CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP PDO-Muscat

FAMILY DAY WORKSHOP For Couples-1

INTRODUCTION:

The home is very important in the plan of God. Interestingly, it is also very important for the devil. As God does everything to protect the sanctity of the marriage union and the importance of that nuclear church the "enemy is also throwing spanners into the wheel of progress. Thank God the devil can only go as far as you allow him to. The focus of this workshop shall be understanding yourself, understanding each other, being completely one (intimacy, finances, child upbringing), communication, enjoying (not enduring) sexual relationship, and making the home a miniature church.

Ice breaker

1. Every family is different and separate. Discuss this in the light of II Cor. 10:12

2. How often do we go on "during our courtship" trips? What are the reasons why the "trips" have stopped?

3. How can we rekindle the fire?

4. Each of us should make a list of five things/ways in our spouses that you really like.

1. ii.
ii. iv. v.

5. Share one at a time with each other.

6. What is the purpose of the marriage relationship? Gen 2:18-24.

7. What does it mean to be "one flesh" practically?

Knowledge of each other

• "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed" Gen 2:2 5.

• How much should we know about our spouses?

Loving and tolerating each other

1. To what extent should we love our spouses? How do you rate in the light of I Cor 13?

2. Discuss "common" day-to-day circumstances in which we can truly express love to our spouses.

3. If I find it difficult to love my spouse after several efforts, what need I do?

Communication

Conununication is a two-way traffic; giving and receiving

1. In the marriage relationship what does communication mean?
2. What are the main hindrances to communication?

The Sexual Relationship

A satisfying sex life is the result of a satisfying relationship. Sex is God’s idea (Gen 1:27-28, 2:24-25); Sex is a sacred experience (Heb 13:4); Sex is a gift of God and designed for our mutual pleasure (Mat 19:5; lCor 7:34, Songs 2:3-17, 4:1-7, 7:1-9, 5:10-16; Pro 5:18). It is more than just a tool for procreation.

A healthy sex life: i. reduces friction in the home, ii. fulfils woman/manhood, iii. relaxes the nerves, iv. enhances love.

What are the hindrances to mutual enjoyment of the sexual relationship?

Black boxes

1. Should you tell your spouse everything?

2. What extent of secrecy may be permitted between couples?

3. What are the hindrances to mutual sharing of "secrets"? How may they be overcome?

Handling finances

1. Should your spouse know how much you earn?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of knowing each other’s income?

3. How do you see "oneness" in relationship to finances?

4. Would you advocate a strict Joint Account where both husband and wife know the total income, and in which decisions for spending are jointly taken?

5. Do you consider it important to draw a family budget?

Handling conflicts/crises

Conflicts may be defined as those times when we become obstacles to one another. Arguments are responses to conflict.

Resolution of conflict requires that a couple lovingly confronts one another and is willing to seek and grant forgiveness.

1. How may our attitude hinder the achievement of proper resolution of conflicts?

2. If your spouse is wrong on an issue in public, what would be your reaction?

3. If there are differences in doctrinal beliefs between husband and wife, how can it be resolved?

Raising children

Raising children requires the cooperation of both the husband and wife. It is not too early to teach children proper Christian virtues

1. What are the scriptural injunctions about raising children?

2. How much freedom should children be allowed — TV, Posters, Parties?

The Church in your house (Ro 16:15, 1 Cor 16:19, Col 4:15, Philemon 1:2) The home is a miniature church and scripture recognises it as such.

1. What are the difficulties we face in having a consistent family altar and personal devotion?

2. How may we overcome them?

3. How may we lead our children to salvation?

The In-law equation.

1. How should in-laws be treated without jeopardising the oneness of the marriage?

2. If my close family members are not favourably disposed to my spouse what should I do to protect him/her?

3. If my spouse feels threatened by my closeness to my family members

4. what should be my attitude?

5. How may I make my spouse’s people, my people?

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1