Charles Spurgeon identified the power of the gospel in a family, in a sermon on Acts 16:14 which records the conversion of Lydia – the first conversion in Europe. He relates many of the wonderful stories of women in the Bible, and then he reflects upon the power of a godly home in a community,
“If the gospel does not influence our homes, it is little likely to make headway amongst the community. God has made family piety to be, as it were, a sort of trade-mark on religion in Europe; for the very first convert brings with her all her family. Her household believed, and were baptized with her. You shall notice in Europe, though I do not mean to say that it is not the same anywhere else, that true godliness has always flourished in proportion as family religion has been observed. They hang a bell in a steeple, and they tell us that it is our duty to go every morning and every evening into the steeple-house there to join in prayer; but we reply that our own house is better for many reasons; at any rate, it will not engender superstition for us to pray there. Gather your children together, and offer prayer and supplication to God in your own room.
(No. 2222), Intended for Reading on Lord's-day, September 20th, 1891, Delivered by C. H. SPURGEON, At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington