14:20 ). This is not something you readily see with your eyes, but God see's with his. If a person is used to this, he/she will not recognize any of the spiritual natures they harbour within them. Remember the man named "Legion", ( Mark 5) who Christ cleared of evil demons? How they lived in that man until Christ ordered them out? So it is with defiled spirits, akin to adultery and other things living inside that person who made the free choice to accept them. For no one can do anything without taking on the "spirit" of it. This is one of the reasons God tells us to remove ourselves from the evil influences. Oh Lord, as I have heard so many Christians who wandered from their spouse unto the bed of another, then foolishly claim they follow Christ. How not they see the spirit of their act as their heart takes into that new relationship to which, Dear Lord, you abhor.

What is it that carries these defiling spirits into your homes and families, that which your children bear the iniquities of such things for three to four generations? It is our hearts and minds that harbours the corrupted spirit (2 Corinthians 11:3 / Matthew 15:18).

This sin and corrupt spirit is not restricted to the physical act of adultery, for this spirit can gain hold of the mind and heart by simply committing the sin in thought, wish, desire, intent, even hope. It is as simple as lusting after the opposite sex. This is committing the sinful act in "spirit", because this is an act of the heart and mind. ( Matthew 5:28 ).

Lusting is not the same as liking someone, but if you are married and you get lustful thoughts for another, then it is time to take heed to the words of God. It does not matter how you perceive your situation. The act is not justified by God for any reason. The example of adultery is to show how defiling, corrupt, abominable spirits can live within us. That the "spirit of" something is not form dependent. Meaning you need not commit the physical act, simply cause it to exist in mind and heart. Such other corrupt spirits will exist in hearts and minds that are contentious, hating, prideful, vain, selfish, boastful, to name a few.

I assure you, these words of Christ are true. To have the Spirit of the Lord within, feeling his presence, peace, strength, and clarity of mind, then choosing to lust, or go into any wicked and sinful natures in thought and intent, the Spirit of the Lord leaves. In return, a cloud of darkness takes over giving a heavier feeling, which removes the clarity of mind and heart, and other ill or evil spirits will be present instead of the Spirit of the Lord. It can take several hours to several days before his Spirit returns. During which the sins that God had forgiven within you, return to you ( Ezekiel 33:18 / 2 Peter 2:20-22 ). This is within the words of Christ when he said in John :14, "...lest a worse thing come unto thee." The experience and feeling is liken to a ravaging energy inside, that sends the mind and heart into fear, and having no power to stop it. Repentance and complete obedience must be continual throughout, before the Lord will remove that ravaging energy. That was for simpler iniquities as contention, ill intent, lying, but the spiritual results that will burn you are far more serious in the likes of adultery. Least, it is better that ye not know the results, and are obedient instead.

Therefore, I ask you not to take lightly, these words I speak to you.

God will not participate in any mind or heart that is of vanity, pride, greed, lust of body, self- mind or power, not even in contentious argument launched by personal issues. Especially those issues of contention created against others because of their religious affiliations. Through repentance and humbleness, the Lord will help and guide you out of such abominations. If this was not true, repentance will be of none effect. I hope to establish the seriousness, importance, and needed mindfulness of our thoughts, choices and actions. God knows our weaknesses and knows error is common place. Yet by his grace and wisdom, we can still establish and maintain a sanctified house and family under God. Although be clear on this, because of the weakness of man's mind and heart, self-justification of error can easily occur. For example; "Oh that is OK, God understands (as the error is shrugged off as inconsequential)".

We will err because of the inner corruption caused by worldly ideas, even those of the new age. This establishes the importance of repentance and sincere heart to change, listen, learn and maintain obedience. This does not justify, condone or give allowance , even in small measure to err under God. This promotes diligence, obedience, faithfulness and commitment to the Lord

With these truths and wisdom of God, a family is strengthened, nurtured, divinely directed and protected. To take his words lightly, or make any of God's word ineffective or inconsequential by any self-devised means, will corrupt you, your spouse, family, children and home. As easily as a single act of iniquity drove the Spirit away, so shall acts of prideful self-assurances and ideas.

