tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47753472691496027132024-03-14T04:06:02.931-05:00Families of FaithTo encourage all families, especially those of Faith Bible Church, Lincoln, NebraskaPastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-4072854418086340962012-04-03T08:54:00.000-05:002012-04-03T08:54:18.477-05:00PACKING UP AND MOVING OUT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gB9l-kp6VF8/T3sAd9_EIBI/AAAAAAAAAbE/HtBdqM0I6Gg/s1600/bandwagon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gB9l-kp6VF8/T3sAd9_EIBI/AAAAAAAAAbE/HtBdqM0I6Gg/s200/bandwagon-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>With the help and encouragement of a few computer savvy and industrious persons, I am going to close down this blog and moving to a new site and format titled "Driving the Gospel Home." You can check it out by clicking <a href="http://drivingthegospelhome.wordpress.com/">here</a>. Look for posts at least twice a week and some, not all, will be duplicated to those of Faith Bible Church who are registered on "The City."Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-2098289451435582482012-03-22T16:22:00.001-05:002012-03-22T16:23:27.301-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<b>U is for Unity</b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
A clear</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Gospel focus in our preaching and teaching has the potential to contribute to the unity of the church. In the latter half of the twentieth century one frequently seen example of this was the evangelistic campaigns of Billy Graham, which typically featured the cooperation of a great diversity of congregations and denominations. At the beginning of this century new movements are afoot for the sake of the Gospel that aim to be both evangelical and ecumenical. We never seem to achieve perfect consensus here because we need to constantly wrestle with variant details of conviction and, of course, with all kinds of intellectual spin-offs of our fallenness. But magnifying the Gospel as our central point of reference can help us keep a variety of lesser concerns in proper perspective (Phil. 1:18)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>TALKING ABOUT RESURRECTION SUNDAY TO MY GRANDSONS</u></span><br />
(Maybe this really happened)</b><br />
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Deb and I had a few of the boys over to our house last week and decided that with Easter coming soon, we would start a discussion about Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. I thought a good way to get the discussion started was to ask the question, “What is Easter?” Here were the replies:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
First the 4-year-old said, “That’s easy Grandpa, it’s a holiday when we all get together to eat turkey and be thankful.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
The-5-year old answered, “It is when we put up a nice tree, give presents and celebrate Jesus’ birthday.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
The 6-year-old jumped in and said, “They are all wrong Grandpa. Easter is close to the time of the Jewish Passover. Jesus and His disciples were eating the Passover meal and then He was later turned over to the Jewish and Roman leaders by one of His disciples. The Romans then took Him to be crucified after giving Him a crown of thorns, and He died on a cross. He later was taken down and buried in a nearby cave that was sealed with a large boulder.”<br />
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“Wow!” I cried out. “That is very good. Now let’s finish the story. What happened next?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
My grandson continued, “Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out and if He sees His shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LAST “ISSUE” OF PARENTS AND KIDS OF FAITH</b></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>(This really will happen – kind of)</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I don’t remember when I started the email of Parents and Kids of Faith but I think it was in 2003, so nearly every week for 9 years this has gone out to you. Thanks for your support of it over the years, even if 9 out of 10 comments were on the “maybe this really happened” jokes of my family and not the articles! With the advent of our communication going to “the City,” I will not be doing this format of Parents and Kids but I will be continuing and expanding articles and posts on this blog, <a href="http://fbcfamilies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">fbcfamilies.blogspot.com.</a> Check the blog every few days for I will try to do at least 2 to 3 articles a week. Not all will be on the family, but the focus of most it will be there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>PARENTING: THE JOYFUL IMPOSSIBILITY </b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Paul Tripp</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
It was eleven o'clock on a Sunday night, and I was pulling out of the grocery store parking lot exhausted and overwhelmed. After we had put our four children to bed, later than we had planned, Luella discovered that we had nothing in the house to pack for lunches the next day. With an attitude that couldn't be described as joy, I got in the car and did the late-night food run. As I waited for the light to change so I could leave the parking lot and drive home, it all hit me. It seemed like I had been given an impossible job to do; I had been chosen to be the dad of <i>four</i> children. <br />
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<a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is humbling and a bit embarrassing to admit, but I sat in my car and dreamed of what it would be like to be single. No, I didn't want to actually leave Luella and my children, but parenting seemed overwhelming at that point. I felt like I had nothing left to face the next day of a thousand sibling battles, a thousand authority encounters, a thousand reminders, a thousand warnings, a thousand corrections, a thousand discipline moments, a thousand explanations, a thousand times of talking about the presence and grace of Jesus, a thousand times of helping the children to look in the mirror of God's Word and see themselves with accuracy, a thousand "please forgive me's," and a thousand "I love you's." It seemed impossible to be faithful to the task and have the time and energy to anything else.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I'm about to write something here that may seem counter-intuitive and quasi-irrational, but here it is: That moment in the car was not dark and horrible. No, it was a precious moment of faithful grace. Rather than my burden growing heavier that evening, my burden lifted. Do I mean that suddenly parenting got simpler and easier? By no means! But something fundamental changed that evening for which I am eternally grateful.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are two things I learned that evening that changed the experience of parenting for me.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1<b>.<i> I faced the fact that I had no ability whatsoever to change my children</i></b><i>.</i> <br />
In ways that I had been completely unaware of, I had loaded the burden of change unto my shoulders. I had fallen into believing that by the force of my logic, the threat of my discipline, the look on my face, or the tone of my voice, that I could change the hearts of my children, and in changing their hearts, change their behavior. Daily I would get up in the morning and try to be the self-appointed messiah of my children. And the more I tried to do what I have no power to do, the more it angered and disappointed me, and frustrated and discouraged them. It was a big mess. I was a pastor, yet I failed to see that in my parenting I denied the very gospel that I tried to faithfully preach Sunday after Sunday. In my home, as I tried to produce change and growth in my children, I acted as if there were no plan of redemption, no Jesus the Christ, no cross of sacrifice, no empty tomb, no living and active Holy Spirit. That evening God opened my eyes to the fact that I was asking the law to do what only grace could accomplish, and that would never work.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I began to understand that if all my children needed was a set of rules and a parent to function as a judge, jury, and jailer, Jesus would have never needed to come. It hit me that the fundamental changes that needed to take place at the deepest level of thought and desire in my children, leading to lasting changes in their behavior, would only ever happen by means of the powerful, forgiving, and transforming grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. I began to realize that as a parent I had not been called to be the producer of change, but to be a willing tool in the powerful hands of a God who alone has the power and willingness to undo us and rebuild us again. But there was a second thing I got that evening.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <i><b>I faced the fact that in order to be a tool of grace, I desperately needed grace myself.</b></i> <br />
In a moment of confessing and forsaking my delusions of autonomy and self-sufficiency, I faced my weakness of character, wisdom, and strength. I admitted to God and myself that I didn't have inside of me what it takes to do the task I was called on to do. I did not have the endless patience, faithful perseverance, constant love, and ever-ready grace that were needed to be the instrument in the lives of my children that God had appointed me to be. And in that admission, I realized that I was much more like my children than unlike them. Like them, I am naturally independent and self-sufficent. Like them, I don't always love authority and esteem wisdom. Like them, I often want to write my own rules and pursue my own plan. Like them, I want life to be predictable, comfortable, and easy. Like them, I would again and again make life all about me.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It hit me that If I were ever to be the tool of transforming grace in the lives of my children, I needed to be daily rescued, not from them, but from me! That's why Jesus came, so that I would have every resource that I need to be what he has chosen me to be and do what he has called me to do. In his life, death, and resurrection I had already been given all that I needed to be his tool of rescuing, forgiving, and transforming grace.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">That night I began to find joy in the impossibility of it all. The task is way bigger than our ability as parents, but we are not our children's messiah, and we are not left to the resources of our own character, wisdom, and strength. Our children have a Messiah. He is with them and working in and through us. The wise heavenly Father is working on everybody in the scene, and he will not call us or them to a task without enabling us to do it.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>REAL MEN NEED TO MAN-UP</b></span></u></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Friday evening, April 13, 2012 Bob Bevington, author and speaker, will be at Heritage Bible Church in Lincoln speaking on the topic, “Pornography, 5 Applications for Freedom.” This is an invite for you men and if you have a teenage son, bring him along. The evening starts at 6:00pm with a hamburger supper and then Bob will give a presentation, followed by a question-answer time. There is no charge for the supper or seminar. Bob will also be speaking on Saturday about the topic of the gospel from the book, “Bookends of the Christian Life,” which he co-authored with Jerry Bridges. Consider this as a great opportunity to take a step in the right direction in understanding and dealing with this issue and how to not only run from pornography but how to run to the satisfying reality that is found in Jesus Christ.</span></div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-13041909280956492512012-03-15T16:07:00.001-05:002012-03-15T16:43:22.730-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">T is for Theology</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both our doctrine and our manner of living must be in alignment with the Gospel. While errant theological thinking on a variety of issues can lead us to a twisted Gospel it is more to the present point to state that an errant Gospel can unleash a host of heresies. It is worth noting that Satan is a competent theologian with great skill in confusing and misleading with regard to God’s truth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Patrick's Hymn - The Lorica, Breastplate or Deer's Cry</b></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Originally composed in the 5th Century. Later known as the "Old Irish Morning Prayer"</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the upcoming celebration of St Patrick's Day, besides the fun of the day with the green, there is a lot of great Christian history with St. Patrick. He is often associated with the Roman Catholic Church, however there is much more to the story and what he did for the sake of the gospel. It is worth the time to research. An example of his gospel-centeredness is this translation of one of his writings. Enjoy and <i>Éirinn go brách</i> (Ireland till doomsday).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind this day to me forever, by power of faith, Christ's Incarnation; his baptism in the Jordan river; his death on cross for my salvation; his bursting from the spiced tomb; his riding up the heavenly way; his coming at the day of doom: I bind unto myself today.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind unto myself the power of the great love of cherubim; the sweet "Well done" in judgement hour; the service of the seraphim; confessors' faith, apostles' word, the patriarchs' prayers, the prophets' scrolls; all good deeds done unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaven, the glorious sun's life-giving ray, the whiteness of the moon at even, the flashing of the lightning free, the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks, the stable earth, the deep salt sea, around the old eternal rocks.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need; the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar my course; of few or many, far or nigh, in every place, and in all hours against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Against all Satan's spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the knowledge that defiles against the heart's idolatry, against the wizard's evil craft, against the death-wound and the burning the choking wave and poisoned shaft, protect me, Christ, till thy returning.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I bind unto myself the Name, the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three. Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word: praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.</i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>PORNOGRAPHY, THE MASTERPIECE OF DECEIT</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>(Taking a step in the right direction for yourself and your son)</b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. <br />
All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. </i>Proverbs 7:21-23</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wives can read this as well, but this week is mainly for men, especially husbands and fathers. This is to touch upon the uneasy subject of pornography and something you can do to take a step in the right direction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">First of all, the subject is simple yet complex. The simplicity of it is that the basic problem comes down to what Paul calls in Ephesians 4:22, “deceitful desires.” It can also be called “lust” but the term deceitful desires is a good one because it describes lust as a simple, straight-out lie. It creates in you a hunger for something and gives you a meal that will never satisfy. That is why everyone who struggles with pornography always has a struggle with discontentment. It promises a physical pleasure but always delivers a heart-wrenching dissatisfaction. Pornography is a master deceiver and turns smart, strong, and successful men into what the Bible describes in nicer terms but can be translated, stupid-idiots. (See Proverbs 5, 6 and 7)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pornography is certainly a cultural issue, but we do no favors to ourselves by blaming it on easy access or giving it a term that eases responsibility like it is an addiction. This leads to even the church misdiagnosing the problem that leads us to repent of everything but the sin itself. The solution is usually given that we set up firewalls or special software on the computer with the hope that will stop it. Though helpful, many find ways around it or go elsewhere to find it. Or we set up accountability with the hope that we will be truthful to others when we have been willing to lie to ourselves, our spouses, family and friends in the past. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So where do we go? We seek what the Apostle Paul called, the foolishness of the gospel, and the grace of God that helps us to repent of the heart of the issue and not just give a remedy to the symptoms of the problem. Christ’s death on the cross is the prescription to free us from the bondage of such sin and selfish desires and reminds us that the problem is not our behavior or circumstance, but it is the workings of our heart. The power over lust is brought to us by the sacrificial love of Christ and frees us from the self-indulgent shackles that pornography brings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether you personally struggle with pornography or not, you probably know someone who does. If you are a father and particularly if you have a son, you need to step up and deal with this. We need to fortify our own lives and the lives of our sons against the wave of pornography that currently is flooding us. Just setting up controls that keep it out of the computers and televisions in your home will not keep it out of your son’s head and heart. Only the gospel can reach him there. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Friday evening, April 13, 2012, Bob Bevington, author and speaker, will be at Heritage Bible Church in Lincoln speaking on the topic, “Pornography, 5 Applications for Freedom.” This is an invite for you men and if you have a teenage son, bring him along. The evening starts at 6:00pm with a hamburger supper and then Bob will give a presentation, followed by a question and answer time. There is no charge for the supper or seminar. Bob will also be speaking on Saturday about the topic of the gospel from the book, “Bookends of the Christian Life,” which he co-authored with Jerry Bridges. Consider this as a great opportunity to take a step in the right direction in understanding and dealing with this issue and how to not only run from pornography, but how to run to the satisfying reality that is found in Jesus Christ. </span><a href="http://faithbiblelincoln.onthecity.org/plaza/topics/9b33166515257f19ac140c98437714a91b7ec3b9" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Click here</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> to learn more about the Bookends Conference on Saturday, April 14, 2012. </span></span></span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-41067852086041257822012-03-09T11:27:00.003-06:002012-03-09T11:30:02.032-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span><br />
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S is for Salvation</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scripture is quite clear that the Gospel “is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). As we have already noted, this is not a truth pertaining only to evangelism. The Gospel saves those who believe, from first to last, through and through. It includes all the wondrous doctrines of our great salvation, including election, regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification, and much more. For this reason alone, the Gospel must remain central in all the ministries of the church.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>PARKING AND WAITING UNIVERSAL SIGNALS</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Maybe this really happened)</span></div><h4 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4775347269149602713&postID=4106785208604125782" name="135f84aee688a6b8_fb_share"></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
The other week I dropped my wife, Deb, off at Westfield Shopping Center where she was going to pick up something “quickly.” The parking lot was nearly full so I drove up and down several lanes waiting for her. While coming down one lane, a car with a young man driving stopped near an open space and I noticed that he gave me the "Are you going to park there?" look. <br />
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I responded by gestures. First I shook my head. Next I pointed at him, then at the parking space and then at me, my watch and the mall. Finishing off, I frowned, raised my palms upward and shrugged. Once he had parked, he walked over to me to make sure I didn't want the space. <br />
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"You must be single," I replied. "If you were married, you would've known that was the universal sign for 'Go ahead and take the spot. I'm waiting for my wife.'" </span></span></h4><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY IN THE LUTHER HOME</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Justin Taylor</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>(A few of Tom’s sermons lately have dealt with the topic of generosity. Another place we are to show generosity is through the resource of our homes where hospitality is seen as a virtue of the gospel.)</i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Martin Luther (the 42-year-old former monk) married Katharina von Bora (the 26-year-old former nun), perhaps it was appropriate that they moved into the dilapidated Black Cloister, which had once housed forty monks, including Luther—who had lived there for fourteen years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the night of the Luther’s public wedding ceremony and celebration, Andreas Karlstadt—a frequent adversary of Luther’s—showed up at their door. He had fled the Peasants’ War and was seeking shelter. Martin invited him to hide at the Black Cloister—and Karlstadt stayed for eight more weeks!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The house was filled with the sound of children. The Luthers had six children in their first nine years of marriage—three sons, and three three daughters (one of whom died at a few months of age, another at the age of 13). And then a few years into their marriage, the Luthers took into their home the six children of Luther’s sister. They also raised Katherine’s nephew. Martin often told them stories, taught them songs and games, played melodies on his lute, and instructed them in the faith.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">University students often ate and boarded there, and Luther’s letters make reference to a steady stream of guests either coming or going.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a waiting list for those who wanted to room and board with the Luthers—no doubt because of the stimulating theological education and conversation, but also because for many years the Luther didn’t charge anyone for room and board.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">As Martin lectured and wrote and debated and preached and traveled, Katie drove the wagon, took care of the field, bought cattle and put them out to pasture, brewed beer, prepared food for the graduation banquets, rented horses, sold linen, served as Martin’s publishing agent, and often nursed him back to health during his frequent illnesses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luther was very generous to the poor, and refused to charge for lecturing or to accept honoraria for his writing. The dynamic soon proved unsustainable, and the Luthers struggled with debt. But God always provided. Luther once wrote:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">"God put fingers on our hand for the money to slide through them so He can give us more. Whatever a person gives away, God will reimburse."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another time Luther said: "Riches are among the most trivial things on earth and the smallest gift God gives to a person."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luther compared their poverty to the riches he had found in marriage: "My Katie is in all things so obliging and pleasing to me that I would not exchange my poverty for the riches of Croesus "[sixth century B.C. king famed for his riches].</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once, when Luther thought he was dying, he wrote: "My dear son and my dear Kate. I have nothing [in worldly goods] to bequest to you, but I have a rich God. Him I leave to you. He will nourish you well."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This word proved prophetic. Luther died in 1546 at the age of 62. Katie would live seven more difficult years without many earthly goods, dying in 1552 at the age of 53. But among her final recorded words was that the desire of her heart was to “cling to Christ like a burr to a dress.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prosperity and money are not inherently bad, but they must be informed by the gospel. The Luthers could have made different choices, but at the end of their day, their lives are a testimony to the vision Martin so eloquently wrote about:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
"Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> His kingdom is forever."</span></span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-51214322945004486392012-03-02T08:19:00.001-06:002012-03-02T08:21:12.247-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
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R is for Righteousness</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the Gospel “a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” (Rom. 1:17). Paul’s argument in the letter to the Romans is deep and complex, but we submit that the Gospel reveals God’s righteousness in at least these two ways. First, it is a declaration that God <i>himself</i> is just and righteous, for the Gospel teaches that in Christ our sins have been fully propitiated as a basis for his forgiving of us (Rom. 3:24-26; 1 John 1:9, 2:2). Then, second, through the Gospel God declares <i>us</i> righteous as we put our faith in Christ Jesus. Thus in the Gospel God demonstrates “his own justice at the present time, so as to be just and the ones who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). It is truly vital beyond words that we faithfully preach and teach this Gospel.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4775347269149602713&postID=5121432294500448639" name="135cfc0979fb979a_fb_share"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>THIS PAST WEEK WAS LEAP YEAR – DO YOU KNOW WHY?</b></u></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Though our calendar year is 365 days, it actually takes the earth a little longer than that to complete one full orbit around the sun. In fact it takes five hours, forty-eight minutes and forty-five seconds longer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In 45 B.C., Julius Caesar proposed the calendar be changed to accommodate this discrepancy by fixing the solar year at 365 ¼ days where every 6 years a day would be added.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The calendar still did not match exactly to the astronomical year. For the calendar under this system would be 3 days off every 400 years. So in March 1582, Pope Gregory XIII abolished the old calendar system and established what is called the Gregorian Calendar for they were 10 days off by this time. Pope Gregory just cancelled the 10 days and they came up with a new formula which brought the solar year closer to the astronomical year and reduced the discrepancy to only 26 seconds per year. These will not add up to a full day until the year 4905. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Why is it called leap year when we have 29 days in February? One explanation is that the additional day of February 29 did not have any legal status in the old English courts. So February 29 was “leaped over” in the records and whatever happened that day was dated February 28.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This Sunday Pastor Tom will be covering idolatry in his sermon. The following article addresses the issue for you as a parent to your child. Though the title points to video games, the counsel is fairly universal. Take it to your own heart first, before you address your child.</span></i><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i> </i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Question</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">: As kids get older, how do you deal with idols in their lives?...For example, my 12 year old son is generally obedient, but he loves to play video games. If that privilege is lifted he is like a different kid. How much do we restrict? Do we just say no more of this? What have you done in those situations?<br />
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</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">C.J. Mahaney</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">: Great question. We are always reluctant to answer parenting questions because they are so child specific, and the more you know about the child the more, I think, wise and precise you can be. But, in general, you want your child to be convinced that you can identify with them. So I want to find illustrations from my life that parallel an illustration in his life. So I could say, “Son, this is not a foreign topic to your dad. We are fellow sinners both in need of a savior.” <br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So I want to do two things. I want to try to introduce my son to a study that isn’t correction specific to an occasion. I want to study the heart, I want to study anger, I want to study idolatry, unrelated to an occasion where I am bringing discipline, so that the study hopefully can have the most effect. I want to engage in a study from Scripture. I want to choose age-appropriate material. I want to choose appropriate passages. And then my study with my son is supplemented by stories from my life, because I do the same thing. I don’t cry anymore like a child but I know how to cry in adult ways. I want my child to know that no matter what the category, I can identify. <br />
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So let’s say for my son fear of man would be a category. “Well, your dad is just as familiar with that, son, and here are the ways fear of man will play out in my life today.” Not “Here are the ways fear of man played out when I was 16.” No—“Here are the ways fear of man is a real temptation to your father this week.” I think by humbling myself, I hope I make it easier for him to receive from me, so that when I say “Listen,” it’s not “Listen to your self-righteous father who is angry at you because he doesn’t understand why it requires this kind of attention to help you to see how stupid a video game is.” <br />
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It is too easy for me to view my son’s form of idolatry as childish, but in essence, at root, there is no difference between our idolatries. His expression is consistent with a 12 year old, mine is consistent with a 56 year old, but in essence it’s no different. Therefore I must make sure my heart is softened by my own sinful tendencies. I don’t want the study to be punitive, I don’t want it to be (if possible) connected or related to discipline, because I think that can make it more difficult for a child to comprehend and to be convinced I have their best interest at heart. I want to supplement it with my own stories. <br />
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At 12 years old I would want to start leaving your son with questions to consider rather than pronouncements. But from 12 years old on up, it is far more complicated than when they are younger. For a toddler, discipline is pretty simple. You are not having to work through heart issues. It is a blatantly ethical world, at that age, nothing but right/wrong, yes/no. But as they get older you want to draw your child in and give him an opportunity to think about his own heart, think about it in relation to material, think about it in relation to Scripture, think about it with time for the Spirit to possibly convict. You are not bringing every conversation to a conclusion that he must agree with. <br />
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With your restrictions, you want to explain why you are doing what you are doing. Restrictions are important. We are fully for restrictions as long as the purpose is explained—so your child doesn’t think this is just punitive action we are taking in your life without explanation, without a why, without a purpose. We want to create an alternative. We want to anticipate this temptation, anticipate this restriction and [ask] what alternative can we present to wean our child from that particular form of idolatry. <br />
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Helping our children identify idols is hard work. Your son may grow out of his love for video games, but he will not grow out of the idol factory in his heart. So as parents, we need the Lord’s help, and we can be confident that he will lead and guide us as we serve and lead our children with the gospel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>WIVES AND MOMS: HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT </b></u></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>WOMEN IN THE TRENCHES?</b></u></span> <br />
</i>Several women in the church have started a blog titled <i>Women in the Trenches. </i> Please make sure you include it in your web browsing as they have already posted outstanding articles. You can find them at <a href="http://womeninthetrenches.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://womeninthetrenches.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a></span></span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-64440546265421779292012-02-24T10:58:00.002-06:002012-02-24T11:02:38.351-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Q is for Quickening</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
Though by nature we were dead in our trespasses and sins and were objects of God’s wrath, God quickened us–made us alive with Christ–through his love and grace (Eph. 2:1-5). This God did, and still does, as we believe the Gospel, putting our faith in Jesus Christ. Lutheran theology especially emphasizes the notion that the Gospel is God’s quickening word, spoken to us in infinite mercy. We need to hear this word continually for our own sakes and to speak it faithfully to others.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>EARLY DISMISSAL</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Maybe this really happened)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am finding that having 8 grandsons means life is never boring and always challenging. Last week my daughter, Brita, called about 11:30 A.M. and asked if I could pick up Thaddeus, our 12 year-old-grandson, from school as they were letting him go home early. Since my lunch break was coming up, I agreed.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon arriving at the school, I was surprised to see that he was the only one being dismissed so, as he got into our car, I asked him, “Why are you going home from school so early?” Thadd replied, </span><span style="font-size: small;">"They let me go early because I was the only one who could answer a tough question." <br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Oh, really? What was the question?" I asked. <br />
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"Who threw the eraser at the teacher?" </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4775347269149602713&postID=6444054626542177929" name="135b021784958acf_135b00c513e21ca7_fb_share"></a><i></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>GODLY SORROW VERSES WORLDLY SORROW</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>By Rick Thomas</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The following article is one of the important things that a parent needs to help their child understand (as well as parents understand for themselves). The difference between the two is a case of spiritual life or death. Please take this to heart and teach your children the difference. There is a critical difference between an apology and repentance… learn it!</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do you discern the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? Though the question may seem to be your run-of-the-mill Bible question, how you answer it will determine the quality of your life and your relationships.Your thoughts on repentance will be the difference between life and death, restoration and dysfunction, and joy and sorrow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In order to truly discern your daily practice of repentance it may even be wise to talk to a friend about this life altering question. When God shows you that there is something wrong with you, what do you do? How do you respond to Him? When the Spirit is calling you out of a particular nonsense, what does change look like for you?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bible says the proper response to these questions is repentance. Interestingly enough the very first point of the <a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/%7Ephil/history/95theses.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ninety-Five Theses</span></a> that Martin Luther nailed on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg on the eve of All Saints Day in 1517 said the following: When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said “repent,” He called the entire life of the believer to be one of repentance.<sup>[</sup><a href="http://www.rickthomas.net/2012/02/22/worldly-sorrow/#worldly-sorrow-n-1" target="_blank"><sup><span style="color: blue;">1</span></sup></a><sup>] </sup>Though this can sound bleak or overly introspective to some, it is not. What it really means is victory. Because of the conquering Gospel, we have the victory through Christ. Christians are the only people in the world who can continually repent.<sup>[</sup><a href="http://www.rickthomas.net/2012/02/22/worldly-sorrow/#worldly-sorrow-n-2" target="_blank"><sup><span style="color: blue;">2</span></sup></a><sup>]</sup></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luther understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ and knew that the only way a person could make progress in the Christian life was through daily, active repentance. How goes it with you? Do you do this? Just like the Gospel, repentance is an act of strength and wisdom (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Corinthians%201.18-25" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</span></a>). The richest men and women in the world are repenting men and women. They have discovered and are regularly applying the Christian’s secret weapon of active repentance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some Christians repentance is not good news at all. They see it as bleak and overly introspective. They don’t see the need and/or they do not want to do it. Others believe the Bible does not talk about repentance for the believer. This latter group puts forth a teaching that we are no longer condemned and therefore we don’t have to repent. They would see repentance for the unbeliever and all the believer needs to do is to accept the forgiveness already provided. Bible truth would not agree, but say that repentance is the key to saving grace and repentance is the key to sanctifying grace. From start to finish repentance is a necessary and on-going lifestyle for all believers. Tim Keller said, “All of life is repentance.