The Christian Family

37 Practical Ways to Improve as a Parent

2011-12-01T11:14:00.001-05:00

From Jeff Smith:

Parenting is my biggest challenge. It’s likely yours, too. One author says it is akin to “having your heart go walking around outside your body.” And it really doesn’t get easier with age!
What can we do about getting better at parenting? A Michael Hyatt blog post on an unrelated topic prompted me to brainstorm a list of practical ways all of us can improve as parents. Emphasis is on practical. Small steps will get you to the same destination as one or two large steps. Truth be told, most of us are small-step kinds of parents, aren’t we?
The list is not meant to be thorough. Considering incorporating one or two entries into your parenting this month.

Parenting Articles

AWANA Puggles At Home Kit

2011-12-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

If can't be in our AWANA Puggles program, consider using the "Puggles at Home Kit." http://ow.ly/7LeBu

Bible Reading Plan for Kids

2011-07-08T12:04:00.000-04:00

Bible Reading Plan for Kids - a plan that helps kids read the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs in one year.

Here are some very useful tools for Christian families.

2011-04-14T12:56:00.000-04:00

Seeds Family Worship's Channel

Focus On Christ During Easter Week

2011-04-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

Here are some helpful trips from AWANA on helping children focus on Christ during Easter week.

Raising a Modern-Day Joseph

Explicit Content in G-Rated Language

2010-12-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Explicit Content in G-Rated Language | 9Marks

5 Practical Tips to Make this Christmas a Parenting Success

2010-11-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

CFC Church Blog (Resources)

Get the most out of AWANA.

2010-09-07T14:47:00.002-04:00

AWANA has some ideas for how to get the most out of your child's participation in an AWANA club.

Connecting Church and Home

2010-08-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

The good people over at SBTS recently held a conference called "Connecting Church and Home." The video is online. You can get to the first one HERE, and then navigate to the other four. Enjoy.

2010-08-23T14:11:00.002-04:00

Jeff Smith has a list - "Ten things I wish I would say to my kids." Read the expanded list HERE.

10. I’m deeply sorry for the times I’ve hurt you.

9. You’re going to be a teen soon.

8. Someday as girls you’ll find yourself interested in boys.

7. God may have someone in mind for you to marry someday.

6. School is important.

5. Do all you can to make your relationship with your sister great.

4. Trust God by obeying Mom and me.

3. You are an incredible creation of God.

2. I love you more than you will ever know and am extremely proud of who you are.

1. As much as I love you, God loves you even more.

Video Games, Idols and Your Child's Heart

2010-08-05T08:10:00.000-04:00

A helpful article by our friends at CBMW.

CBMW » Video Games, Idols and Your Child's Heart

Honor and Respect

2010-04-09T14:42:00.001-04:00

R.C. Sproul on honoring and respecting parents.
http://bit.ly/9m7xck

Facebook Divorce

2009-12-23T18:22:00.001-05:00

Could this be true? One on five divorce cases cite Facebook as a cause
or evidence?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2780179/Divorces-blamed-on-Facebook.html

Scott Wylie

call/text: 9196690394
Sent from my iPhone

Shutting Down Backtalk

2009-12-23T07:34:00.003-05:00

As a parent, sometimes it seems like your day is filled with an endless stream of backtalk from your kids-you hear it when you ask them to do chores, when you tell them it's time to stop watching TV, and when you lay down rules they don't like. It's one of the most frustrating and exhausting things that we deal with when we raise our kids.

Read the whole article HERE

The Weary Parent

2009-12-14T07:33:00.001-05:00

From Charles Spurgeon, reflecting on Psalm 84:7 that says those in the Lord move from strength to strength:

"Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us this morning. They go from strength to strength. That is, they grow stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way. But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still holds good: The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Fretful spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. Alas! say they, we go from affliction to affliction. Very true, O thou of little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also. Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders."

Father VS Mother in Baby's Right-to-Life Case

2009-11-05T16:55:00.002-05:00

Baby's Right-to-Life Case Pits Father Against Mother | Christianpost.com

Posted using ShareThis

Parents—Don’t Leave Teaching to the Church

2009-10-04T09:24:00.003-04:00

Another helpful article from our friends at AIG. Parents have the most important role in helping children understand God, faith and Scripture.

Parents—Don’t Leave Teaching to the Church - Answers in Genesis

Posted using ShareThis

Prison Term for Inking Your Child

2009-10-02T08:49:00.001-04:00

A man is facing life in prison for putting a tattoo on his minor child. (Of course, it is a gang symbol.) Hie attorney asks some interesting questions regarding things like circumcision and ear piercings on babies.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTrYMaNZkHykUniByp0xQI30hqxAD9B2FKUG0

What are your thoughts"

2009-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Alfie Kohn wrote an article trying to get parents to think in terms other then punishment and reward when working with a child's behavior. I believe that Scripture speaks clearly to the issue of parenting, and particularly discipline. Children should learn "first time" obedience. However, some of what he says is very helpful and probably things that parents should think about regarding their own attitudes in dealing with a child's behavior.

Here are his 10 basic guidelines:

1. Reconsider your requests.
Sometimes when kids don’t do what we tell them, the problem isn’t with the kids but with what we’re telling them to do.

2. Put the relationship first.
What matters more than any of the day-to-day details is the connection that we have — or don’t have — with our children over the long haul, whether they trust us and know that we trust them.

3. Imagine how things look from your child’s perspective.
Parents who regularly switch to the child’s point of view are better informed, gentler and more likely to set an example of perspective-taking for their children (which is the cornerstone of moral development).

4. Be authentic.
Your child needs a human — flawed, caring and vulnerable — more than he or she needs someone pretending to be a crisply competent Perfect Parent.

5. Talk less, ask more.
Telling is better than yelling, and explaining is better than just telling, but sometimes eliciting (the child’s feelings, ideas, and preferences) is even better than explaining.

6. “Attribute to children the best possible motive consistent with the facts.”
Nel Noddings reminds us that kids will live up to, or down to, our expectations, so it’s better to assume the best when we don’t know for sure why they did what they did.

7. Try to say yes.
Don’t function on autoparent and unnecessarily deny children the chance to do unusual things. People don’t get better at coping with frustration as a result of having been deliberately frustrated when they’re young.

8. Don’t be rigid.
Predictability can be overdone; the apparent need for inflexible rules may vanish when we stop seeing a troubling behavior as an infraction that must be punished and start seeing it as a problem to be solved (together).

9. Give kids more say about their lives.
Children learn to make good decisions by making decisions, not by following directions. Our default response should be to let them choose — unless there’s a compelling reason to deny them that opportunity.

10. Love them unconditionally.
Kids should know that we care for them just because of who they are, not because of what they do. Punishments (like time outs) and rewards (like praise) may communicate that they have to earn our love — which is exactly the opposite of what children need, psychologically speaking.

Eric the Clown

2009-09-25T07:34:00.001-04:00

I am the father is a clown.

Family Reunion? Well, of Sorts.

2009-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

What should we think about this? Former NBA player Kenny Anderson coordinated with the five women who are the mothers of his seven children to get the kids together. The story is here.

How Do You Know God?

2009-09-15T20:33:00.001-04:00

To know God out of Christ is to know Him as an enemy, but to know Him in Christ is sweet and delicious. Thomas Watson

Evaluating our Faith

2009-09-15T20:31:00.001-04:00

Paul Little offers some helpful thoughts regarding faith and how we should think about it. When kids begin to have doubts it is good to remember that...

1. We use faith every day. Faith that our doctor's advice is sound, faith that food at the grocery store is safe, faith that other drivers will stay on their side of the road. The point is that those who downplay the role of faith fail to realize that living life requires faith.

2. Faith is only as valid as the object in which it is placed. Trusting a foolish doctor, careless grocier or reckless driver is not valid faith. Faith in an unreliable object must be abondened.

3. Testing the reliability of objects of faith is rational and advisable. So, it is not wrong to spend time considering the faithfulness of God.

Catechism

2009-09-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

As Christians we know that developing character in our children involves marking their souls with the morals and ethics we find in Scripture. Just like a farmer who plows his fields and plans his seed, we prepare our children and plant God's Word in them. One tool available to Christian parents is a catechism. A catechism is nothing more than a systematic theology, formulated into questions and answers, which are memorized. This provides the child with a theological framework, embedded in his mind, and from which the child can draw encouragement, wisdom and strength.

Here is the catechism that I like and use. It is the "1813 Baptist Catechism, Charlston Association." To get started, you help your child begin memorizing the questions and answers. The goal is that the catechism is known so well that whenever you ask a question, the child can reply with the correct answer. While working through it, you can set a schedule of your own choosing, read and discuss the scripture passages that are given, and memorize the content.

I would love to hear your stories about catechism. Were you catechized as a child? What was that like? Do you still remember it? Do you recommend it?

Living With The End In Mind

2009-09-04T11:12:00.000-04:00

Your life is the little dash between two dates on a tombstone. Read one pastor's perspective on living with the end in mind in his article: I’m Dying

The Word Of God...

2009-08-31T19:40:00.000-04:00

"The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself."

Charles Spurgeon

Ask The Mayor

2009-08-30T13:48:00.004-04:00

Colonial Corners is the name of our program for grades 4-5 here at Colonial Baptist Church. I am the Mayor of this fine little town, and each year we set aside one entire session for "Ask The Mayor." The Citizens (students) can ask any question they have about life, faith or the Bible. I try to take some questions each week, but this is a special day with nothing but kid's questions.

Here were today's questions. These are the questions that were written to me in advance. I took more questions live from the kids but did not get them written down.

Was it possible for Adam and Eve to have not sinned in the garden?
What does sin have to do with causing natural disasters, pains and sickness?
Since Adam had no parents, how was he able to live so long?
What are the different beliefs of Muslims?
How could Satan appear before God if God can not look upon sin?
Did God create other worlds and aliens?
How did Satan become evil?
Why are some Bible verses so confusing?
If there is no sadness in heaven will my dog go to heaven?
What happened to people who died before Christ came to earth?
If the Holy Spirit gives us faith, then does the Holy Spirit give us anything else that we don’t know?
Why is the Holy Spirit confusing?
Why is the Bible confusing?
How many Bibles do you have?
Can the Holy Spirit leave you?
What are angels like?
Can angels turn into other things such as people?
Did the Holy Spirit take any more forms other than the dove?
Is everything in heaven really gold?
What is heaven like?
If we all believe in God then what about the people who don't believe in God?
What would happen if you looked at Jesus face in heaven?
Why would God let Satan in heaven if He knew Satan would turn back on Him?
If someone killed themselves because they wanted to go to heaven would they still go to heaven?
Can you be possessed by a demon?
Can you see earth and your family from heaven? I think that it would make you sad to see family sad.
Will we eat in heaven?
Are you sure there are animals in heaven?
Why did God choose this planet to live and not the others?
Will God make more angels?
What year did the earth start?
Will there be computers and tv in heaven?
Why did God make heaven?
Can angels change their image?
Where does heaven take place?
Will people really disappear when the rapture happens and leave all else behind? Like in Left Behind?
Who are the two prophets in Revelation?
When is the rapture?
What is hell like?
Do you think C.S. Lewis was right about pets in heaven?
How do we know the Bible and Christianity is right and true?
Will we have churches and houses in heaven?
Will we have houses? Will there be horses? Will God make a new earth?
Are there mochas in heaven?
Will we be in the new heaven or new earth?
When people die, what they look like when they die, will they look like that in heaven?
When Cain killed Abel, were they the only people on earth?
Is a church is a group of people getting together? How many people does it take to make a church? One Family? Two or three families?
Does a church have to have a preacher?
Why does Satan want to make himself greater than God?
Why is the Bible called "Bible"?
How did Satan become evil?
What will happen during the rapture?
Was Noah's ark bigger than the Titanic?
Will the tribulation happen before the rapture?
Will Jewish people who don't accept Jesus go to heaven?

