The Fulfilled Family: God's Design for Your Home

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

In a world of divorce, casual sex, and homosexual unions, "family"?once the bedrock of our culture?is becoming a matter of uncertainty and argument. From some quarters, traditional roles for men and women are ridiculed. And standing firm in a healthy, well-functioning family is harder than ever. So how can you have a happy home? How can you pass on strong morals to your children in a world going awry? By following God's divine plan for family life," writes Bible teacher, pastor, father, and grandfather John MacArthur in this book. There's no magic formula. There's no gimmick. It's not about how many times you do something, or who is in charge of this or that, or what kind of processes or methods you use. It comes down to answering these "Am I committed to obedience to the Spirit of God? Am I committed to the controlling influences of the Word of God? Am I going to live out a Christian life?" If you can answer yes to all of those questions, then you are bound to have a successful, fulfilled, God-honoring family life.

Genres: Parenting, Marriage, Family, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good exposition of Ephesians 5:21-33.

[Meaghan Recollet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick, very practical breakdown of the biblical family. Applicable!!

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur is by far the best expositor of the Bible of our generation and he does not disappoint with this book on God’s plan for the family as outlined in Ephesians 5 and 6. This is by no means an exhaustive study as the book is only 144 pages but it provides a handbook on how God not only views the family but his purpose for the husband, wife, and children. With traditional family values in decline and under assault, this book is free of gimmicks and pseudo counseling as it focuses on what really matters – where am I in my relationship to God? If this relationship is right and only if this relationship is right will our families be right.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacArthur's book simply highlights Scripture portions under topical headings relating to the nuclear family and explains passages in further detail. Pretty straightforward. My drawbacks were where he diverges into clichés and accepted assumptions that I feel are preferential toward a more narrow interpretation of some Scriptures than my own. MacArthur does use so much Scripture and cross-referencing though, that I feel his main points are sound, though somewhat redundant if you are familiar with the passages.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnmy Mac's knowledge on the Bible is so insightful and applicable to all areas of life. This book is one for the shelf so you can go back time and time again for the little nuggets of truth on the family unit imparted throughout. I'm ready to start the Successful Christian Parenting book and study guide! Gleaning a lot of wisdom apart from the Bible itself.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage and parenting from the biblical view. More theological than practical, though in the end its more practical on how to raise the kids.

[Christine Tan · Rating 1 out of 5]

very traditional and american
this book was given by mom LOL

[H. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblically accurate discussion on the Judeo-Christian family. A model for families who desire to walk in God's plan for the family.

[Thane Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not comprehensive but simple and worthwhile

My wife and I read this together at night. This isn't ground breaking but it is balanced and well written and certainly generated discussion. I appreciate his return to the basics when it comes to the family.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still relevant for today.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, compact go-to book to remind and encourage our role as parents. Great resource!!

[Matthew Kutilek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice convicting reminder of the responsibilities we have as husbands and parents.