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  • Eugene Adkins 6:33 am on June 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , , , Matthew 18:6, Millstone, , , Scandal,   

    One of America’s Greatest Scandals 

    It’s a problem that faces all of mankind’s cultures, but in America it seems like an epidemic in particular areas of our culture. I would even dare say it’s one of America’s greatest scandals. What is it? It’s the huge stumbling block of the abandonment of children by their fathers!

    The Bible says in Matthew 18:1-7, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!“

    In verse six the Bible uses a very interesting Greek word, and I almost believe we would be better off if it was transliterated instead of translated. It’s translated as “sin” in the above NKJV, as “offend” in the KJV, as “a cause of trouble” in the BBE and as “to stumble” in the ASV, but if we were to transliterate this interesting Greek word it would be done with the word, “skandalizo.” Can you hear our English word scandal in that?

    In a culture in which there are some who pride themselves in not “needing” a father to raise a child, or having multiple children with multiple women on welfare, or even a “I’ll write a check, but then I’ll write them off” mentality, it’s our children who are bearing the brunt of foolish behavior and thinking. Yes, one of America’s greatest scandals isn’t what’s being done in the single White House – it’s what being done in the millions and millions of American homes every year!

    I also know that every dad isn’t religious, but I do know that every dad has a responsibility regardless of their interest in that responsibility. America has some great dads, and thank God for them, but America has more scandals than what the headlines could cover if they would, for it seems as if in the face of all these “modern families” walking around that we’ve become oblivious to the millstones hanging around our necks.

    And by the way, try looking up the original meaning of scandal…you might be surprised what the word originally meant.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:41 am on May 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , Parenting Difficulties, Plan B Pill,   

    They’re Only 15 Mr. President 

    The President of the United States of America has come out with his “very comfortable” approval of making the Plan B Contraceptive (“The Morning After Pill”) readily available as an over the counter option for 15 year-old-children without the consent or knowledge of their parents.

    So Tylenol is too dangerous to take at school without letting someone else know about it but a pill that “prevents” a pregnancy is okay to keep on the down low?

    My heart hurts for the lack of guidance, common sense and encouragement to grow up instead of growing old that the last few generations of young people have received from their elected governmental leaders, tax funded school administrators and doctors who have taken the hypocritic oath.

    Parents have always had a difficult job of raising children, but in a time when so many influences openly work to undermine their parental authority (if they even try to use any) it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach adolescent hearts and minds on multiple levels.

    Efforts addressing the over active promiscuity of America’s minors like the present one presented are a woeful approach to the problem that’s much akin to putting a band aid on a person who’s suffering from gangrene (or gonorrhea in this matter). Fifteen-year-old children should not, do not have the right, or at least they didn’t a few days ago, to do with their bodies as they sexually please.

    When politicians begin to pander to the sexual reproduction rights of children and to the organizations of so-called “women” who have been demanding it, it only sadly reveals the spiritual heart troubles that our nation is dealing with due to our rotten diet of sowing and reaping to the flesh.

    “Cursed are those who give the name of good to evil, and of evil to what is good: who make light dark, and dark light: who make bitter sweet, and sweet bitter!“ (Isaiah 5:20 – NKJV)

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:54 am on April 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , children, , contentment, , , , haughty, , , , , , weaned child   

    Psalm 131 What It Means To “Grow Up” 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This Psalm is attributed to David, but also could have been written about David, for it seems to express his child-like humility before God.

    Verse 1 defines humility;

    Verse 2 describes contentment;

    Verse 3 distributes this among his countrymen.

    Verse 1: “LORD, my heart is not haughty.” Humility is not downgrading oneself, but accepting oneself in view of God. “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility” (Proverbs 18:12). “By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

    “Nor my eyes lofty.” The way up is down, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Paul taught Christians “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:2). Moses was humble (Numbers 12:3), but God can: “Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted” (Ezekiel 21:26). Every person is a “creature” needing the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16).

    “Neither do I concern myself with great matters…Nor with things too profound for me.” “Great matters” are out of my control, and “profound” things are above my head. In other words, everything in this world doesn’t need everybody’s opinion! Facebook or Tweet that! This is not a “head-in-the-sand” approach to life, but a realization that all matters may not be our personal concern. Probably this verse is in the Law of Jesus Christ in Romans 12:16: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

    Verse 2: “A weaned child” has made the transition from suckling to satisfied.  Comfort in the mother’s breast is no longer also the child’s sustaining food. “A weaned child” has learned that life is no longer dependent upon mother alone. The process of maturing has progressed. To be a Christian, one must be “converted and become as little children, [or else] you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Then spiritual progress in the faith is expressed by Peter: “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:1-3). Many who do not become Christians have refused the humility of repentance and baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Many of those who have become Christians have refused to be “weaned” from the “milk” of the Word of God. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Spiritual growth is stunted without study.

    Verse 3: “O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever.” This is a challenge for David’s brethren to move forward in their faith. The church of Christ is thus challenged: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:3-5).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:29 am on April 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , children, , , fears the LORD, , , ,   

    Psalm 128 What’s In It For Me? 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-4 show wonderful blessings of a family that fears God;

    Verses 5-6 show their hope for the future.

