The Fallacy of Human Experience

Human Experience Is Untrustworthy
Many people, both saved and unsaved, fall into the error that feelings and emotional experiences are to be sought after. They think they can know and experience God on the basis of human emotional and aesthetic experiences. Such people sometimes leave out the Word of God as a source of truth and use experience as a basis of their doctrine and teaching. In this way, Satan can enter in and give experiences of an emotional nature totally contrary to what the Word of God teaches.

This is a very dangerous thing, for then what people believe is tied to their vacillating emotions and colored by their personal bias. These emotions and biases may be instigated by Satan and his demons. Many hold to the doctrine of speaking in tongues, visions, and dreams as a means to gain experiences with God.

There is no need for visions -- Colossians 2:18-23.
There is no need for new revelation -- Colossians 2:8; Rev. 22:18,19
There is no need for emotional experiences to try and gain new truth.
Doctrine is never based upon human experience in life, but upon the sure Word of God.

Human Reason Is Incapable
God’s thoughts are higher than man’s thoughts -- Isaiah 55:7-9
Unsaved man cannot think “right” -- I Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:17-18
Unsaved man’s wisdom is faulty -- II Timothy 3:7; James 3:14; I Cor. 1:18-25
Paul never trusted human wisdom -- I Corinthians 2:1-5

Man has tended to deify reason, science, and education. In doing so they have rejected the divine revelation of the Bible. Faith is not an unreasonable thing. It is the highest logic to accept and believe the Bible.

How pitiful is the world that is deluded into the belief that human reason is sufficient for all things. Much of the doctrine of churches today is based upon nothing but human experience, tradition, whatever is culturally relevant or acceptable to the masses, rather than the “thus saith the Lord.” (Colossians 2:6-10)

The Importance of Character

Someone has said, “The unsoundness of a vessel is not seen when it is empty; but when it is filled with water.” This is when you will see if it will leak or not. As hard as you may examine the vessel, you will not truly know its performance until it is filled. Mankind is tested by adversity and by prosperity. Most of us understand how adversity can test us. Often we do not consider how prosperity can try us and our character. We find it difficult to believe that blessings can cause us harm. We fail to recognize that the character of a Christian is not fully discovered until he has been tried by the fullness of success.

Proverbs 10:9 says, “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.” God wants us to use the good things in our lives for His glory. Let me share three tests that prosperity poses to our character:

1. Praise Often Finds Pride
As Christians we must remember the Bible command to be humble. If we “die to self” daily, as the Apostle Paul instructs us, we will be able to handle the praise that is heaped upon us when we succeed. We must beware when we are praised by men. We may start believing what they say, and pride will creep into our lives. Our lack of character will eventually show on the outside. Some gifted men handle praise very well, others become very egotistical and demanding. We must guard against developing an attitude of superiority rather than servanthood.

2. Wealth Often Finds Selfishness
Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, “Millions of dollars have passed through these hands but none of it stuck!” When we become successful because of wealth, we must remember Who gives wealth. We must also be aware of Who gives the wisdom to obtain wealth. Christian character guards against selfishness and continues to give to God and others in need.

3. Education Often Finds Arrogance
First Corinthians 8:1 says “…we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” We know that knowledge and wisdom are important, but we must exercise caution. Education can lead to unbelief. You can educate yourself to a point that you no longer rely on God for wisdom. You can read the wrong sources or sit at the feet of scoffers and end up denying the God that you believed by faith. Godly character disciplines us to rely on God and His Word to guide us in life matters.

Beware lest the prosperity that you prayed for becomes the great test that you end up dreading because it exposes who you really are! In the Bible, Job did well with this. Joseph and Daniel also handled their success in the right way. King Saul did not fair as well. Nor did Lot or Haman handle praise and success correctly.

John Wooden, the famous UCLA head coach would tell his players: “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” When Christians get in trouble with their reputation (what people think of them), it is the result of a character flaw. Often they respond by blaming others and lashing out at them. They feel sorry for themselves and how they are being treated. Remember, you cannot fix other people. You can fix yourself but that takes character!

As Christians, we need to strive for success. Our strong Christian character needs to stand out to a lost world. The world needs to see Christians who can handle adversity as well as success. Success tests the crucible of our Christian character! Let’s remember who we are and Who brought success our way.

Running with Patience

If you are not a runner, you may not think of the words "run" and "patience" in the same sentence. After all, if you're running, you want to get somewhere fast! But if you've invested your time and energy in grueling practices and willed yourself to the finish line on a race track, you understand the importance of patience in running.

Winning the race requires the intensity of running and the determination of patience. Without patience to train and press on to the finish line, even the most talented runners would never win.

Born prematurely at 4 1/2 pounds, no one would have guessed the future of Wilma Rudolph. At age 4, she contracted polio, which twisted her left leg and foot and required her to wear braces. Doctors were confident that she would never walk again.

Taking advantage of any shred of hope, the doctors instructed Wilma's mother on how to massage Wilma's leg to prevent her from remaining permanently crippled. These massages were administered faithfully.

During a routine doctor visit, Wilma shocked her doctor when she removed her heavy brace and walked across the room without it. She then disclosed her secret - persistently and painfully, she had forced herself to walk a little each day. This was the turning point for Wilma. Soon, through patience and persistence, she was running.

At age 16, Wilma competed in the 1956 Olympics and returned home with a bronze medal in the 4 X 100-meter relay. Four years later, she returned from the 1960 Olympics with three gold medals - the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 4 X 100 meter relays.

Wilma's life demonstrates the necessity of patience in running a race. Without the patience to willingly endure pain, Wilma would never have walked without her brace, and she certainly would never have competed in the Olympic Games.

Patience in a race is the ability to endure until the finish line. It is the inner strength to refuse to become frustrated and quit when one is exhausted or cramping or injured.

Perhaps you are experiencing difficulties and have been tempted to fall out of your Christian race. Don't give up! Instead, grow in patience!

Hebrews 10:35-36
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

When situations come into our lives that require us to develop patience, we mature spiritually.

James 1:3-4
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The runner has patience to continue his race because he remembers the end. He knows he will not run indefinitely. By running with patience, he will reach the finish line and victory.

The Christian runner, too, is encouraged when he remembers that as he trusts the Lord with patience, at the end of every trial, God has blessings. Trials don't last forever, but they do yield great joys. James 5:11 says, "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

Knowing When to Zip Our Lips

Keep yourself from gossip.

Here is a simple formula that should be applied before speaking of any person or subject that has uncertainty tied to it.

T--Is it true? (Know this for sure.)
H--Is it helpful?
I--Is it inspiring?
N--Is it necessary?
K--Is it kind?

Good rule to live by: If what I am about to say does not pass the T.H.I.N.K. test, I will keep my mouth shut!

