Tell Your Children...

July 10

Evening "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." Joel 1:3   In this simple way, by God's grace, a living testimony for truth is always to be kept alive in the land--the beloved of the Lord are to hand down their witness for the gospel, and the covenant to their heirs, and these again to their next descendants. This is our first duty, we are to begin at the family hearth: he is a bad preacher who does not commence his ministry at home. The heathen are to be sought by all means, and the highways and hedges are to be searched, but home has a prior claim, and woe unto those who reverse the order of the Lord's arrangements. To teach our children is a personal duty; we cannot delegate it to Sunday school teachers, or other friendly aids; these can assist us, but cannot deliver us from the sacred obligation; proxies and sponsors are wicked devices in this case: mothers and fathers must, like Abraham, command their households in the fear of God, and talk with their offspring concerning the wondrous works of the Most High. Parental teaching is a natural duty--who so fit to look to the child's well-being as those who are the authors of his actual being? To neglect the instruction of our offspring is worse than brutish. Family religion is necessary for the nation, for the family itself, and for the church of God. By a thousand plots Popery is covertly advancing in our land, and one of the most effectual means for resisting its inroads is left almost neglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith. Would that parents would awaken to a sense of the importance of this matter. It is a pleasant duty to talk of Jesus to our sons and daughters, and the more so because it has often proved to be an accepted work, for God has saved the children through the parents' prayers and admonitions. May every house into which this volume shall come honour the Lord and receive his smile. (taken from July 11 Evening reading in Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon) Too many Christian parents are naive when it comes to the dangers facing their children when they go to school or off to college. We must prepare our children to grow up and live godly. The Bible is very clear about the father's responsibility to his children. (See Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 78, Proverbs 4, Ephesians 6:1-4). The faith cannot be assumed, we must be intentional in passing it on to the next generation.  They must have real faith, they must know what they believe and why. You had better believe that the devil and the world are going to be intentional in trying to lead your child down the wrong path. "The reality is that when you now come to America’s colleges you have to know who you are or else someone will tell you who you are. There is so much pressure on students to drop certain beliefs, and it is very difficult to stop dropping other beliefs once you give in."  Don't let your kids go into battle unequipped!  Sunday religion will not get the job done. Come on Dad, get in the battle. Your kids are worth fighting for! Soli Deo Gloria, allan

REDEEMED, HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT!

1 Peter 1:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold,
¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

 

Chorus:

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night

 

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"All my theology is reduced to this narrow compass - Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners." - Archibald Alexander 

 

Redeem - to buy back or to free from what distresses or harms. Man has been separated from God by sin.  Christ paid the penalty for our sin to satisfy divine justice.  He has freed us from the shackles of sin's bondage and God's eternal wrath. A realization of this redemption causes the ransomed to want to sing! "Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb..."

^"Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them from the hand of the foe "

Psalm 107:2

Soli Deo Gloria
ah



NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

Hebrews 9:22b (ESV)  ... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Words and Music by Robert Lowery

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

 

 

 

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The Bible is very clear concerning the forgiveness of man's sin. Only a perfect blood sacrifice would satisfy the Father's requirement. The gift of salvation required Jesus blood. No other sacrifuce would do.  "Oh! precious is the flow that  makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus."  Thank you Jesus for your precious blood that You shed for me on Calvary! Now when God looks at me He sees Christ's shed blood and declares me righteous for Jesus sake!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

ah

From or Out Of: God Always Delivers His People

January 24

Morning

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler."Psalm 91:3

God delivers his people from the snare of the fowler in two senses. From, and out of. First, he delivers them from the snare--does not let them enter it; and secondly, if they should be caught therein, he delivers them out of it. The first promise is the most precious to some; the second is the best to others.
"He shall deliver thee from the snare." How? Trouble is often the means whereby God delivers us. God knows that our backsliding will soon end in our destruction, and he in mercy sends the rod. We say, "Lord, why is this?" not knowing that our trouble has been the means of delivering us from far greater evil. Many have been thus saved from ruin by their sorrows and their crosses; these have frightened the birds from the net. At other times, God keeps his people from the snare of the fowler by giving them great spiritual strength, so that when they are tempted to do evil they say, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" But what a blessed thing it is that if the believer shall, in an evil hour, come into the net, yet God will bring him out of it! O backslider, be cast down, but do not despair. Wanderer though thou hast been, hear what thy Redeemer saith--"Return, O backsliding children; I will have mercy upon you." But you say you cannot return, for you are a captive. Then listen to the promise--"Surely he shall deliver thee out of the snare of the fowler." Thou shalt yet be brought out of all evil into which thou hast fallen, and though thou shalt never cease to repent of thy ways, yet he that hath loved thee will not cast thee away; he will receive thee, and give thee joy and gladness, that the bones which he has broken may rejoice. No bird of paradise shall die in the fowler's net.

