This past Friday, people across this nation celebrated our Independence Day. This is the day that we remember and honor the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration established the United States of America as an independent nation, free from foreign rule, and standing alone on her own laws and principles. The Colonies - now the independent states – declared that they would no longer conform to the laws and edicts of the ruler that had governed them to that point. Here's a quote from that document: “The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” The signers of the Declaration were determined to do what was necessary to break away from King George's grip – even if it involved armed conflict – because they knew that he wouldn't let them go without a fight!
You can make such a “declaration of independence.” You can declare your independence a ruler who is much worse than King George III, or any other political ruler. You can gain freedom from the worst tyrant of all time, Satan. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). All of us are sinners (Romans 3:23), thus we are All salves to sin.
It is common for us to think of sin as a servant rather than a master. When we choose to commit sin, we usually do so because we think that it will serve our interests, our selfish desires. Sin is viewed as a tool to bring us pleasure, and we view ourselves as being in control. The sin will go no further than we want it to go, and we can stop it whenever we want. But we are naïve! We are like Eve who only saw the forbidden fruit as a means to satisfy her desires and ambitions, but could not see the terrible consequences of her choice (see Genesis 3).
Once we give in to sin, we become enslaved to it. What we thought of as our servant suddenly becomes our Master. It takes us places we did not plan to go and causes changes in our lives that we never intended. Then, we realize that the great liberation and freedom that sin offered was only a trap. We find instead that we have sold ourselves into slavery, and it is a bitter slavery indeed.
The good news is that because of Jesus Christ, you and I can make a declaration of independence from sin. Christ, through His death on the cross, paid the ransom price to free us from the bondage of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ ratified this Declaration of Independence from sin with His own blood (Matthew 26:28). You and I can “sign” the declaration through our obedient faith – trusting in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Signing the declaration is also expressing a commitment to live according to its principles so that we can continue to be free from sin (1 John 1:7). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Will you sign the “Declaration of Independence” from sin?
--Edited
“Living Waters”
Church of Christ at Creekwood
Mobile, Alabama
About Me
- Lamar Russell
- St Mary's, GA, United States
- Weekly bulletin. Church Office Phone: (912) 882-5800
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
I CAN DO ALL THINGS PHILIPPIANS 4:13
Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul does not say this in pride and arrogance but rather in humility and faith. Paul did not think that he could do all things by himself. He did think that he could do all things that he needed to do with God’s help. We need this confidence today. Many are failing to serve the Lord acceptably because they lack this confidence. Many congregations are falling far below their potential because they do not think “they can.’ Someone has said, “Success comes in cans not can’ts.”
God does not ask us to do things and then accept “I can’t.” Yet many seem to think that this phrase is a means of avoiding responsibility. When God appeared to Moses and told him that He had selected him to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, Moses replied, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Moses was really saying “I can’t.” Would God select someone unable to do that which He asked him to do? Surely not. Yet if Moses was unable to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, then God had selected one that was not able. In the second place, if Moses could not do that which God called upon him to do, God was unjust. Moses certainly could not refuse to do what God called upon him to do and please God. But if he could not please God, he would stand condemned. It would be unjust for God to call upon men to do that which they can not do, and then condemn them for failing to obey Him.
Notice Moses’ next excuse. He said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” (Exodus 4:1). He is now saying I can’t accomplish anything. He thinks it will not do any good so why bother about it. We likewise may make the same mistake. We think that our abilities are so small that our efforts will not accomplish anything. Our efforts may, with God’s help, accomplish more than we ever dreamed of.
Still unable to get away from his “I can’ts,” Moses said, “I can’t talk,” (Exodus 4:11). Moses said he could not talk and was arguing with God when he said it. What foolishness to argue with God and say, “I can’t talk.” Moses could argue with God but could not talk to Pharaoh. We likewise appear foolish and inconsistent to God with our feeble excuses.
Our “I can’ts” usually mean, “Let someone else do it,” (Exodus 4:13). Moses’ “I can’t” caused the anger of the Lord to be kindled against him. “I can’t” very seldom means we do not want the task accomplished. It simply means we want someone else to do it. Teach a class? I can’t, let someone else do it. Chaperone a youth trip? I can’t, let someone else do it. Study the Bible with someone. I can’t, let someone else do it. Visit someone who is physically or spiritually sick? I can’t, let someone else do it. Am I prepared to accept the responsibility of letting someone else do what the Lord asks me to do? I should be far more afraid of not at least trying to do what the Lord wants done, than I am afraid of failure. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” let us say, “I can’t afford not to.”
--Lamar
God does not ask us to do things and then accept “I can’t.” Yet many seem to think that this phrase is a means of avoiding responsibility. When God appeared to Moses and told him that He had selected him to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, Moses replied, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Moses was really saying “I can’t.” Would God select someone unable to do that which He asked him to do? Surely not. Yet if Moses was unable to stand before Pharaoh and Israel, then God had selected one that was not able. In the second place, if Moses could not do that which God called upon him to do, God was unjust. Moses certainly could not refuse to do what God called upon him to do and please God. But if he could not please God, he would stand condemned. It would be unjust for God to call upon men to do that which they can not do, and then condemn them for failing to obey Him.
Notice Moses’ next excuse. He said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” (Exodus 4:1). He is now saying I can’t accomplish anything. He thinks it will not do any good so why bother about it. We likewise may make the same mistake. We think that our abilities are so small that our efforts will not accomplish anything. Our efforts may, with God’s help, accomplish more than we ever dreamed of.
Still unable to get away from his “I can’ts,” Moses said, “I can’t talk,” (Exodus 4:11). Moses said he could not talk and was arguing with God when he said it. What foolishness to argue with God and say, “I can’t talk.” Moses could argue with God but could not talk to Pharaoh. We likewise appear foolish and inconsistent to God with our feeble excuses.
Our “I can’ts” usually mean, “Let someone else do it,” (Exodus 4:13). Moses’ “I can’t” caused the anger of the Lord to be kindled against him. “I can’t” very seldom means we do not want the task accomplished. It simply means we want someone else to do it. Teach a class? I can’t, let someone else do it. Chaperone a youth trip? I can’t, let someone else do it. Study the Bible with someone. I can’t, let someone else do it. Visit someone who is physically or spiritually sick? I can’t, let someone else do it. Am I prepared to accept the responsibility of letting someone else do what the Lord asks me to do? I should be far more afraid of not at least trying to do what the Lord wants done, than I am afraid of failure. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” let us say, “I can’t afford not to.”
--Lamar
Friday, June 13, 2008
FATHERS
Several years ago, a book entitled Fatherless America was written by David Blankenhorn. The author emphasizes the vital role fathers play in the development of children. He wrote, “Kids need fathers who are strong family leaders. Their OWN fathers. In their own homes, in partnership with moms. And that’s that.” He found four basic qualities of a good father. A good father is a provider, protector, sponsor, and nurturer. God speaks of each quality in His word.
A good father is a provider. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I am sure every generation has had some fathers who take this to an extreme. We want our children to have it better than we did. Many children today have every toy, electronic device, and gadget possible. Fathers are so busy giving their children things instead of giving themselves. That is a problem. However, it is a biblical truth that a good father must provide for the physical, material needs of his children.
A good father is a protector. Blankenhorn saw this as extending beyond the physical to preparing “his child for an increasingly uncertain future.” This sounds similar to God’s statement about Abraham in Genesis 18:19: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” Whether you are speaking physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it is important that children know they have a father who will protect them from danger.
A good father is a sponsor. Blankenhorn defines a sponsor as one who “transmits character and competence” while teaching the child a way of life. The wise man writes in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” When I attended Freed-Hardeman, their motto was “Teaching how to live and how to make a living.” In Jewish society it was said that if a man did not teach his son a trade he taught him to steal. In today’s world, we do not see many children follow in their father’s footsteps, but it is important that he teach them the principle of work. Also, it is important that fathers instill in their children a sense of right and wrong, a sense of character.
A good father is a nurturer. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The King James says “nurture and admonition.” Nurture is defined as “to promote the development of by providing nourishment, support, encouragement during the stages of growth.” Again, there is a physical application, but more importantly, a spiritual one. A good father will provide spiritual nourishment and training so his children can be fruitful, productive Christians.
--Lamar
A good father is a provider. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I am sure every generation has had some fathers who take this to an extreme. We want our children to have it better than we did. Many children today have every toy, electronic device, and gadget possible. Fathers are so busy giving their children things instead of giving themselves. That is a problem. However, it is a biblical truth that a good father must provide for the physical, material needs of his children.
A good father is a protector. Blankenhorn saw this as extending beyond the physical to preparing “his child for an increasingly uncertain future.” This sounds similar to God’s statement about Abraham in Genesis 18:19: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” Whether you are speaking physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it is important that children know they have a father who will protect them from danger.
A good father is a sponsor. Blankenhorn defines a sponsor as one who “transmits character and competence” while teaching the child a way of life. The wise man writes in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” When I attended Freed-Hardeman, their motto was “Teaching how to live and how to make a living.” In Jewish society it was said that if a man did not teach his son a trade he taught him to steal. In today’s world, we do not see many children follow in their father’s footsteps, but it is important that he teach them the principle of work. Also, it is important that fathers instill in their children a sense of right and wrong, a sense of character.
A good father is a nurturer. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The King James says “nurture and admonition.” Nurture is defined as “to promote the development of by providing nourishment, support, encouragement during the stages of growth.” Again, there is a physical application, but more importantly, a spiritual one. A good father will provide spiritual nourishment and training so his children can be fruitful, productive Christians.
--Lamar
Friday, May 30, 2008
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE TRUTH?
Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Please notice with me some thoughts about this statement.
First, Jesus said we can know the truth. Many today think truth is relative. They believe that truth changes based on time, circumstances, personal feeling, and interpretation. A popular idea promoted by man for many years is that there is no absolute truth. Truth is based on your personal experiences and current circumstances. What is true for you may or may not be true for someone else. If that is the case, then we cannot know the truth. But Jesus says we can. Therefore, there must be a standard of truth. Jesus tells us what that standard is. John 17:17 - “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” God’s word, the Bible is truth. Although the last words of Scripture were written almost 2000 years ago, it is as true today, and as relevant, as the day it was written. Jesus leaves no doubt. We can know the truth.
Second, the truth will make you free. Paul writes in Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Sin enslaves us to Satan and he is a cruel taskmaster. His only purpose is to see us assigned the same fate as him, eternal torment in hell. Jesus, however, loves us and wants us to be free from such a hateful master. The truth, God’s word will indeed set us free when we know it and obey it. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Third, some people are afraid of the truth. They believe what they believe and are comfortable. Any examination of what they believe scares them. Any scrutiny of their understanding of truth is a personal insult. Many simply shut down the process; they will not allow any examination of what they believe to be truth.
Some points of truth may be painful. Truth may cause us to examine our lives and realize we have come up short. However, the truth is still the truth. Running from it, hiding from it, denying it, or trying to change it does not alter the fact that it is still the truth. A person may suffer a broken leg in an accident. Denying it, refusing to be treated, does not change the truth that the leg is broken. Failure to accept the truth, instead of relieving the pain, will only make the pain and suffering worse.
Some deny the truth because they do not want to change their lifestyle. John 3:19-20 - “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Some people are living in sin and rather than changing their lifestyle to comply with what is right, they deny the truth. Man has tried this through the centuries, but is simply does not work. The truth is still the truth.