Proverbs 21:23 "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

Five Values of Successful Homeschooling

Educating Your Children with a Winning Philosophy

This list flows from family counsel, studying the home, and seeing both the blessings and pitfalls of homeschooling. I’ve known many success stories in homeschooling, and in every case, the family had these five basic values in place:
1. The Value of Biblical Curriculum—Successful homeschooling places a premium on the selection of curriculum. When it comes to the choice of either saving a few dollars or having a truly biblical curriculum, these families place a high value on a biblical education. In addition to this, they select Christian curriculum carefully. Not all “Christian” curriculums are the same. In fact several are just plain dangerous.
Selling Christian curriculum can be big business, and wise families ask the Lord for discernment to see beyond the sales pitch and really inspect the biblical validity of the philosophy and approach that a particular publisher takes. Some providers go to unbiblical extremes to build a loyal customer base—including driving a wedge between the family and other biblical institutions.
2.The Value of the Church—Successful homeschool families always place a high value on the church, in keeping with the clear, New Testament pattern. A few curriculum and resource providers in the homeschool movement are clearly anti-local church. For some, this sentiment is an over-reaction to the failure of the contemporary church. For others, it flows more from their own past family relationships. For some it’s an inner rebellion and aversion to authentic, biblical structure and authority. Often it is due to fear and over-protectionism. (Becoming reclusive from God’s institution isn’t protective for our children, it’s harmful.) Wherever the withdrawal originates, this anti-local local church philosophy is purely unscriptural and therefore, dangerous to the family.
Sometimes this is referred to as a “home-church” philosophy. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with having a church in a home (as churches began in the New Testament), the modern-day typical “home-church” is somewhat morphed and mutated from the New Testament pattern.
Biblical churches have pastoral leadership, structure, order, giving, Biblical preaching and teaching, and authentic outreach ministry. They have pastors, deacons, new life, and outreach efforts. But the “home church” philosophy tends to be, more or less, a few families gathering for loose-knit fellowship. It’s more exclusionary and reclusive. The daily operation, outreach, ministry, and administration of an effective local church is quite different.
Here’s the core point—successful homeschool families understand God’s structure of authority and submit to it. These parents don’t demand submission from their children while simultaneously rebelling against God themselves. They place themselves under God’s authority and model the submissive hearts they teach. In addition, they don’t redefine church according to their own terms—like meeting with a few families to play soccer once a week. If I despise God’s biblical authority in my life—church and pastor—I’m teaching my children to eventually cast off authority themselves.
Finally, these families place para-church organizations in proper perspective. They don’t allow curriculum or resource providers to usurp the local church and their commitment to gathering, growing, serving, giving, and participating with a local, called out assembly. I’ve seen God bless this commitment over and over.
3. The Value of Avoiding “Extreme Family Exclusivity”—Sometimes it is born out of fear—fear of exposing our kids to the “outside world.” Other times it is born out of pride—refusing to recognize that God has ordained other institutions to cooperate with the home in spiritual development and support. Some fringes of the homeschool movement tend toward reclusive family tendencies—withdrawing from church-family and biblical support relationships or structure.
The successful homeschool stories that I have witnessed have always maintained a strong social and relational connection with healthy influences. They teach their children to avoid “peer dependence” while still meeting the need for peer interaction. They make sure their family is participating in the great work of the gospel with a vibrant church family. These parents have helped their children have a heart for the lost world, not to merely withdraw from it. As one friend of mine said—these families are not just cursing the darkness—they are punching holes in it with the light!
4. The Value of a Structured Format—Every parent is gifted by God to train up their child, but many struggle with the academic and structural side of daily education. Homeschooling is a huge commitment on the part of parents. It requires the shouldering of a massive schedule and academic responsibility, in addition to the already overwhelming responsibilities of nurturing and parenting our children and managing the household.
On occasion I’ve heard moms or dads admit to being a year or more behind in their child’s education. Homeschooling is a serious commitment to a disciplined regimen—a structured schedule and format. We can’t afford to allow our children’s education slip because of a lack of discipline or academic training.
Success stories always include parents who were passionately committed to providing their children with the very best education possible—and that always includes a structured schedule and the daily discipline of school routines.
5. The Value of Family Balance—This final value speaks to the opposite extreme of the previous. While some families struggle to establish the discipline and routines necessary to stay on schedule, others can go overboard on rigidity. But some parents would tend to err to the side of over-structuring and bringing all of family life into some sort of system and order. This can be overwhelming to a child.
All of our homes need the balance of rules with relationships. Our kids need time with us outside of a routine. They need to laugh, play, connect heart-to-heart, and experience our genuine warmth and compassion as parents. That’s hard to experience while sitting in a school desk. And as a parent it can be difficult to balance the role of school instructor or administrator, with the role of parent.
The success stories always include parents who wisely struck the balance with the help of the Holy Spirit. Remember there is something far more important than your child’s education (as vital as that is!) Their relationship with you and ultimately with God trumps everything else! Through all of the efforts to give them a solid education, be sure that the relationship—heart to heart—is healthy and growing.
Every now and then, break protocol and be a parent. Fall in love with your kids and meet the needs of their heart as well as their minds.
In conclusion, again, I believe wholly in the value of traditional Christian education. Whenever possible, a godly team of teachers in the right Christian school environment is a powerful compliment to the Christian home and a good church. However, for many families, Christian school is not used for a variety of reasons. When these parents courageously shoulder the responsibility of education rather than taking the easier paths of public options, I respect their choice.
I pray that these values will be strong in your home and will help your family to be one of God’s great success stories!

Be An Extension of Your Pastor

I originally posted this article on FRMBC's "Acts 6 Leadership" blog for our leadership. However, I thought it would be good for every member.

Are you a help or a hindrance? You are one or the other.

You can be an extension of your pastor. Extend means to stretch or open to full length; to make longer, broader, or wider: to continue; to prolong; to put forth or hold out, as the hand; to exert to full capacity; to offer something.

You can be an extension of your pastor as you:

Exemplify a yielded spirit. Carry out his philosophy in the ministry and seek to do things the way he would want them done.

Examine your heart. Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” Stay thoroughly right in your relationship with your pastor

Trust his discernment. He might know more about the situation and cannot share details with you.

Encourage those around you. He cannot be everywhere, but you can be his extension. I can help extend my pastor's ministry by helping him so he can use his time to do those things God has called him to do! At church, be positive and appreciative of your fellow members.

Never limit your pastor's vision. Ask yourself, how would he want it done? Don't have tunnel vision and not look around you to see the visitors and the needs. Don't talk to your four friends and forget to look for those who need to be liked and belong and are accepted. I dare you to sit in a different spot or move closer to the front this week in Sunday School or in church!

Have a servant's heart. Be supportive of your pastor in the ministry. Help him serve the Lord.

Have approved initiative. Make sure you have your pastor’s permission to be sure what you’re doing is in line with his vision, then take the initiative to carry out ministry. Proverbs 6:6-8, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” I admire people who work hard whether “the boss” is looking or not. Stay busy; with permission!

Overlook. (Allow him to make a mistake now and then!)

Never say no. Have a can-do attitude. Some project might seem overwhelming at first. Break it down into workable sections. Have a heart for your ministry.

Capture the heart of your pastor—loving and building people and sharing Christ.

(adapted)

Why I Must Support Christian Education

The Short Answer—I Can't Do Anything Else

Proverbs 19:27 “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”

Philosophically, I Cannot Do Anything Else.

The above text says for us to command our children to stop hearing those who teach them contrary to the Bible. My faith is the most precious thing that I have. I cannot send my children to a Catholic Sunday School because the teachers there would teach them contrary to my faith. Neither can I send my children to a humanist Monday school because the teachers there will teach them contrary to the scriptures.

Proverbs 22:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” The older my children get, the gladder I am that I did not give up during the tough times! I see in my grown, older children a worldview that comes from their training at home and at school.

It is sad to me when parents give their children a choice about one of the most important things in their life: their education. God gave parents the duty of “bringing up their children” not of allowing them to bring themselves up. As a parent, I am to guide my child, I am not to allow them to guide me. (By the way, parents, that means that you have to know where you are going and what goals you have for your children).

Christian schools are not found in the Scriptures. However, the command is that we are to train our children in our faith and not to allow others to teach our children (who are so moldable) contrary to our faith. Christian schools and home schools are simply a way to fulfill those commands.

Practically, I Cannot Do Anything Else.

One million girls will become pregnant outside of wedlock before graduation day. Before they leave high school, 1.2 million boys will become sexually active. One third of all school children will be so poorly educated they will function under their own intelligence capabilities. All public school students will be taught the untenable and unbelievable theory of evolution. Few will learn the undeniable truth that there is more evidence to support the belief that man was really created by God.

Most public school students will not learn to read well and many will not learn to write and think clearly at all. Only about 50% will learn enough geography to identify the location of places like Chicago, Miami, Forth Worth, etc. Fewer will learn to locate Germany, Spain, or Saudi Arabia.

They will be exposed to violence, crime, cursing to an extreme, drugs, and sexual promiscuity. Often these things will be condoned by teachers and the administration itself! Many school districts now are exposing their kids to homosexuals and will be taught by sensitivity training that alternative lifestyles are a matter of choice.

If I did not have the conviction from the scriptures, even practically, I cannot send my children into that system.

Purposely, I Cannot Do Anything Else.

I am afraid that many parents do not raise their children on purpose. They simply have no driving purpose that guides their decisions with their home and children. I have one driving desire for my children and that is that they love and serve the wonderful God that I have loved and served.