(taken from January 24 Morning reading in Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon)

The snare of the fowler metaphor represents the plots and schemes that come against the believer. We are foolish and weak like poor helpless birds that are easily lured into the fowler's snare. God is watching out for us. He is our deliverer and our protector.  Some  will be protected from the snare and some will be delivered out of the snare. As believers we have reason for confidence in God's protection. He is in complete control. He always comes through with just what we need no matter what the dangers or fears of life that we may be facing.

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah

PRAYER FOR HIS PEACE

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thess 3:16 (ESV)


"In Paul's writing, he refers to God the Father with six different titles:
1. God of patience and consolation
2. God of hope
3. God of all comfort
4. God of our Lord Jesus Christ
5. God of love
6. God of peace
Of these, he refers to only one more than once- "the God of Peace," which he uses five times. Here in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul attributes this same quality to our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul must have realized the role "peace" plays in our understanding of the nature of God and Christ's victory on the Cross.

Today we often think of peace as being the absence of conflict between individuals or nations, or the feeling of serenity we might have in a quiet moment. Yet in Hebrew, the word peace - shalom- has a much deeper and richer meaning. The word shalom means literally "completeness, soundness, welfare, peace...safety, soundness (in body)...health, prosperity... quiet, tranquility, contentment... friendship of human relationships and with God especially in covenant relationship. Shalom is one of the key words that describes our new covenant relationship to God through Christ's blood and sacrifice, and it is the term through which, when we enter back into covenant with God through Christ, we become His friend."
- David Bordon

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.
2 Thess 3:16 (AMP)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

2 PRINCIPLES, 1 PARADOX (3 Great Books From Randy Alcorn)

LIFECHANGE BOOKS by Multnomah

small books BIG CHANGE

These books live up to the their billing.  LIFECHANGE BOOKS & small books BIG CHANGE!

These small books from Randy Alcorn address three key areas: Money or Finances, Purity and Christlikeness (Grace & Truth). Each book is packed full of biblical truth. Money, Purity and Christlikeness, who doesn't need to be challenged and encouraged from God's word in these areas. If you invest a small amount of time and read these books, you will find that your investment will pay great dividends in your life and in the life of your family.  I highly recommend you make the investment. _ ah

The Treasure Principle

Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving

DISCOVER A JOY MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD!

The Purity Principle

God's Safeguards for Life's Dangerous Roads

A Higher Pleasure Is Within Reach!

The Grace and Truth Paradox

Responding with Christlike Balance

 

GRACE OR TRUTH... OR BOTH?

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Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and the author of many award-winning and bestselling books. He and his wife, Nanci, live in Gresham, Oregon, and have two grown daughters, Karina and Angela. 

Prayer for the Patience of Christ

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thess 3:5 (ESV)

The prayer of the apostle was, that they might have the love of God in their hearts, and "the patience of Christ;" that is, the same patience which Christ evinced in his trials. They were then suffering affliction and persecution. They needed patience, that they might endure their trials in a proper manner. It was natural for the apostle to refer them to the Saviour, the great example of patience, and to pray that they might have the same which he had.—Barnes' Notes on the New Testament

"...the Christian life is more than a 100-meter dash; it was now time to set in for the marathon.

To this end, Paul prayed for them: May your active pursuit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

(a) Lead you more and more into the fullness of God's love.

(b) Lead you into patience, endurance, long-suffering, and steadfastness of Christ himself as you await His return.

2 Thessalonians 3: 5, Paraphrased"

- David Bordon

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Religious Liberty

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,   for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Tim 2:1-2 (ESV)

The Baptist Faith & Message

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

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Religious liberty has always been  a Baptist principle and a Baptist passion. Our commitment is to religious liberty for all peoples, not just for Baptists, because we believe that every human being is created in God's image and possesses full rights and freedoms granted by the Creator, as well as full accountability.

Early Baptists suffered intense persecution and hostility, which taught Baptists to recognize the necessity of authentic religious liberty.

Christians must be free to bring their biblically informed understanding of moral truth to the nation's public policy debates as the salt and the light that Christ has commanded them to be (see Matthew 5:13-16), even as they contend for full religious liberty for all citizens, whatever their faith.

E. Y. Mullins once defined the Baptist concept as "a free church in  free state." These words remind Baptists of our responsibility to protect, defend, and contend for religious liberty at home and around the world. This is part of our Baptist witness and our gospel task.

from The Baptist Faith & Message Study

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah


Click here to go to The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission website.

Peace and War

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18 (ESV)


The Baptist Faith & Message

XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
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Righteousness must not be sacrificed in the name of false peace.

As defined throught the centuries, the just-war theory holds that in order for a war to be justified sevearal criteria must be satisfied:
- just cause - use of force must be defensive and never offensive
- just intention - to secure a fair, lasting peace for all parties.
- last resort - all other legitimate means of settling the conflict have been tried and failed.
- limit objectives to what is necessary to establish a just peace.
- use of force approved by a legitimate authority.
- only proportionate means be used.
- noncombatants be protected whenever possible.
- must a be a reasonable chance of successs.
- must be a realistic hope that conflict will lead to a superior, lasting peace.

Chrisitans cannot wage with earthly weapons the most important war we are called to fight. As Paul reminds us, "Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens" (Eph. 6:12) No Christian wars are fought with earthly weapons and for earthly goals.

Until Christ comes, we will have war. But Christians must work and contend for peace. We must pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.


from The Baptist Faith & Message Study

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer to Stand Firm in Truth

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thess 2:16-17 (ESV)

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

The Christian and the Social Order

14  "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt 5:14-16 (ESV)

The Baptist Faith & Message

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
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Love of neighbor requires that we genuinely care about the shape of our society.

All human life is sacred from conception to until natural death.

Christians must stand without apology against the corruption of God's gift of sexuality.

The lordship of Jesus Christ extends to every dimension of human work and culture.



from The Baptist Faith & Message Study

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer to Fulfill His Purpose

11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thess 1:11-12 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Cooperation

For we are God's fellow workers. ...

1 Cor 3:9 (ESV)


The Baptist Faith & Message


XIV. Cooperation

Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.


Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
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For Southern Baptists cooperation means a worldwide kingdom work with others who share our faith, values and worldview.

Congregationalism is a deeply established Baptist principle. 

Congregationalism: The belief that a local body of believers is directly responsible to God's authority, not a church hierarchy.

Voluntary Association: The united, cooperative effort of churches with common beliefs to minister together in ways they could not minister alone.

Our churches can do together what no one church can do alone.

Cooperative Program: A plan of cooperation by which Southern Baptists provide financial support for ministry and missions in an ongoing, systematic way.

The Cooperative Program allows local Baptist congregations to unite in a single, unified budget for advancing the cause of Christ.


from The Baptist Faith & Message Study

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Our churches can do together what no one church can do alone.  Sometimes I wonder if Southern Baptists still believe this?  If only Southern Baptist Churches could get back to this Baptist pattern of cooperation.  It was John Wooden that said "It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit."

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for Sanctification (To Be Set Apart, Holy)

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Thess 5:23-24 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for the Church

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Thess 3:11-13 (ESV)



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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Stewardship

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,   but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matt 6:19-21 (ESV)


The Baptist Faith & Message 2000

XIII. Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.


Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.



Stewardship: The responsibility to manage resources God has placed in our care.

Christian stewardship extends to our energy, our time, and the totality of who we are.

A Christian's stewardship is motivated not by obligation but by a joyful sense of privilege.

The Tithe:
In the Old Testament God commanded the people of God to give a minimum of 10% as an offering (see Lev. 27:30-32; Mal.3:10).  Some people argue that Christians, no longer under the law, are now free from the responsibility of the tithe.  Responsible believers understand, however, that Christians bear no less responsibility for giving than God commanded of His people in the Old Testament. Those who have been transformed by Christ are called to an even higher level of giving that is motivated by more than law and mere obligation (see Matt. 6:19-21; 23:23). Christians must seek to give generously to the local church and to gospel causes, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver (see 2 Cor. 9:7).

Taken from The Baptist Faith & Message Study


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

23rd Psalm Parenting by Alan Melton

This post is from Alan Melton on how the 23rd Psalm teaches us to care for and protect our children.  He co-wrote the book Disciple Like Jesus For Parents. You can find out more about this ministry and find other helpful resources at www.disciplelikejesus.com . _ ah


23rd Psalm Parenting

In addition to describing the attributes of our Lord and Savior, this beautiful Psalm teaches us much about how we are to care for and protect our children. We are to protect them like Jesus protected the twelve.  Jesus showed us how to make disciples and then commanded us to do the same.


“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Here we see the provision of the shepherd. Most parents are good at providing food, shelter, and transportation to their children. But what provision do you personally make for your children’s spiritual knowledge? What training are you providing in how to interact with others? How are you providing for them in the area of ministry involvement? What is your provision in teaching them to discern good versus evil? Take personal responsibility for not only their temporal needs but also their eternal needs.


“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” This verse speaks of rest, nourishment, and refreshment. In the midst of the dizzying pace of our present world, do you provide a place of respite for your family? Do you and your children ever stop to catch your breath in a place of safety, solitude, and peace? When God created the earth, He ordained rest every seven days. How often does your family rest? Do your children have a quiet time with the Lord? Ensure that your family gets rest, refreshment, and time with God.