    Verses 1-4: (Verse 1) The rule is “everyone who fears the LORD” is “blessed” (happy, contented), regardless of skin, salary, or social status. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin” (Romans 4:7-8). “The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot” (Proverbs 10:7).  “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him” (Ecclesiastes 8:12). Everyone who “fears God” walks in His ways. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). (Verse 2) Honest work is rewarding, supporting, and satisfying. “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep” (Ecclesiastes 5:12). “He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer” (Proverbs 18:9). Those who live on government give-aways never know the true wealth of health that comes to those who earn their rewards. It is repeated of those who “will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). (Verse 3) “A fruitful vine” is one that produces something good, and is a good description of a good wife. She is considered the “very heart of your house.” It is in husbands best interest to “to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28).  “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4). “Olive plants” produce very useful oil, capable of many applications, so  children add many moments of pleasure and happiness. A man whose wife and children sit around his table cannot be more satisfied. (Verse 4) A home that “fears God” cannot be improved upon for sheer joy.

    Verses 5-6: (Verse 5) For Israelites under Moses, “Zion” was the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the center of their worship, and from which their blessings originated. When individuals “fear God” and “walk in His ways,” it benefits their city for all of their lives. Obeying God is always good for our country, city, community. (Verse 6) Those who serve God not only are blessed themselves, and their families, and their neighbors, but into the next generations, “children’s children.”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:26 am on April 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , children, , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 127 Living in a Safe House 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This one is attributed to Solomon.

    Verses 1-2 describe a Safe House is the Lord’s House;

    Verses 3-5 describe a family in a Safe House.

    Verses 1-2: (Verse 1) Since this is credited to Solomon who had built God’s House (the Temple in Jerusalem, 1 Kings 5:1-5), this naturally fits. Moses’ “house” was the family of Israelites under Moses’ Law: “And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:5-6). Today the “household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15) is the church of Christ, thus the application would be that it is useless to establish any other church, or claim to be a part of the church of Christ, unless one goes all the way by obeying all of what God demands (Acts 2:36-47). Jesus said: “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (Matthew 15:7-9). Since the “home” must be established upon the heterosexual love relationship in a marriage (Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:4-6), then all attempts to build a family (house) based upon homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality is “in vain.” The same applies to Solomon’s Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:7-9), and every other city that has no foundation of faith in God! There is no purpose in building a house without God, and the sleepless watchman of a city is useless “unless the LORD guards the city.” There is no security in a church, home, or city, without God’s blessing. (Verse 2) It is “vain” (useless) to get up for work early, sit up late, suffering for food, when God is blessing. Diligence is good, as Solomon said: “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4).    Solomon also said: “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). Jesus, the wisest Man of all, said: “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

    Verses 3-5: (Verse 3) There is no greater tribute to the blessing of a child than these verses. First, children are a “heritage” (inheritance) from God. There is no godly way to decide to have an abortion. The miniscule percentage of women whose lives would be in jeopardy should they birth the baby inside them in no way justifies the bloodthirsty, murderous, savage, brutal, sacrificing of human lives called “abortion.” (Verse 4) Second, children of our youthful years become a parent’s strength to endure, like arrows arming a warrior. Parents are people God is preparing to “take on” the struggle of life. (Verse 5) Third, the man should be “happy” because of his responsibility of fatherhood.  His children, unashamed by his duties common to man have his guidance that helps them to be able to take leadership in civic matters, as well. Good parenting affects the future, also.

    Thought:  Males who won’t commit to the responsibility of producing a child with their own marriage spouse, should never be given the opportunity by any female. Females who encourage or accept males as sires and not permanently married mates, are reducing child-bearing to an animal level. Having children without marriage is ugly, degrading, deceptive, and destructive, and should never be judged lightly.

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on March 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , , responibility   

    Those Who Outlived 

         The Scriptures reads, “So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:7, NKJV).

         Reflect upon this for a moment and consider a few points. First, the nation of Israel had a great leader in Joshua. He was a fortunate man who had a direct line of communication to the Lord; this was much different than that which any other had. With this fortunate avenue, however, came great responsibility. To him the Lord gave the responsibility of taking the nation into the promised land and executing the Lord’s will. To have failed the Lord would have been disastrous for him and the nation.

    Second, Joshua was not a man who could carry this burden all on his own. Whatever strength of character he had, he was still just a man. He needed others to help him and on whom which he could lean. The leadership of Joshua and men who were devoted to the Lord’s way brought much success to Israel. No matter what their failing might have been in the respective lives, because they were devoted to the Lord they had success.

    Third, the failings that did actually reside within the nation of Israel did eventually began to show its ugly head when Israel’s great leadership died (Judges 2:1-2).

    Why did this happen? I would like to suggest the following possibilities. First, the teaching that was supposed to be done may not have been accomplished to the degree that it should have been. It is important to remember that what the children are taught stays with them the remainder of their days.

    Second, it may have been that the leaders taught thoroughly and with much effort, but the children did not take the lessons learned to heart like they should have. That is always a possibility and one to not forget. Ultimately, whatever a person does, whether as a child or as an adult, it is the responsibility of the doer. I can well imagine some of the elders thinking and saying to their peers, “I am very comfortable with the next generation and the leadership they will be exerting. They have demonstrated themselves well as we have tried to lead and teach them.” This could be said with humility, but once the generation of the elders passed on, that which did not take root can (and did) manifest itself in an ugly way.

    Third, the teaching may have taken root and things may have started off well enough, but something occurred that distracted the faithful from the path set for them by the Lord. The distractions could have been any number of things; it really matters not what they were. Anything that distracts actually knocks us off track. When one is knocked off track he is bound to do nothing but crash.

