THE CHRISTIAN, AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE IS UNDER ATTACK, AND ITS INSTITUTIONS SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED

1.The first institution established by God is the Family - Our nation is only as strong as its families
2.When Billy Graham was asked about America's greatest social problem-his answer was not Dope, Race, poverty, VD, War in Vietnam- but the breakdown of the American Home- more hurt than any other one
3. Arizona will soon have a "no fault" Divorce law - We must give priority to building solid families

I.- GOD'S BOOK GIVES BLUEPRINT FOR HOME !

Marriage is established by God- other institutions include Government, & the Church, but Home is first

A.- GOD HIMSELF PERFORMED THE FIRST MARRIAGE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN, AND IT IS HIS DIVINE PLAN FOR MANKIND

1. God's general Creation- Gen 1:27-made mankind in His image, commanded them to be fruitful -28
2. Specific creation-God saw it was not good for man to be alone -2:18 made him a helpmeet -
3. Marriage is a Holy thing- not just civil- a divine relationship, a part of God's plan for man!

B.- GOD'S WORD DETAILS THIS PLAN FOR MARRIAGE, AND HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON OUR FOLLOWING GOD'S PLAN

1. Jesus honored a Marriage with the first miracle; Paul pronounced it as honorable, Solomon-good
2. But there are rules for the game- discovery, pursuit, conquest, & a 60 year honeymoon -good life
3. Life by rules of God is Blessed- everyone wins!- but NO ONE WINS THE ANARCHY AND RIOT -all hurt

C.- THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF GOD'S PLAN IS DIVORCE: IT DECLARES MARRIAGE A MISTAKE, & LOVE A FAILURE

1. When people reject God's plan- & marry the wrong person-(most do) divorce solves 1, gives 3 problems
2. Jesus gave only one excuse for Divorce being allowed- but He gave no reason demanding it!
3. Some accidents are unavoidable, but every divorce leaves scars, hurts that never really heal

I have a message from the Governor -the hurt is reaching the epidemic stage!

II.- GOD'S BOOK IS ALSO A REPAIR MANUAL I Pet. 3:1-17

"As sheep returning to the Shepherd" 2:25- need to return to Lord's guidance -v.1 "Likewise"

A.- "LIKEWISE, YE WIVES" "AS SHEEP GOING ASTRAY.. RETURN TO THE SHEPHERD OF YOUR SOULS" -

1. The scriptures are plain - many "Church Widows"- but rule is submission 2:13, and subjection
2. Adorn yourself with God's Jewels v.3,4, the woman who is beautiful in the heart! Spirit- lovely
3. The purpose- v.1 "they may without the word- be won", what price to save one you love? -give!

B.- "LIKEWISE, YE HUSBANDS" - "SUBMIT", USE SOME GOOD SENSE, AND FOLLOW GOD'S PLAN - RETURN TO IT!

1. "Dwell with knowledge" -homes hurt by feelings, love one moment, hate the next! give honor!
2. Be heirs together that your prayers be not hindered! "In Christ neither male nor female!"- team
3. Man is God's apprentice! To be as Christ toward the Church! a loving Lord,- not a harsh master

C.- OH YES, LET'S NOT FORGET THE KIDS! DARBY VERSION SAYS 'LIKEWISE YE CHILDREN" - IN OTHER VERSES

1. God's rules still include the 10 Commandments- Exo. 20:12- the FIFTH & the Proverbs -many
2. Paul wrote well-Eph 6:1-3, & Col 3:20- And the world, flesh, & devil tries to break this today
3. God's word is not overbalanced- Fathers- note Eph 6:4, Col 3:21- again 2 wrongs do not make right

With all the mess- a recent life insurance co's survey showed that most HS youth want good marriage
But you can expect immorality, communal & common law marriages, & Homosexuality to increase

III. GOD'S BOOK CALLS FOR ΤΟΤΑL DEDICATION I Pet 3:8-17

It takes whole team following rules for maximum joy; all hands to sail ship, but one can sink it!

A.- "FINALLY, BE YE ALL OF ONE MIND," AND ONLY THE MIND OF CHRIST CAN REALLY MAKE A MARRIAGE

1. Have Compassion -Sympathizing in all
2. Love as brethren -not just sex, but companions!
3. Be pitiful, courteous -yes, even at home 
4. Blessing, not railing-imitate God, not Satan
5. Knowing- reasoning together!
6. Inherit -called - practice at home as at church

B.- IF YOU WOULD LOVE LIFE, AND SEE GOOD DAYS, THEN DO AS GOD SUGGESTS, v.10 - IT'S YOUR CHOICE!

1. No new morality can change the "Good Life" that God offers, and there are no shortcuts to it.
2. "Refrain" implies an inclination to speak evil.-sins of the tongue like fire! wont go out!
3. "Pursue peace, seek it".- v.11 - can never be found in world till Jesus comes back- but in Home?

C.- THE EYES AND EARS OF GOD ARE OPEN, v.12, 13 AND HE KNOWS WHO IS REALLY AT FAULT -SO CAUTION

1. The eyes (protection) over the righteous & ears open to their prayers- so patience & Holiness
2. His face (judgement) is against them that do evil-& some bring real Hell into their own home
3. If you need help- seek it! but takes training to follow blueprint or recipe -house, or bread

A happy home is no more an accident than good bread, or a well-built bookcase! & worth while

IF YOU WANT TO BUILD A GOOD FAMILY TODAY, IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF DISCIPLINE, BUT THE JOY IS WORTH IT ALL

1. No way unless Christ is the head of the house!- Are you Saved? Do you accept His Lordship?
2. Just as the interplay of Home is needed - you also need association of good church! -today
3. If you refuse God's directions- you cannot have happiness,-nor success!

When all else fails- why not follow His directions?