"To the Christian father--the man who longs to be his family's shepherd--John Bunyan wrote these wise words to give a picture of evangelism and discipleship at home:
First, concerning the spiritual state of the family; he ought to be very diligent and cautious, doing his utmost both to increase faith where it is begun , and to begin where it is not. Therefore, he must diligently and frequently bring before his family the things of God, from His Holy Word, in accordance with what is suitable for each person. And let no man question his authority from the Word of God for such a practice.
These "things of God" that Bunyan speaks of here are always to be centered on the gospel.
The gospel is the core of the Christian life. The gospel is the message, the hope, and the firm foundation of those who follow Christ. It's the foundation upon which the church is built. It's also the foundation upon whch the work of a family shepherd is built."
Image credit.