ANTHEM For Fighthing Lust

2009-08-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

John Piper has a helpful acronym to remember in the battle to subdue lust. This is a helpful tool for men, and for parents to use to equip their older teens.

A N T H E M

A - AVOID as much as is possible and reasonable the sights and situations that arouse unfitting desire.

N - Say NO to every lustful thought within five seconds.

T - TURN the mind forcefully toward Christ as a superior satisfaction.

H - HOLD the promise and the pleasure of Christ firmly in your mind until it pushes the other images out.

E - ENJOY a superior satisfaction. Cultivate the capacities for pleasure in Christ.

M - MOVE into a useful activity away from idleness and other vulnerable behaviors.

Read the full post Here.

Belief and Truth

2009-08-29T18:01:00.001-04:00

Belief doesn't create truth. Unbelief doesn't destroy truth. Christian faith goes beyond reason but not against reason.

If your children have questions or even doubts, Christianity can stand up to the scrutiny.

You were careful, but your child saw porn. Now what?

2009-08-21T08:09:00.001-04:00

Focus On The Family has an article out that deals with the issues surrounding kids who have viewed pornography. You can read the full article here:

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/sexuality/when_children_use_pornography.aspx

Control Your TV

2009-08-12T07:46:00.001-04:00

Randy Alcorn has some helpful thoughts about taking charge of the television. Here is a summary. If you want the whole article with his reasons, click here.

Keep track of how much time you spend watching.
Decide in advance how much TV to watch per week.
Use a schedule to choose programs for the week--then stick to your choices.
Keep your television unplugged, store it in a closet, and/or put it in a remote part of the house (prevents mindless flip-on).
Periodically "fast" from television for a week or a month. Notice the "cold turkey" effects. (Avoids addiction, reminds you of all that can be done when TV off).
Choose programs that uplift rather than undermine biblical values.
Use the "off" switch freely. If it's wrong and you keep watching, you're saying "I approve." (Unless it doesn't present temptation and you're critically analyzing it).
Use the channel changer frequently.
Watch and discuss programs together as a family--to avoid passivity and develop active moral discernment through interaction. (Avoid the second TV set that splits the family and leaves children unsupervised).
Don't allow young children to choose their own programs--that's the parent's responsibility.
Don't use television as a baby sitter.
Spend an hour reading Scripture, a Christian book or magazine, or doing a ministry for each hour you watch TV.
Consider dropping cable, Showtime, HBO, or any other service that you determine is importing ungodliness or temptation into your home.
If you find you can't control it--or you're tired of the battle--get rid of your television.

Sin Is Costumed

2009-08-06T10:54:00.001-04:00

“Sin lives in a costume; that's why it's so hard to recognize. The fact that sin looks so good is one of the things that make it so bad. In order for it to do its evil work, it must present itself as something that is anything but evil. Life in a fallen world is like attending the ultimate masquerade party. Impatient yelling wears the costume of a zeal for truth. Lust can masquerade as a love for beauty. Gossip does its evil work by living in the costume of concern and prayer. Craving for power and control wears the mask of biblical leadership. Fear of man gets dressed up as a servant heart. The pride of always being right masquerades as a love for biblical wisdom. Evil simply doesn't present itself as evil, which is part of its draw. You'll never understand sin's sleight of hand until you acknowledge that the DNA of sin is deception. Now, what this means personally is that as sinners we are all very committed and gifted self-swindlers. … We're all too skilled at looking at our own wrong and seeing good.”

—Paul David Tripp, Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy (Crossway 2008), p. 32.

Bad Language

2009-07-24T13:05:00.001-04:00

Most Christians try to avoid bad language. Few would intentionally train their children to use obscene, foul language, even though culturally foul language has become an accepted part of everyday speech. Movies, television shows, and sporting events have become common venues for four letter expletives. So, there is no question that children are exposed to indecent talk on a regular basis. Seventy years ago, in Gone with the Wind, Clark Gable uttered the first curse word in a popular movie. How things have changed!

In training your children, it is important for you to understand biblically what makes words inappropriate to use. Is it a matter of focusing on the negative? Is there a certain set of words that you should list as inappropriate and correct your children whenever they say them?

Read the post by Jay Younts here:
http://www.shepherdpress.com/blog/communication/what-makes-bad-language-bad.php

Goals

2009-07-23T16:53:00.001-04:00

"We usually overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in ten."
(James Boice)

I think the message for parents is to set realistic goals, but also set big goals.

Why Be Faithful To Your Wife?

2009-06-30T09:39:00.000-04:00

25 years ago, Randy Alcorn made a list of consequences to being immoral. In light of the recent sin of the Governor of South Carolina, Alcorn released his list on his blog.

Grieving my Lord; displeasing the One whose opinion most matters.
Dragging into the mud Christ's sacred reputation.
Loss of reward and commendation from God.
Having to one day look Jesus in the face at the judgment seat and give an account of why I did it. Forcing God to discipline me in various ways.
Following in the footsteps of men I know of whose immorality forfeited their ministry and caused me to shudder. List of these names:
Suffering of innocent people around me who would get hit by my shrapnel (a la Achan).
Untold hurt to Nanci, my best friend and loyal wife.
Loss of Nanci's respect and trust.
Hurt to and loss of credibility with my beloved daughters, Karina and Angela. ("Why listen to a man who betrayed Mom and us?")
If my blindness should continue or my family be unable to forgive, I could lose my wife and my children forever.
Shame to my family. (The cruel comments of others who would invariably find out.)
Shame to my church family.
Shame and hurt to my fellow pastors and elders. List of names:
Shame and hurt to my friends, and especially those I've led to Christ and discipled. List of names:
Guilt awfully hard to shake—even though God would forgive me, would I forgive myself?
Plaguing memories and flashbacks that could taint future intimacy with my wife.
Disqualifying myself after having preached to others.
Surrender of the things I am called to and love to do—teach and preach and write and minister to others. Forfeiting forever certain opportunities to serve God. Years of training and experience in ministry wasted for a long period of time, maybe permanently.
Being haunted by my sin as I look in the eyes of others, and having it all dredged up again wherever I go and whatever I do.
Undermining the hard work and prayers of others by saying to our community "this is a hypocrite—who can take seriously anything he and his church have said and done?"
Laughter, rejoicing and blasphemous smugness by those who disrespect God and the church (2 Samuel 12:14).
Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the Enemy of God.
Heaping judgment and endless problems on the person I would have committed adultery with.
Possible diseases (pain, constant reminder to me and my wife, possible infection of Nanci, or in the case of AIDS, even causing her death, as well as mine.)
Possible pregnancy, with its personal and financial implications.
Loss of self-respect, discrediting my own name, and invoking shame and lifelong embarrassment upon myself.

Children Without Gender

2009-06-30T08:09:00.000-04:00

Here is an alarming development. Parents believe that it is cruel to raise a child with a gender distinction, and so they are seeking to keep the gender a secret, and raise the child with no mention of gender at all.

Here is part of the article:

"Pop’s parents, both 24, made a decision when their baby was born to keep Pop’s sex a secret. Aside from a select few – those who have changed the child’s diaper – nobody knows Pop’s gender; if anyone enquires, Pop’s parents simply say they don’t disclose this information.

In an interview with newspaper Svenska Dagbladet in March, the parents were quoted saying their decision was rooted in the feminist philosophy that gender is a social construction.

“We want Pop to grow up more freely and avoid being forced into a specific gender mould from the outset,” Pop’s mother said. “It's cruel to bring a child into the world with a blue or pink stamp on their forehead.”"

To ignore gender is to ignore a critical aspect of God's creation.

Here is the full article.
http://www.thelocal.se/20232/20090623/

For Whom Do You Parent?

2009-06-23T06:05:00.000-04:00

For whom do you parent? When I look honestly at my motivations, I find that I often view parenting from the wrong perspective. Sometimes I am concerned about what others will think of me - so I parent with people in mind. Sometimes I am concerned about being a good pastor. I want to be an encouraging example - so I parent with the church in mind. On "good days" I am concerned about what kind of men my sons will become - so I parent with my boys in mind.

Now honestly, those motivations are not bad. I should be concerned about my testimony, the church and my son's future. However, none of those motivations go far enough. We are not parenting for the sake of other people. Frankly, we are not even parenting for the sake of our children. We are parenting for God.

Today, as you parent your children, think less about what other parents think of you. Think less about how your children will turn out. Instead, think more about what you can do and say that will cause Christ to say "well done" when you stand before Him.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men."
Colossians 3:23

How Jesus Described The Pharisees

2009-06-11T14:40:00.001-04:00

Just because it is interesting, I offer you this list of the various things Jesus said about the Pharisees. Lets not be Pharisees or raise our children to be Pharisees!

* Mark 7:3 They do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands.
* Mark 7:3 They observe the traditions of the elders.
* Mark 7:6 They honor Christ with their lips.
* Mark 7:6 Their hearts are far from Christ.
* Mark 7:7 They worship Christ in vain.
* Mark 7:7 They teach the precepts of men as if they were doctrines.
* Mark 7:8 They neglect the commandments of God.
* Mark 7:8 They hold to the tradition of men.
* Luke 18:9 They trust in themselves that they are righteous.
* Luke 18:9 They view others with contempt.
* Matthew 23:1 They have seated themselves in the chair of Moses.
* Matthew 23:3 They say things and do not do them.
* Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men?s shoulders.
* Matthew 23:4 They are unwilling to lift even one finger in easing another man's burden.
* Matthew 23:5 They do deeds to be noticed by men.
* Matthew 23:5 They wear religious garments to appear spiritual.
* Matthew 23:6 They love the place of honor at banquets.
* Matthew 23:6 They love the best seats in the synagogues.
* Matthew 23:7 They love receiving respectful greetings.
* Matthew 23:8 They love religious titles
* Matthew 23:13 They are hypocrites.
* Matthew 23:13 They shut off the kingdom of heaven from people.
* Matthew 23:13 They do not enter the kingdom of heaven.
* Matthew 23:13 They prohibit those who are entering the kingdom from going in.
* Matthew 23:14 They devour widows? houses.
* Matthew 23:14 They make long prayers for a pretense.
* Matthew 23:14 They will receive greater condemnation.
* Matthew 23:15 They travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte.
* Matthew 23:15 They make their proselytes into sons of hell.
* Matthew 23:16 They are blind guides.
* Matthew 23:16 They are fools.
* Matthew 23:23 They tithe.
* Matthew 23:23 They neglect justice.
* Matthew 23:23 They neglect mercy.
* Matthew 23:23 They neglect faithfulness.
* Matthew 23:24 They focus on minor issues and ignore big issues.
* Matthew 23:25 They make sure to look good on the outside.
* Matthew 23:25 They are full of robbery.
* Matthew 23:25 They are full of self-indulgence.
* Matthew 23:28 They outwardly appear righteous to men.
* Matthew 23:28 They are inwardly full of hypocrisy.
* Matthew 23:28 They are inwardly full of lawlessness.
* Matthew 23:29 They build tombs for dead religious leaders.
* Matthew 23:29 They visit the graves of the righteous.
* Matthew 23:30 They claim that they would not have committed the sins of their forefathers.
* Matthew 23:33 They are serpents.
* Matthew 23:33 They will not escape hell.

Learn While You Are Young

2009-04-12T14:59:00.001-04:00

"We never lose the skills and abilities we develop when we are young.
We tend to get better at them with age. We should always learn
everything we can while we are young. Things we can learn now, we may
never be able to go back and learn later. So don't miss out. Get busy
right away."

Jeffrey Zakula

As a parent, do you ever find yourself thinking "I wish I had learned
that while I was a kid?" I seem to be thinking that a lot lately. I
have resolved to take two steps with my sons. (1) I will encourage
them to learn all they can while they are young. (2) I will try to
emphasize things that are truly important and not waste time with the
trivial.