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Paul called Christians to repent</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The letters to the Corinthians were Paul’s attempt to encourage the Corinthian Christians to change their ways. The biblical term for this is called repentance. He was writing to give those Christians a wake-up call– a call to repent. It was in these writings where we come across the teaching of <i>godly sorrow and worldly sorrow</i>. In <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Corinthians%207.8-11" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">2 Corinthians 7:8-11</span></a> Paul was writing to commend these Christians for their godly repentance. Here is what he said: “For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief… For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.” – (ESV)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paul previously wrote a stern rebuke to the Corinthians. In this letter that we call 2 Corinthians he is commending them because his confrontational letter helped bring them to godly repentance. These Christians genuinely changed. This is what godly sorrow is. It produces a repentance that leads to spiritual life that has no regret. It is not a self-focused sorrow that leads to regret, but a sorrow that fully releases a Christian <i>from</i> the sins he committed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is worldly sorrow?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worldly sorrow is different from the godly sorrow that Paul was commending the Corinthian Christians for. Worldly sorrow has non-repentive characteristics. Here are a few:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Self-pity – I can’t believe I did this.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Personal embarrassment – What are others going to think about me now?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Shameful regret – I will never be able to forget what I have done.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Unbelieving guilt – I can’t forgive myself.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worldly sorrow simply put is <i>feeling sorry for yourself, </i>but not sorry enough to turn to God in true life change. If you are unsure about your repentance, then a good assessment question for you would be to think through how often you fall into any of the traps mentioned above?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Corinthians did not respond with worldly sorrow. They walked out godly sorrow, which was manifested through moving <i>from</i> an ongoing self-centered lifestyle <i>to</i> a Gospel-centered way of thinking and living.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is godly sorrow?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turning <i>from</i> something that is bad, while turning <i>to</i> something that is good is the essence of repentance. You can say it this way: <i>from/to</i>. Repentance is a <i>from/to</i> dynamic. Note how the Corinthian Christians repented:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">They turned <i>from</i> loathing Paul <i>to</i> longing to see Paul.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">They turned <i>from</i> rejecting Paul’s apostolic authority <i>to</i> embracing him.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">They turned <i>from</i> being influenced by false teachers <i>to</i> indignation of false teachers.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">They turned <i>from</i> being proud and defensive of their sin <i>to</i> mourning over their sin.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">They turned <i>from</i> refusing to exercise church discipline <i>to</i> following Paul’s instruction to discipline an erring brother.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance expresses itself as visible, tangible, and practical life change. It is a continual turning <i>from</i> a former way of life <i>to</i> a Gospel-motivated kind of life. We can do this because it is the victory we own because of the conquering Christ. Repentance is the <i>blank check</i> that we can cash anytime.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The reason this is important is because even though we have a new identity in Christ we still continue to sin. Yes, all Christians have been saved from the <i>penalty</i> of sin, which happened at salvation, but all Christians still need to be changed on a daily basis from the entangling <i>power</i> of sin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Godly repentance keeps us walking in obedience and holiness. Repentance is the means by which we are continually saved from ourselves. It is a continual movement <i>from</i> what used to be <i>to</i> what should be. This kind of living is the central theme of the Christian life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is your life…like?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Colossians%203.5-12" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Colossians 3:5-12</span></a> and <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ephesians%204.22-24" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ephesians 4:22-24</span></a> Paul talks about repentance in a <i>putting off-putting on</i> framework. Though he is using different terminology in these letters, he is making the same appeal: Christians need to be changing on a daily basis. Daily repentance is what believers do. Unbelievers can’t practice daily change.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This means we live in a state of openness, transparency, and humility– giving God moment by moment opportunity to convict us. And because of His merciful confrontations we have the privilege of turning <i>from</i> our selfishness <i>to</i> a better representation of His dear Son.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all live in the <i>already, but not yet</i> tension. We are already positionally perfect in Christ, but we are not yet functionally perfect. We were not made sinlessly perfect when He saved us. As the saying goes, “He’s still working on me.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you think about your need to change, how would you answer the following questions? If you have a close friend or spouse, how about if you guys talk through these questions.</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Would you say that you repent often, occasionally, seldom, or never?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you more apt to talk about the sins of others or your sins?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">How often would you say you repent of your sins to other people– often, occasionally, seldom, or never?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">How often do you go to people and say,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m sorry I have hurt you. It was a sin and I wronged you. I’m sorry I have wronged you. I don’t want to do it again. Will you forgive me?”</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bible teaches us that this kind of thinking and practice should be a lifestyle. Parents, your kids need to know that you are the biggest sinner in your house (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%207.3-5" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 7:3-5</span></a>). If you want your kids to grow up with humble hearts, then you’re going to have to model repentance to them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The life you live will have either a positive or negative influence on your children. Why not show them how to live out repentance? If you don’t, then there is a strong chance your kids could grow up to be self-righteous religious kids, who don’t know how to change because they have not seen an authentic example of what repentance looked like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Genuine repentance</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sin takes no prisoners. That is not the way sin works. It comes to divide, kill, and destroy. It is relentless. If allowed, sin will kill a church, a small group, a family, a marriage, or a relationship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s my choice. It’s your choice. We will either allow our sin to kill relationships or we will allow the Spirit of God to work through us to put sin to death so our relationships can be redeemed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Personally, I need grace to be a <i>quick repenter</i>. Quick repenters are grace-empowered, humble people. They don’t play around with sin. They have a clear understanding of what sin is and they regularly practice repentance in their lives. For example:</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not worldly sorrow or pouting, which is more concerned about the consequences of your actions than the possibilities of change.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not penance or some form of self-atonement where you have to pay for what you did. It’s not about good works outweighing your bad works.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not simply a confession where the person says he is sorry, but does not seek forgiveness. Saying “I sinned” is good, but not good enough.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not a partial confession where a person tells part of the truth, but not all the truth. True confession typically reveals more than what others already knew.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not self-centered motivation with the intent on getting some kind of reward because of the confession. The reward of repentance is a clean conscience and right relationships.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not damage control in order to save face or not suffer too many losses. The repentant man does not care about his losses. (See <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2015.17-21" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 15:17-21</span></a>)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Repentance is not morbid introspection or going on a sin-hunt. You’re not called to hunt sin down, but to deal with it when it comes up. You won’t have to look for it, because it will come looking for you.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Genuine repentance carries a true heart-felt desire to change before God. It is crying out for Jesus. It is rest for the soul. It is a 180 degree life change. It’s an unflinching desire to repent because you want to make God’s name wonderfully great in your life and if possible you want to restore your relationships.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Genuine repentance listens to God’s Spirit right now– in this moment– and begins to turn <i>from</i> whatever foolishness is going on <i>to</i> a new life of Christ-centered obedience and holiness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Food for talk</b></span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">How does your spouse lead or shepherd you through repentance– whether the spouse is the husband or the wife?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you regularly repent?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Spouse, how do you model repentance to your partner?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Parent, how do you model repentance for your children?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">What has repentance looked like in your home?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">How do you need to change? If you need to change (repent), will you?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">How has your life, home, small group, and church moved closer to a “community of repentance?”</span></li>
</ul><ol start="1" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup>[1]</sup></b> These are my notes from a sermon preached at my church on 02.19.12, by Charlie Boyd. We’re working through 2 Corinthians. These notes are for <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Corinthians%207.8-11" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">2 Corinthians 7:8-11</span></a>. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><sup>[2]</sup></b> I am speaking of sanctification here. <a href="http://www.rickthomas.net/2012/02/22/worldly-sorrow/#to-worldly-sorrow-n-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">↩</span></a></span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP AT LINCOLN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you have a child entering Kindergarten next year, Lincoln Christian School is having “Kindergarten Roundup” on March 6 at 10:00 A.M. or 7:00 P.M. You can get information on this at their website, </span><a href="http://www.lincolnchristian.org/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.lincolnchristian.<wbr></wbr>org/</a></span></div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-23566097445147387492012-02-17T08:30:00.001-06:002012-02-17T08:32:21.065-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">P is for Passion</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Passion comes from the Latin <i>passio</i>, meaning “suffering.” We celebrate each year the passion of our Lord when we attend to the historic remembrance of Holy Week. Likewise, whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper together we “proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes.” It is given to us not only to believe in Christ the Suffering Servant but also to suffer for him ourselves (Phil. 1:29). Paul saw his own suffering for the Gospel and for the building up of the church as an active participation in the afflictions of Christ (Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10-11). We must be forthright in teaching our congregants, by word and by example, that this is part of our calling as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: 48pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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ANOTHER SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON LEARNED</b></u></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">(Maybe this happened)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-indent: 48pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">At Sunday School last week, my grandson, Isaac, was learning how God created everything, including human beings. Isaac was especially interested when Mrs. Marge told him that Eve was created by God taking a rib from Adam’s side.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <br />
The other night, Deb and I were babysitting the boys and noticed Isaac was not feeling good. He stretched out on the couch and had a look on his face as if he was in pain. I asked, “Isaac, what is the matter?” <br />
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Isaac responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>GETTING TO THE HEART OF YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR</u></span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Too many parents focus on changing a child's behavior. More important is what's going on in the child's heart.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Article by Tedd Tripp</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
The Scripture teaches that the heart is the control center for life. A person's life is a reflection of his heart. Proverbs 4:23 states it like this: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." <br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The word picture here is graphic. The heart is a well from which all the issues of life gush forth. This theme is restated elsewhere in the Bible. The behavior a person exhibits is an expression of the overflow of the heart. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You could picture it like this. The heart determines behavior. What you say and do expresses the orientation of your heart. Mark 7:21-22 states: " . . . from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly." These evils in action and speech come from within—from the heart. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What your children say and do is a reflection of what is in their hearts. Luke 6:45 corroborates this point: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.</span></i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
These passages are instructive for the task of childrearing. They teach that behavior is not the basic issue. The basic issue is always what is going on in the heart. Remember, the heart is the control center of life. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Behavior is determined by the heart</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Parents often get sidetracked with behavior. If your goal in discipline is changed behavior, it is easy to understand why this happens. The thing that alerts you to your child's need for correction is his behavior. Behavior irritates and thus calls attention to itself. Behavior becomes your focus. You think you have corrected when you have changed unacceptable behavior to behavior you sanction and appreciate. <br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"What is the problem?" you ask. The problem is this: Your child's needs are far more profound than his aberrant behavior. Remember, his behavior does not just spring forth uncaused. His behavior—the things he says and does—reflects his heart. If you are to really help him, you must be concerned with the attitudes of heart that drive his behavior. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