When the mind and heart become corrupt, to any degree, all manner of selfishness and vanity can enter the home with you and through you. Such infiltration's do not require the presence of another person or corrupt material in order to corrupt. All that is required is the heart and mind to become defiled by whimsical choices. Do you believe this? I hope you do, because Jesus Christ made it very clear that what comes from without (the outside) does not defile us, it is what comes from within (Mark 7:18 - 23). This is the nature I speak of, which has no set form or body, but exists as a "spirit" within us. This is the "presence" I referred to in the above paragraphs.

Orderly Home and Family

The House of the Lord is always one of order (1 Corinthians 14:40 ). In all things, the Lord God brings to us words of order and commandments to maintain that order ( 1 Chronicles 24:19 / 2 Chronicles 29:35 ). Without this order, the House of the Lord will falter and give ways to the light of darkness ( Job 10:22 ) by which the House divides and falls ( Luke 11:17 ).

A home that is in order, in accordance to the will and commandments of the Lord is blessed. An orderly house under the Lord is one that bears good spiritual fruits, a house that is in disorder is one that bears corrupt fruit. ( Matthew 7:17 - 20 ).

What is an orderly home? It is one that seeks the Spirit of the Lord in prayer and presence. It is a home that places the Lord Christ at the head of the house ( 1 Corinthians 11:3 ). By that, the father, mother, children, being the unit of family is directed by Christ. In a sense, the home is akin to a Church ( Ephesians 5:23 ). This is because in the home, all its members gather under Christ to worship and follow his commandments to the ends of their salvation and to fulfill the ordinances of the family. As the Church is subject to Christ and his will, so it is with the family ( Ephesians 5: 24 ). Yet as in all things of Christ, there is love and with the head of the house, love must rein. Thereby the husband is to love the wife as himself ( Ephesians 5: 25,33 ), as Christ loved and sacrificed himself for us. The husband shall never use his authority and placement within the family unrighteously. To do so brings much grief upon the home family and the children ( Proverbs 29:2 ). Such is not a house under Christ, to bear unrighteous, which is wicked rule that brings darkness ( Proverbs 4:19 ), and causes the children to grieve. Such is a sin, one that bears much reward of strife upon those who wield such harm.

To keep a house in order under Christ is one that requires the acceptance and understanding of responsibility. As each person is accountable to God for what they do, and how they work for their salvation, those in a family are also accountable to what they choose and do in, with and to the family. Especially the parents, to which God holds a greater responsibility ( Ezekiel 18:20 ). The scripture that states all people are accountable to God ( Romans 14:12 ), refers to all things in his/her life. This places a responsibility upon the mother and father of the family. Our individual salvation includes how each of us follow the will of the Lord within the body called "family". Even the young children, who reach the age of accountability, they too are accountable for their "works". Still, one of importance is the responsibility of the parents.

To be a home of order under God is one of great responsibility. God commands that the parents are to teach and raise their children in the fear of the Lord ( Leviticus 10:11 / Proverbs 22: 6 / Isaiah 54:13 ), (The principle of Leviticus 10:11, is to teach the children the laws and word of God, that has never changed). It is not the fault of the child for the errors and sins of the parents, and the parents will not suffer the sins of their children ( Ezekiel 18:20 ). If parents fail to be a good example, doing as Christ did, seeking the will of the Lord (not their own will - John 5:30 ), and to teach their children as the Lord teaches them by his Spirit. Then that failure will be upon the heads of the parents in the Day of Judgment.

If the parents truly did their utmost, following the commandments and will of the Lord diligently. Seeking the Spirit of the Lord through prayer, patience and fasting. Setting good examples, enduring, temperance, love, longsuffering, and all that the Lord instructs and commands by his Spirit directly to them. Then, if the child still grows into wickedness against righteous parents, the greater punishment rests upon the child when he/she is an adult ( Exodus 21:17 / Leviticus 20:9 / Mark 7:10 ). For that child then disobeys all the commandments of the Lord, yea even disobedience to his/her mother and father. For the House of Order does not end just because a child becomes an adult and moves out. The principles in a House of Order are within all scriptures and words of God. Without this order being universal throughout all aspects of our lives, all salvation would fail ( Matthew 22:37-40 ).