    It is crucial that we, as parents and leaders in the congregation, instill within others the Lord’s way by the life we live and by the words we use to communicate. We must do this. Then, when they move up and take our place they will be in better position to move the Lord’s way forward and in accordance with His revealed will.

    In Judges 2:7-10, we read of a very sad occasion resting with a the following generation; let that not happen with us. RT

     

  • Eugene Adkins 3:56 pm on March 9, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , ,   

    Something to Laugh At 

    If you need something to laugh at today I have something that I think will do the job. Here’s a link to a website that has a list of funny notes (some really funny) that kids wrote to various people. My personal favorite is the one about the dollar bills. I don’t know too much about the site but it seems safe enough. Enjoy!

    “A merry heart does good, like medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22)

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 10:27 pm on February 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, ,   

    On Children 

    When children are very young, they are like little angels.
    But as their legs get longer, the wings get shorter.
    :)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:28 am on January 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, ,   

    One Proud Papa 

    Last night, during evening worship, my 15 month old daughter said the word “Bible” for the first time. Now, you don’t have to be a preacher for that to make you smile…but it sure doesn’t hurt.

    I think we’ll work on “Nebuchadnezzar” next :)

    “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:33 am on December 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , ,   

    Nudge: Why Does God Encourage Children to be in Subjection to their Parents? 

    It’s not really open for debate – from the 10 Commandments of Moses’s Law, to the 6th Chapter of Ephesians, to the scathing rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees concerning the personal care (or the lack thereof) for their parents and ultimately God in Mark 7, God says children must take note of their parents when it comes to writing the chapters of their life story.

    So here’s the nudge: Why is this such an important issue to God, and what about honoring parents who do not care for God or for His way of life?

    I’d love to hear your answers, especially to the later part since so many young people (including Christians) deal with this family situation in our culture today.

     

  • Glenda Williams 9:44 pm on October 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, fifth grade classroom, , library shelves,   

    Forgiving ourselves and forgetting 

    I stole a book from my classroom library when I was in the fifth grade. It was a green book with a cloth covering. The title I no longer remember. I knew I shouldn’t take the book, that it was wrong, and if mother and daddy found out, I would be in deep trouble.

    (More …)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:34 am on October 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , , ,   

    Be Strong Mom and Dad 

    Some parents amaze me! I guess you can take that statement two ways huh?

    We need parents who are willing to be a backbone for their children and not the wishbone.

    We need parents who love their love children more than themselves but not more than God.

    We needs parents who teach their children about hard work and not how to work hard avoiding it.

    We need parents who spend time with their children instead of their child-like hobbies.

    We needs parents who know how to say ‘I’m sorry’ as much as they expect to hear it from their children. Talk about having to be strong!

    You don’t have to tell me how tough it is to be a parent at times! All I know is that there are times when “tough love” actually leads to tender hearts, and that the world will be a whole lot tougher on them if they’re not prepared to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength! That takes toughness; only the kind of toughness that comes from strong mom and dads.

    Don’t give up, give in, give out or give it a second thought when it comes to making a hard decision that places morality above popularity. Give thanks for the life of your child and for the strength that God will provide to help you be strong!

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 6:22 pm on September 6, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , ,   

    The latter idea was hotly disputed by a follower. Imagine that!

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:35 am on August 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, , , , , ,   

    “Proverbs Are The Piths” (12) 

    In Proverbs 7 Solomon returns to a topic with which he has much experience – women! The type of woman who would be looking to have a little influence with a king; yes, the type who sadly had quite a large influence on Solomon’s life. The king who began his reign with great wisdom due to his heart walked down a scary path because he ignored his own wisdom (originating from God) due to a heart that was defiled with the flattering words of foreign women. Now he pleads with his children to not make the same mistake when dealing with professional assassins!

    Verses 1-5:  There’s no wonder that Solomon tells his son to keep his commandments (originating from God’s word) in his heart. After all, like Solomon had told him earlier, the heart is where the issues of life spring from! Stick close to the women who care – wisdom your sister and understanding your kinswoman. Sometimes, due to male ignorance and stupidity, it takes a woman who cares to see through another woman’s callousness.

    Verses 6-9: Solomon gives an eyewitness account to the crime. The wrong place, the wrong time and the wrong person equals the wrong decision. Sounds like the common late-night scene still found today. Hasn’t someone said something about nothing new being under the sun?

    Verses 10-20: The woman the young man meets is dressed to kill and an expert at her skill. Clothing can reveal as much about a person on the inside as the lack thereof does on the outside Solomon says! The wife with a house isn’t interested in being a house wife. I guess she’s more of the desperate kind. Makes one wonder about her marriage. Regardless, at the end of the day, a slaughter-house scented with roses is still a slaughter-house, and this young man is about to kiss it all goodbye!

    Verses 21-27: The seductress talks the young man into a situation he can’t get out of. Like an ox to the slaughter, Solomon says, she hits her mark and he meets his maker! Solomon warns that this woman is undefeated, but she is not undefeatable. The path to victory starts in the heart! Be wise! Her house is fixed up like heaven, but it’s only a disguised hell. See through it! Solomon badly wants his children to see that illicit sex will make you exactly what the word begins with – ILL!

     

  • Richard Mansel 8:00 am on July 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , ,   

    Guiding our Children to Maturity 

    As parents, we are charged with raising our children to be strong, healthy and ready for the world. We teach them all we can before they leave the nest. Our teaching license will not expire until death but our intensive instruction will be done while they are under our roof.