My goal will be that as they look back, they will only infrequently
wish they would have learned something they did not.

Classical Conversations

2009-04-05T18:13:00.001-04:00

I had a great opportunity on Saturday night. I was privileged to host the Cary chapter of "Classical Conversations." Classical Conversations teaches home educating parents and students the classical method of learning, in order to discover God's created order and beauty.

http://www.classicalconversations.com

It was fun for me to listen to the children sing, read papers they had written, recite facts from history and science and display their art. Those kids had learned so much about the world (that God created) and about history (over which God is sovereign).

In addition to the joy of hearing from the kids, it was great to meet the parents and leaders of such a fine group. If you educate your children at home, I recommend that you find a Classical Conversations group near you. There is a group finder on their website.

Quest for March 25

2009-03-25T08:49:00.001-04:00

Today in Quest we studies 1Samuel 13. Here are discussion questions for your consideration:

Have you ever had a really good reason as to why you disobeyed God? Are our explanations as to why do did not do God's will ever adequate?

In this chapter, Saul considered a ritual to be essential, but prophetic direction from God to be dispensable. Read Matthew 23:23. How do the words of Jesus put Saul's actions into perspective?

Consider the departure of Samuel, the spokesman for God, from Saul's presence. Also, read Amos 8:11-12. Do you think that we adequately value our constant access to God's Word?

Everyone Is Subject To Christ

2009-03-25T08:41:00.001-04:00

James VI of Scotland was notoriously rude when attending worship services. On one occasion he was seated in his gallery with several courtiers while Robert Bruce preached. In his usual form James began to talk to those around him during the sermon. Bruce paused, the king fell silent. The Minister resumed and so did James. Bruce ceased speaking a second time with the same result. When the king committed his third offense Bruce turned and addressed James directly: "It is said to have been an expression of the wisest kings; 'When the lion roars, all the beasts of the field are quiet. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is now roaring in the voice of his Gospel, and it becomes all the petty kings of the earth to be silent.'"

Make Sure You Take Your Phone

2009-03-05T08:56:00.001-05:00

"Well, make sure you have your phone with you."

Pretty harmless words on the surface, but when put into context, not so much. Here's when I said them. Next week, my wife and I need to swap cars. Because of some strange circumstances, we currently have three. The newest car is 10 years old. The other two are on their last leg. I mostly drive a 14 year old explorer.

Last night, my wife told me that if I leave the Explorer home, she would move everything around, and get everything she needs into the Explorer and everything I need into her car. I must have looked at her funny because she said “I will drive the explorer while you are gone" That is when I said, "Well, make sure you have your phone with you," and then I just walked away. No explanation, and no further comment.

This morning she helped me consider my words from her perspective. “What did it mean?” “Am I going to be stranded somewhere?” “Is the car unreliable?” and most of all - “Does Scott even care?”

My words demonstrated that I didn’t care. I failed to demonstrate love. I left her feeling vulnerable and uncertain. And I am grateful that she helped me see that. It’s like Dave Harvy says - “If I love my wife, why do I find it so easy to treat her like I don’t?”

Guys - watch your words!

Role Models

2009-03-03T20:02:00.001-05:00

Parents are the most important role models on earth. Every word and
action is being processed by those who look to us for guidance.

God Has No Grandchildren

2009-03-03T19:46:00.001-05:00

God has no grandchildren, just children. We come to him as individuals. If our kids don't have their own faith, they have no faith.

North Dakota Believes Embryos Are People

2009-02-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

Here

Church Attendance Tied To School Performance

2009-02-24T17:03:00.001-05:00

Children who attend worship at least monthly are less likely to repeat a grade than those who worship less frequently.

According to the National Survey of Children's Health, children who attend religious services one to three times a month and those who attend every week are only half as likely to have ever repeated a grade in school as those who attend less than one a month or not at all. The respective rates of grade repetition found in the survey were 10.2 percent for those attending weekly, 8.7 percent for those attending at least monthly but less than weekly, 20.7 percent for those attending less than once a month, and 20.6 percent for those who did not attend at all in the last year.

The difference in grade repetition rates between those attending services weekly and monthly was inconsequential, as was the difference in rates between those attending less than monthly and not at all.

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mark Regnerus found that "youth church participation positively affects both educational aspirations and achievement."

More

Dangerous New Ground - Designer Babies

2009-02-18T09:31:00.001-05:00

The logic of the genetics revolution leads inevitably to the concept of the designer baby. New technologies bring new possibilities and hard choices, and the new genetic technologies bring genuinely frightening new possibilities. Now, even designer babies loom as a very real scenario.

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=3311

Less Than One in Four U.S. Households Consist of a Married Couple with Children

2009-02-17T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal reports, "Marriage is on the Rocks." In a recent piece by Mark Penn, entitled "Committed Cohabiters" we are reminded that fewer than one in four U.S. households consist of a married couple with children. Married couples of any kind have fallen into the minority as of 2005. Its not that celibate singleness is on the rise, far from it. Rather, more people are choosing to commit sexual immorality and ‘live together' than ever before. According to the latest Census, 5.2 million couples are doing it and they are raising 2.2 million children. Apparently the trend will continue.

Read the rest here.

Pupulation Control as Economic Stimulus

2009-01-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

This Week host George Stephanopoulos and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussed some items in the so-called "stimulus package." One plan for turning around the economy is apparently reducing the number of babies. After all, they are a financial burden. This is scary to me.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Hundreds of millions of dollars to expand family planning services. How is that stimulus?

PELOSI: Well, the family planning services reduce cost. They reduce cost. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government.

STEPHANOPOULOS: So no apologies for that?

PELOSI: No apologies. No. we have to deal with the consequences of the downturn in our economy.

Pray For Your Children

2009-01-22T17:08:00.001-05:00

Jon Bloom presents these Scriptures for parents to pray for their children.

That Jesus will call them and no one will hinder them from coming.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13-15)

That they will respond in faith to Jesus’ faithful, persistent call.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

That they will experience sanctification through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and will increasingly desire to fulfill the greatest commandments.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

That they will not be unequally yoked in intimate relationships, especially marriage.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

That their thoughts will be pure.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

That their hearts will be stirred to give generously to the Lord's work.

All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. (Exodus 35:29)

That when the time is right, they will GO!

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Prayer for Year's End

2008-12-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

O Love beyond Compare, Thou art good when thou givest, when thou takest away, when the sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me. Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world, and in love didst redeem my soul; Thou dost love me still, in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.

Thy goodness has been with me another year, leading me through a twisting wilderness, in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back making sure headway.

Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead; I hoist sail and draw up anchor, With thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past. I bless thee that thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead. If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation, thou wilt be with me in them; If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation, I shall not drown; If I am to die, I shall see thy face the sooner; If a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace that my faith fail not; If I am to be cast aside from the service I love, I can make no stipulation; Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial, as a chosen vessel meet always for thy use.

Boys Need Good Books

2008-12-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

Our friends at the Gender Blog have an interesting post regarding boys and books. Many boys complain that they don't like to read. But they should, and what they read needs to be great!

Read the whole post, but here are some highlights:

Reading good books teaches boys how to communicate clearly, concisely and even powerfully.
Reading good books teaches boys how to think in a linear fashion, which, in turn, will help them learn how to properly interpret the storyline of Scripture.
Reading good books, particularly thoughtful fiction, fills their imaginations with dragons and giants and castles and swords and other characters they will encounter in the unfolding drama of God's redeeming love in Christ.
Reading good books teaches boys how to understand the world around them and prepares them for leadership in the culture, the church and in the home.
Reading good books, particularly about history, helps boys to develop a deeper respect for others as he encounters those who have waged wars against tyranny, reformed churches, laid down their lives for the Gospel, broken down racial barriers and discovered far-fetched lands

Quest Colossians Study: 2:8-15

2008-10-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

Title: Man’s philosophy is contrary to Christ
Theme: Colossians 2:8-15
Outline:

Don’t be taken captive by philosophy or empty deception (8)

There is danger of becoming captive.
Those are the traditions of men
Those are elementary principles

Do be taken captive by Christ (9-15) Because...

Christ is the fullness of Deity in bodily form (9)
Christ has made you complete, (10)
Christ is the head over all authority (10)
Christ has changed your status (11-14)
Christ has disarmed the rulers and authorities (15)

Sorry Charlie

2008-10-15T13:49:00.000-04:00

Charles Darwin to receive apology from the Church of England for rejecting evolution.

The Church of England will concede in a statement that it was over-defensive and over-emotional in dismissing Darwin’s ideas. It will call “anti-evolutionary fervour” an “indictment” on the Church”.

The story is HERE.

Intact Families Produce Fewer Thieves

2008-10-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

64% of Russian Pregancies end in Abortion

2008-10-09T09:49:00.001-04:00

According to the St. Petersburg Times (Russia, not Florida):

The number of infertile women in Russia is growing by 200,000 to 250,000 each year, with the main cause being complications from abortions, Marina Tarasova, deputy head of the St. Petersburg Reseach Institute For Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said on Monday.

http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27240

Article For Parents With Children Who Have ADD

2008-10-09T07:42:00.000-04:00

Here is an article that may be helpful if your child has ADD. It comes from the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation.

http://ccef.org/enews_ctw_oct_08.asp

Sermon from October 5, 2008: “Reconciliation”

2008-10-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

Historian Will Durant attempted to calculate what percentage of time the world has been at peace. He searched the record of history and discovered that from 1453 BC to the present, he could only find 268 years that were apparently free from war. That is less than 8% of the time. That actually might be optimistic because there may be wars unknown to history. Nevertheless, very little of man's history has been free from war.

For me personally, war is distant. I have never been in combat and I have never lived in a combat zone. My personal experience with war is limited to watching it from the safety of my living room. I remember as a child that the nightly news would give the body count of the Vietnam War. They would show flag covered coffins being unloaded from airplanes. For the families of those soldiers, war was much more real. 2008 is no different. Some of you have been in combat and seen war firsthand. I know there is at least one family here who are refugees - having fled the turmoil of their own land.

Friends, no matter what your personal experience with war is, God reminds us in our passage today that in a very real and literal sense, each one of us either was or is at war with Him. As devastating and horrible as war between nations is, you can be certain that the consequences of being at war with God are much more serious.

This morning God’s Word divides us into two camps. There are those who are now at peace with God, and there are those who are still at war. The phrase “still at war” is important because all of us started life in that camp. Because of the sin of Adam, we were born as sinners. We are born at war with God. We don’t turn into a sinners when we commit our first sin. We commit our first sin because we are sinners.

A key word today will be the word “Reconciled.” God uses this term to describe what happens when people are changed from being at war with God to being at peace with God. Hopefully we will understand and appreciate reconciliation more today. We will see how reconciliation happens, what changes in a person that is reconciled to God, and what evidence do we have that we really are reconciled to God.

Our text is a call to remember back from where you came and where you are now in regards to your standing with God through the work of Christ. We have sung of the saving power of Christ. We have seen testimony in Baptism if the reality of reconciliation in a heart. May today be a time of rejoicing for the Redeemed as we remember what Christ has done for us.

Background

Our text today is Colossians 1:20-23, but I want to get a running start into it. I will pick up the passage in verse 15 where Paul gives a great overview of the deity and supremacy of Christ.

Colossians 1:15 Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Paul presents 10 important truths about Christ. We‘re going to focus only on the last one, but I’ll review the entire list for you.

When you look at Jesus you are looking at God. (Verse 15)

Jesus is preeminent over all creation. (Verse 15)

Jesus is the creator of all things. (Verse 16)

Jesus existed in eternity past, before all things. (Verse 17)

Jesus is actively holding the universe together. (Verse 17)

Jesus is the source and the leader of the church (Verse 18)

Jesus conquered death and makes it possible for us to live eternally. (Verse 18)

There is nothing over which Jesus does not rule. (Verse 18)

Jesus is the fullness of Diety. There is nothing about God that is lacking in Jesus. (Verse 19)

Jesus is the one who reconciles us to the father. (Verse 20) It is this idea of reconciliation that I am talking about this morning.

Summary Of Our New Position:

What God does for us is described with this great word - reconcile. He reconciles us with himself, through Christ - and this peace comes through the blood of Christ.

Reconcile

The definition of reconcile is to change the status and condition of a relationship in such a way so as to remove enmity and replace it with peace. Paul uses this word in the context of a marriage relationship that has been damaged. When a couple has separated, he uses the word “reconcile” to describe that marriage being restored.

There are other places where Paul uses this word to refer to the relationship between God and man, such as Romans 5:10 and 2Corinthians 5:18 and here in Colossians.

Basically, reconciliation is putting two warring parties back together.

All Things

In verse 20, the phrase reconcile “All Things” and then again “things on earth and things in heaven” is not a reference to “Universalism” or the idea that ultimately, everyone will be saved. It is a pretty common belief that all people are going the same place, we are just taking different roads. Universalism does not fit with the teaching of Scripture. One day, Jesus will speak the words of Matthew 25:41 to the unbelievers: He will say to them...

Matthew 25:41 ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

Scripture does not speak in terms of universal salvation for each person. Paul here is simply referring to the fact that in addition to God reconciling people to Himself, there is an aspect to reconciliation that effects the entire universe. The effects of sin resulted in tragedy for people, but also marred the good universe that God had created. God says that currently, the creation groans and suffers. (Romans 8:22).

However, a day is coming when the universe will be reconciled. The effects of the curse will be reversed. Paul refers to this in Romans 8 as well.

Romans 8:19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

So, there is a real sense in which creation it’s self is reconciled to God. Colossians 1:20 speaks of a very specific and special reconciliation of people, and of a broader reconciliation of the universe. We will learn more about this as Pastor Davey takes us through the rest of Revelation. But Paul is not speaking about the salvation of all people.

Father’s Good Pleasure

The next thing to notice in Colossians 1 is that bringing about reconciliation is something the Father enjoys doing. Back in verse 19 we see that it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Christ, and through Him to reconcile. It is not something God does grudgingly. There is nobody making God do this. In fact, there is nobody making God do anything. God reconciles us because it delights Him to do it.

Peace Through The Blood

Finally in verse 20, notice that what God does for us is possible through the blood of Christ’s cross. There is Peace through the blood.

The word peace in Scripture means exactly what you think it means - it means the end of hostilities. The unsaved are at war with God. What they need, and what God offers is peace.

Verse 22 continues this thought of peace through the blood.

Colossians 1:22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death,

Jesus coming in the flesh and shedding is blood was required for our salvation. Peace comes through the cross. It was at the cross that God’s wrath for my sin was poured out on Christ. It was at the cross where Christ suffered what I should suffer. It was at the cross where Jesus died my death. Isaiah says:

Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

The cost of peace was very high. It is offered freely to us, but it was not free for Christ. He purchased it. And the cost was a bloody cross upon which the wrath of God was poured. Pastor Davey reminded us last week of the seeming paradox that in heaven, the reconciled wear white robes because they have been washed in red blood.

Our Former Condition

What exactly did Christ accomplish for us? Paul in verse 21 teaches us about our condition prior to being reconciled to God. Then in 22, he is going to show us our new condition. If you are taking notes, the best way to do this is with two columns. On the left the heading is “Formerly” and on the right the heading is “Now”. There will be three points under each heading, and they directly correspond to the one right across from it. First - the "Formerly"

Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

Formerly alienated

The first thing Paul tells us is that we formerly were “Alienated.” The word alien describes a stranger or an outsider. To alienate is to shut someone out of your fellowship and intimacy.

The word could also be translated estranged. The unsaved are estranged from God. They are serving another master. They are pursuing other relationships, but not pursuing a relationship with God.

Paul illustrates this idea in Ephesians when he describes the condition of the unbelieving Gentiles. Ephesians 2:12

Ephesians 2:12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Mankind has a serious problem. A problem that makes all other problems pale in comparison. It’s not an economic problem nor a healthcare problem! Mankind‘s problem cannot be solved by politicians, or even pastors. The best you and I can do is point out the problem and point to the solution - because despite what humanism teaches, the solution is not in us. Mankind’s problems begin and end with the fact that they are estranged and alienated from God!

Formerly Hostile

In addition to being estranged or alienated from God we were, secondly, formerly hostile.

Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

The phrase “hostile in mind” is another way of saying that we were God’s enemies, in contrast to being his beloved. Maybe you have met people who are openly hostile to God and are not afraid to say so. Some people get visibly angry at the very idea of God and angry at you for mentioning Him. Some people openly hate God. People are angry at the thought of God having rules. People are offended at the thought of needing anything from God. Many are shocked at the audacity of Christ claiming to be the only way. And most people are appalled to think that God would judge sin.

Some people might deny that they are hostile toward God. They may say they don‘t really know God personally or know very much about Him, but they are not hostile - thyy would say they are neutral. The only way a person could claim neutrality with God is because they don’t have an appreciation for the extent and nature of their sin. All sin, no matter how minor we think it is, is an affront to a holy God. For example, when a child gets angry at parents for enforcing a rule, that hostility is ultimately directed toward God who established that authority. Every time someone lives life his own way, he demonstrates rebellion toward the Sovereign of the universe.

Scripture does not have a category for spiritual neutrality. People are described in Scripture in clear, defining terms. “Believers and Unbelievers” “Redeemed and Unredeemed”. Sheep and Goats. There is no third category. The nicest, kindest, most gentle unsaved person that you know, is spiritually, the enemy of God.

Romans 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Formerly engaged in evil deeds.

Paul goes on in verse 21 to state that not only were we estranged from God, and hostile toward God, but third, those heart conditions manifested themselves in our evil actions.

Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

The condition of the unsaved is enslavement to sin. John goes so far as to say that they love it.

John 3:19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

And concerning these evil deeds, Isaiah says:

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

God cannot fellowship with sin. Our sin must be dealt with before we can be reconciled to God. And the way it is dealt with is by Christ, dying on the cross as a substitute for us, receiving the punishment meant for us, so that we could go free.

We who are reconciled to God still do sin. But there are some significant differences. First our sin has been forgiven and the punishment has been paid by Christ. Second, because of the work of Christ, God no longer views us as evil, but instead calls us beloved. Third, the Holy Spirit is at work in our hearts, sanctifying us, and causing us to be conformed to the image of Jesus. Fourth, we are now lovers of light rather than lovers of darkness. I am not suggesting that sin has lost all it’s allure, and that we don’t find some pleasure in it. But ultimately, we have a growing hatred for our sin and a love for what is right.

Our New Condition

Paul presents our new condition in verse 22. Verse 21 has described those who are not reconciled. Verse 22 presents the contrast - the right hand side of the column - and describes the state of those who are reconciled. The contrast is “Formerly” in 21 and “But Now” in 22.

1:22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach

Now we are reconciled.

The first contrast - whereas we were formerly estranged or alienated, we are now reconciled. Hostilities have ended. We are no longer at war with God. We are now at peace.

I have already covered reconciliation, but I will make two additional observations. First, being reconciled to God is something that we could not do. The teaching of Scripture is that God needed to act on our behalf at a point when we were unable to. This was a war that only one side could solve. In fact, Paul described our condition as helpless.

Romans 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

A second observation is that God did this for us while we were still his enemies. We did not surrender first, resulting in God declaring the terms of peace. Christ acted on our behalf while we were still hostile.

Imagine a king who is at war with his estranged, hostile and rebellious subjects. The sentance for rebellion in that kingdom is death. The king desires peace with his subjects, but justice must be served. The King sends his son, and the Son agrees, to go and live with the rebels. Not to destroy them, but to teach them and ultimately to die in the place of the rebels so that those rebels can live, have peace with the King, and even be adopted into the royal family. That is not usually how wars end - but that is how our war ended.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Now we are presented to the father

We were formerly alienated, but now we are reconciled. Second - whereas we were once hostile, we are now presented to the Father.

1:22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach

The word presented means to “cause to stand near.” The idea is that through Christ, we are now able to draw near to the Father. We don’t storm the gates of heaven and demand entrance. Christ brings us in to the presence of the Father saying - “Come, here is my Father”. Where we once were hostile enemies, we are now at peace. And this peace brings fellowship.

Now we are holy and blameless without reproach

We were formerly alienated, but now we are reconciled. We were formerly hostile, but now presented to God.

Third - whereas we were once engaged in evil deeds, we are now considered holy, blameless and above reproach. God does not make peace with us so that we may remain as rebels! Rather - He wants us to share new life with Him! We don’t always live holy, blameless and above reproach, but our position with God is that of being holy. blameless and above reproach.

HOLY

The word holy, means to be “separated from sin, and set apart for God’s use“. Just like the utensils in the tabernacle that were set apart from the ordinary, consecrated and declared to be holy. This made them suitable for use in the presence of God. We too are set apart. We are no longer common or ordinary. We are now in a new position and condition to be in God’s presence and be useful to Him. Ephesians echos this in 1:4:

Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

Of course there is also the practical side of holiness as well. God declares us positionally holy, but He also commands us to act that way as believers. “Be ye holy!” God expects us to act in a way that reflects our new position. This is what we call “sanctification” or becoming conformed to the image of Christ.

If you wanted to understand sanctification visually, it would involve three layers. At the bottom is a condition called “Slave To Sin.” Next up us a condition called “Growing In Holiness.” And at the top would be a condition called “Free From Sin.” You start life in the lower level as a slave to sin and that is where you remain until God saves you. At the moment of your conversion, you move into a new condition of Growing In Holiness. From salvation - to now - to death you are moving ever closer to conformity to Christ as the Spirit of God works in your life. It is not a straight line - it has ups and downs, but it is trending toward holiness. You never arrive, however, until death at which point you instantly become free from sin and will spend the rest of eternity free from sin. That was what we call sanctification. We are to act more and more in a way that reflects our position. There are three aspects to being holy. We are declared holy positionally, we are becoming holy practically, we will be holy in all ways, in paradise.

BLAMELESS

The word Blameless in our text means unblemished or perfect. The image goes back to the Temple Sacrifices of the Old Testament. When selecting an animal for sacrifice, they had to make very careful selection and choose only unblemished animals. Not the lame ones, not the ones with bad wool - only the perfect ones. Through Christ, God considers us blameless.

Ephesians 5:27 He will present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

WITHOUT REPROACH

Without Reproach means free from accusation. It means that nobody can bring a charge against you that will stick.

John tells us that there is an accuser, in heaven, standing before God, bringing accusations against the brethren.

Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

But John also tells us that we have an advocate.

1John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

For those reconciled to God, the verdict stamped over every accusation is “Blameless” “Without Reproach”. Even though it is not yet practically true of us, it is positionally true that the Father sees us as blameless and without reproach because He see us by looking through Christ.

Evidence That This Is True

Paul concludes this paragraph by giving evidence of reconciliation. How can we know that we have been reconciled? The answer is that we look to our faith in God.

In today’s text - verse 23 says:

1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

If you are at peace with God, you will continue in the faith. You should read the phrase “if indeed you continue” as a statement of the quality or type of faith, not duration in the strict sense. The verse does not mean that reconciliation lasts only as long as your faith lasts and when your faith falters, you become unreconciled. That is not what Scripture teaches. Salvation is not taken away from the redeemed.

What this verse does refer to is the type of faith that is saving faith. Saving faith IS enduring faith. God does not give faith that won’t endure. If you know someone who made and then subsequently disavowed a profession of faith, God did not give them that faith. It was something else other than saving faith. If you are reconciled to God, your faith is still in God. You still believe the Gospel!

