God's Family Life Center – Bible study

Over the past 30-40 years, weve seen an influx of Family Life Centers cropping up among churches of Christ as an adjunct to the Lords church. However, the New Testament is silent regarding Family Life Centers being an approved adjunct to the purpose and function of the Lords church (Luke 19:1-10 – focusing on vs. 10).

Brethren, there is no command, example, necessary inference, or expediency authorizing Family Life Centers (see article).

In his book entitled, The Spirit of Liberalism (Publishing Designs, Inc., 2001), 188-189, Brother Frank Chesser brings out the following points regarding Family Life Centers:

Family life centers are monuments to the flesh. They are indicative of modern societys propensity for materialism, pleasure, and self-indulgence. They are shrines to the me generation. They constitute a monumental misuse of Gods money laid aside for spiritual purposes.

So we ask, Where can Gods Family Life Center be found if not in the church?

Brother Chesser correctly answers on page 188 of his book:

There is a family life center in Gods plan for man. It is called the home and it is Gods center for family life. Each room in Gods blueprint is designed for mans happiness and well-being.

We ask, What kind of rooms are to be found in Gods Family Life Center?

Again, Brother Chesser answers on pages 188-189 (I have condensed Bro. Chessers remarks for space purposes – mbr):

1) There is an instruction room where instruction from Gods word is taught to the children in the home by responsible parents (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:4-6; cf. Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1-4).

2) There is the example room, where children have godly parents to use as visual aids to accompany their teaching of Gods word (contrast 1 Kings 22:43 with 1 Kings 22:52). Note the difference in the lifestyles of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah being produced by the kind of example their parents set before them one being an ungodly lifestyle (1 Kings 22:50-53), the other, a godly lifestyle (1 Kings 22:41-44).

3) There is the entertainment room (Note that this room is in the home not the church). In Zechariah 8:1-5, Zechariah pictures the return of God to Jerusalem and the restoration of the city with the delightful scene of childrens playing in the streets. Just as there is a time to work, there is a time to play (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) where families spend quality time with their children in innocent fun and merriment.

Brother Chesser concludes his remarks on page 189:

It is frightening to reflect upon elders having to account to God on the day of judgment for such flagrant abuse of His money. If Achan and his family suffered death for Achans misuse of a handful of items consecrated to God (Joshua 7; cf. Joshua 6:19), what must be Gods attitude toward elders who would take massive amounts of financial gifts consecrated by Gods will for spiritual uses and build entertainment centers for fleshly gratification?

Brother Chesser asks a very seriously penetrating question. What will Gods attitude be on Judgment Day toward elders who misappropriate monies for fleshly entertainment and gratification (i.e., Family Life Centers)?

Brethren, lets search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) and do some serious self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) as we ponder the answer.