    I fear that parents are too busy to spend the time necessary to help their children mature mentally. We send them to school and Bible class and we may think that is sufficient. But we would be wrong.

    (More …)

     

    • Daniel 11:34 am on July 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Great post and lists of useful advice! Thanks Richard!

  • Eugene Adkins 6:50 am on June 27, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , ,   

    “Proverbs Are The Piths” (6) 

    Proverbs 2:20-22 culminates with the reason why Solomon’s children should take heed to the warning that wisdom will not just fall into their lap; to the message of where wisdom, knowledge and understanding originates from; to his admonition that there are people out there who do not have our best interest in mind; and that love is more than what meets the eye.

    Solomon’s culmination is simple - the Promised Land has One Path! (see also Matthew 7:14 and John 14:6)

    Verse 20 – Multiple paths in life, but only two destinations? We better believe it. We better heed it. We better perceive it. If not we’ll rob ourselves by exchanging the pleasures of sin for a season for affliction that comes afterwords.

    Verse 21 – Character counts! Relationships count! Mentalities count! Passion counts! Humility counts! Mercy counts! Salvation is real and we can count on it!

    Verse 22 – Evil will be pulled up by what? First comes the mowing down, then comes the pulling up of the roots. If we want to completely get rid of something, we have to get rid of the roots. Solomon is teaching his son that one day God will do a lot of weeding; so we must strive to bear the fruit of the upright and blameless, or there will be no distinction between us and the weed!

    Proverbs 2 could be summed up in 10 words: Wisdom gives salvation – sin gives death – BE SMART Solomon says.

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:49 am on February 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Corrupting Other People’s Children 

    I want to talk about a strange brand of hypocrites who hate children. Well, that’s not exactly true. They only hate other people’s children. Let me explain.

    Trevor and Jasmine are married and they have two children, a nine year-old boy and a seven year-old girl. They love their children more than life itself and they protect their children in every way that they deem important. They do not allow their children to watch certain channels on TV and they are very careful about what kind of music their children hear. Most of us would say they are good parents.

    Now, let’s consider the following scenario. Trevor and Jasmine are with two other like-minded families in a banquet room at a local restaurant for a birthday party. They are all dressed in their best clothes. Half-way through their party, a man they do not know walks into the room containing all the children and parents. The stranger starts loudly cursing and talking about his sexual prowess.

    What do Trevor and Jasmine do? Trevor goes over and pushes the man out of the room, screaming at him to shut his filthy mouth. Meanwhile, Jasmine has covered their children’s ears. Naturally, they love their children and don’t want them corrupted.

    Trevor and Jasmine take their children home and leave them with a baby sitter. Trevor and Jasmine change their clothes and put on jeans and t-shirts. Trevor’s t-shirt brags about his sexual prowess and Jasmine’s is covered with profanity. Happily, they go to Walmart to shop among other nine year-old boys and seven year-old girls who can read their shirts and be corrupted by them.

    Hence, hypocrites. Pure and simple. No one better corrupt their children but they can damage other kids.

    In all honesty, what is the difference in walking into a room of children and saying obscene things and wearing obscene t-shirts in a store where children are present? Nothing. Both exhibit a hatred of children, no matter what rationalization we use.

     

  • Glenda Williams 11:06 pm on November 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, fly, guess, , ,   

    Children’s success may be because mama and daddy prayed. 

    The older our children become, the more we seem to pray for them and their children.

    There comes a time in life when a parent has to turn over the directing of their children’s lives totally to the Lord. (More …)

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:13 pm on July 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: babies, children, dante, , inferno   

    Babies in Hell? 

    I am reading Dante’s Divine Comedy and Dante is entering the circles of hell in Inferno. It is disgusting to see him list unbaptized babies in hell in Canto IV. Even the thought of babies condemned to hell is repulsive.

    “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14).

    Jesus would not ever think of sending innocent babies to an eternal hell. I would hate to try to explain to those who have lost their precious infants that they have gone to hell. But, of course, we don’t have to, because Scripture nowhere teaches this abominable doctrine.

     

  • joyjensen 9:20 am on June 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, new converts, ,   

    From a Babe You’ve Known the Sacred Writings 

    One thing that I’ve been working on lately is a list of suggested Old Testament Lessons with References .  Ignorance of Bible content is not a problem limited to third world countries, such as where we currently live.  It is an increasingly world-wide challenge, as worldly pleasures compete more and more for our time.  This isn’t just a challenge for children and youth, but it affects all ages.  So, I would like to challenge you to make Bible knowledge a priority in your family.  Help your children become students of the Word.

    Knowledge alone is not the same thing
    as a tender heart that desires to please God.
    However, our family members, 
    both young and old, 
     need to see that within the pages of His Word
    there are men and women who were real,
    who had the same basic struggles as we have.
    They  need to see that some people made good choices 
    and some made bad choices,
    and they need to see what God’s response was,
    based on the choices made.
    Our families need to be amazed
    at God’s power and providence throughout the ages.

    If there is one thing I’d like to stress, it is that we should not underestimate the minds of little children! They are FAR MORE capable than we often realize.  Most two and three year old children are capable of learning all of the books of the Bible, from memory!  You may find that you have some catching up to do, and that’s okay, as long as you recognize the need and you are willing to do something about it.  Learn together with your children.