“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
--Lamar
First, Jesus said we can know the truth. Many today think truth is relative. They believe that truth changes based on time, circumstances, personal feeling, and interpretation. A popular idea promoted by man for many years is that there is no absolute truth. Truth is based on your personal experiences and current circumstances. What is true for you may or may not be true for someone else. If that is the case, then we cannot know the truth. But Jesus says we can. Therefore, there must be a standard of truth. Jesus tells us what that standard is. John 17:17 - “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” God’s word, the Bible is truth. Although the last words of Scripture were written almost 2000 years ago, it is as true today, and as relevant, as the day it was written. Jesus leaves no doubt. We can know the truth.
Second, the truth will make you free. Paul writes in Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Sin enslaves us to Satan and he is a cruel taskmaster. His only purpose is to see us assigned the same fate as him, eternal torment in hell. Jesus, however, loves us and wants us to be free from such a hateful master. The truth, God’s word will indeed set us free when we know it and obey it. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Third, some people are afraid of the truth. They believe what they believe and are comfortable. Any examination of what they believe scares them. Any scrutiny of their understanding of truth is a personal insult. Many simply shut down the process; they will not allow any examination of what they believe to be truth.
Some points of truth may be painful. Truth may cause us to examine our lives and realize we have come up short. However, the truth is still the truth. Running from it, hiding from it, denying it, or trying to change it does not alter the fact that it is still the truth. A person may suffer a broken leg in an accident. Denying it, refusing to be treated, does not change the truth that the leg is broken. Failure to accept the truth, instead of relieving the pain, will only make the pain and suffering worse.
Some deny the truth because they do not want to change their lifestyle. John 3:19-20 - “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Some people are living in sin and rather than changing their lifestyle to comply with what is right, they deny the truth. Man has tried this through the centuries, but is simply does not work. The truth is still the truth.
“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).
--Lamar
Friday, May 23, 2008
MEMORIAL DAY
Tomorrow, our nation will celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who have given their lives in our nation’s service. There will be parades, programs, and fireworks as we honor and remember those who have given so much to keep this nation free for over 200 years. However, traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
Today is also Memorial Day, as is every Sunday. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul writes, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (emphasis mine –LR). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are remembering what He did for us.
We are to examine ourselves as we partake and partake of the memorial feast properly (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). I can remember as a child some Christians refusing to partake of the Lord’s Supper because they were not worthy. I am sure you have heard that Paul’s instructions here refer to the manner in which we partake, not the worthiness of the one partaking. No one is worthy in and of himself. However, Christ makes us worthy. It is true that Paul is speaking of our manner in partaking. We must be sure to observe this memorial with reverence and respect. It is not something to do casually or mockingly. It is not something to do to fill in time, or something to do between playing with the baby in front of you and thinking about who will win the game this afternoon. What we are doing during this part, and every part, of our worship is to be taken seriously.
Just as stated earlier about the observance of Memorial Day being neglected, Christ’s Memorial Day is as well. There are those who will sleep late, go fishing, stay home with company, etc. They will be doing these things when they should be assembling with other Christians to remember Christ and His sacrifice. Others will observe it, but not in the proper manner. Yes, it is a good thing to honor our fallen soldiers. How much more important is it that we remember and honor our fallen (crucified) and resurrected Savior. It is the right thing to do every first day of the week.
--Lamar
Today is also Memorial Day, as is every Sunday. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Paul writes, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (emphasis mine –LR). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are remembering what He did for us.
We are to examine ourselves as we partake and partake of the memorial feast properly (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). I can remember as a child some Christians refusing to partake of the Lord’s Supper because they were not worthy. I am sure you have heard that Paul’s instructions here refer to the manner in which we partake, not the worthiness of the one partaking. No one is worthy in and of himself. However, Christ makes us worthy. It is true that Paul is speaking of our manner in partaking. We must be sure to observe this memorial with reverence and respect. It is not something to do casually or mockingly. It is not something to do to fill in time, or something to do between playing with the baby in front of you and thinking about who will win the game this afternoon. What we are doing during this part, and every part, of our worship is to be taken seriously.
