Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance:The family is a fundamental institution established by God, serving as the primary unit of society and the church. It is ordained for companionship, procreation, and the nurturing of children in the faith. The family is a reflection of God's relationship with His people, and it plays a crucial role in the transmission of faith and values from one generation to the next. Biblical Foundation: The concept of family is rooted in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:27-28 , it is written, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.'" This passage establishes the family as a divine institution, with marriage between a man and a woman as its foundation. Marriage: Marriage is the covenantal union between a man and a woman, designed by God for companionship, mutual support, and the bearing of children. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is intended to be lifelong and exclusive, reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Roles within the Family: The Bible outlines specific roles for family members, emphasizing love, respect, and responsibility. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are encouraged to respect their husbands and submit to their leadership, as the Church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). Children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and are to honor and obey their parents, as stated in Ephesians 6:1-3 : "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" Parental Responsibilities: Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of raising their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Fathers, in particular, are instructed not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Challenges and Restoration: The family, like all human institutions, is affected by sin and can face various challenges, including conflict, divorce, and rebellion. However, the Bible offers guidance for healing and restoration. Forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation are key themes, as seen in Colossians 3:13 : "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." The Family and the Church: The family is often seen as a microcosm of the Church, with both institutions working together to nurture faith and community. The early church emphasized the importance of family in the life of believers, as seen in Acts 16:31-34 , where entire households came to faith and were baptized. Conclusion: The family, as designed by God, is a vital institution for the flourishing of individuals, the church, and society. Through adherence to biblical principles, families can reflect God's love and order, serving as a testament to His faithfulness and grace. Topical Bible Verses 1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Topicalbible.org 2 Samuel 17:23 Greek 3965. patria -- lineage, family ... lineage, family. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: patria Phonetic Spelling: (pat-ree-ah') Short Definition: a family, tribe Definition: lineage ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3965.htm - 6k 1085. genos -- family, offspring 36. agenes -- unborn, of no family, ignoble 1409. Drousilla -- Drusilla, a member of the Herodian family 1074. genea -- race, family, generation 3832. panoikei -- with all the household 3624. oikos -- a house, a dwelling 3615. oikiakos -- belonging to the household 5387. philostorgos -- tenderly loving 4772. suggeneia -- kinship, hence kinfolk, relatives Strong's Hebrew 7410. Ram -- two Israelites, also family of Elihu... 7409, 7410. Ram. 7411 . two Israelites, also family of Elihu. Transliteration: Ram Phonetic Spelling: (rawm) Short Definition: ram. ... /hebrew/7410.htm - 6k 8014. Salmay -- head of a postexilic family 6336. Puthi -- a family in Judah 1937. Hodevah -- a Levitical family 4812. Merayoth -- descendant of Aaron, also a priestly family 8126. Shumathi -- a family of Kiriath-jearim 6380. Pokereth Hatstsebayim -- "bindress of the gazelles," head of ... 6727. Tsicha -- an overseer of Nethinim, also an Israelite family 7394. Rekab -- perhaps "band of riders," a Benjamite, also the ... 3139. Yorah -- an Israelite family Library The Oldest Family. 'The Whole Family' The Family from which I am Derived is not an Ignoble One... The Family Likeness Family of Love. The Family of a Saint Family Prayer. Morning Prayer for a Family. Evening Prayer for a Family. Family Religion. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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