    So far I have the list finished for the Old Testament.  Please know that this list is just a starting place!  It is in no way a complete list of all relevant events in the Old Testament. Keep in mind that one of the reasons I am compiling these lists is so that I can have them translated into Swahili so that they can be shared with parents who absolutely do not know how to go about teaching their children, as well as people who are “starting from scratch” in their Bible knowledge, such as new converts.

    I’m still working on one for the New Testament and it is proving to be much more difficult for me to decide what to list, but hopefully I will be done with my N.T. list soon.
     

  • Ed Boggess 7:42 am on May 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Politically correct? – JAM 

    Here is one for you. In February 2007, the London Sun a government-funded advisory report to Britain’s National Health Service recommended that hospital medical staffs not use the terms “mom” and “dad” and instead use “guardians” or “carers”. Why? The advisory said the terms might be confusing or alienating to children of gay couples. In my short lifetime there has been a continental shift in right and wrong. Things that were clearly and universally perverse for centuries and millennium as far back as history records are now claimed to be acceptable behavior. Why has there been such a dramatic shift? God has been dethroned and man crowned king. And if there is no God to tell us what is wrong, then do whatever you choose! So it is gay rights today and pedophilia tomorrow! This is Just-a-minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • Mike Riley 10:25 am on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, , , , , , , , , , , , vogue,   

    Name An Item Or Habit 

    From a spiritual perspective, the following are some of my observations regarding items or habits no longer in use today (comparatively speaking) as they were three to four generations ago:

    1) The Bible is no longer habitually read, studied and used by members of the Lord’s church like it was in the 1940′s and 1950′s (we used to be called “walking Bibles” by those outside the church – http://cedarparkchurchofchrist.org/cpcofc/index.php?n=Articles.2010DailyBibleStudy).

    2) Looking at all of the immorality in our society today, we can plainly see that Interest in spiritual values and principles are no longer “in vogue.” If they were, children would be taught these values at home and our society today would be less immoral as a result.

    3) Hell fire and damnation sermons are today rarely heard from the pulpit (I grew up hearing these type of sermons on a regular basis back in the 1940′s). And guess what? The Lord’s church grew dramatically.

    4) Home Bible studies with others are virtually non-existent today (no time to study, folks say).

    5) Personal bible study at home is virtually non-existent today. Too many worldly influences (too many digital “toys”), thus, no time to study.

    6) In the 1940′s and 50′s, folks habitually assembled to worship the Lord – so much so, that two to three week gospel meetings were not uncommon (I attended some of them). Today, they are unheard of. If we can get members to come to a three-day gospel meeting, we count ourselves successful.

    7) Pews are not being filled today as they were three to four generations ago. The testimony of the “empty pew” is a testimony to our lack of focus on spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/08/09/lessons-from-an-empty-pew/

    I could go on and on and on (like the energizer battery bunny), but the above are enough samples to let folks see the fact that spirituality has greatly waned in our country and in the Lord’s church.

    What’s the solution to all of the above? Open the Book! (read it and do what it says do – James 1:22-25): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/01/08/lets-open-the-book/

     

    • Sid Williams 11:42 am on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      The “Second Dark Ages” was “Satan Loosed A Little” (Rev 20.3; A|D 1959-2004). But that is gone, and still, we see no one with the former good traits that you have merntioned. What is needed to make men seek God is the Fulfillment of Prophecy. It is in the secular news but not in the churches. The 2nd Dark Ages wass ushered in by denial of prophecy and Revelation.

  • Glenda Williams 12:30 pm on January 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children,   

    Sitting at table with family and friends 

    The daily nudge reminded me of having the children and family home during the Christmas holidays. Sitting around the table laden with food always brings me great joy, especially when sharing it with loved ones and friends. Conversation abounds when everyone is happy and being fed. Some of our greatest laughs have taken place around the table. (More …)

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 12:01 pm on January 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 8) 

    [continued from part 7]

    18 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 [support] 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 tentmaker! The Jews have a saying worth remembering: “Whoever doesn’t teach his son some trade or business, teaches him to be a thief” (Ezekiel 45:10; Leviticus 19:36).

    19. 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 [leisure activities], and their [dress], 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.

    20. I will oblige the children to retire sometimes, and ponder on that question: “What shall I wish to have done, if I were now dying?” – and report unto me their own answer to the question; of which I will then take advantage, to [instill] the lessons of godliness upon them.

    21. 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 Savior. 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.

    [the end]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:58 am on January 13, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 7) 

    [continued from part 6]

    15. 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?) [acceptance] unto the glorious gospel.

    16. 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.

    17. When the children are in any trouble-if they be sick, or pained-I will take [the opportunity] 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.

    [to be continued]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:55 am on January 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 6) 

    [continued from part 5]

    12. 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 [demons] tempt them to do ill things; how they hearken to the [demons], and are like them, when they do such things; and what mischiefs the [demons] may get leave to do them in this world, and what a sad thing ‘twill be, to be among the [demons] in the Place of Dragons. I will cry to God, that He will make them feel the power of these principles.

    13. 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 [concurrence] unto every jot and 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!

    14. 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, [admirable] companions for them.

    [to be continued]

     

  • TFRStaff 5:37 am on January 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, , , ,   

    Will my child be lost, too? 