Just as stated earlier about the observance of Memorial Day being neglected, Christ’s Memorial Day is as well. There are those who will sleep late, go fishing, stay home with company, etc. They will be doing these things when they should be assembling with other Christians to remember Christ and His sacrifice. Others will observe it, but not in the proper manner. Yes, it is a good thing to honor our fallen soldiers. How much more important is it that we remember and honor our fallen (crucified) and resurrected Savior. It is the right thing to do every first day of the week.
--Lamar
Friday, April 18, 2008
FIVE PEOPLE
During our recent gospel meeting, Allen Webster asked each of us to do something. He asked us to make a list of five people that we wanted to see obey the gospel (or return to the church). He then said we should tell these people about the upcoming meeting and invite them to attend. These five people should then be mentioned frequently in our prayers. Finally, every effort should be made to encourage them to attend. Our meeting with Sam Long is two weeks away. How are you doing with your five?
Have you made your list? I am confident all of us know five people (probably more) who are lost that we would like to see become Christians (or faithful Christians). Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul had a strong desire for the salvation of his kinsmen (fellow Jews), even wishing that he would be accursed (lost) if it meant their salvation (Romans 9:3). Of course, such was impossible, but we see from this his strong desire for the salvation of the lost. However, that desire was accompanied by action. He spent much of his life traveling and enduring persecution so that the lost could hear the gospel. What are we willing to do?
Have you talked to them and invited them to attend? As mentioned above, Paul’s desire was accompanied by action. You can make a list of five people, or a hundred or a thousand, but nothing is likely to be accomplished until you do something. I read a story about former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill. His neighbor told him, “Tom, I’m going to vote for you tomorrow even though you did not ask me to.” O’Neill responded, “I’ve lived across the street from you for 18 years. I cut your grass, I shovel your walk. I didn’t think I had to ask for your vote.” She replied, “Let me tell you something: people like to be asked.”
Have you prayed for them? “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). It was true then, it is true now. Take the names on your list to the foot of God’s throne. Utter their names in prayer that they will be receptive to your invitation and to the gospel. As you read your Bibles, take note sometime of how many times Paul mentioned praying for his readers. Prayer does work.
Have you gone the extra mile? Jesus said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). Do more than what is necessary. Ask them more than once. Offer to give them a ride. Invite them for dinner one night and then bring them to services. We never know what we might do that will trigger a response and interest from someone. Jesus cared for the lost, including you and me, so much that He was willing to die. How much are we willing to sacrifice for them?
--Lamar
Have you made your list? I am confident all of us know five people (probably more) who are lost that we would like to see become Christians (or faithful Christians). Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul had a strong desire for the salvation of his kinsmen (fellow Jews), even wishing that he would be accursed (lost) if it meant their salvation (Romans 9:3). Of course, such was impossible, but we see from this his strong desire for the salvation of the lost. However, that desire was accompanied by action. He spent much of his life traveling and enduring persecution so that the lost could hear the gospel. What are we willing to do?
Have you talked to them and invited them to attend? As mentioned above, Paul’s desire was accompanied by action. You can make a list of five people, or a hundred or a thousand, but nothing is likely to be accomplished until you do something. I read a story about former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill. His neighbor told him, “Tom, I’m going to vote for you tomorrow even though you did not ask me to.” O’Neill responded, “I’ve lived across the street from you for 18 years. I cut your grass, I shovel your walk. I didn’t think I had to ask for your vote.” She replied, “Let me tell you something: people like to be asked.”
Have you prayed for them? “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). It was true then, it is true now. Take the names on your list to the foot of God’s throne. Utter their names in prayer that they will be receptive to your invitation and to the gospel. As you read your Bibles, take note sometime of how many times Paul mentioned praying for his readers. Prayer does work.