My prayer and aim is that they either serve the Lord in a full time capacity or be used in a good, Bible believing independent Baptist church to further God’s work. I want them to be ambitious and do well in whatever vocation God calls them into, but business is second, God’s work comes first.

We only have one life and it will soon be past. A hundred years from now it will not make any difference how much money I made. It will make a difference how many souls I influenced for the cause of Christ, how many people I helped along the way, and how I served Him for Whom I was made and redeemed!

Psalm 127:3 says, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord.” The word “heritage” means ‘loan.’ My children are not mine to raise for myself, they are on loan from the Lord and I must raise them for Him. With these things in mind, I must choose a school that helps me toward my God-given purpose. The will of God must be the driving factor. I know many, many people who live very sacrificially in order to train their children according to The faith.

We only get one opportunity to train our children. Their faith and values cannot be taken for granted. They will learn faith and values. The question is, “Whose faith and whose values will they learn?”

Adapted

10 Ways to Help Your Pastor

Experience the Joy of Helping the Man of God

If you want to be an obedient Christian, you have one of two choices: be the pastor of a Bible-preaching, Bible-practicing Baptist church (if you are called of God to do so, and that you meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), or help a man who is the pastor of a Bible-preaching, Bible-practicing Baptist church. According to the Word of God, you need your pastor and he needs you! Here are some ways that you can be a tremendous help and blessing to your pastor.
1. Pray for Him and His Family
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Praying for your pastor daily will help him, and it will keep you tender toward his leadership.
2. Show up for the Preaching of God’s Word
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1Peter 5:1-2)
Pastors are commanded to feed the flock. However, they are not commanded to make “home delivery” of the feed. Your pastor cannot feed you if you do not show up for the meal.
It has been said, “Every Christian needs three to thrive: Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.”
3. Pick a Ministry and Be Faithful in it
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him . . . (Deuteronomy 6:12-13)
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (1Samuel 12:24)
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26)
Jesus taught that the primary attribute for His followers was faithfulness. Rare is the church member today who can always be counted on for serving faithfully.
4. Obey the Lord in Your Stewardship
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
The church needs your offerings for the Lord’s work. More importantly, you need to be obedient to the Lord and give it. If every church member were obedient about giving, churches would be looking for more good ways to use the Lord’s money.
5. Teach Your Children to Respect Their Pastor
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:7, 17)
Honor, respect, and obey your pastor whomever he happens to be. He may not be your “ideal pastor.” He certainly will not be perfect, but God has placed him in the office of pastor and that office is worthy of respect and honor.
6. Envision a Great Future for Your Church
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)
Focus on the wonderful opportunity you have to see people saved, baptized, growing in the Lord, and serving in the church. Get excited about the events, outreach efforts, and special meetings of the church.
7. Take an Active Part in Making That Vision a Reality
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1: 22-25)
8. Increase Your Love for Your Church Family
Jesus taught that the world would recognize us as His followers by the love that we have for each other.
Be faithful in prayer for one another.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)
Be aware of those who are struggling and look for ways to help.
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
Extend personal care to each other—function as the body of Christ.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
9. Share Christ and Your Church With Others
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:23)
This is the first step in becoming a soulwinner. Bringing people to church with you is the “entry level” of soulwinning. Anyone and everyone can do it.
10. Keep a Positive Spirit
Determine to focus on the good things in life and the good things about your church. Anybody can criticize. Critics are a dime a dozen.
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: (Psalm 146:5)
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1John 5:4)
Encourage your pastor by sharing his vision for your church.

Is It Worth The Work?

Article on why Youth Camp is worth all the effort that goes into it.
(Click title to read article.)