A change in behavior that does not stem from a change in heart is not commendable; it is <i>condemnable</i>. Is it not the hypocrisy that Jesus condemned in the Pharisees? In Matthew 15 Jesus denounces the Pharisees who have honored Him with their lips while their hearts were far from Him. Jesus censures them as people who wash the outside of the cup while the inside is still unclean. Yet this is what we often do in child-rearing. We demand changed behavior and never address the heart that drives the behavior. <br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What must you do in correction and discipline? You must require proper behavior. God's law demands that. You cannot, however, be satisfied to leave the matter there. You must understand, and help your child to understand, how his straying heart has resulted in wrong behavior. How did his heart stray to produce this behavior? In what characteristic ways has his inability or refusal to know, trust, and obey God resulted in actions and speech that are wrong? <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A real-life example</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let's take a familiar example from any home where there are two or more children. The children are playing and a fight breaks out over a particular toy. The classic response is "Who had it first?" This response misses heart issues. "Who had it first?" is an issue of justice. Justice operates in the favor of the child who was the quicker draw in getting the toy to begin with. If we look at this situation in terms of the heart, the issues change. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now you have two offenders. Both children are displaying a hardness of heart toward the other. Both are being selfish. Both children are saying, "I don't care about you or your happiness. I am only concerned about myself. I want this toy. My happiness depends on possessing it. I will have it and be happy regardless of what that means to you." <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In terms of issues of the heart, you have two sinning children. Two children are preferring themselves before the other. Two children are breaking God's law. Sure, the circumstances are different. One is taking the toy that the other has. The other is keeping the advantage. The circumstances are different, but the heart issue is the same—"I want my happiness, even at your expense." <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You see, then, how heart attitudes direct behavior. It is always true. All behavior is linked to some attitude of the heart. Therefore, discipline must address attitudes of the heart. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This understanding does marvelous things for discipline. It makes the heart the issue, not just the behavior. It focuses correction on deeper things than changed behavior. The point of confrontation is what is occurring in the heart. Your concern is to unmask your child's sin, helping him to understand how it reflects a heart that has strayed. That leads to the cross of Christ. It underscores the need for a Savior. It provides opportunities to show the glories of God, who sent His Son to change hearts and free people enslaved to sin. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Shepherding the heart</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The heart is the wellspring of life. Therefore, parenting is concerned with shepherding the heart. You must learn to work from the behavior you see back to the heart, exposing heart issues for your children. In short, you must learn to engage them, not just reprove them. Help them to see the ways that they are trying to slake their souls' thirst with that which cannot satisfy. You must help your kids gain a clear focus on the cross of Christ. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This proposition will inform everything you do as parents. It will dictate your goals. It will inform your methods. It will shape your model of how children develop. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I am not offering simple, clever methodology here. I am not promoting a new three-step plan for trouble-free children. I am not presenting a simple way to meet their needs so you can get on with your life. I am, however, willing to explore with you fresh ways of pursuing the training task God has given you. I offer these things as one who is not new to the task, but who has neither grown cynical. I am more excited about this job than ever. I am full of hope and certain that God can enable us to raise from our homes a holy seed for the church. <br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have seen parents shepherding happy, productive children who are alert to themselves and life. I visited such a home recently. The family was alive and vibrant. Teenage children were at home, because home was an exciting place to be. Father and Mother were held in high esteem and sought out for advice. The Bible and biblical truth blew through every conversation—not with stifling heat, but like a refreshing life-giving breeze. In this home, five generations have kept the faith and a sixth is learning that God is the foundation of life in whose light we see light. <br />
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These are things worth striving for. This is a vision worthy of sacrifice. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Adapted from "Shephering a Child's Heart</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">" by Tedd Tripp. Published by Shepherd Press. </span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b>Thinking of the Summer yet? Consider Camp Sonshine</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">Camp Sonshine<span style="color: #ee3524;"> </span>is a non-profit, Christian day camp located just minutes south of Lincoln, Nebraska. Camp Sonshine’s day camp programs give kids a safe place to experience personal growth, make new friends, and overcome challenges. Their innovative programs and fun activities offer an exciting alternative to traditional day care, are a great compliment to other overnight camp programs, and will leave a positive, life-changing impact in the heart of each camper. Pick up a brochures on the information counter at church for more information or visit their <a href="http://campsonshinememories.org/">website</a>.<a href="http://campsonshinememories.org/" target="_blank"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Share The Love of Jesus With Others Through A Simple Invitation</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Bob Stelter, Missionary with Family Life</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Much is said here at FBC about being Jesus in your square mile. That can take many forms depending on the people and circumstances.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if there was a simple, conversational way to encourage married couples in their covenant relationship - AND - maybe be a part of leading someone to coming to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior?! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does that excite you? Or, make you nervous? Did I say it was simple? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the plan:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Visit the <a href="http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5846045/k.8C0A/Weekend_to_Remember__Marriage_Getaway.htm">Weekend To Remember</a> Marriage Getaway kiosk on Sunday (2/12, 3/4, 3/18) and pick up a brochure</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Take the brochure home and pray about who the Lord would have you hand the brochure to</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Whichever person the Lord brings to mind, take action and hand the brochure to them with a very brief invitaton:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Hey (friend). Our church is promoting this 'Weekend To Remember Marriage Getaway' and I thought you might like to know about it. My spouse and I have attended and really enjoyed it. The sticker on front shows the dates and if you register with the Group, you get half off the regular rate."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">THAT'S IT!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What will happen as a result? The person may shrug it off and throw away the brochure. The person may have a few questions for you about the event. The person may end up attending with their spouse. What if that couple REALLY needed biblical encouragement and you did not know how close to separating they were?? What if one or both of them had yet to accept Christ and make this eternal decision at the event??</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Would that excite you?!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider this - last year in Lincoln, 99 people responded to the Gospel presentation on Saturday; and 42 of those people were married couples! Now, there's 99 reasons to rejoice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grab a brochure, pray, be bold...and have a part in maybe saving a marriage or transforming where someone spends eternity!</span></span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-72653000779275305872012-02-10T08:38:00.003-06:002012-02-10T08:40:14.327-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>O is for Obedience</b><br />
The Gospel calls forth obedience (Rom. 1:5) in at least three ways. First, we must obey the Gospel by believing and receiving the Good News (John 6:29). Second, the faith that saves works itself out in obedient living by God’s empowering grace (Phil. 2:12-13). Third, we are to obey Jesus’ command to bring this Gospel to the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). In our ministries of teaching and formation these calls to obey the Gospel must be clear and unequivocal.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <b> </b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>9 IMPORTANT STATEMENTS FROM DEB THAT HAVE TAKEN ME 40 YEARS TO LEARN</u></span><br />
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1. <b><span style="color: blue;">Fine</span>:</b></span> This is the word Deb uses to end an argument when she is right and I need to stop talking.
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. <b style="color: blue;">Five Minutes</b><span style="color: #0b2851;">:</span> If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if I have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. <b><span style="color: #0b2851;"><span style="color: blue;">Nothing</span>:</span></b> This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and I need to be on my toes. Discussions that begin with "nothing" usually end in “fine.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. <b><span style="color: #0b2851;"><span style="color: blue;">Go Ahead</span>:</span></b> This is a dare from her, not permission, so I don't do it! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. <b style="color: blue;">Loud Sigh</b><span style="color: #0b2851;">:</span> This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by me. A loud sigh means she thinks I am an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing there and having a discussion with me about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. <b style="color: blue;">That's Okay</b><span style="color: #0b2851;">:</span> This is one of the most dangerous statements Deb makes. “That's okay” means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when I will pay for my mistake. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. <b style="color: blue;">Thanks</b><span style="color: #0b2851;">: </span>When Deb says “thanks” I do not question it. I have learned to just say “you’re welcome.” Unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking me at all. I do not say "you're welcome"... that will bring on a "whatever" – see #8).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. <b><span style="color: #0b2851;"><span style="color: blue;">Whatever</span>:</span></b> It is Deb’s way to say “you’re toast!”
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9.<b> </b><b><span style="color: blue;">Don't worry about it</span><span style="color: #0b2851;"><span style="color: blue;">, I got it</span>:</span> </b>Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that Deb has told me to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in me asking her, "What's wrong?" For her response, refer to #3.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>PRAY LIKE YOU CAN'T SAVE YOUR KIDS AND PARENT LIKE YOU CAN</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">By Pastor Erik Raymond, Emmaus Bible Church, Bellevue, Nebraska</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My kids are growing up. This is filled with all sorts of emotions. Life presents new challenges and circumstances. This is true for any parent. But things are a little different for Christian parents. We actually believe that our kids are not Christians just because we are. Heaven is not an unalienable right like voting at 18. Our children have to actually come to terms with the God of the gospel themselves.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This presents an interesting set of circumstances for parents. We have a responsibility, a mandate even, to raise our kids in the ‘discipline and instruction of the Lord.’ (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph.%206.4" target="_blank">Eph. 6.4</a>) We understand that in this same book the same Apostle says that prior to conversion we <b>all</b> are dead in sin, and apart from a supernatural work of God’s grace and mercy we would not follow Christ (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph.%202.1-8" target="_blank">Eph. 2.1-8</a>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what do you do?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The Dangerous Trap</b><br />
I think there is potentially a trap to step into here if we are not careful and thinking. If you believe that your children cannot be converted apart from God’s sovereign work of grace in their lives, you <i>may</i> become complacent in praying for them and actively ‘gospelizing’ them. We may begin to think that since they are unbelievers then what you do with the Scriptures and what you do on your knees is not helpful. This type of thinking is as dangerous as it is unbiblical.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The command to train your children is not contingent upon their receptivity. Parents (specifically Dads) do not have to ask to be the leader, they already are. And so therefore they are accountable.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“But wait…,” some might say, “how is God going to hold me accountable for something that I have no ability to accomplish myself?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is important to think through.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The Motivating Truth</b><br />
You are right, you <i>cannot</i> save your children. <b>But</b><i><b>, </b></i>God never called you to save them, he has called you to care for them. You are to shepherd their hearts with the word of God (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph.%206.4" target="_blank">Eph. 6.4</a>; cf also <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Deut.%204.9" target="_blank">Deut. 4.9</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Deut%206.7" target="_blank">6.7</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Deut%2011.19" target="_blank">11.19</a>). And you are to carry your cares of their salvation to the throne of grace for mercy and help (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Heb.%204.16" target="_blank">Heb. 4.16</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Pet.%205.7" target="_blank">1 Pet. 5.7</a>). It is this that you will be accountable for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please think through the horrible logic of being lazy in light of your children being unconverted and disinterested in biblical things. Your excuse then is that you are lazy because God is sovereign and they are sinners? The first thing I would ask any of my Reformed leaning friends is, “What are you doing about it Dad?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what do you do about it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can sum it up in a sentence: Pray like you can’t save your children and parent like you can.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Be relentless on your knees for your children. Carry them to the throne of grace daily as you petition the sovereign and good God of the gospel for mercy. And also, be faithful to bring the Scriptures to bear in regular study, instruction and application in their lives. Have regular times of family devotions. But also, be sure to integrate the glory of God in all manner of life and thinking. Bring the matchless beauty of Christ to bear on everything that you can.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is hard work. It is however, the work of faith, the work of dependence and the work of love. It is gospel work. It is Christian parenting. You are believing that God is merciful, that his word is powerful, and that he is infinitely valuable. We cannot afford to cling to lame and ill-conceived excuses when we are talking about such weighty things as the glory of God, our accountability before him, and the souls of our children.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So get to work, in the prayer closet and at the kitchen table; plead Christ to them and them to Christ!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Share The Love of Jesus With Others Through A Simple Invitation</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Bob Stelter, Missionary with Family Life</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Much is said here at FBC about being Jesus in your square mile. That can take many forms depending on the people and circumstances.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if there was a simple, conversational way to encourage married couples in their covenant relationship - AND - maybe be a part of leading someone to coming to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior?! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does that excite you? Or, make you nervous? Did I say it was simple? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the plan:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Visit the <a href="http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5846045/k.8C0A/Weekend_to_Remember__Marriage_Getaway.htm">Weekend To Remember</a> Marriage Getaway kiosk on Sunday (2/12, 3/4, 3/18) and pick up a brochure</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Take the brochure home and pray about who the Lord would have you hand the brochure to</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Whichever person the Lord brings to mind, take action and hand the brochure to them with a very brief invitaton:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Hey (friend). Our church is promoting this 'Weekend To Remember Marriage Getaway' and I thought you might like to know about it. My spouse and I have attended and really enjoyed it. The sticker on front shows the dates and if you register with the Group, you get half off the regular rate."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">THAT'S IT!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What will happen as a result? The person may shrug it off and throw away the brochure. The person may have a few questions for you about the event. The person may end up attending with their spouse. What if that couple REALLY needed biblical encouragement and you did not know how close to separating they were?? What if one or both of them had yet to accept Christ and make this eternal decision at the event??</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Would that excite you?!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider this: last year in Lincoln, 99 people responded to the Gospel presentation on Saturday; and 42 of those people were married couples! Now, there's 99 reasons to rejoice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grab a brochure, pray, be bold...and have a part in maybe saving a marriage or transforming where someone spends eternity!</span></span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-2106635044180154432012-02-03T08:39:00.002-06:002012-02-03T08:41:11.927-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
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</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></b><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><b>N is for Narrative</b><br />
We must ever study the Gospel because it is the apex and summary of the great narrative of God’s redemptive activity in the world. It is into this Story that we have been called. In an age when many deny the existence of a single metanarrative that applies to all persons it is more crucial than ever that we know the biblical narrative and tell it faithfully to others, asking God to convince hearers as we do so that this is their Story as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>ANOTHER SIGN I AM LOSING MY MIND IN MY OLDER AGE</u></b></span><br />
(Maybe this really happened)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
Several days ago as I left a meeting at our church, I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing. Suddenly I realized, I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. <br />
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Deb has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion. Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty. <br />
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I immediately call the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all. <br />
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"Honey," I stammered. (I always call her “honey” in times like these.) "I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen." <br />
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There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard Deb’s voice. <br />
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"George" she barked, "I dropped you off!" <br />
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Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, "Well, would you come and get me?"<br />
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Deb retorted, "I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car."<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>ASKING GOD WHY</b></u></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">BY LAURA HENDRICKSON, GOSPEL BALM MINISTRIES<br />
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When my son, Eric, was young, I asked God many times why he was born with autism. I wondered: why me? And why Eric?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Why Did I Have to Suffer?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wanted to know why other mothers got to have wonderful moments with their infants, cooing and smiling, basking in all that glorious mother-child love, while my baby was as unresponsive as a sack of potatoes most of the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wanted to know why other mothers of small children got grubby handfuls of dandelions and home-made love gifts, while the only way I received anything like this was if I first explained to Eric why it was important, and then helped him to pick the flowers or make the gift.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Why Did Eric Have to Suffer?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also wanted to know why Eric had to suffer. I wanted to know why he had to experience all the disappointments and failures that came about through no fault of his own, because he didn’t see the world the way other people do. I wanted to know why he had to miss out on so much that other kids never thought twice about having—the sports successes, the friendships, the appreciation of important adults in his life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is why Hannah’s and Samuel’s stories have so much meaning for me. They probably didn’t understand, any more than I did, what God was doing through their sufferings, but their stories were recorded so I could learn faith lessons from their lives. How do I know this? The Bible itself teaches that this is one reason it contains them (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/niv/1%20Corinthians%2010.11" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:11</a>.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Why Did Hannah and Samuel Suffer?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What did I learn from their stories? God’s purposes for my life, and for my son’s life, may be bigger than just giving us what would make us happy. Hannah and Samuel suffered so that I, and countless others like me, could learn from their endurance how the Lord uses the lives of those who trust in Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They also suffered so that God could bring about His plans for Israel during that period in her history. Their suffering had a purpose. It wasn’t meaningless. It was designed by God to accomplish good, not only in their personal lives, but in the larger world of their time, and as a legacy for those like me who were yet to be born.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/niv/Jeremiah%2029.11" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11</a> says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” As I look at Samuel’s life, remembering not only the great purposes God accomplished for the nation of Israel through his ministry but also the good he did in his personal life through his suffering, I can be confident that God is doing the same for Eric.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>God’s Purpose for Eric and Me</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/niv/Romans%208.28-30" target="_blank">Romans 8:28-30</a> tells us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for<sup> </sup>those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he<sup> </sup>foreknew he also<sup> </sup>predestined<sup> </sup>to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be<sup> </sup>the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also<sup> </sup>justified, and those whom he justified he also<sup> </sup>glorified.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This passage tells us that the good that God is doing in Eric’s and my lives is making us like Jesus Christ, and bringing us to eternal glory in Him. This is the ultimate purpose for which He’s called us to Himself, which He’ll complete when we join Him to live in eternity forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hannah and Samuel died in faith, perhaps without seeing any of the purposes he had for their lives come to fulfillment. Maybe neither of them was ever able to say, “Wow! So that’s why that happened!” But in eternity, surely they know and rejoice in what God has done through their lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Similarly, the Lord may call me to die in faith, trusting that he’s fulfilled His plan for my life, even if I still can’t see it at the time of my death. I also may not understand all the reasons he had for creating Eric as he did this side of eternity. If Eric continues to have difficulties throughout his life, this won’t mean that God isn’t doing anything in his life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Lord doesn’t have to make Eric a success for me to believe that He created him for a reason, and that He’s doing something wonderful through his life, because I know that God has promised that this is what He’ll do, and He always keeps His promises.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-57565473625127702372012-01-27T14:23:00.001-06:002012-01-27T14:24:13.607-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b></b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></b><br />
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<b>M is for Mission</b></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And why must we continually learn and teach the Gospel? We do so that we may not lose sight of the great work that God is doing in our day. God is actively engaged in the wondrous work of reconciling all things to himself. It was for this that the Son of God came forth. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). And this work continues in and through us, the body of Christ, gathered and dispersed throughout the world today. The very work for which the Father sent the Son, the Son has now sent his church to continue (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21). And he promises to be with us always. </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being</i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> in his presence must be taken as seriously as </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">doing</i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> the work of true mission, for mission can only have power and a cutting edge when Christ is indwelling us and we him.</span><br />
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</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>THE MEN WILL UNDERSTAND THIS</b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Deb and I went to SouthPointe Shopping Center last week to buy a few items at Scheels, and she asked if we could stop in at one of her favorite clothing stores, Coldwater Creek. I agreed and knew she wanted to get some new clothing items. I took a seat in the “husband chair” as she shopped and came in and out of the dressing room with the question repeated each time, “How does this one look?” After about 40 minutes of her trying on outfits, my patience had run its course. Deb came out of the dressing room and I immediately looked at her and said, “That one looks great on you. Go ahead and get it!” </span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
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“Dear,” she replied, “this is what I was wearing when we came in.” Whoops again on my part.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>PREPARING FOR GAME DAY- GETTING READY FOR SUPER SUNDAY</b></u></span><br />
By Rick Thomas, Greenville, SC</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everything is an opportunity for the Christian. All of life is one big opportunity to put God’s name on display. In one sense it does not matter what you do, as much as it matters why you do it. I’m assuming you understand that when I say “What you do,” that I am talking about things that are morally right, correct? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For example, in our small group we like to ask this question: If your wife asks you to go to the store to get a gallon of milk, what would be your main reason for going to the store?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The answer to that question should not be, “To get a carton of milk.” That would be a secondary reason for going to the store. The primary reason for going to the store is to seek God’s kingdom. You could say it this way: to glorify Him. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%206.33" target="_blank">Matthew 6:33 (ESV)</a> So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Corinthians%2010.31" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jesus told us not to think so much about what we eat, what we drink, or what we put on our bodies (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%206.25" target="_blank">Matthew 6:25</a>). Those are the things the Gentiles spend their time thinking about and pursuing. He said that our heavenly Father will take care of those things for us (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%206.32" target="_blank">Matthew 6:32</a>). While we have a personal responsibility to go and get the milk, it is not something that we should spend a lot of time thinking about. Those are things of this world. We have an eternal perspective.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Corinthians%204.18" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)</a> The thing He wants us to think about is how to seek His kingdom while we are living here on earth– how to push the Gospel forward in our sphere of influence. He says that if we will spend our time thinking about those kinds of things, then He will make sure we have our milk. As you head off to the store to serve your wife, be sure to make it your aim to be on the lookout for what God is writing into your story. Who knows, God may have you at that store because He has somebody else at that store who needs to hear a word from Him. Your job: seek His kingdom. His job: provide you milk.<br />
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In a few days many of us will have another opportunity to spread the Gospel around in our sphere of influence as we gather to watch the Super Bowl. For our family we have an annual Super Bowl party, which is part of how we do life in our small group. Each year we gather in one of our member’s homes and enjoy each other, as some of us watch the game. For the Christian the Super Bowl is not about a game as much as it is about an opportunity. The opportunity is to put God’s name on display. To do this is the grand privilege for the Christian. It does not matter if we are sitting at a congested traffic light, visiting the home where death has come, or watching the Super Bowl, our primary aim in life is to make God’s name great.<br />
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With this Christ-exalting, Gospel-centered thought in mind, here are a few helpful tips as you prepare your heart, your family, and your friends for a Super Bowl bash.<b><br />
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Enjoy it</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Nobody should enjoy the Super Bowl more than a Christian and the Christian community. If it is okay to do, then there is nothing in this world that the world should enjoy more than the Christian– even watching a TV show.<br />
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The reason for this is because the Christian is the only truly free and joy-filled person in the world. The Christian’s greatest problem in life has been resolved at the cross and because of this he/she is free to enjoy life more than anyone else.<br />
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Isn’t it kinda sad when the world is louder than we are? What do they have to shout about? What do they have to laugh about? Terry Lindvall said it this way, when he quoted C. S. Lewis from the book, <i>Surprised by Laughter</i>:<br />
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Laughter is a divine gift to the human who is humble. A proud man cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego….<br />
Only the truly humble belong to this kingdom of divine laughter…Humor and humility should keep good company. Self-deprecating humor can be a healthy reminder that we are not the center of the universe, that humility is our proper posture before our fellow humans as well as before almighty God. -Terry Lindvall (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785276890?ie=UTF8&tag=joshharriscom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0785276890" target="_blank">Surprised by Laughter: The Comic World of C. S. Lewis</a>) Christians should be the happiest and the loudest people in the restaurant, at the ball game, or any other place where laughter and joy is appropriate. I’m not making a case for being loud for the sake of being loud. I’m making a case for living in the on-going awareness of the pleasure that God has in us because of the Gospel. We are truly forgiven and free because of the Savior’s work on His cross. His finished work gives any believer an unsurpassed and unspeakable joy. It does not matter what you are doing, there should be the freeing, guiltless, unashamed, contented victory that only Christ can bring to a person. The Super Bowl is one of those places where that freedom in Christ can be on full display.<b><br />
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Watch with discernment</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you know we are not entirely sanctified and our world is not sin-free. Therefore we are not allowed to dismiss discernment while basking in the merriment of being free in Christ. Being happy and loud does not mean being foolish and simple.<br />
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While it would be wrong to think that foolish people are genuinely happy, it would be just as wrong to think that highly moral people are not happy. Just the opposite is true. As I have already stated, the most free and untethered people in the world– Christians– should be the happiest.<br />
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However, that does not negate the need to steward wisdom and discernment. For example, the athletes in our country are often given the center stage to proudly brag on themselves. They do their shuffles, dances, fist pumps, and other forms of self-glorifying, attention-drawing antics. This does not glorify God by putting His name on display. It glorifies the athlete.<br />
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Sports, like all of life, is an opportunity. The Super Bowl will be one of those opportunities to draw attention to what is good, while helping others to discern what does not make God’s name great. For the first time in my son’s life he has taken an interest in football this year. It has been the joy of my life to snuggle with him on Sunday nights to watch a football game. He has a zillion questions about the game. Earlier this season, as he was learning the game, he asked, “Daddy, why are they all cuddling together?” He was referring to a pile of men who were trying to tackle a running back.<br />
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While I laughed to myself at how he interpreted what he was observing, the Spirit also illuminated me to help him understand what was going on. One of the things I have been able to point out to him is how some men brag, while others simply play the game without having to showboat– think Tim Tebow. It is in these moments, when character and humility have been put on display, that we need to draw attention to such things. These are the things I want to emulate in my life and I hope that he will want to do that also.<b><br />
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Modeling precedes teaching</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You are an example– even at the Super Bowl. No Christian gets time off from being like Christ. For some, there may be no more important time this year for them to exercise self-control than during the Super Bowl.<br />
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Recently I took my family to watch a college basketball game. It was kinda humorous, but mostly sad to hear and see some of the expressions of anger that were displayed by the coaches, teams, and some of the fans.<br />
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The game is not worth a hill of beans, as we say down here in the southern part of the United States. That means, it is a worthless event, as far as an event is concerned. The only thing that brings value to any event is if we put Christ on display by our attitude and actions while at the event.<br />
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You and I are open letters that our friends will be able to read. And a picture is worth a thousand words. Model Christ. What you say about Christ will be marginalized and possibly ignored if the life you put on display does not back it up.<br />
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Guard thy heart when you watch the game. It’s just a game.<b><br />
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The remote</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you know, Christians do not run the Super Bowl. Wisdom, discernment, and discretion will have to be ready and on demand. We have found it to be helpful to designate someone to control the remote control. This will serve many parents of little ones as well as friends if you predetermine to guard the hearts of those attending your event. Our culture has a darker and twisted perspective on humor and discretion. Be prepared. This is a distinctly cultural event that we will be enjoying. Do not be surprised with what they present as funny or acceptable.<b><br />
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Gospel opportunities</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Gospel is about going– leaving your place, to go to their place, in order to redeem a person. That is what Christ did (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Philippians%202.5-11" target="_blank">Philippians 2:5-11</a>). And He is calling us to do the same– to have the mind of Christ.<br />
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Let me appeal to you to “scan the room.” Look for someone who could use some encouragement, a friend, or a kind word fitly spoken. Be a friend. Be Jesus to them. Don’t forget the Gospel. Look for those opportunities to practically live out the Gospel in the lives of other people.<b><br />
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Keep your eye on the ball</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most Super Bowl Games are overrated. Some are good, while others are good for only a little while. Most of them are just average. Out of the forty or so that I have watched, I can hardly remember any of them. Fortunately, the quality of the game is not what determines the quality of your time together with friends. The best part of the Super Bowl is the opportunity you will have to make memories with your friends. Your team may not be in the Super Bowl. Does it really matter?<br />
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Maybe your team is in the Super Bowl. Does it really matter? Maybe you couldn’t care less about the Super Bowl. It doesn’t matter.<br />
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The Gospel it what really matters. The most important part of the party will be the relationships you build or continue to maintain. Don’t go away with just a memory of the game. Make a Gospel-centered investment in the life of another.<b><br />
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The worst player in the game</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Perhaps a player does something that you do not like. Perhaps you seek to bring attention to what that player did. As you bring your observation to the bad behavior or if you are tempted to respond in anger to what you are looking at, please guard your heart against any hint of self-righteousness. I am the worst sinner I know– at least that was Paul’s assessment of himself and I embrace a similar assessment of myself (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Timothy%201.15" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:15</a>).<br />
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Therefore, whatever I view on “Super Sunday” will not compare to what I have done on the crucifixion day of my Savior. This Gospel-centered thinking may serve you as you watch the game with humility.<b><br />
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It does not matter</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The game is irrelevant. Our culture makes it relevant because that is all they have for today. They live for today. Therefore, they create the buzz and sustain the buzz. They have no choice. That is who they are.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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We are different. While we are in the world, we are not like the world. We have a higher calling. Enjoy the game, make a memory, and be alert for what the Father may want to do through you.</span></div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-34934911334419436312012-01-20T12:02:00.001-06:002012-01-20T12:03:59.507-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfZGbTfD-Sc/TVVYdPf2JGI/AAAAAAAAAYE/p2qORzlgLSA/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfZGbTfD-Sc/TVVYdPf2JGI/AAAAAAAAAYE/p2qORzlgLSA/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br />
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</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></span><b></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>L is for Love</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Gospel is the revelation of God’s abounding love: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). We do well to immerse ourselves and the saints we serve in that Good News. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, for example, is an ongoing, multi sensory reminder of Christ crucified (1 Cor. 11:26). God’s Gospel love also calls forth love as response. The Lord’s Supper both declares God’s love and demands that we love one another in turn (1 Cor. 11:27). John, “the beloved apostle,” makes these truths very clear. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). And again he writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Would we see love grow in the hearts of God’s people and reach to their neighbors– both saints and sinners? Then we must school them continuously in the Gospel of love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>MY DOCTOR AND DIAGNOSIS</b></u></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">(Maybe this really happened)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I made an appointment to see my family physician this past week, out of concern for what seems to be a lessening of my level of energy the last few months based upon what Deb has expressed to me. My doctor asked why I thought I had a problem, and I told him that apparently I am not able to do the things around the house anymore that I used to be able to do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">After the examination was completed I said to the doctor, “Doc, I can take it; please tell me what is wrong in plain English.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He said, “Okay. In plain English, you’re just getting lazy.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
“Hmm, okay,” I replied. “Now give me a medical term for this so I can tell Deb.”</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>PRAYER: A PARENTAL PRIORITY </b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">By Jim Weidmann</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Parents need to bring their children into prayer on a regular basis</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Jesus taught his disciples by living with His disciples, so we teach our children - they watch what we do, they listen to what we say. You can not have a house of prayer if you are not a man and woman of prayer. Children learn to pray by listening to their parents and having their parents invite them into prayer in the every dayness of life. So as you discuss family situations, good or bad, stop and pray with your children. Or, when your children call you or tell you of something that happened or is happening in their day - stop and pray.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It was EM bounds who said: <i>Little prayer is the characteristic of a backslidden age and of a backslidden church. Whenever there is little praying in the pulpit or in the pew, spiritual bankruptcy is imminent and inevitable</i>. <i>Around us is a world lost in sin, above us is a God willing and able to save. It is our duty to build the bridge that links heaven and earth, and prayer is the mighty instrument that does the work.</i> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This constantly going to God consciously “bridges” God into every situation and helps us keep the proper perspective on how He is active in our lives. One of the biggest things we can do spiritually for our children is to help them become “prayer warriors.” We can not protect them from every harmful or evil situation, but we can give them the ability to call the power of heaven down on every situation!</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Parents need to teach their children to pray</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In my experience as the Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I found that people usually pray for three reasons: out of obligation - like when asked, out of tradition - like at the dinner table or out of desperation - like when they have no where else to turn. But, rarely do you hear people pray out of passion! Prayer is the spiritual breathing vital to sustaining our love relationship with God. Prayer is more about the relationship than it is the request!!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So Parents, need to teach their children to pray out of passion. Even Jesus' disciples asked late in His ministry: “Lord, teach us to pray.” So teach them </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">P.R.A.Y.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">”</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> as they approach our heavenly Father.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">P - Praise</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Jesus opened His prayer with: “Father hollowed be your name…” When we start with Praise, we are moved from being self-centered to being God-centered. We confirm our relationship as one of dependence.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">R - Repent</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Jesus prayed: “..Forgive us our sins as we also have forgiven everyone who sins against us and lead us not into temptation..” Repentance rights our relationship with God, as we enter into His Holy presence repentant and seeking his forgiveness.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A - Ask</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Jesus prayed: “…Give us each day our daily bread…” A pastor once noted that if you know what God knows, you’d want what God wants. So, we should be seeking to know what God knows about our situation so we will want what He wants for us.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Y - Yield</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Jesus prayed: “Your Kingdom Come.” God has a purpose and a plan for our lives and knows what is best in any situation - the question is do we love Him enough to trust Him in EVERY situation.</span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Parents need to teach their children that prayer is tied to obedience</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do you have those “praying ladies” in the church that you turn to request prayers that will be answered? Why does it seem that they get results and yours’ never make it through the ceiling? One thing you need to look at is how you are living your life. God is clear: <i>“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective</i>.” James 5:16 Your conduct is tied to your prayers!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This becomes a time of introspection. You have to ask; is there sin in my life, something I am harboring and not giving up to God? See, you can not “serve two masters!” Psalm 66 says that <i>“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”</i></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The concept parents need to teach their children is that obedience is an act of love. It puts feet to our faith. Obedience is walking in a right relationship with God, obeying His principles and precepts (will). It is doing it with the attitude that we want to please God, because we love Him and He loves us. He shows His love back to us by answering our prayers. It says in 1 John 3:22 And receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commandments, and do what pleases Him.” </div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><i></i></span><br />
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</div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-37891823017356460242012-01-13T14:28:00.002-06:002012-01-13T14:30:45.853-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</span></b></u></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<b>K is for Knowledge</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We continually learn the Gospel, even as believers, because the Gospel is the revelation of the knowledge and wisdom of God. Though the message of Christ crucified seems foolish to many in this age, “to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). The Gospel is “a message of wisdom among the mature” (1 Cor. 2:6), a message that is “God’s secret wisdom” that has been hidden for ages (1 Cor. 2:7). But “God has revealed it to us by his Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:10). </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">‘Who has known the mind of the Lord that he would instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). Would we grow in the knowledge of God’s wisdom? Would we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? Then let us remain steadfast in the Gospel.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A NEW YEAR’S AGREEMENT THAT DID NOT LAST LONG</span></b></u></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
(Maybe this really happened)</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last week Deb and I had a discussion about things we can change and do better in our marriage this upcoming year. Among many things, one was an agreement that when we have an argument and neither one of us are willing to concede, Deb said that she would admit that she was in the wrong as long as I would admit she was in the right. I agreed and sure enough it was not long before we had one of those arguments. After a short discussion Deb brought up our agreement and I said, “Okay, but you go first.” Deb said, “All right, I am totally in the wrong.”</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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There was probably a little glint in my eye as, sticking to the agreement, I replied, “You’re right.”</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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And so, as with many New Year resolutions, this one passed away.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>DO WE LIVE IN THE DAILY REALITY OF THE GOSPEL? </u></b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></u></b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
By Jeff Temple</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Today my two boys got into a little sibling rivalry. After the crying, arguing, accusations of guilt, and vehement assertions of innocence I began my fatherly duty trying to broker peace in my house. <br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As parents, we shouldn’t just dole out discipline and leave it at that. There must be time for sorting out the spiritual details of the fracas. This wasn’t just having my boys tell each other they are sorry and ask for each other’s forgiveness (that is what I used to do).<br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Instead I had to clear the rubble away from the spiritual foundation so that my sons could build on it (1 Cor. 3:10). My boys know the gospel, but don’t yet comprehend the importance of living it out daily. The gospel is more of a concept to them, the big picture of salvation as a ticket to heaven, but it has not become a daily reality to them as sinners guilty of treason before God in continual need of grace, forgiveness, and redemptive sanctification.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Jesus Christ—The Foundation</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Christ and His Word are the foundation on which my sons are to build their lives. But they will build on the foundation according to what I tell them about the gospel. In other words, if I do not grasp the significance of the foundation, then I will teach them to build incorrectly, which will cause their lives to have disastrous results due to a faulty foundation (Mt. 7:21-27).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <br />
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<b>Blueprint: The Gospel for Effective Parenting</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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To build a structure you need a blueprint to guide you if you want lasting results. Before you start building you have to be able to read or understand the plans. Otherwise you will labor in vain. This is where understanding the gospel is vitally important.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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When I ask people to describe the gospel they typically quote John 3:16. This verse is not the complete view of the gospel. The message according to this verse emphasizes Jesus and the Father’s love for us, but in it there’s no indication that we have sinned against God.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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As sinners we despise God’s authority over us (Ps. 2:1-3). If I were to tell my boys to treat each other with loving kindness because Jesus loves them and gave Himself up for them, that would not be a sufficient motivation for them to change because they wouldn’t see their hateful actions as rebellion against Christ their professed King. They need to connect the dots of their own sinfulness toward each other as a choice to dishonor and disobey their Creator (1 Jn. 4:21). They must grasp the significance of their own sinfulness in light of God’s law to be holy (Rom. 7:7-10), to love their God and their neighbor (Mt. 22:37-40). This produces true conviction in their consciences with a desire to repent (Rom. 7:24) and change (Rom. 12:1-2).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<b>Danger: Bewitching Ahead (Gal. 3:1)</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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We must also remember the gospel as a reality in our own lives, and not just treat it as a concept. To forget about the gospel means we act as if we have arrived as a Christian, indicating the gospel has become more conceptual than real. When this happens we begin to affirm what Paul talks about in Galatians 2:18-19, relying on the flesh to justify or sanctify ourselves before Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Then as parents we teach our kids to follow the law rather than the Savior. For example, to make my boys admit they sinned, to ask for one another’s forgiveness, to shake hands and instruct them to act like Christian young men is so much easier (it’s the law!) than to point them back to the gospel that saves and sanctifies (Gal. 3:2-3). When I follow the law I can get back to a fake peace quickly (really it is a truce masquerading as peace). What makes the law so bewitching is that we can do it outwardly, giving a false sense of success and pleasing God. This is dangerous for my sons—they could become little hypocrites (Mt. 15:7-9).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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A false sense of assurance (Mt. 25:31-32, 41-46) and self-righteousness comes when we only teach them to put off the old man (arguing and fighting because you can’t get what you want) and to put on the new man (in order to make ME as the parent happy by all of us pretending to love and honor Christ). The Pharisees kept the law perfectly! Rather, true and lasting change must begin with the renewing of our minds (we are all guilty sinners who are justified by grace through faith and who must now grow in sanctification for the rest of our lives here on earth). This is the basis for living out the gospel daily. This is what is real (Eph. 4:1-3, 2 Pet. 3:18)!</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<b>Self-Diagnostics (Gal. 6:3-4a)</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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What is needed for my boys is to rewind past the fracas and onto the gospel. The gospel reveals their and my need to live according to the reality of the gospel, that we are sinners who struggle daily against the flesh, and who are growing in the Spirit as imitators of Christ. Just rewinding back to their fight will most likely conjure up angry feelings toward the other and encourage justifying themselves by asserting their own innocence. This likely leads to faking peace. To remind them of the gospel and the profession they made to trust Christ for salvation and their commitment to allow the Spirit to transform them into Christlikeness requires that they examine themselves (both their beliefs and actions). This is my objective as their father (Eph. 6:4). They know the gospel and what God requires of them. If they repent, good. Then we work on how to change. If they protest or feign repentance, then more instruction and discipline is needed. We work until there is true peace, both before God and with one another.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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We must trust that God will bring about the conversion and transformation of our children and loved ones. But they will miss it if we preach to them a different gospel, one of law-keeping. It is the work of the gospel of Christ Jesus that will lead them into the truth that will make a lasting change in them. Keep your hand to the plow, teaching and admonishing, and don’t look back. This is the reality of the gospel.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WIVES AND MOMS: HAVE YOU VISITED “WOMEN IN THE TRENCHES (WITT)?”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