“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Since the fall of Adam and Eve people have needed restoration on a continual basis; we fall off God’s path and choose our own. Like sheep we are prone to wander. All of us have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God and we sin constantly. However, His word tells us that we simply need to confess our sins to be forgiven and restored to fellowship with the Lord (1 John. 1:8). Restoration allows us to get back on the path that our Lord has placed in front of us. Do you provide loving correction for your children and then restore their souls? Do you forgive and choose not to bring your children’s sin before them again? Do you show your children where you have wandered off God’s path and then received restoration from the Father? Do you lead them in the path of righteousness? Provide loving restoration to your children and lead them into righteous living.


“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” There is no doubt that in this troubled, fallen world that we all will encounter peril of some sort. Whether the peril is disease, or crime, or temptation, or simply traveling down the road, we and our children are constantly at risk to some degree. We all know that the enemy has come to steal, kill, and destroy. The actions that we take to deal with these perils will determine in large measure whether or not the enemy has victory over our family. The reason that no fear exists in the valley of the shadow of death is the fact that the shepherd is with His sheep and He has some tools at His disposal. The “rod and staff” mentioned here was likely the same tool with different applications. The rod was used to keep the sheep from hurting each other and to keep them within the fold in a place of protection. The staff was used as a weapon to beat back the wolves when they tried to devour the sheep. Parents, are you with your children so that you may protect them? Do you lovingly discipline your children to keep them in the protective care of God’s fold? Do you use weapons or strategies to defend your children from the numerous wolves that exist in the world? Be with your children so that you may protect them. Lovingly use the rod and fiercely use the staff.


“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My
cup runs over”. Shepherds needed to prepare new pastures for their sheep once the existing pasture had been removed of the grass and foliage by the hungry sheep. The “enemies” included not only wolves but also poisonous weeds. Therefore, the shepherd would “prepare a table” for His flock. The meaning of anoint is associated with blessing; the Shepherd’s diligence in preparation is a blessing to His flock. Parents, do you plan in advance the places you will take your children, the activities that they will engage in, the curriculum they will be studying, and the peers they will be associating with? What will your children read, watch, listen to, and engage in? Prepare in advance the environment where your children will live and the influences in which they will be immersed. Create a culture of blessing in your children’s lives by your diligent planning and preparation.


Here is the payoff for the faithful Shepherd and His sheep; for the faithful parent and her children. The children and parents will be blessed with mercy and goodness for the length of their lives. Most importantly, they will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


Parents, I know that you want your children to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. You would not be reading this blog if you were not concerned about the spiritual condition of your children. If you will follow Jesus in the way that you shepherd your children, you can know that you have done everything you can for your children to ensure that the Lord will grant them goodness, mercy, and eternal life. While we can’t know with certainty the Lord’s sovereign will for our children’s lives, we can rest knowing that we have been obedient to His calling.


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for Hope

 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

The LORD is... Psalm 23 (I Am Who I Am)

God said to Moses, "I am who I am." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.'"  Exodus 3:14 ESV

God revealed himself to Moses as I AM in Exodus 3. However the fullness of its meaning had not yet been revealed.

In nine places in the Old Testament, the Lord "filled out" or "completed" the name I AM to reveal more fully His divine nature and gracious ministry to His people:

• Yahweh-Jireh: The LORD will provide or see to it (Genesis 22:14)
• Yahweh-Rophe: The LORD who heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Yahweh-Nissi: The LORD our banner (Exodus 17:15)
• Yahweh-M'Kaddesh: The LORD who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:8)
• Yahweh-Shalom: The LORD our peace (Judges 6:24)
• Yahweh-Rohi: The LORD my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
• Yahweh-Sabaoth: The LORD of hosts (Psalm 46:7)
• Yahweh-Tsidkenu: The LORD our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
• Yahweh-Shammah: The LORD is there (Ezekiel 48:35)

Of course all of these names refer to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”  So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:56-58 (ESV)

(adapted from JESUS In The Present Tense by Warren W. Wiersbe.)


Psalm 23 is probably the most loved psalm in the entire Bible.  Look at how these names for God are seen through out Psalm 23.  In the 23rd Psalm we see how God reveals Himself to us and ministers to us.  It is no wonder it brings comfort to so many people.  He has given us these names to remind us of His character and to show us who He is.  We see how He shepherds us:



1 The Lord is my shepherd; (Yahweh-Rohi)I shall not want. (Yahweh-Jireh) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Yahweh-Shalom)3 He restores my soul. (Yahweh-Rophe) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Yahweh-Tsidkenu) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; (Yahweh-Shammah) your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (Yahweh-Nissi) you anoint my head with oil; (Yahweh-M'Kaddesh) my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23:1-6 (ESV)

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Education

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalms 25:4-5 (ESV)

The Baptist Faith & Message 2000

XII. Education

Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.


Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah