Don't Miss It- Family
This message challenges us to navigate the complex reality of family life with both grace and truth, acknowledging that our experiences often fall short of the ideal while still celebrating what could be. We're invited to develop a crucial skill: accepting what's real without abandoning hope for what's possible. The sermon draws from powerful biblical examples—from Adam and Eve to King David—reminding us that even Scripture's heroes had deeply dysfunctional families. Yet Jesus modeled something revolutionary: He pointed to the ideal without being idealistic, showing us how to hold high standards while extending radical grace. The story of the woman caught in adultery illustrates this beautifully—Jesus didn't lower the standard, but He took her story into account, refused to condemn her, and invited her toward transformation. We're called to replicate this same approach in our own families, practicing mutual submission as described in Ephesians 5, where both spouses position themselves to put the other first. The practical wisdom offered includes ten powerful reminders: don't miss the now, don't miss your marriage, don't miss being a parent, don't miss dinner (which is about connection, not just food), don't keep score, invest in shared experiences, resist the lone wolf mentality, pursue reconciliation while there's still time, focus on what remains rather than what's lost, and invest in the next generation. This isn't about achieving perfection—it's about following Jesus' example of sacrificial love, even when outcomes aren't guaranteed, and transforming our deepest pain into redemptive purpose.
The sermon defined submission in marriage as 'positioning yourself to put your spouse first' rather than giving up power or authority. How does this definition change your understanding of biblical submission, and what would it look like to practice this kind of mutual submission?
Pastor Delmer stated that 'scorekeepers always lose' when discussing family relationships. What past hurts or offenses are you still keeping score of, and what would it take to release that scorecard to God?
The message emphasized investing in shared experiences rather than material things because experiences create lasting memories. What shared experience could you prioritize with your family in the coming months that would strengthen your relationships?
Romans 12 says 'if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,' acknowledging that sometimes peace isn't possible. Is there a relationship where you need to take the first step toward reconciliation, even without guarantees of the outcome?
The final point encouraged not missing the next generation, suggesting that your deepest sorrows can be redeemed by investing in young people who need role models. How might God want to use your past pain or present circumstances to bless and mentor the next generation?