    The bulletin of the Southwest church has a good article that reminds us that God’s truth doesn’t change, even when it concerns our children. It seems hard at times, but God’s love doesn’t have soft spots. Since it takes a while to get the bulletins and articles up on the site, and since the mind won’t remember to link to it later, we’re posting it here. Their bulletin and the school’s paper are worth signing up to.

    "I Just Don’t Know If He Will Be Lost, If…"

    Marvin L. Weir

    Many parents abandon logic and reason when sinful situations occur that involve their children. They convince themselves that the Scriptures are not clear regarding the matter and question whether or not God’s grace will surprise some with what it covers. We need to be very careful lest we accuse God of failing to supply us with a clear roadmap to heaven. The Psalmist did not hesitate to exalt God’s Word as a clear and adequate guide. He said, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa. 119:105). It is also very clear that God’s grace will never cover sin when one refuses to repent (Luke 13:3). Let us consider several statements I have heard brethren make over the years.

    "I just don’t know if my son will be lost if he is not baptized."

    The Word of God clearly states that salvation is located in Christ (2 Tim. 2:10). Where is the Scripture that states that hearing, belief, repentance, or confession puts one into Christ? You will search in vain for such a Scripture. But listen as Paul speaks to the Galatians in saying, "For as many as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27, emphasis supplied). One is not in Christ who has not been scripturally immersed for the remission of his sins (cf. Acts 2:38). Belief does not wash away one’s sins. Baptism will, however, wash away sins of one who has repented. The bible gives us such an example in Paul’s conversion. Ananias goes to Paul and says, "And why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and was away thy sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16, emphasis supplied). (More …)

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:51 am on January 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 5) 

    [continued from part 4]

    11. 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, [ill-tempered] 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. 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 [immoral] thing, from horror of the [immorality] 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.

    [to be continued]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:48 am on January 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 4) 

    [continued from part 3]

    8. 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!”

    9. 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 [angered] them, I will not only forbid them all revenge, but also oblige them to do a kindness as soon as may be to the person. All coarseness of language or [behavior] in them, I will [not tolerate].

    10. 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 [suitable]. I will set them also, to write out such things as may be of the greatest benefit unto them; and they shall have their [journal], 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.

    [to be continued]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:45 am on January 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 3) 

    [continued from part 2]

    5. 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 neighbor.”
    • Romans 12:17, 19 “Recompense to no man evil for evil… Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves.”
    • Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be given unto you.”
    • Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.”

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    [to be continued]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:41 am on January 3, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 2) 

    [continued from Part 1]

    ~ RESOLVED~
    1. 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.

    2. 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 Savior, 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.”

    3. 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 [persistently] 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.

    4. 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.

    [to be continued]

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 11:40 am on January 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, ,   

    Cotton Mather: “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” (Part 1) 

    [SRB note: I found a most excellent article by Cotton Mather a couple years ago and review it personally at the start of each year. I've edited it a little and will be sharing it in pieces here on TFR over the next week or so for your encouragement & stimulation.]

    Introduction: What’s a Godly Father to Do for His Children?
    On Father’s Day we tend to focus on simple gifts to Dads—a tie, a silly or sentimental card—and on back-yard barbecues. All good things, to be sure. And modern fathers tend to focus their parental energy on teaching their kids how to play sports, get good grades, or lead a “balanced life.” Again, all good, but have we lost our focus on a father’s spiritual role? Perhaps comparing a father’s focus in Puritan America will help us to answer that question. Cotton Mather’s “A Puritan Father’s Lesson Plan” provides just such a look.

    Cotton Mather (1663 – 1728) was a socially and politically influential Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer. He was the son of influential minister Increase Mather. Mather was named after his grandfather, John Cotton. He attended Boston Latin School, and graduated from Harvard in 1678, at only 15.

    Cotton Mather’s Preamble
    Parents, Oh how much ought you to be continually devising for the good of your children! Often devise how to make them “wise children”; how to give them a desirable education, an education that may render them desirable; how to render them lovely and polite, and serviceable in their generation. Often devise how to enrich their minds with valuable knowledge; how to instill generous, gracious, and heavenly principles into their minds; how to restrain and rescue them from the paths of the destroyer, and fortify them against their peculiar temptations. There is a world of good that you have to do for them. You are without the natural feelings of humanity if you are not in a continual agony to do for them all the good that ever you can. It was no mistake of an ancient writer to say, “Nature teaches us to love our children as ourselves.”

    [to be continued]

     

    • Rick Kelley 2:32 pm on January 3, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      These are great! Is there any way you could send me the lesson in its entirety once it is published? A MSWord doc, or something? I really appreciate these.

    • Stephen R. Bradd 10:35 pm on January 3, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Hi Rick. Yes, I think they are great too. Please ask again at the end & I’ll send it to you and anyone else who might like it.

  • Mike Riley 9:05 am on October 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, , , , , , , , ,   

    The Last True Evangelist 

    The last true evangelist that I’ve known who lived what he preached, was Brother Dan Gibson, who preached for our Montana Street congregation for approximately seven years. He has since retired, he and his wife moving to Conroe, Texas to be close to their children.

    He and his wife Joy, are now members of the Longmire congregation http://www.longmirechurchofchrist.com/longmirecc/welcome, where he now preaches part time. He also oversees the congregation’s educational program, making sure that the materials used in their Bible classes, coincides with clear Bible teaching.

    Brother Dan is truly a man of the Book. I love and miss he and his wife dearly. I call him every weekend to see how he and his wife are getting along healthwise (they are in their late 70′s). Such faithful preachers in the brotherhood, are few and far between (and getting fewer by the day).