Even if the home is not of Christ, yet the child that grows and chooses wickedness cannot blame his/her parents for his/her actions. He/she is accountable for their choices as much as the parents for theirs. As with any divine authority of parenthood, given to us by the Lord, the results of unrighteous use of that authority brings heavier consequences. Therefore, not only will the father and mother bear their accountability to their own individual works, they also bear the accountability to the works as parents.

What this means, for example, is that the children should not suffer things for the parents. Neither their personal burdens be placed upon the children for this is a sin. This is what blame causes, especially the type that blames a child for something when the child was not able to carry out the request, let alone understand. Another is when a rule is enforced upon a child without teaching the child this rule, but punishing the child for something they do not understand, yea not even able or ready to bear the responsibility of that rule. It is these things and many others like it that parents are in error and burden the child unrighteously.

As the Lord teaches, the parents will bear the burdens and other things for their children ( 2 Corinthians 12:14 ), while they are young and unable to stand on their own. During which the parents are to teach with patience and love their children the good things that pleases the Lord God. To teach, support, guide, and also help the child in their trials as they grow and learn.

The responsibilities of parents is much, but I assure you the joy is greater. This is from personal experience with my own children, of which I have three. That the Lord has brought me to see my own errors over the years, my own failings as a parent to which I bore the affliction and payment. The Lord taught me the truth and spirit of his word and his will, even as a parent. I learned that when I erred, I am to take responsibility and never hide it behind false self-images of authority and self-importance called pride. A child is precious, as I learned from my own children and my own childhood. With that, I endeavour to remove the burdens of my errors from the shoulders of my children.

How is this done?

Well, with the help of the Lord, he brings these opportunities to us. It means we face our children and ask for their forgiveness. Yes, a parent must do this in order to bring him/herself into humbleness before the Lord and this does not remove your authority as a parent. It shows a child that we stand responsible, humble, and reverent before the Lord. Showing respect to the Lord and especially to a child. Such ways brings joy to the child to see and experience the heart, wisdom and righteousness in his/her parent. One they will hold dear in their heart and do in their adulthood as parents.

I did this very thing several times with my own children, when such times come. I tell my children that I am sorry, that I erred and I take back all that I did upon my shoulders. When this occurred with one of my sons, his face brightened up and I actually felt my burden lift from him. Such joy to see the release from my child brought my heart into great joy and personal revelation of what Christ did for us. As he took the burden of our sins off our shoulders, so did I from the shoulders of my child. The burden I carried was more, because I took back what was mine ( Galatians 6:2 ) but the Lord gave more of his Spirit to me to endure this extra burden ( James 5:11). Even if a parent does not err, to raise the burden from the shoulder of his/her child is one of sacrifice, one that the Lord loves ( Galatians 6:5 ),

This is the spirit and life of the Lords word and will and this is a House that is in Order under the Lord.

Spirit and the Family Home

As with this web site, the importance of the Spirit can never be over stated. In the previous pages about the family and home, I presented the spirit of righteousness and the spirit of corruption, its affect upon our individual lives and its affect upon the family and home. Within all things, the spirit and life of God's word is paramount. It is that which gives life and sanctifies ( John 6:63 ). That must prevail in your thoughts, heart and from your lips at all times, for this brings you the tree of life. ( Proverbs 15:4 ).

I do not profess this task to be easy, but one that is well worth it. The Lord's Spirit, and the spirit of his word, in truth and in life must exist in your personal life, and in the life of your family and home. Without the spirit of the word in the heart and mind, then what do you have? I refer to the carnal mind and heart of men. Such carnal natures bring only spiritual death ( Romans 8:6 ). It is the responsibility of each parent to learn the spirit and life of God's word to follow his will in spirit and in truth in the family and in the home. This is only done by prayer and seeking the teachings and directions of God by his Spirit called the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost ( Isaiah 58:2 / 1 Corinthians 2:13 ). A family and home that harbours the Spirit of the Lord is one blessed home under him.