Practical Keys to Happy Living

Psalm 1:1-6
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Here are a few practical keys to being happy:

1. Personally know the salvation which is in Jesus Christ.
2. Be an active member of a New Testament Baptist Church.
3. Meditate regularly on God’s Word, the King James Bible.
4. Fulfill you God-given responsibilities.
5. Confess and forsake your sins.
6. Faithfully spend time in prayer to God.
7. Praise and thank God in every situation.
8. Practice the presence of God by disciplining yourself to see all of life and every circumstance from a God-centered point of view.
9. Us the gifts, abilities, and resources God has given you to live for God’s glory and the good of others.
10. Replace every pessimistic, defeatist thought with a Biblical thought.
11. Regularly seek fellowship with God’s people.
12. Focus on becoming more like Jesus Christ in your character and attitude.
13. Take care of yourself physically (sleep, exercise, diet).
14. Enjoy the variety of good things God has provided… in other words, count your many blessings.

Thankful for Christian Education

(This copied article shares my summation of the benefits of true Christian education.)

This past Saturday we had some family time and decided to drive over to the coast for the afternoon. It was one of the most beautiful coastal days I’ve ever seen—the sun was warm, the waves were huge, and it seemed that we had several miles of beach to ourselves. One of the highlights was being able to take a walk along the shore with my daughter, Abbey.
During our walk, Abbey said, “Hey Dad, did you know that the Ocean has paths in it?” “Yes, I said—where did you hear about that?” She replied, “We’re studying oceanography in 4th grade and we learned it from Psalm 8.” Then we looked up Psalm 8 and read it together while we walked by the ocean. And once again, I thanked the Lord for the wonderful teachers and Bible-based education that my children have received.
If you’re investing yourself or your resources into giving your children a biblical education, stay at it—one day they will truly thank you. Nothing could better prepare them for life than having a biblical perspective in a world full of lies!
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”

Psalms 8

Parenting Mistakes

Here’s a short list of mistakes that all parents can make when it comes to seeing, understanding, and biblically responding to the spiritual growing pains of life. (This is as much to myself as to others.) Stop and think about it—and pray for godly wisdom in responding to the issues of your children’s hearts with proper compassion, authority, and biblical instruction.
Too often, when our kids struggle, this is our reaction:
1. Denial – denying issues or naively thinking that there aren’t any issues to deal with.
2. Embarrassment – hoping others don’t find out about an issue—which causes me to not seek help or counsel.
3. Defensiveness – taking offense at someone’s attempt to deal with an issue, or allowing my child to avoid personal responsibility by blaming others.
4. Unresponsiveness – knowing there’s an issue but hoping it will just go away on its own (you know—a phase).
5. Weariness – knowing there’s an issue, but being too tired to respond, or becoming discouraged that nothing I’ve tried appears to be working.
6. Duplicity – not wanting to deal with my own issue, and thus, creating an allowance for my child’s.
7. Over-reaction – blowing up over the issue rather than contexualizing it biblically and responding appropriately.
The answers:

1. Expect your kids to struggle.

2. And, since everybody’s kids struggle, don’t be embarrassed when they do.

3. Be supportive when those in spiritual authority love your child enough to help—even if the child whines about it.

4. Don’t expect issues to disappear, they usually get worse.

5. No matter how tired or discouraged you are, don’t stop doing the right things—like praying and laboring.

6. Be willing to examine your own heart first so you can authentically help your child.

7. Put every issue into the context of obeying and honoring God, and respond in that light.

Let’s face it, our best parenting skills cannot cover the fact that we’re human! We all have blind spots. And our children all have an enemy who is targeting them. Every kid has issues and every parent is called of God to biblically nurture and lead through those issues. Expect the enemy to come after your kids—and ask God for wisdom and strength to do the right thing when he does.
“…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Which Kind of Parent Are You?