A group of wives/moms in our church have started a new blog called <a href="http://womeninthetrenches.wordpress.com/">Women in the Trenches</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In their own words, here is the purpose of the blog: <i>Women In The Trenches is a resource of encouragement for women to continue to live lives that are gospel-centered in the midst of a world that wants us to settle for mediocrity. It is founded and written by women who have a passion for the gospel and a desire to spur on other women as we live out the gospel in our own lives.</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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Their key verse is Titus 2:11-14.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-78032786516741450102012-01-06T13:21:00.005-06:002012-01-06T13:30:00.170-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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</b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</b></u></span><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">J is for Jealousy</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">We learn and teach the Gospel because we are called to be jealous for those we serve. The apostle Paul declared to the Corinthian believers, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him” (2 Cor. 11:2). If we think jealousy is unbecoming in the apostle, we should remember that God himself is a jealous God (Exod. 20:5). True love that is covenant based is properly jealous concerning the parties in that covenant. We must keep the true Gospel before the eyes of those whom we teach and serve so that they will avoid what Paul feared for the Corinthians–that is, that they should “be deceived by the serpent’s cunning” and “somehow be led astray from [a] sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). Deeper acquaintance with the true Gospel will help believers recognize and reject the preaching of “another Jesus” and “a different Gospel” (2 Cor. 11:4).</span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b> </b></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>MEN WILL FEEL MY PAIN</b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Deb was sick in bed with a case of the flu last week. Being a dutiful and loving husband, I offered to fix her some of her favorite herbal tea. When I went to get the tea, I could not find it anywhere. I went back to the living room where she was stretched out on the couch to ask her where it was. She said, "I don't know how it could be any easier to see. It's in the pantry, third shelf down, in a cocoa tin marked "matches."</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b> </b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>THE SECRET FOR EFFECTIVE PARENTING</b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">By Marty Machowski</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Parents long for the secret to successful parenting much like Ponce DeLeon searched for the fountain of youth. If there was such a secret tonic, and a person discovered a way to bottle it, they would make a million. Still parents flock to the latest book, technique, or philosophy hoping against hope their kids will “turn out right.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">While we should look to improve our parenting, the secret to good parenting isn’t that elusive. I was reminded of it last week when a fellow pastor told me a story about his four-year-old son. Ashley (his wife) found their son Will sitting by himself reading The Gospel Story Bible, which I thought was really cool! She asked, “Whatcha doing bud?”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Will looked up and said with all the seriousness of a four-year-old, “Pretending to be Daddy.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“What does Daddy do?” Mom followed up.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">“He reads the Bible.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Now don’t you know Dad warmed a few degrees when his wife shared the report of their son’s afternoon! When he shared the story with me, blessed that his son was <i>reading The Gospel Story Bible</i> (See below for Pastor George’s comment) recently authored, I remembered how important our example as Dads is for the growth of our sons.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Before Moses gave Israel God’s instructions for training their children (Deuteronomy 6:7-9) he commanded the parents to first follow those instructions themselves (Deuteronomy 6: 1-6). Why? Because their children were watching their example. Will didn’t need to be told to get out his Bible and have a time of devotions. He did what he saw his father doing.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus himself followed this principle. He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” (John 5:19). Jesus set his life up as an example for his disciples. After washing their feet at the last supper he said, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Peter and Paul exhorted the believers to both follow their example and be an example to others (1 Peter 2:21, 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Thessalonians 3:9). Paul summed it up succinctly when he said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Is it any surprise then that the core principle for passing on instruction in the whole New Testament is the same for us as parents?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The most exciting part of parenting by example is that you don’t have to remember to do it. If you are living for God’s glory in all that you do, your children will learn from you every minute of every day they are around you. If you are like me, it is easy to forget to make the time to teach your kids. But when you live your life for Christ, even when you forget to lead them in instruction, they are still getting an education. That is as close to a secret tonic for parenting as I’ve got.</span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">My (George's) Comment</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski is a great family resource. Here is the publisher’s review, and I also have a copy of this Bible and I affirm and encourage you to consider buying this for your family. For those who have used the “Jesus Storybook Bible,” this one is a great follow-up. You can purchase it for 50% off (along with other books you might want to consider) until January 12 at Westminster Bookstore by following this link. <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/8098/nm/Gospel+Story+Bible%3A+Discovering+Jesus+in+the+Old+and+New+Testaments+%28Hardcover%29+%5BBest-Seller+2011%5D">http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/8098/nm/Gospel+Story+Bible%3A+Discovering+Jesus+in+the+Old+and+New+Testaments+%28Hardcover%29+%5BBest-Seller+2011%5D</a></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Publisher’s <span style="color: #202020;">Description:</span><span style="color: #202020;"> </span><span style="color: #202020;">Can a Bedtime Story Actually Change Your Life?</span></span></i></b><i><span style="color: #202020; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #202020; font-size: 10pt;">It is easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles, and conflicting priorities. But the truth is that he is the hero of every story, including these ordinary ones. This is why Marty Machowski puts God's plan of salvation in Christ on continuous display in The Gospel Story Bible. The easy-to-read storybook introduces your family to many captivating people, places, and events from the Bible's Old and New Testaments, showing how each one ultimately points to Jesus. </span><span style="color: #202020; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #202020; font-size: 10pt;">As you share these Bible stories together, you and your family will meet Jesus and learn a new, life-changing way of recognizing Christ as the hero of every story. Vibrant illustrations by A. E. Macha, child-friendly discussion questions, and Scripture references accompany each narrative to help you lead your family in exploring the Bible. You will be delighted to discover how easily even a young child can understand the original text of a story that he or she has already come to love. Ideal as a storybook for your preschooler, a devotional for your grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer, or an introduction for the new one.</span></i></div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-32910753989947499252011-12-29T11:42:00.002-06:002012-01-04T09:11:10.143-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><b>I is for Intimacy</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Through the Gospel we are invited into a living relationship with the living God. In the love proclaimed at the heart of the Gospel God has adopted us into his family. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are” (1 John 3:1). The Holy Spirit empowers us to believe the Good News and is sent into our hearts, enabling us to cry, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6). Rehearsing the Gospel in our worship, teaching, preaching, fellowship, and service helps us to nurture and celebrate this unfathomably intimate relationship.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>SOME LESSONS LEARNED BY MY 8 GRANDSONS IN 2011</b></u></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">If your brother hits you, don't hit him back. They always catch the second person.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Never ask your 4-year old brother to hold a tomato.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">You can't trust dogs to watch your food.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a Tic-Tac.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the same time.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Baseballs make marks on ceilings<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">When using the ceiling fan as a bat you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A six year old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 38 year old man says they can only do it in the movies<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A magnifying glass can start a fire even on an overcast day<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a four year old<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Play Dough and Microwave should never be used in the same sentence<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Super glue is forever<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Garbage bags do not make good parachutes<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">You probably do not want to know what that odor is<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Always look in the oven before you turn it on<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Plastic toys do not like ovens<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earth worms dizzy<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">It will however make cats dizzy<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandpa's lap.</span></div><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;"><b><u></u></b></span></div><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;"><b><u>TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK AT THE START OF A NEW YEAR</u></b></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>The following is from Donald Whitney, author of "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life." His questions are excellent to explore together as a family.</i><u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Once, when the people of God had become careless in their relationship with Him, the Lord rebuked them through the prophet Haggai. "Consider your ways!" (Haggai 1:5) he declared, urging them to reflect on some of the things happening to them, and to evaluate their slipshod spirituality in light of what God had told them.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It's so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we're going and where we should be going.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up, and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>In addition to these ten questions, here are twenty-one more to help you "Consider your ways." Think on the entire list at one sitting, or answer one question each day for a month.</i><u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">11. What's the most important decision you need to make this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">12. What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">13. What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">14. What habit would you most like to establish this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">15. Who is the person you most want to encourage this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">16. What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">17. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">18. What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">19. What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">20. What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">21. What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">22. What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">23. In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">24. What's the most important trip you want to take this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">25. What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">26. To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">27. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your commute this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">28. What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">29. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">30. What's the most important new item you want to buy this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">31. In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year?<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The value of many of these questions is not in their profundity, but in the simple fact that they bring an issue or commitment into focus. For example, just by articulating which person you most want to encourage this year is more likely to help you remember to encourage that person than if you hadn't considered the question.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">If you've found these questions helpful, you might want to put them someplace- in a day planner, PDA, calendar, bulletin board, etc.- where you can review them more frequently than once a year.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">So let's evaluate our lives, make plans and goals, and live this new year with biblical diligence, remembering that, <i>"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage"</i> (Proverbs 21:5). But in all things let's also remember our dependence on our King who said, <i>"Apart from Me you can do nothing"</i> (John 15:5).<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>Copyright © 2003 Donald S. Whitney. Permission granted to copy this material in its complete text only for not-for-profit use (sharing with a friend, church, school, Bible study, etc.) and including all copyright information.</i> </span></div>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-62979055569566273212011-12-22T13:38:00.002-06:002012-01-04T09:11:58.866-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</span></b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>H is for Hope</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We focus on the Gospel also because it is the source of our hope. In face of the brokenness that fills the world around us and rises up within our hearts, what hope do we have? Apart from the Gospel we have none. But in the Gospel is a great and steadfast hope, and from this hopes springs forth faith and love sufficient for each day (Col. 1:5). Diminished “Gospels” may promote, on the one hand, easy believism or, on the other hand, may put the burden of salvation back on human shoulders rather than locating and leaving it in the hand of God. These deviations can offer no certain hope. The glorious Gospel is a blessed hope indeed (Titus 2:13), an anchor for the soul (Heb. 6:19). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). This is the hope held out in the Gospel (Col. 1:23). With such a hope fixed within our hearts– based upon the certainty that God has made us his children and the confidence that we will be with Christ and like him forever– we long for and labor toward becoming more like him even now (1 John 3:1-3).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br />
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WHY I ALWAYS HATED THE GIFTS WITH THE WORDS, "SOME ASSEBLY REQUIRED"</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">’Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Instructions were studied and we were inspired,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In hopes we could manage “Some Assembly Required.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While Deb and I faced the evening with dread:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie’s town house to boot!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If we can’t get it right, it goes in the basement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When what to my worrying eyes should appear,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With each part numbered and every slot named,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So if we failed, only we could be blamed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All over the carpet they were scattered about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Honey,” said Debbie, “you just glued my hand.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With “assembly required” till morning’s first light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Before we attached the last rod and last pin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then laying the tools away in the chest,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But I said to my wife just before I passed out,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tomorrow we’ll cheer, let the holiday ring,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And not have to run to the store for a thing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We did it! We did it! The toys are all set</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though I suppose there’s something to say for those self-deluded…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’d forgotten that Batteries are never included! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>12 REASONS FOR CHRISTMAS</b></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