• Study – the scriptures regularly. Take time to pray about passages, words, even chapters you have difficulty with. Be an example to your children of your commitment to this study and prayer. During study, always sit reverently, then at times place your hands together to pray to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help you deal with passages that lead you to feel hurt, or even contentious. For those passages will be your greater keys to learn the mysteries of God. Study with the intent to know more of the Lord and his will. Always combine outward study of the scriptures with the inward seeking of his Spirit to bring the words to life within you. Never study to contend with others or prove yourself. Such contentious study seeks the spirit of Satan and pushes away the Spirit of God.
  
  Yet always remember this, you have not yet perceived all that can be perceived within the scriptures. This is what I found with the teachings by the Spirit. The same scripture will reveal something deeper with more scope each time the Spirit enlightens. As for perceived contradictions between scriptures, this is a definite clue that it is something you carry within your mind and heart that causes that such a perception. Seek the Lord to provide clarity, and if you listen properly, your prayer will receive an answer.



• Reverent Prayer - I placed these two together because reverent prayer is what keeps you quiet so you can speak to the Lord and even hear him. Loudness, even loud singing at inappropriate times tells God you prefer the temporal sounds more than his quiet Spirit. For the Lord will not come to you raising his hands in loud sounds. His Spirit is as quiet as the subtle sounds of the forest. Practice reverence, which places aside your personal likes and dislikes, to respect and honour the Lord as the Father. Holiness does not require loud voices with raised hands. It is an state of mind and heart, one that is very quiet and humble.



• Fasting - In accordance to Matthew 19:29, fasting removes your mind and heart from temporal focuses to that of the Spirit of the Lord. Proper fasting is without food or water for at least 24 hours. To do this requires you to be of good health. Fasting is the forsaking of temporal things for the Spiritual things of God. There must be the free will, choice and purpose to God.
  
  Without these things, fasting will be for naught. This an act of heart and mind, devotion and seeking the will and Spirit of the Lord. Fasting includes respect and honour to the Lord, with the included intent of glorifying him, his will and Spirit. Prayer is performed, as you choose. Choose your prayerful words wisely, and be concise. Fasting can be for many reasons. It can be to enhance scriptural study, seek the help of God for your family, resolve serious problems, and even fast for others who need God's help. At all times, fasting and prayer is to seek the will of the Lord, never tell him what to do or how to do it. Even help to others is akin to this: "Within your will dear Lord, not my own, ...(etc)". Choose a quiet place in the house to pray during the fast, one where the family knows they are to remain respectful and quiet.
  
  Note:   Children should not fast until they are of age, being around 8-9 years. Even then it is to be performed on a limited basis until they are older. A young child should not be forced, but encouraged to join you in the motions of fasting, but not the fast itself.



• Proper Things: - This refers to proper music, TV programs, videos, games, magazines, even behaviour. The latter one (behaviour) refers to mocking the Lord or anyone else, pride, proudful boasts, making light of God or his ways, contention, arguments, etc. If the child begins to do these wicked things, then first look upon yourself as a parent. This is not to lay blame, but to resolve the child's behaviour from its source. I can say this with conviction, by experience with the Spirit of the Lord and through the experiences with my own children.
  
  A child is in the image of the parent(s), as easily as we were made in the image of the Father in heaven. See your reflection in them. When you see the source of error within you, pray to the Lord to help you remove it. When it is removed, you will set a new example, one that has great influence and affect upon your own children (no matter what age they are). As with all ways as a general practice, be of good example. This means that a child who mimics you, is not punishable, for then you must also punish yourself. Show the child you have erred and how you are changing it. The child will follow since he/she mimicked you in the first place.

When you seek the Spirit of the Lord as a regular practice, learning to listen to his Spirit in how it communicates ( John 3:8 ), problems and adversities are handled in such ways that glorify the Lord ( Romans 8:17 ). This brings each of you further into your salvation ( 2 Corinthians 1:6 / Philippians 2: 12 ), with greater blessings and joy. Such is the fruit of the spirit in righteousness, especially in the family and house of the Lord.

Mark Warbinek