As parents, we have an awesome responsibility to raise our children for the Lord. Parenting is so much bigger than providing basic necessities of life; it requires nurturing young hearts in the ways of the Lord.
Our culture pressures us to assume false methods of parenting that sound logical by man’s reasoning but will ultimately damage our children. We must reject these worldly philosophies and follow the principles of God’s Word to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Below are four descriptions of parenting styles, three of which describe unbalanced approaches. These descriptions are helpful for parents with children of any ages, as they outline the heart philosophy of the parent rather than the behavior of the child.
1. Neglectful—Low in love, low in control
This parent avoids or flees his children. He finds it easier to say “Ask your mother” and continue watching a ballgame than to engage in opportunities to spend time with his children. He avoids setting boundaries and ignores the precious few boundaries that are broken. Unfortunately, children discern the neglect. Even as they take advantage of the relaxed rules, they translate the lack of attention as a lack of love.
Proverbs 29:15 describes the dangers of this parenting philosophy: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
2. Permissive—High in love, low in control
This parent allows his children to lead him rather than leading them. He fears his children and is reluctant to say “no.” While being your child’s friend is important, remember that you are his only father/mother. Be your child’s true best friend by fulfilling your role as his parent.
The book of Proverbs is full of Solomon’s admonition to his son to listen to and heed his father’s instruction: “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 6:20). Solomon knew that he could give Rehoboam advice and instruction that would help him live a successful life.
3. Authoritarian—Low in love, high in control
This parent pushes is children to conformity, rather than leading them to maturity. Parents who lean toward this parenting philosophy should remember Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
The goal for Christian families is not to raise well-behaved children; it is to mature Christ-like adults. To do this, you must reach your children’s hearts. Discipline and instruction is necessary, but never forget that heart strings are tied with cords of love.
4. Authoritative—High in love, high in control
This is the parent who accepts and fulfills his role as a parent by lovingly nurturing his child’s heart with love while training him in obedience. He sees the big picture and ultimately directs his child’s heart to the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). While retaining the role of a parent, he is able to fellowship with his child, spending quality and quantity time together.
It is God’s design that an earthly father would display an accurate representation of the heart of our Heavenly Father: ”Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). Authoritative parenting that maintains a balance of committed love and caring control gives children a picture of their Heavenly Father that creates a hunger to know Him.

As we strive as parents to draw our children’s hearts toward the Lord, it is so important to recognize that in our own strength and through our own wisdom we are insufficient for this incredible responsibility. As Jesus clearly stated, “…without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Dating Mistakes

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The Choices We Face

We are faced with choices every day. Decisions must be made on an hourly basis. And there is a great possibility for error, simply because we are human! In addition, many of the choices we face don’t have an exact Bible chapter and verse for us to follow. Because of this, we must claim the promise of the provision of God’s wisdom. James 1:5 says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God….” When it comes to decision-making, we can make our choices based on biblical principles—claiming God’s promise to provide godly wisdom along the way. Even when we are tempted to lie or gossip about someone or something, because of the old nature, we can struggle. Here are five simple questions to ask yourself when faced with decisions:

Does it violate clear teachings of the Bible?

There are some difficult passages in the Bible that require time in deep study to comprehend. However, most of the Bible is not this way. The most basic test of any decision is an honest look at what the Bible says. God wrote the Bible to communicate His person, His plan, and His principles for our lives. The timeless wisdom of the Bible is still as relevant for the decisions we make today as it was thousands of years ago when it was first written.“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Does it violate my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

We are living in borrowed property. If you borrow a friend’s car, you drive very carefully because that car does not belong to you. Someone else bought the vehicle, insured it, repaired it, and you get full benefit of it while it is loaned to you. Our bodies were created and then purchased by God. We are just stewards of them on this earth. Stop and ask yourself, “Is this really how I should treat God’s possession?”“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Does it cause another Christian to stumble?

Some people live with the attitude “I can do anything I want if it doesn't hurt someone else,” but the reality is that everything we do in some way influences someone else. Some things we do may not be sinful, but they can be a cause for another Christian to sin. Paul wrote that the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. It is the responsibility of the spiritually mature to live in a way that builds up those weaker in the faith.“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

Does it go against the expressed will of my spiritual authority?

From Moses to the apostles, God has expressed His will through human authorities. No authority is perfect, but God still has asked us to submit ourselves to them.“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7).

Does it glorify God?

We are usually very conscious of our reputations and appearances, but do we ask ourselves if our actions lift up the name of Jesus Christ? As we become more aware of the presence of God in our lives, our choices become much clearer. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Some decisions are big, and others are small, but they are all important. In order to get to our destinations, we must make sure the decisions we make keep us on the right road. May you follow the One who longs to give you direction in our lives!

Podcast: God's "To Do" List

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(Time: just under 3 minutes)