     

  • Ron Thomas 3:05 pm on October 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, inoculation, ,   

    Inoculation 

    I read an interview that was telling, though not surprising. The author of a new book, “Generation Ex – Christian” (Drew Dyck) was interviewed in the Birmingham News. The thrust of the book dealt with why young people are leaving “the faith.” I found the interview interesting because, once again, it confirms what thoughtful people have long known: people who are entertained are empty of substance. A question was asked of the author about whether or not the “church” has played a significant role in young people’s departure. Mr. Dyck responds, “Over the past couple of decades, business thinking has affected the way many churches minister to youth. The goal has become attracting large numbers of kids and keeping them entertained.” These same youth, he goes on to say, are devoid of any spiritual engagement (substance – RT). “Many young people have been exposed to a superficial form of Christianity that effectively inoculates them against authentic faith.”

    Aside from the nebulous language used by the author (and the interviewer), the interview is useful and practical for preachers and leaders in the church to read. As in generations past, our challenge as parents to inoculate our children from seeds sown by Satan. This can be done best when we lead them spiritually (living the life of Christ) and do as the Lord said to Moses many years ago (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). When you think about it, can we really improve upon this method of teaching?

    Perhaps you will find it interesting. http://blog.al.com/living-news/2010/10/author_drew_dyck_on_generation.html

     

    • Mike Riley 6:08 pm on October 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I agree 100% with this author. The church has “entertained” our young people to death, so what do they do? Leave the church and go to some other place where there is greater and more spectacular entertainment, leaving the spiritual part of their being with an empty void.

      Spiritual guidance and instruction begins in the home, and at an early age (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:15).

      • Ron 4:55 am on October 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Mike, I preached on this topic; it was well received. I do this often. I will have something “catch” my eye as I peruse the internet (news), and if I find it intriguing, I will preach on it.

        • Mike Riley 7:39 am on October 25, 2010 Permalink

          Ron, it’s good that this topic was well received, because it is much needed in the church today. The church needs to stop entertaining, and start training its young people – the ones who will uphold and carry on the gospel a generation from now (Psalm 78:1-8).

  • Mike Riley 7:06 am on October 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children, , , , , , , , writes   

    The Power Of Kindness 

    Ramnath Subramanian, a sixth-grade science teacher at Eastwood Knolls School in El Paso http://www2.yisd.net/education/school/school.php?sectionid=1110, writes for the El Paso Times on educational topics. In this week’s article, he emphasizes the important role kindness plays in the education of our children:

    http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_16389034

     

    • stevelucas 12:37 pm on October 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Mike, Thanks for sharing this article. I believe you may have previously shared one of his articles. He seems to do an excellent job communicating his thoughts. Here’s one of his comments from the current article:

      “It is my belief that children, who have pure hearts and uncomplicated registers of mind, can sense genuine kindness instinctively.”

      Possibly unknowingly, he seems to have expressed one of the reasons why we are to become as little children. Great read!

  • Laura 8:23 am on September 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , children,   

    Children’s Books 

    “What children’s book should every child read?” Not sure I can limit it to just one. Two that immediately come to mind are “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Little Red Hen”. The values they teach about being honest and having a good work ethic are sorely needed. Unfortunately these two books seem very passe these days. I don’t see them in the children’s book section. Perhaps that is one reason why our society has problems with a lack of values in these areas.

     

    • bookendsbooks 5:35 pm on September 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I grew up on ‘Poppy Little Puppy’s” and other Golden books, Nancy Drew Mystery’s and Little Men by Louisa May Alcott. I always loved history incorporated in a good tale.

  • Laura 6:57 am on July 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible camps, children, , ,   

    Randal asked: Am I Involved in any Camps? 

    Afternoon crafts at the park

    With the help of the youth group from Arab, Alabama, we started our own camp: the Purcellville Christian Youth Camp (PCYC). We are in our 4th year now. We don’t have camp facilities, so we run the camp at the building and use local parks for afternoon activities. Local kids go home at night. Non-local kids stay in our member homes. Someday, our dream is to have a camp facility to have a 24×6 camp so we can have evening activities as well.

    Being in N. VA, which is arguably a mission field, this camp has been a true blessing for our kids. They have developed long and lasting relationships with other Christian kids, and we’ve seen how this has strengthened the faithfulness of some of our own and helped them grow.

    This year marks a new milestone for us. To this point, the Arab Christians have been responsible for all aspects of the camp. Their adults have planned and directed the camp, and under their guidance, they have used this camp to teach their older teens how to teach and run camps. This year, we have 14 adults who are using their vacation to work with the camp in some capacity or another, and we are co-directing the camp. Our teens are working with our adults as mentors to learn to teach and lead. We have two young men who will be leading singing, two who will be giving devotionals, and 4 young ladies who will be assisting in teaching the younger classes. My role? Behind the scenes coordinator and supplying the Bible class materials (an augmentation of materials I previously wrote).

     

    • Mike Riley 9:14 am on July 8, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Laura, Sounds like a great camp and a great way to teach kids leadership skills. We need more of this going on with our young people. I pray for the success of the camp and its leadership.

  • Mike Riley 10:22 pm on July 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , awry, , children, , heading, institution, , , , ,   

    Kids First, Marriage Later — If Ever 

    From NPR, comes the above article heading.

