I really do think the means of grace that God has given the church helps families when families are involved in those means of grace. And so what I mean by that is preaching helps families. Getting your family underneath the authority of the Word of God. And so often, sometimes children are rebellious, or a spouse can be rebellious, and to hear the same words that were communicated in the household come thundering down from the pulpit can be an aid. Also, preaching is not only authoritative, but it's loving.

And to be loved on through the word of God, again, in those words being communicated by another source, can be a blessing to families. The sacraments or the Lord's table and baptism and the fellowship of the saints, the sweet communion of that fellowship helps families. Those things are a blessing when families are involved in those things. Also, seeing a mom and dad underneath authority can help families. You know, as a child, For example, seeing mom and dad, okay, there are these two gray authorities in the household, but even they have to listen to people and have to be willing to be corrected.

That says something to children, particularly older children. That helps families as well. One of the ways that churches don't necessarily help families is when we separate them, when we pull them apart and when we unintentionally, I think sometimes create some of the age gaps and so forth that doesn't necessarily keep families together. I don't think that's a help all the time. It can be done in a godly way, in a helpful way, I think, but long term, keeping families together is the pattern that we see in scripture, And I think that's a great blessing.