And your household Week 12, 2012

“Why then did Paul make that statement in Acts 16:31(ESV) And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”?” Well I see the man already repentant of his sins and needing to know the way to be accepted; also God expects that when a man is saved the whole household will come to Christ. “Is that really Biblical?” Yes; remember Jesus’ statement when Zacchaeus got converted? Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this home, because he, too, is a descendant of Abraham Lk 19:9(ISV). Jesus shows God’s expectation for the house hold when you believe: this promise belongs to you and your children… Act 2:39.
“Does it mean everyone automatically got saved because they were members of the man’s family?” Of course not. Each one has to have a living faith in Jesus. That’s what happened here. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and everyone in his home. He brought them upstairs into his house and set food before them, and he and everyone in his house were thrilled to be believers in God Act 16:32, 34(ISV). All heard the word, all believed. God’s word has greater access to the rest of the household when a man believes. The household is a definite sphere of influence and authority. Mark you “household” implies more than blood relations, but also friends and servants that may be living there. It is the life not just the genes. Cornelius was expecting them and had called his relatives and close friends together. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all the people who were listening to his message Act 10:24, 44(ISV) . Salvation is beyond family inheritance like we know.
“So it happens because the man is the head of the home?” It happens with women also. Women’s lives can win unbelieving husbands to Jesus 1Pt 3:1-2. The first household conversion in Paul’s missionary journeys was of Lydia, from the city of Thyatira …The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." Act 16:14, 15(ESV). “This must be isolated.” No way! I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well 2Ti 1:5(ESV) .Have you forgotten Rahab through who her father's house hold and all who belonged to her were saved? Jos 6:23-25.