    The beginning of the article http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128265730 states:

    Quote: “Federal data from 2007 says 40 percent of births in America are to unwed mothers, a trend experts say is especially common in middle-class America. In one St. Louis community, the notion of getting married and having children — in that order — seems quaint.”

    The woman in this story (Colleen Segbers) confesses that she didn’t mean to get pregnant six years ago with her daughter, Gwen.

    She states:

    “It was an afternoon of Budweiser beer and the hot sun,” she laughs. “It happened. It was OK.”

    Brethren, it’s no laughing matter. When 40 percent of births in America are to unwed mothers, there is something terribly awry with that statistic. As members of the Lord’s church, we need to be stressing the importance of the institution of marriage, training our young men and women about the responsibility of bringing children into the world under the guidance of godly parents which make up the home.

    Note the reason why the couple mentioned in this article finally married:

    “After her daughter was born, Segbers did marry Gwen’s father. She loves her husband, she says, but they didn’t get married because they had a baby together or even because they were in love. They did it so she could have insurance.”

    They only went through a ceremony was because she could have insurance. Is that a viable reason to get married?

    No wonder immorality is rampant in our country today. May God help us to teach our young people the moral principles found in God’s word.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 9:40 am on June 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children, dirty trough, oxen,   

    Living with a Dirty Trough 

    From http://www.AudioEvangelism.com yesterday–

    On June 24, 2000, I married my sweetheart–Ranae Breeden. It’s a joy to be able to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary today. In truth, I appreciate and love her more as my wife today than I did then. I see her increased maturity and ever-growing strength to face many challenges. I can perceive more clearly now than ever before the wisdom in choosing her as my mate and the divine providence that I believe helped bring us together. Our lives have changed in dramatic ways in the past ten years and things have unfolded in ways we did not always expect. We had no idea I’d still be preaching for the same congregation of the Lord’s people in Clinton, Illinois, who helped facilitate my training to become a gospel preacher. We had no idea I’d be spending many hours each week laboring to write and record Bible lessons to distribute via the internet. We had no idea we would be able to buy a home of our own. We had no idea Ranae would be working at home, keeping things going strong while educating our children. We had no idea we’d have four boys under the age of eight!

    And speaking of children, I want to challenge your thinking with a verse from Proverbs today. Granted, Solomon’s subject matter is not about children, per se, on this occasion, but there are some great applications to be made nevertheless – “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox” (Prov. 14:4).

    Oxen are stinky, dirty, and messy (as is the case with many animals). They don’t clean up after themselves and can be quite a burden at times. They must have food and water to live. If you were to raise oxen, you might make use of a feeding trough. You’d have to keep it replenished regularly. Of course, if you sold all your oxen or they got sick and died, you wouldn’t have to keep the trough full. It would become clean or empty. With no oxen to care for, life would be a little simpler, a little cleaner, and it would smell a lot better.

    So, if there are many benefits to be enjoyed by being oxen-less, why would anyone go to the expense, time, and trouble to own them? Because “much increase comes by the strength of an ox.” Especially before modern technological advancements in agriculture, there was so much that could be accomplished with a strong animal. The required food, mess, and stink were all worth the benefit that oxen could provide.

    I know the parallel to children is not perfect, but you can see the application. With four boys in the house, messes are the norm in the Bradd residence, not the exception. It’s a lot of hard work to keep them all fed, clothed, and relatively clean. There are dishes to be done, clothes to be washed, diapers to be changed, tables to be wiped down, floors to be mopped, food to be cooked, errands to be tended to, etc. And, like oxen, after you get them fed and things cleaned up, it’s just a short span of time before you’ll be doing it all again, and again, and again!

    But, the joys of parenting far outweigh the continued required effort that must be invested to be effective. Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD (Psa. 127:3). Wise parents will continually remind themselves of this truth. It is often the case that a childless house will be much cleaner and orderly, but those homes may lack the vibrancy and excitement that children can bring. Sometimes a clean, immaculate house is an empty one. I wouldn’t trade for that any day.

    Some parents can’t wait until the kids (whom they view as burdens) grow up and move out, but not Ranae and I. We love our children and can live with a dirty trough, so to speak. We might be tempted to tell you otherwise when there is pee on the floor, vomit on the carpet, ants in the house working on the food that inevitably ends up where it shouldn’t, laundry piled up with no end in sight, etc., but we know that such is a small price to pay if we are to enjoy the smiles, hugs, laughter, joy, and the manifold other blessings God makes possible in parenthood.

     

    • Mike Riley 3:42 pm on June 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Stephen, it’s great that you and your wife have such a positive attitude toward raising your children. If all parents were to have your attitude, we wouldn’t have so many dropouts in school and society. May God give you both the strength and stamina to raise godly children, respectful of parents, the elderly, and those in authority.

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:44 am on June 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: children,   

    Giggles 

    Read this cute story in my inbox today:

    Crystal, our five-year-old daughter, recently met an Amish girl her age. Within a few minutes they were off, hand-in-hand, to play. I caught glimpses of them chattering and giggling. Even though Sylvia, the Amish girl, spoke a Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, she and Crystal got along well.

    Later I asked Crystal, “Could you understand anything Sylvia said to you?”

    “No,” she replied.

    “But you played so nicely together. How?”

    “Oh, Mommy. We understood each other’s giggles.”

    –Bonnie Hellum Brechill, 21st Century Christian e-Teacher Digest

    Too bad that doesn’t work for the gospel …

     

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