Have you gone the extra mile? Jesus said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). Do more than what is necessary. Ask them more than once. Offer to give them a ride. Invite them for dinner one night and then bring them to services. We never know what we might do that will trigger a response and interest from someone. Jesus cared for the lost, including you and me, so much that He was willing to die. How much are we willing to sacrifice for them?
--Lamar
Friday, April 11, 2008
PARENTS AND CHILDREN
During the Wednesday class there was a good discussion on the point Linwood made about Christian parents and their relationship with their children. A large number of children today talk back, are disobedient, or just ignore their parents. In addition, they display this behavior toward other adults: teachers, police officers, and adults in general. What has happened? What is the problem?
Let me first say this is not a new problem. Parents have had to deal with this problem for centuries. Adam and Eve had their problems with Cain. Eli and Samuel had sons who did not follow in their fathers’ footsteps. David was in fear of his life from his son, Absalom. I am not making excuses; I am just saying we are not the first generation of parents to struggle with this situation. Now, I would like to suggest three groups I believe have contributed to the current problem.
Parents. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.7 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” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Upon whom does God place the primary responsibility or training children? The parents are given this task, not the church, not the schools, not the day care industry, and certainly not the entertainment industry. We need to take our responsibilities as parents seriously. We need to teach and instruct our children properly. This needs to be done by word, but also by example. If we tell our children not to be rude to others, and they see us being rude, what have we taught them? Other organizations, including the church, can play a support role, but parents have the primary responsibility.
The church. I am concerned about the role the church is playing today in this matter. We need to be teaching our young people the importance of serving God. A part of this service is their responsibility to honor and obey their parents. I am not opposed to having fun and planning activities to entertain our youth, but these cannot be the focus of a successful youth program. We need to make sure we are placing supreme importance on teaching God’s word.
Society. I believe we would all agree that society has changed in recent years in regard to this situation. When I was growing up, parents did not hesitate to discipline their children (spanking), even in public. Now, if you do such, you are subject to public disapproval and possibly even being reported to authorities. It is shameful that we live in a society where child abuse is such a problem, but spanking a child is not abuse. In fact, a lack of discipline is abuse. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24). We must be willing to do what is right, even if it means public disapproval.
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
--Lamar
Let me first say this is not a new problem. Parents have had to deal with this problem for centuries. Adam and Eve had their problems with Cain. Eli and Samuel had sons who did not follow in their fathers’ footsteps. David was in fear of his life from his son, Absalom. I am not making excuses; I am just saying we are not the first generation of parents to struggle with this situation. Now, I would like to suggest three groups I believe have contributed to the current problem.
Parents. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.7 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” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Upon whom does God place the primary responsibility or training children? The parents are given this task, not the church, not the schools, not the day care industry, and certainly not the entertainment industry. We need to take our responsibilities as parents seriously. We need to teach and instruct our children properly. This needs to be done by word, but also by example. If we tell our children not to be rude to others, and they see us being rude, what have we taught them? Other organizations, including the church, can play a support role, but parents have the primary responsibility.
The church. I am concerned about the role the church is playing today in this matter. We need to be teaching our young people the importance of serving God. A part of this service is their responsibility to honor and obey their parents. I am not opposed to having fun and planning activities to entertain our youth, but these cannot be the focus of a successful youth program. We need to make sure we are placing supreme importance on teaching God’s word.
Society. I believe we would all agree that society has changed in recent years in regard to this situation. When I was growing up, parents did not hesitate to discipline their children (spanking), even in public. Now, if you do such, you are subject to public disapproval and possibly even being reported to authorities. It is shameful that we live in a society where child abuse is such a problem, but spanking a child is not abuse. In fact, a lack of discipline is abuse. “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24). We must be willing to do what is right, even if it means public disapproval.
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
--Lamar
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