When Paul describes the faith that reconciles as firmly established and steadfast, he is making an architectural reference. The term firmly established is a term that refers to a foundation and the term steadfast and unmoved means that it is not shaken. The picture is of a structure that is firmly set on something solid with all of the hurricane strapping and everything else necessary to remain sound in the midst of storms and trial.

The firm foundation that our faith is set upon is Christ himself. If your faith is in a preacher you heard, your faith is not firmly founded. If your faith is based on something you did to earn favor with God, your faith is not firmly founded. Only faith that is based on what Christ did is saving faith.

We all have trials in life. We have ups and downs, joy and sorrow. But our faith is not based on those circumstances. Our faith is based on something altogether different: it is based on the hope of the Gospel. Hope is not a wish, but a confident expectation. We don't put our confident expectation in the Gospel, and then subsequently put it back on ourselves or in another belief system. The hope of our salvation rests in the message of Scripture, and that is where it stays.

Conclusion

The condition of the Colossians is not unique. It is the story of all people. All people begin at war with God, estranged, alienated and enslaved to evil. Every person in this room today is either in verse 21 or verse 22. Before we were saved, we were, God’s enemies. We were hostile, enemy combatants. God worked on our behalf, through Christ, so that our relationship with Him could be repaired. He moved us from alienation to reconciliation. He moved us from hostility to being in his presence. He moved us from evil deeds to holiness. The evidence that this is true of us relates to our steadfast faith. Our faith continues and our belief in the work of Christ remains sure and strong.

Unbeliever

If you are like the majority of people in this world, and have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel, please know that you are in the perilous position of being God’s enemy and subject to his wrath. That is a dangerous and deadly position. But, Paul in this passage has told you what is possible. God is prepared to change your status from alienated to reconciled. From hostile enemy to beloved child in His presence. From evil to blameless. God calls us simply to believe what He has said in Scripture and respond in faith to the Word. If you need to talk more about what the Bible says about being reconciled to God, please do that this morning. You can make your way up here to the front when we are done, or find somebody near where you are. There are many of us here who are at peace with God and we would love nothing more than for that to be true of you as well!

Believer

Believer: Message of these verses is to remember from where you came. If God saved you at age 10, 30, or 60 - prior to that moment you were his hostile enemy. Rejoice in what Christ has done for you. Remember the high cost of your sin, paid for by Christ. who died to reconcile you. I hope we will hate our sin more and more each day, and that we will love our Savior more and more each day. Paul's message for you is a call think back and rejoice over what Christ has done for you, and to live worthy of your new position.

Prayer: "Reconciliation" from the "Valley of Vision"

I am closing with a prayer, but I actually want to read you a prayer. This prayer comes from the Puritans and is taken taken from the collection of prayers and devotions called "The Valley Of Vision". This prayer is called "Reconciliation".

Lord God Almighty,

Thou art beforehand with men for thou hast reconciled thyself to the world through the cross, and dost beseech men to accept reconciliation.

It is my responsibility to grasp thy overtures of grace, for if thou, the offended part, act first with the word of appeasement, I need not call in question thy willingness to save, but must deplore my own foolish maliciousness;

If I do not come to thee as one who seeks thy favor, I live in contempt, anger, malice, self-sufficiency, and thou dost call it enmity.

Thou hast taught me the necessity of a Mediator, a Messiah, to be embraced in love with all my heart, as king to rule me, as prophet to guide me, as priest to take away my sin and death, and this by faith in thy beloved Son who teaches me not to guide myself, not to obey myself, not to try to rule and conquer sin, but to cleave to the one who will do all for me.

Thou hast made known to me that to save me is Christ's work, but to cleave to him by faith is my work, and with this faith is the necessity of my daily repentance as a mourning for the sin which Christ by grace has removed.

Continue, O God, to teach me that faith apprehends Christ's righteousness not only for the satisfaction of justice, but as unspotted evidence of thy love to me.

Help me to make use of his work of salvation as the ground of peace, and of thy favor to, and acceptance of me the sinner, so that I may live always near the cross.

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 21

2008-10-02T17:13:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

If I live to see the children marriageable, I will, before I consult with Heaven and earth for their best accommodation in the married state, endeavor the espousal of their souls unto their only Saviour. I will as plainly, and as fully as I can, propose unto them the terms on which the glorious Redeemer would espouse them to Himself, in righteousness, judgment, and favor and mercies forever; and solicit their consent unto His proposals and overtures. Then would I go on, to do what may be expected from a tender parent for them, in their temporal circumstances."

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 20

2008-10-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will oblige the children to retire sometimes, and ponder on that question: "What shall I wish to have done, if I were now a-dying?"—and report unto me their own answer to the question; of which I will then take advantage, to inculcate the lessons of godliness upon them.

By Cotton Mather

Quest Colossians Study: 1:24-29

2008-10-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

Quest Men's Bible Study
October 1, 2008

Paul's Ministry To The Church of Christ

What effort and care do we put in to caring for the church? How much of a priority is it? Today, we will look at the Apostle Paul's ministry to the church as a whole. I hope we will be encouraged and challenged. Encouraged by his example and challenged to serve the way he did. The work of the ministry is not something for professionals. It is for all men. As you consider Paul today, look for areas in your life where you could imitate his example.

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

I. Paul took joy in the opportunity to suffer for others.

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

A. Obedience brought Paul suffering

1. Paul had suffered greatly!

2Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

2. Much like other apostles

1Corinthians 4:9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. 11 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; 12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.

B. But, if his suffering was for Christ, and Believers, he was glad.

1. "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you" - Col 1:24

2. He expressed the same thoughts to the Philippians

Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

3. Currently incarcerated in Rome as writing.

a) Suffering as a prisoner at Rome in service to Christ and to them!

C. Why is he willing to do this?

C.Two reasons: He does it for Christ, and he does it for people...

1. One Reason:

“To fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church."

a) Nothing lacking in the atoning value of Christ's sacrifice!

Hebrews 10:12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, 13 waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. 14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

b) God was satisfied, but enemies were not

(1) Jesus is hated

(2) Since he's not here, we are hated

(3) Other Examples:

Mark 13:13 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

2. Paul gives another reason elsewhere he suffered joyfully for his brethren: for the same reason parents joyfully suffer for their children!

2Corinthians 12:14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

a) Parents will gladly sacrifice for their children!

b) So Paul viewed his brethren

D. How do we imitate Paul in this regard?

1. Are we willing to share in the afflictions of Christ or de we avoid circumstances where standing for Christ might get ugly?

2. Are we willing to suffer gladly for our brethren or do we think more often about what people are or are not doing for us?

3. Are we willing to joyfully expend time, energy, even "blood, sweat and tears" in serving them or do we love our leisure too much to be bothered with God's work?

II. Paul viewed himself as a servant and a steward.(25-27)

Colossians 1:25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

A. His opinion of himself was humble.

1. The word "minister" is diakonos {dee-ak'-on-os}, and means "one who executes the commands of a master; a servant, attendant, minister"

2. This is exactly how Paul viewed himself and other preachers.

1Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

3. Not always the view we have of preachers or churches where the preacher is exalted.

a) When a pastor, or anyone else doing God's work, presses his own desires, he is failing by Paul's standardd

b) Church is not a place to come to get your way. It is a place to come and expend yourself for God's way.

4. In particular, Paul considered himself a servant of three things

a) Of the church

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,

b) Of Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

c) Of the gospel

Ephesians 3:6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

d) What do we serve men?

B. As a servant, he considered himself a steward.

1. He had received a "stewardship" from God

a) The word used is oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah} It means "the management of a household or of household affairs, oversight of other's property"

2. He had been entrusted with the property of the gospel of Christ

a) Called a "mystery", for it had been hidden for ages but now been revealed.

b) What is this "mystery"?

(1) The word Mystery refers to things that are true, but that had not been revealed to Old Testament Saints.

(2) God unrolled His revelation.

(3) John MacArthur identifies at leas 5 of these mysteries

(4) The passage where it appears tells what it is.

c) Here: "It is Christ in you, the hope of glory"

(1) Indwelling

3. Paul considered it his duty as a "steward" to faithfully share that gospel to the nations

Ephesians 3:8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things;

C. How about us?

1. Do we consider ourselves "servants"?

Mark 10:42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

2. Do we serve one another? We should! -

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

3. Do we consider ourselves "stewards" of the gospel?

a) Do we consider very often that we have been entrusted with the riches of the gospel?

b) To we consider very often that to be faithful we must share them with others?

III. Paul had one primary goal in life

Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

A. Paul’s goal was to present every person complete in Christ!

1. He was not out just to preach, just to make converts

2. He wanted to make mature disciples, who had become complete in Christ

3. Possible for church to get out of balance.

B. He used many means to accomplish this

1. He preached Jesus Christ!

a) He proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ

b) His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection

2. He warned when necessary!

a) "Reproof" and “correction" mentioned in 2Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

3. He "taught" as well as "preached"!

a) Public instruction

b) Private discipleship

4. He expended effort and emotion! (Vs 29)

a) He "labored" toward this one goal of his

b) He "agonized" in doing so (the Greek word for strive means to endeavor with strenuous zeal)

5. He depended upon God in his labors! (VS 29)

a) Paul's attitude: without God he was nothing, and could do nothing worth lasting.

IV. Conclusion

A. Question:

1. Are we imitators of Paul?

2. Are we concerned about whether or not our brethren and others are being presented "perfect in Christ"?

3. Are we willing to expend the effort and the emotion necessary to reach this end?

B. If we will...

1. View our ourselves as Paul viewed himself, as servants and stewards

2. Consider our suffering for our brethren a great privilege and source of joy

C. then I am convinced that we gladly devote ourselves to the same goal Paul had!

Quest Colossians Study: 1:19-23

2008-10-01T08:42:00.000-04:00

Outline

1. Paul summarizes our position of peace with God. (verse 20)

2. Paul outlines our former condition (verse 21)

a. Formerly alienated

b. Formerly Hostile

c. Formerly engaged in evil deeds.

3. Paul presents our new condition (verse 22)

a. Now we are reconciled.

b. Now we are presented to the father

c. Now we are holy and blameless

4. Paul tells us how we can know it is true of us (verse 23)

a. If you are at peace with God, you will continue in the faith.

b. If you are at peace with God, you will be firmly established and steadfast

c. If you are at peace with God, you will not move away from the hope of the gospel

Colossians 1:19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Content

1. Paul summarizes our position of peace with God. (verse 20)

20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

a. Father’s good intention. (19)

i. Both the initiative and action comes from God

b. Reconcile all things to himself

i. More that one word is translated “reconcile”

i.Similar but slightly different meanings.

1. Establish a relationship where none existed. (2Cor 5:18)

2. Restore a relationship that has been destroyed. (Col 1:20)

3. Both accurately describe our salvation.

a. Mankind deliberately rebelled against God in the garden.

b. We are born with a corrupt, sinful nature.

ii. All Things - Paul is emphasizing the supremacy of Christ. Maybe you noticed...

1. By Christ ALL THINGS were created (16)

2. Christ is before ALL THINGS (17)

3. Christ holds ALL THINGS together (17)

4. Christ has first place in ALL THINGS (18)

5. Christ reconciles (ALL THINGS)

c. Peace through the blood

i. Peace is the end of hostilities.

ii. The unsaved are at war with God (Rom 8:7)

1. Even sincere, religious and moral people)

d. “Things on heaven and earth”

i. Note that “Under the earth” is missing (Phil 2’10)

e. Reconciliation is picked up again in 22

i. Jesus come in the flesh and shedding is blood is required for our salvation

1. Must confess that he came in the flesh (1Jn 4:2)

2. Incarnation alone did not accomplish salvation.

3. Good example did not accomplish our salvation.

f. Finally - note the direction of this reconciliation

i. Man is reconciled to God.

ii. God is not reconciled to Man

2. Paul outlines our former condition (verse 21)

1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

a. Formerly alienated

i. Estranged from God

1. Serving another master

2. Pursuing other relationships

3. Failing to peruse this relationship

ii. Example

Ezekiel 14:5 in order to lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel who are estranged from Me through all their idols.”’

b. Formerly Hostile

i. Enemies, in contrast to being beloved.

ii. Scripture does not have a category for spiritual neutrality.

iii. People are either for God or against God

c. Formerly engaged in evil deeds.

i. Does not mean that you are the worst you could be.

1. Evil deeds are anything done outside of Christ

2. Nothing about the unsaved is pleasing to God.

ii. Sin begins in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28) and manifests itself in action (Gal 5:19)

3. Paul presents our new condition (verse 22)

1:22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach

a. Now we are reconciled.

i. Romans 5:6 - We couldn’t do it.

Romans 5:6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

ii. Romans 5:8,10 - While estranged, Christ dies for us.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

b. Now we are presented to the father

i. Cause to stand near.

ii. Through Christ, we are drawn near.

1. Don’t barge in

2. Christ brings us - “Come, here is my Father”

c. Now we are holy and blameless without reproach

i. God does not make peach with us so that we may remain as rebels!

1. Rather - He wants us to share new life with Him!

ii. Holy: Set Apart

1. Related to the word “Saint”

2. In the NT, Saints are not just dead people!

iii. Blameless: Unblemished

1. Like the Temple Sacrifices.

2. Ephesians 5:27

Ephesians 5:27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

iv. W/O Reproach: Free from accusation

1. We have an accuser (Revelation 12:10)

2. We have an advocate (1John 2:1)

3. Key to evaluating our life:

a. Not how we look to ourselves

b. Not how we look to others

c. But how we look to God

Parallelism:

Formerly	Now
Alienated (21)	Reconciled (22)
Hostile (21)	Presented to Father (22)
Engaged in evil (21)	Holy and Blameless (22)

4. Paul tells us how we can know it is true of us (verse 23)

1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

a. If you are at peace with God, you will continue in the faith.

i. Stay on course. (To endure and persevere)

ii. Abiding faith is saving faith.

b. If you are at peace with God, you will be firmly established and steadfast

i. Architectural language

1. Firmly Established

a. A term related to a building foundation.

b. It refers to a house that is firmly set on something solid.

2. Steadfast

a. “Earthquake stricken” (Some translations say “not moved”

3. Firm foundation that is earthquake proof.

c. If you are at peace with God, you will not move away from the hope of the gospel

i. Hope is not a wish, but a confident expectation

ii. Our hope does not transfer from Christ to ourselves.

iii. “All creation under heaven” All nations

Acts 2:5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.

5. Conclusion

a. Before we were saved, we were, in every sense of the word, God’s enemies. We were hostile, enemy combatants.

b. God worked on our behalf, through Christ, so that our relationship with Him could be repaired.

i. He moved us from alienation to reconciliation.

ii. He moved us from hostility to being in his presence

iii. He moved us from evil deeds to holiness.

c. The evidence that this is true of us relates to how we now live.

i. Our faith continues and our belief in the work of Christ remains sure and strong.

ii. Our life is firm and steadfast, even if metaphorical earthquakes surround us, we don’t crumble under them.

iii. Our hope in the Gospel remains as sure as ever.

Quest Colossians Study: 1:15-20

2008-10-01T08:34:00.000-04:00

Who is Jesus? Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus...

I. Is the image of the invisible God

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

A. Image is a prototype, not a facsimile or resemblance. (Not a picture)

A.Like taking an object and casting a duplicate out of it.

1. Phil 2:7 - Resemblance (different word)

2. 2Cor 4:4 - Same as in Colossians - image

B. Seeing Jesus is seeing the invisible God

C. Not tied to the incarnation, or just one stage of existence. Incarnation did not make him the image.

D. Point is that when you see Jesus, you are, in every possible sense, seeing God

II. Is the firstborn of all creation

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

A. Very tricky passage - Jesus is created?

B. Firstborn has two meanings. (Context)

1. First in order (Luke 2:7)

2. First in rank (Exodus 4:22)

C. Firstborn is Scripture is often used to designate the heir, no matter the birth order.

1. Solomon (Not the firstborn in order)

2. Jacob and Esau

3. Used in Romans 8:29 -

a) God desired Jesus to have an inheritance - the church - and he would be preeminent among it.

b) Jesus is not the ranking member of basically peers

c) Jesus has an inheritance from the Father - and it is us.

III. Is the creator of all things

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

A. Created by Him

1. Means He is uncreated

2. Basis for his miracles

B. Creator and ruler of spirit world as well as physical world.

1. Reference to various categories of angels.

2. Note the worship of angels later in Colossians

C. Creator of the physical world - important counter to the Gnostics.

1. Matter is evil (including the human body)

2. Jesus did not have a body

3. Implications - this led to:

a) Asceticism - enslave the body because it is evil

b) Unbridled sin - enjoy the body because it does not matter.

4. Paul’s counted the “Matter is Evil” idea with the fact that Jesus created it.

D. Jesus is totally responsible for creation (by, through and for him)

1. By (Primary cause - it was His plan)

2. Through (Instrumental cause - it was His power)

3. For (Final cause - it was His purpose)

IV. Is before all things

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

A. This is a reference to time.

B. Before the universe began, Christ existed.

V. Is holding all things together

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

A. Everything exists is because Christ wills it.

B. Jesus is the System behind all systems.

C. Universe is not self sufficient

D. Jesus is the unifying principle and the personal sustainer.

VI. Is the head of the body, the church

Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

A. Cross references for the image of “body” in relation to the church: (Rom 12, 1Cor 12, Eph. 4)

B. Head: (Two meanings and Jesus is both)

1. Source (Head of a river)

2. Ruler (Head over an organization)

C. Christ

1. Supplies life to the church through the Spirit

2. Provides gifts to the church for it’s service.

D. Church does not exist to:

1. Meet the needs of it’s members

2. Sustain itself as an institution

3. But to Fulfill the redemptive purposes of Christ.

E. Church is - (All the redeemed of God)

E.Christ as head implies:

1. The church is the means though which Christ works

2. The union between Christ and us is real.

VII. Is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead

Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

A. Interesting to use the word BORN with DEAD

1. The tomb is a womb for spiritual life!

2. Christ’s resurrection is the source of new life for us.

a) He was not the first to come back to life.

b) He was the first to rise and never die again

c) New life for us is tied to our union with Christ and his defeat of death.

VIII. Is going to have first place in everything.

Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

A. Preeminence in both the old creation and the new creation

B. There is nothing over which Christ will not rule supremely

IX. Is the fullness of deity

Colossians 1:19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

A. God fills heaven and earth - and Jesus is the fullness of God!

B. All that is God dwells, or resides, in Christ.

X. Is the one who reconciles all things to the Father

Colossians 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

A. Reconciliation is our entire topic next week.

B. Notice - the phrase all things is in Christ.

Conclusion

Paul will have much more to say about Christ, but right here at the beginning he gives these 10 important truths that help us understand clearly who Jesus - lest there be any confusion.

Quest Colossians Study: 1:1-14

2008-10-01T08:29:00.000-04:00

Introduction and Greeting

This morning, our passage in Colossians screams out with the question: Are you walking worthy of what Christ did on your behalf? Paul is going to tell you that Christ took you out of the domain of darkness, he brought you into his own kingdom, he redeemed you and forgave your sin. How have you responded? Are you living a life worthy of that calling?

If you have ever received something special, you can perhaps relate to what Paul is expressing.

When a man receives a promotion at work, it often motivates him, at least temporarily, to higher levels of effectiveness. He wants to be proven worthy of what he has received he does not want his supervisor to regret the decision later on.

When a child receives a special gift, maybe a new bike, it often motivates him to new levels of commitment in caring for the object properly.

Paul indicates that the same is true spiritually. Christ has done some things for us, and Paul wants us to live lives that are worthy of what Christ has done. This is not in the sense that we earn anything from Christ. We can’t work to achieve the favor of God. Rather, what Paul has in mind is us responding to what Christ has done - responding in love and obedience

This is the heart of the lesson today. But also, be thinking about something else. The passage we are looking at is a prayer from Paul on behalf of those people.

What about the other people in your life? What is your concern for them? What do you pray for concerning them? Are you concerned about their walk with Christ and whether they are walking worthy of their calling? So many times we pray for health and relief from problems and that is fine. But today, Paul gives us an example of a prayer that is much more significant and meaningful.

These are the issues Paul discusses in today's section.

• We will see him express deep gratitude and concern for these believers whom he has never even met.

• We will see him prays for them - focusing on his concern that they walk worthy of Christ.

Paul’s Greeting

1:1-8

• Paul expresses kind words of greeting: Grace and Peace

• Paul expresses his thankfulness regarding the Colossians.

• (vs 4) Thankful for their faith in Christ

• (vs 4) Thankful for their love for the saints

Notice who gets the credit - He does not thank them here, he thanks God.

• (vs 5-6) Thankful for the ministry and spread of the Gospel

• (vs 7) Thankful for a faithful co-laborer

• (vs 8) Thankful for receiving news

How are you doing with being grateful?

Is your gratitude being expressed? Not much use if you are grateful but keep it to yourself.

Paul’s Prayer For The Colossians

1:9-14

Summary

1:9-10 Paul prayed that they would be filled with knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they will walk worth of Christ.

1:11-12 Paul prayed that they would be strengthened will all power according to God’s might.

1:13-14 Paul based his prayer on the work that Christ had done in their lives.

Section One

I. 1:9-10 Prayer that they would be filled with knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

A. Definitions:

1. “Knowledge” (vs9) refers to clear and exact knowledge. It refers to a thorough participation by the subject in the object of knowledge.

a) Ever started something that you thought you knew about - and it wasn’t until you got into it that you really understood what was involved.

b) Moving from an observer to a participant changes your knowledge of that activity.

c) ILLUSTRATION: Marriage / Parenting

d) Verb form could be recognize.

Key Truth: When thinking about God’s will, the word “recognize” is perhaps better than “discover”. God’s will is being done in this world.

Discover makes it seem like god’s will is hidden.

2. “Wisdom” (vs9) refers to a specific type of knowledge.

a) It refers to how we should regulate our life in accordance with God‘s standards.

b) Spiritual wisdom is conforming or regulating your life to that which is good.

3. "Understanding" refers to the ability to accurately evaluate people, things or circumstances.

a) Spiritual understanding is the ability to discern and distinguish between the things of God and the things of man.

b) It is knowing God so well that you recognize Him and the things that come from Him.

What do these three things all have in common? (knowledge, wisdom and understanding?)

They involve the mind.

B. Paul makes it clear that our mind - what we know - is an important part of our faith!

1. These words - knowledge, wisdom and understanding certainly involve how we live and what we do, but there is no denying that our mind is critically important.

Paul bringing this up here sets the stage for later on as he deals with some doctrinal errors that have crept in to this church.

2. Paul indicates that the will of God, the way we live and the condition of our mind are all linked.

Not the only place where Paul connects these three ideas:

3. Look At Romans 12:1-2

a) Life transformation (the way we live)

b) Comes by renewing our mind (by knowing the truth)

c) Which results in proving the will of God.

(Faith)

Mind

Life

(conformed to Christ)

Will of God

C. Paul’s goal in praying this is that they may walk worthy of the Lord.

Three specifics to “walking worthy” that Paul mentions are:

1. We walk worthy of the Lord when we pleasing Him in all respects. Obedience. (vs10)

a) This is true of you when the things you do reflect obedience to what Christ commands.

b) Obedience to the commands of God should be a priority for the man of God!

2. We walk worthy of the Lord when we bear fruit in every good work (vs10)

a) The result of your actions is evident as fruit.

b) Scripture uses the word “fruit” to refer to result or outcome.

(1) When my son lies to me, the fruit is a pain in his rear end. He makes a connection - lies are bad.

(2) The concept of fruit is helpful for us to consider because we can’t clearly know each other’s motives and we sometimes can’t even figure ourselves out.

(a) Why did I do that?

(3) Looking at the fruit in a life provides a concrete way to evaluate.

Our actions, and even our inaction, has consequences. People don’t always think about the fruit of their actions until it is too late.

(4) Illustration: Housing Market. Interview: Man thought he was enjoying a pretty nice ride! When looking for a house, he wasn’t content to look at his families needs and purchase a home that met those needs. Rather, he took the approach that he would get much more than he needed. He would get the biggest house he could make the payment on. Obviously getting an adjustable rate mortgage would maximize that even more. He assumed he would have a few years of raises under his belt before the note adjusted and all would be well. For this man, and many like him, the fruit of those kinds of decisions have turned out pretty bad.

(4)

(4)Paul in Colossians is referring to Spiritual fruit and the principle is the same - we should think through the fruit of our actions and decisions in advance, as much as we can.

(5) How I train my children is going to bear fruit someday - good or bad.

(6) The way I treat my wife will bear fruit.

(7) The things that I neglect will impact my fruitfulness as well. When I am too scared to mention Christ or the Gospel to someone - that is a lost fruit potential.

Matthew 3:8: Our fruit should be in keeping with repentance.

Matthew 3:10 / Luke 3:9: Judgment comes to those who bear bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17 / Luke 6:43: The type of fruit determines the type of tree – good or bad

Matthew 21:42: The kingdom belongs to those who bear fruit of the kingdom.

John 4:36: As we reap, we gather fruit for eternal life

John 15:2: Fruit bearing will bring pruning so that there may be even more fruit.

John 15:4: We bear fruit as we abide in Christ.

John 15:8: Bearing fruit glorifies God and proves discipleship.

John 15:16: Jesus chose us so that we would bear fruit.

Philippians 1:11: Fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:11: Discipline seems not to be joyful, but yields the fruit of righteousness.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

3. Third specific way that we walking worthy of the Lord is Increasing in the knowledge of God (vs10)

a) You are continuing to know and learn more.

Section Two

II. 1:11-12 Prayer that they will be strengthened with all power according to God’s might.

Colossians 1:11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

A. Power:

1. We can’t do what we need to do spiritually. We desperately need God’s strength.

2. Paul is praying that God in His glorious might will make them capable of steadfastness, patience and joyous thanks.

B. Why do we need God’s Power?

Ephesians 6:10-13 We need the power of God because our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but is against Satan and the power of wickedness.

C. What does God’s power do? Three things!

1. God’s strength helps us remain steadfast.(Circumstances)

a) The power to cope.

b) The power to be content.

2. God’s strength provides our Patience (People)

3. God’s strength helps us to joyously giving thanks

a) Because you share in the inheritance.

a)Links back to the conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land, which Jews thought to be exclusively theirs.

b) Because you are saints

c) Because you are in the kingdom of light.

Section Three

In verses 13-14, Paul gives us the basis for his prayer.

III. 1:13-14 What is the basis for Paul’s prayer? Why is it possible for us to be filled and be strengthened?

Colossians 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

A. God rescued us from the domain of darkness

1. Rescued:

a) rhuomai; (to drag); to draw to oneself, i.e. deliver:

2. We are no longer in the control of Satan!

3. We are not perfect, but remember - God’s commands for obedience are real commands with real expectations.

4. vs 12: We have the inheritance of the saints in light!

B. God transferred us to the kingdom of His Son

C. Christ gave us redemption – the forgiveness of sin.

1. Redemption = purchase

IV. Conclusion and Application

A. Walking Worthy yourself: Personal Evaluation

1. How are you doing in regards to please God in all respects and bearing good fruit as a result of your good deeds?

a) Is your fruit harvest bountiful?

b) Is the fruit healthy and good or is it sickly?

2. How are you doing with increasing your knowledge of God and his Word?

2.Common for people to be sophisticated, yet theologically gullible and ignorant.

a) All believers must move beyond rudimentary fundamentals. Hebrews 5:12, 14.

b) Knowledge must result in more than knowing good from evil, but in actually doing good. Luke 6:46

3. Are you relying on God’s power? If you aren’t sure, look at the characteristics?

a) Are you steadfast?

(1) The power to cope.

(2) The power to be content.

b) Are you patient

c) Are you joyously thankful?

Quest Colossians Study: Introduction

2008-10-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

Colossians: Outline

I. Introduction

1. Overview (week 1)

2. Greeting and Prayer 1:1-14 (week 2)

II. Instruction

A. 1:15-23 Diety of Christ

1. Supremacy of Christ 1:15-19 (week 3)

2. Reconciliation to God through Christ 1:19-23 (week 4)

B. 1:24-27 Paul’s struggle for Christ

1. Paul’s message to the church of Christ 1:24-29 (week 5)

2. Paul’s concern and exhortation for the church of Christ 2:1-7 (week 6)

C. 2:8-23 The Truth of Christ

1. Man’s philosophy is contrary to Christ 2:8-15 (week 7)

2. Legalism is contrary to Christ 2:16-17 (week 8)

3. Angel worship / Asceticism are contrary to Christ 2:18-23 (week 9)

III. Exhortations

A. 3:1-4 Life Principle of those in Christ (week 10)

B. 3:5-17 Conduct of those in Christ

1. We put off sin when we are dead to self 3:5-11 (week 11)

2. We put on virtue when we are alive in Christ 3:12-17 (week 12)

C. 3:18-4:1 Relationships of those in Christ (week 13)

D. 4:2-6 Speech of those in Christ (week 14)

E. 4:7-18 Friendship between those in Christ. (week 15)

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 19

2008-09-30T17:11:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

As soon as ever I can, I will make my children apprehensive of the main end for which they are to live; that so they may as soon as may be, begin to live; and their youth not be nothing but vanity. I will show them, that their main end must be, to, acknowledge the great God, and His glorious Christ; and bring others to acknowledge Him: and that they are never wise nor well, but when they are doing so. I will make them able to answer the grand question of why they live; and what is the end of the actions that fill their lives? I will teach them that their Creator and Redeemer is to be obeyed in everything, and everything is to be done in obedience to Him. I will teach them how even their diversions, and their ornaments, and the tasks of their education, must all be to fit them for the further service of Him to whom I have devoted them; and how in these also, His commandments must be the rule of all they do. I will sometimes therefore surprise them with an inquiry, "Child, what is this for? Give me a good account of why you do it?" How comfortably shall I see them walking in the light, if I may bring them wisely to answer this inquiry.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 18

2008-09-29T17:07:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

Among all the points of education which I will endeavor for my children, I hope to see that each of them—the daughters as well as the sons—may gain insight into some skill that lies in the way of gain (however their own inclination may most carry them), so that they may be able to subsist themselves, and get something of a livelihood, in case the Providence of God should bring them into necessities. Why not they as well as Paul the Tent-Maker! The children of the best fashion, may have occasion to bless the parents that make such a provision for them! The Jews have a saying worth remembering: "Whoever doesn't teach his son some trade or business, teaches him to be a thief."

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 17

2008-09-28T17:04:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

When the children are in any trouble—if they be sick, or pained—I will take advantage therefrom, to set before them the evil of sin, which brings all our trouble; and how fearful a thing it will be to be cast among the damned, who are in ceaseless and endless trouble. I will set before them the benefit of an interest in a CHRIST, by which their trouble will be sanctified unto them, and they will be prepared for death, and for fullness of joy in a happy eternity after death.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 16

2008-09-27T17:02:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

When a Day of Humiliation arrives, I will make them know the meaning of the day. And after time given them to consider of it, I will order them to tell me what special afflictions they have met with, and what good they hope to get by those afflictions. On a Day of Thanksgiving, they shall also be made to know the intent of the Day. And after consideration, they shall tell me what mercies of God unto them they take special notice of, and what duties to God they confess and resolve under such obligations. Indeed, for something of this importance, to be pursued in my conversation with the children, I will not confine myself unto the solemn days, which may occur too seldom for it. Very particularly, on the birthdays of the children, I will take them aside, and mind them of the age which (by God's grace) they are come unto; how thankful they should be for the mercies of God which they have hitherto lived upon; how fruitful they should be in all goodness, that so they may still enjoy their mercies. And I will inquire of them whether they have ever yet begun to mind the work which God sent them into the world upon; how far they understand the work; and what good strokes they have struck at it; and, how they design to spend the rest of their time, if God still continue them in the world.

By Cotton Mather

Taming The Tongue

2008-09-27T16:05:00.000-04:00

Sinclair Ferguson created this list of 20 resolutions from the book of James for how to control our tongue.

I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)
I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)
I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)
I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

LINK

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 15

2008-09-26T17:01:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

As in catechizing the children, so in the repetition of the public sermons, I will use this method. I will put every truth into a question to be answered with Yes or No. By this method I hope to awaken their attention as well as enlighten their understanding. And thus I shall have an opportunity to ask, "Do you desire such or such a grace of God?" and the like. Yea, I may have opportunity to demand, and perhaps to obtain their early and frequent (and why not sincere?) consent unto the glorious gospel. The Spirit of Grace may fall upon them in this action; and they may be seized by Him, and held as His temples, through eternal ages.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 14

2008-09-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will be very watchful and cautious about the companions of my children. I will be very inquisitive what company they keep; if they are in hazard of being ensnared by any vicious company, I will earnestly pull them out of it, as brands out of the burning. I will find out, and procure, laudable companions for them.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 13

2008-09-24T16:58:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

When the children are of a fit age for it, I will sometimes closet them; have them with me alone; talk with them about the state of their souls; their experiences, their proficiencies, their temptations; obtain their declared consent unto every jot nd tittle of the gospel; and then pray with them, and weep unto the Lord for His grace, to be bestowed upon them, and make them witnesses of the agony with which I am travailing to see the image of Christ formed in them. Certainly, they'll never forget such actions!

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 12

2008-09-23T16:57:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

As soon as we can, we'll get up to yet higher principles. I will often tell the children what cause they have to love a glorious Christ, who has died for them. And how much He will be well-pleased with their well-doing. And what a noble thing 'tis to follow His example; which example I will describe unto them. I will often tell them that the eye of God is upon them; the great God knows all they do and hears all they speak. I will often tell them that there will be a time when they must appear before the Judgment-Seat of the holy Lord; and they must now do nothing that may then be a grief and shame unto them. I will set before them the delights of that Heaven that is prepared for pious children; and the torments of that Hell that is prepared of old for naughty ones. I will inform them of the good things the good angels do for little ones that have the fear of God and are afraid of sin. And how the devils tempt them to do ill things; how they hearken to the devils, and are like them, when they do such things; and what mischiefs the devils may get leave to do them in this world, and what a sad thing 'twill be, to be among the devils in the Place of Dragons. I will cry to God, that He will make them feel the power of these principles.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 11

2008-09-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I wish that my children may as soon as may be, feel the principles of reason and honor working in them—and that I may carry on their education, very much upon those principles. Therefore, first, I will wholly avoid that harsh, fierce, crabbed usage of the children that would make them tremble and abhor to come into my presence. I will treat them so that they shall fear to offend me, and yet mightily love to see me, and be glad of my coming home if I have been abroad at any time. I will have it looked upon as a severe and awful punishment to be forbidden for awhile to come into my presence. I will raise in them an high opinion of their father's love to them, and of his being better able to judge what is good for them than they are for themselves. I will bring them to believe 'tis best for them to be and do as I will have them.

Hereupon I will continually magnify the matter to them, what a brave thing 'tis to know the things that are excellent; and more brave to do the things that are virtuous. I will have them to propose it as a reward of their well-doing at any time, I will now go to my father, and he will teach me something that I was never taught before. I will have them afraid of doing any base thing, from an horror of the baseness in it.

My first response to finding a lesser fault in them shall be a surprise, a wonder, vehemently expressed before them, that ever they should be guilty of doing so foolishly; a vehement belief that they will never do the like again; a weeping resolution in them, that they will not. I will never dispense a blow, except it be for an atrocious crime or for a lesser fault obstinately persisted in; either for an enormity, or for an obstinacy. I will always proportion the chastisements to the miscarriages; neither smiting bitterly for a very small piece of childishness nor frowning only a little for some real wickedness. Nor shall my chastisement ever be dispensed in a passion and a fury; but I will first show them the command of God, by transgressing whereof they have displeased me. The slavish, raving, fighting way of discipline is too commonly used. I look upon it as a considerable article in the wrath and curse of God upon a miserable world.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 10

2008-09-21T16:51:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will be solicitous to have my children expert, not only at reading handsomely, but also at writing a fair hand. I will then assign them such books to read as I may judge most agreeable and profitable; obliging them to give me some account of what they read; but keep a strict eye upon them, that they don't stumble on the Devil's library, and poison themselves with foolish romances, or novels, or plays, or songs, or jests that are not convenient. I will set them also, to write out such things as may be of the greatest benefit unto them; and they shall have their blank books, neatly kept on purpose, to enter such passages as I advise them to. I will particularly require them now and then to write a prayer of their own composing, and bring it unto me; that so I may discern what sense they have of their own everlasting interests.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 9

2008-09-20T16:50:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will do what I can very early to beget a temper of kindness in my children, both toward one another and toward all other people. I will instruct them how ready they should be to share with others a part of what they have; and they shall see my encouragements when they discover a loving, a courteous, an helpful disposition. I will give them now and then a piece of money, so that with their own little hands they may dispense unto the poor. Yea, if any one has hurt them, or vexed them, I will not only forbid them all revenge, but also oblige them to do a kindness as soon as may be to the vexatious person. All coarseness of language or carriage in them, I will discountenance.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 8

2008-09-19T16:48:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

Restless will I be till I may be able to say of my children, "Behold, they pray!" I will therefore teach them to pray. But after they have learnt a form of prayer, I will press them to proceed unto points that are not in their form. I will charge them with all possible cogency to pray in secret; and often call upon them, "Child, I hope, you don't forget my charge to you, about secret prayer: your crime is very great if you do!"

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 7

2008-09-18T16:47:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will cause my children to learn the Catechism. In catechizing them, I will break the answers into many lesser and proper questions; and by their answer to them, observe and quicken their understandings. I will bring every truth into some duty and practice, and expect them to confess it, and consent unto it, and resolve upon it. As we go on in our catechizing, they shall, when they are able, turn to the proofs and read them, and say to me what they prove and how. Then, I will take my times, to put nicer and harder questions to them; and improve the times of conversation with my family (which every man ordinarily has or may have) for conferences on matters of religion.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 6

2008-09-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

Jewish treatise tells us that among the Jews, when a child began to speak, the father was bound to teach him Deuteronomy 33:4—"Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob." Oh! let me early make my children acquainted with the Law which our blessed Jesus has commanded us! 'Tis the best inheritance I can give them.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 5

2008-09-16T16:42:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will single out some Scriptural sentences of the greatest importance; and some also that have special antidotes in them against the common errors and vices of children. They shall quickly get those golden sayings by heart, and be rewarded with silver or gold, or some good thing, when they do it. Such as,
Psalm 11:10—"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Matthew 16:26—"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
1 Timothy 1:15—"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
Matthew 6:6—"When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret."
Ephesians 4:25—"Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour."
Romans 12:17, 19—"Recompense to no man evil for evil . . .. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves."

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A father, Number 4

2008-09-15T16:41:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

I will early entertain the children with delightful stories out of the Bible. In the talk of the table, I will go through the Bible, when the olive-plants about my table are capable of being so watered. But I will always conclude the stories with some lessons of piety to be inferred from them.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 3

2008-09-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

Let me daily pray for my children with constancy, with fervency, with agony. Yea, by name let me mention each one of them every day before the Lord. I will importunately beg for all suitable blessings to be bestowed upon them: that God would give them grace, and give them glory, and withhold no good thing from them; that God would smile on their education, and give His good angels the charge over them, and keep them from evil, that it may not grieve them; that when their father and mother shall forsake them, the Lord may take them up. With importunity I will plead that promise on their behalf: "The Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit unto them that ask Him." Oh! happy children, if by asking I may obtain the Holy Spirit for them!

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 2

2008-09-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

As soon as my children are capable of minding my admonitions, I will often, often admonish them, saying, "Child, God has sent His son to die, to save sinners from death and hell. You must not sin against Him. You must every day cry to God that He would be your Father, and your Saviour, and your Leader. You must renounce the service of Satan, you must not follow the vanities of this world, you must lead a life of serious religion.

By Cotton Mather

Resolutions Of A Father, Number 1

2008-09-12T16:31:00.000-04:00

Resolved:

At the birth of my children, I will resolve to do all I can that they may be the Lord's. I will now actually give them up by faith to God; entreating that each child may be a child of God the Father, a subject of God the Son, a temple of God the Spirit—and be rescued from the condition of a child of wrath, and be possessed and employed by the Lord as an everlasting instrument of His glory.

By Cotton Mather

Sticking To It

2008-08-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

Archimedes, the great mathematician of Syracuse, often became oblivious to the passing scene around him in his enthusiasm to master his subject. When his native city was invaded by a foreign foe, and the inhabitants were driven therefrom at the point of the bayonet, he was in his study endeavoring to solve a geometrical problem. The enemy broke into his study and demanded his surrender, at which point he raised his eyes from his work, and politely requested them to wait until he had completed his problem.

Now, this illustration goes a bit too far. Leaving his geometry and picking up his sword might have been the better course of action. However, I suspect that few today have that type of focus and determination to accomplish our tasks and Archimedes serves as a good example to us.

Children: Apply Yourself

2008-08-27T08:05:00.000-04:00

Well, it is back to school time which makes it a great time to remind our children about the importance of applying oneself to the duties of life. Here are some thoughts by Daniel Webster on the idea of application.

“Application means more than attention. Attention refers to the engagement of our powers in various degrees, and my be either divided or concentrated. Application cannot be divided or partial. It is the constant exercise of power to attain excellence in what is being pursued.

Mark the men in every community who are notorious for ability and equally notorious for never getting ahead, and you will usually find them to be those who never stick to any one business long, but are always forsaking their occupation just when it begins to be profitable. Young man, stick to your business. If you are a loafer, forsake that line of life as soon as possible, for the longer you stick to it, the longer it will stick to you.”

If you have a child with more potential than he is achieving, work to help him apply himself diligently.

Top 5 Wrong Reasons To Marry

2008-08-25T16:24:00.000-04:00

(List adapted from Voddie Baucham)

5. Lust--"I know he ain't what he ought to be, but he's just fine."
4. Desperation. "I'm not getting any younger here."
3. Time Invested - "I've spent 18 months on this relationship. I can't let that go to waste."
2. Materialism - "He'll provide a good life for me."
1. Mysticism - "I have a peace about it."

Wisdom For Life

2008-08-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

"Good character is above all things else. Never be idle. If your hands cannot be usefully employed, attend to the cultivation of your mind. Your character cannot be essentially injured except by your own acts. Make no haste to be rich if you would prosper. Never play at any kind of game of chance. Earn money before you spend it. Live within your income. If anyone speaks evil of you, let your life be such that none will believe him."

Stephen Allen
(Found in his pocket upon his death aboard the steamer "Henry Clay" which burned in the Hudson River.)

Obedience To Parents (from 1887)

2008-08-23T08:18:00.000-04:00

Obedience To Parents:
by J.H. Wilson (1887)

AN URGENT COMMAND - Do your duty to your father and mother.

Honour your parents.
Obey your parents.

Our obedience should be without questioning.
Our obedience should be prompt.

Love your parents.
Be kind to your parents.
Value your parents.

A PRECIOUS PROMISE — “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest. live long on the earth.”

God says, Obedience will be pleasing to Him. It is implied in the promise, that God will approve it.
God says, It will be a blessing to yourself. “It shall be well with thee: thou shalt live long,” etc.

For the expanded outline, visit HERE.

Choosing Books

2008-08-22T08:36:00.000-04:00

Insight from J.C. Ryle on evaluating books:

"Value all books in proportion as they are agreeable to Scripture. Those that are nearest to it are the best, and those that are farthest from it, and most contrary to it, the worst."

How A Husband Is To Lead

2008-08-21T16:28:00.000-04:00

From a sermon by Voddie Baucham

The Husband...

1. Must lead in love. Baucham defines "love" as "an act of the will (choice) accompanied by emotion (not lead or determined by) that leads to action on behalf of the object."

2. Must lead in the word. "Sanctify her by the water of the word." "Until you find a man who can disciple and lead you biblically, you haven't found a man you can marry."

3. Must lead in righteousness. "... making her holy and blameless...." "If you have a found a man constantly pressuring you to do thing that are unrighteous, you have not found a man ready to be your husband." A husband should pull you up to his level of righteousness.

4. Must lead in selflessness. "...nourishes and cherishes...." The husband should be the first one in the family to go without, sacrifice, or lay it down for the family. "If he's not, then he's shortsighted. He doesn't realize what you're building for the future."

5. Must lead in intimacy. Don't confuse sex with intimacy. Prioritize the marriage over the children. He makes two excellent observations regarding prioritizing the marriage over the children. (a) Prioritizing the marriage helps protect the marriage from divorce by ensuring there's a relationship there when the children leave. And (b) the security of our children depends upon the strength of the marriage. So, as we strengthen our marriages and prioritize them, our children know the stability and security necessary for spiritual growth.

Choosing Friends

2008-08-20T08:39:00.000-04:00

J.C. Ryle on choosing friends:

Choose...
friends who will benefit your soul,
friends whom you really respect,
friends whom you would like to have near you on your deathbed,
friends who love the Bible and are not afraid to speak to you about it,
friends that you would not be ashamed of having at the coming of Christ and the day of judgement.

Modesty and the Olympics

2008-08-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

Sports is not the most modest element of our society. Between the cheerleaders, and the tight-fitting or skimpy athletic uniforms, sports has become an area where Christians should show some discretion as both participants and spectators.

Here is an interesting article on this topic that you might want to read.

Jesus Loves Me

2008-08-08T09:47:00.000-04:00

A student once asked Karl Barth to tell what was the greatest thought to ever pass through his mind. After thinking for what seemed a long time, Barth said "The deepest truth to ever enter my mind is this: Jesus loves me, this - know. For the Bible tells me so."

Children and the Whole Truth

2008-08-06T20:17:00.001-04:00

Children sometimes struggle with telling the truth, yet must be trained diligently to do so. Often they tell a partial truth, or just the part that puts them in a favorable light. But children must learn to well the whole truth - to tell everything that the person asking is entitled to know. J.I. Packer puts it this way..."When half the truth becomes the whole truth, the result is no truth." Our children have not been honest untill they have told us everything we are entitled, as their lawfulauthority, to know.

Living Like You’re Leaving

2008-08-06T08:55:00.000-04:00

“It ought to be the business of every person to prepare for our last day.”

Matthew Henry

Great Faith

2008-08-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

"Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the
outcomes of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great
trials."

Smith Wigglesworth

Biblical Reproof

2008-08-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

Forgiving the sin of another, or removing the log in our own eye before dealing with the speck in another‘s eye, does not mean that we ignore the sin of others. Careful and loving rebuke is important and helpful for all parties involved. Dave Harvy, writing in When Sinners Say I Do offers the following guidelines for giving rebuke.

Have I prayed for God’s wisdom and acknowledged my need for his help in serving the other person?
Are my observations based upon patterns of behavior or merely a single incident?
Am I content to address one area of concern, even if I’m aware of several others?
Am I committed to going no further than is absolutely necessary?
Am I prepared to humbly offer an observation rather than an assumption of conclusion?
Is my goal to promote God’s truth or my preference?