Compiled by Pastor John Piper</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8; cf. Hebrews 2:14–15).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“For God so loved the world that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against . . . that the thoughts of many may be revealed” (Luke 2:34ff).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarches, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Romans 15:7–8; cf. John 12:27ff).</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-38735530254794190172011-12-15T16:43:00.001-06:002011-12-15T16:45:01.833-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>G is for Grace</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We need to continually learn and teach the Gospel because Gospel-centricity assures and propels us toward grace-centricity. When we swerve from the Gospel we lapse into either antinomianism (the moral law is of no use) or legalism (the moral law is necessary for salvation). Neither can offer the true beauty or savor of Christ. To be in the presence of individuals or congregations who are not grace-centered is enervating and exasperating. Let us then learn and relearn the glorious Gospel that we may ever stand fast in the true grace of God (1 Peter 5:12) and may indeed “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forevermore. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>WATCH OUT FOR THIS OLD LADY!</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This past week I thought I would get a jump on my Christmas shopping and headed to one of the large department stores in town. As I was walking through the store and picking up a few items to get the grandboys, I noticed an old lady following me around. Thinking nothing of it, I ignored her and continued on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally I went to the checkout line, but she got in front of me. "Pardon me," she said, "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who just died recently." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"I'm very sorry," I replied "is there anything I can do for you?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Yes," she said, "As I'm leaving, can you say 'Good bye, Mother'? It would make me feel so much better." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Sure," I answered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As the old woman was leaving, I called out, "Goodbye, Mother!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, as I stepped up to the checkout counter, I saw that my total was $227.50. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"How can that be?" I asked, "I only purchased a few things!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Your mother said that you would pay for her," said the clerk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><u><strong>CHILDREN'S CHURCH OR THE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR WORSHIP?</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As was announced this past week, starting January 8 we will be offering The Praise Factory as a children’s church program for children in Kindergarten through second grade during the 10:15-11:30 worship service time. I want to explain what this means to families of Faith Bible Church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First of all, we are still affirming the following statement from our booklet, “The Family of Faith: Faith’s Commitment to the Family.” It states, “Parents are to teach and model God’s truth to their children. The Bible clearly teaches that the primary responsibility for teaching and modeling God’s truth to children is the responsibility of parents.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How parents choose to best fulfill this task does vary from family to family and even child to child. We at Faith Bible Church want to be able to offer to parents various ways to support the spiritual nurturing of their children without compromising what we see as the biblical mandate to the parents. We also want to provide support to the children of parents who may not be Christians or may be attending without their parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In light of this, there are parents who feel that the church can help serve their family by supplementing the daily nurturing of their children with special Sunday classes that provide spiritual truths and the gospel that are appropriate to the state of cognitive development of their child rather than the worship service which is pointed to an adult audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the same note there are parents who feel it best for the spiritual nurturing of their children that they participate in the corporate worship service even at an early age. For these families, their children have been and will continue to be welcomed in the service. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The summary of this is that the incorporating of children’s church is an offering to families and not a mandate. There will be provision for families now from birth through second grade during the 10:15 worship service or you may have your children join you during that same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Also, in order to provide these ministries during the 10:15 service hour, we still need many more volunteers in all the age groups (nursery through 2nd grade). All the ministries are set up so they are on a rotation basis so you do not need to stay out of the worship service for long periods. If you can help us, contact Pastor George at <a href="mailto:george.lockyer@faithbiblelincoln.org">george.lockyer@faithbiblelincoln.org</a>. </span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-16213733961118932282011-12-09T10:56:00.003-06:002011-12-09T11:00:21.314-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u></u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>F is for Fidelity</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Faithfulness to the true Gospel calls for ongoing study and obedience. It calls as well for watchfulness, lest false Gospels be introduced. The battle against counterfeit gospels has always been part of church life. Even in the first century Paul battled against such, as did Peter and Jude and John. Like Paul we must be resolved that we will tolerate no other “Gospel,” even if it comes from a heavenly angel or springs from our own imperfectly sanctified hearts, and we should expect the same fidelity from those with whom and to whom we minister (Gal. 1:6-9). Only a constant learning and reviewing of the Gospel can ensure that we will be astute to separate the chaff from the wheat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>A MOM'S LETTER TO SANTA</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear Santa,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are my Christmas wishes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint-resistant windows and a radio that plays only big-people music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can be heard only by the dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet, making the in-laws' house seem just like mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It would clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs in his pajamas to eat contraband ice cream at midnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yours Always,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mom</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">P.S. One more thing: You can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><strong><u>INCREMENTALLY INTRODUCING YOUR CHILDREN TO THE WORLD</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By Rick Thomas</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fear is probably the most commonly used parenting model among Christians. While it is wrongheaded, I certainly understand why parents fret over their children. I have children and I don’t want them to rebel against God or reject Him in any way. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that I think daily about the faith/fear tension in my heart when it comes to parenting my kids. I want them to end well, turn out well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My hope for my kids is singular and could be summed up by the two great commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I understand the calling that God has placed on my life as it pertains to my responsibility in parenting them the way Jesus would parent them. Somedays I worry and other days I don’t. Usually my worry/don’t worry scenarios are provoked by their behavior: if they are behaving well, then I don’t worry; if they are not behaving well, then I tend to worry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To think that my children can control me so easily does not speak well of my trust in God. Where is your focus: more on God and His goodness and faithfulness to you or on your children and their current good or bad behavior? This is a hugely important question, because how you answer that question will not only determine your levels of worry and anxiousness about your children, but it will have a major impact on how you parent your children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The parent traps</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Your parenting will be affected and to some degree determined by your focus. If you are trusting God primarily then you can parent with faith, grace, courage, and joy. If you are more focused on what they are doing or not doing, then you will be tempted to succumb to an assortment of parenting traps. Here are a few of the more common ones:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will be tempted to control their children. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will be more authoritarian in their parenting approach. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will be self-sufficient rather than God-dependent. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will be more fearful. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will overreact when their kids misbehave. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parent who is not humbly trusting God will over-shelter their children. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A key to remember is that you are not trying to rear the perfect 6-year-old or 10-year-old or even a 15-year-old. You must keep the end in mind. If you don’t, you’ll become a worrying and possibly angry micro-manager. Some call this “helicopter parenting” or other odd terms that don’t communicate a grace-filled, gospel-motivated parenting worldview. This kind of parenting is too short-sighted and does not incorporate a comprehensive model that understands the point or preferred result of parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The point of parenting is summed up in the two great commandments from Matthew 22:37-39, as noted above. All parenting must have the love God/love neighbor result in mind. That is the end game for all of us. If your children become adults who love God supremely and have no other desire than to be Jesus to everyone they encounter, including their own spouses, children, and their enemies, then you can rest assured that regardless of what happens to them, they will be okay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Typically the stereotypical helicopter-micro-managing parent does not get this. They are myopic in their thinking. Their focus is more on the here and now rather than keeping the end in mind. There are reasons the micro-managing parenting model is enticing. Here are three:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parents are fearful of how their children will turn out, so they exercise authoritarian or smothering control. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parents are lazy and don’t want to be inconvenienced, so they legislate a tight ship. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The parents are overly concerned about their reputation, so they demand perfect obedience at all times. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Gospel-motivated parent is not like this at all. They are less tense, less stressed, and less angry, while resting in God’s sovereign control over all things, including the parenting of their children in the short and long-term.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Loving God in good times and bad</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are not myopic, but understand that you’re not after the perfect 10-year old, then you will have a strategy in mind that includes the future. Rather than trying to iron out all of the present wrinkles in your child’s life so you will look good in front of others or so you won’t be inconvenienced, you will be able to absorb their present screw-ups, while using those moments to equip them for the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I write this I am reminded of a long list of parents who have come to me through the years when their kids were bouncing off the walls as teenagers, but are now loving God and seeking to follow Him. These parents were in a tizzy because their kid was not doing right. While I do understand this, it is very important that we put our faith in God above and not in our children’s behavior below. I have often said to these nervous parents that God saved me when I was 25-years old. It happens. God does not save every person. Neither does He save every person when they are children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some of our children will reject God all of their lives and they will die and go to hell. Some of our children will not become converted until they are older adults. These are not satisfying truths for any parent to hear, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand as though these things are not true. They are true and they are undeniably sad. However, that does not take away the truth that God is good. And it should not reduce, alter, or hinder our passion for God.</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you love God with more passion and faith when your children are righteous and loving God? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Can you love God with ever-increasing faith even though your children are not walking in obedience to God? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you carry on-going guilt for the parental mistakes you have made? If so, why do you? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What needs to happen in your heart in order to be free from the guilt of parental mistakes? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Is your faith and freedom in Christ determined by your parenting successes or by Christ’s death on the cross? </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Introducing your children to their future</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If your children are still in the home, then let me appeal to you to introduce them to our culture. Let me discourage you from trying to control future outcomes by sheltering your children from the world. They will be little people for only a nano-second, but they will be adults for all of their lives. Get them ready now to be adults later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friend Willy came from Cameroon a few years ago. He had never been in America and as a 19-year old young man, it was overwhelming in many ways. Willy was not prepared for what our Americanized world was ready and willing to offer him. While Willy is doing fine today, it was a struggle to adjust as an adult to things that were literally foreign to him. If it were possible, it would have been good for Willy to be introduced to America before he was tossed into the middle of America and told to swim. Fortunately, he had a local church stateside that befriended him, served him, helped him, and taught him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Everyone is not as fortunate. Many children are not that blessed, especially if their parents scare them about the taboos of our culture and never incrementally introduce them to the world where they will spend the majority of their lives. Or maybe the parents simply choose to cut their children off from their culture, which never prepares them to engage the culture as they will inevitably have to engage. The most socially dysfunctional adult Christians that you will ever meet are those who were completely sheltered from the world when they were young. They don’t know how to engage their culture. They have inordinate fears about the culture, borne out of ignorance, poor parenting, and bad theology. I have a friend who told me many years ago that she did not have any unsaved friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How sad is that? Jesus had scores of unsaved friends. In fact, all of His friends were unsaved. The Savior penetrated our world, from His place, in order to engage, serve, and convert our world (Philippians 2:5-11). His missionary efforts in our culture are legend. However, the socially ill-prepared cannot model the Savior. My friend can only hope that the world stumbles into her church ready and willing to become like her so she can associate with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Equip for the future through present opportunities</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I say “introducing them to the world” I am not talking about teaching them how to curse, drink beer, watch porn, smoke cigarettes, and the like. Stay focused. I am talking about familiarizing them with the ways of the world, while not allowing them to imbibe in it. Our kids should not be surprised about the world when they step into it as adults.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our home is a laboratory. We are continually stretching our children so we can understand them better, in order to teach them more effectively. If you have more than one child, then you know very well how unique each one of your children are. You cannot do cookie-cutter parenting. For example, to say that alcohol is evil and you’ll go to hell if you drink it is fear-motivated parental ignorance. While it may work on one child, the other child may become a drunk. You must do better than this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You must understand each one of your children by talking to them and asking them questions, and motivating them according to who they are. You must find out who they are, determine your starting point with each one of them and then plot out a trajectory that will get them to the cross of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christ came to where we were in order to bring us to where we needed to be, in Him.</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you understand your children this way? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do you give blanket edicts to all of your children, not considering their uniqueness? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How are you customizing your parenting to each of your children? </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me appeal to you to think big picture. Stretch your children. Give them opportunities to succeed and fail. Both outcomes are hugely important. If they succeed, then you can address any self-righteous or arrogant issues. You can also encourage them when they model humility. The test of prosperity is a wonderful opportunity to parent. If they fail, then you can encourage them by showing them what went wrong and why it went wrong. You can motivate them to address these things and then continue to address their hearts, especially if they sulk or are overly-discouraged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Failure and success is what their entire life will look like. They will get desired outcomes at times and at other times they will not. You have a wonderful opportunity to walk them through these two realities, which will prepare them for their future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Hiding your kids under a bushel</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sheltering is an important part of parenting, no doubt. However, that cannot be the beginning and the end of how you parent your children. If it is, then your children will be hard-pressed to be Christlike when their times of future temptation come. You can be easily deceived if you shelter your children until they are adults. Truthfully, you will not be able to know how spiritual they are until they are tested and you DO NOT want them to experience their first test when they are out of the home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For example, our children have always hung out with adults. We knew that they only had about 12 to 15 years to be kids. They may be adults for 70 or more years. With that in mind, we did not want them to learn how to be an adult when they became an adult. Therefore, we have always had them hanging with adults. They naturally gravitate to their own kind, other kids. That part was easy. We never have had to connect them with other kids. Like a fish to water, they love their own kind. However, we had to be intentional in connecting them with older people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is why we have them in small group contexts. This is why we do hospitality. This is why they sit in on a lot of our adult (age appropriate) conversations. While they have not missed out on a thing as children, we have been intentional, by the grace of God, to incrementally introducing them to the big world in which they will spend the majority of their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How are you preparing your children for the rest of their lives? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Let’s get practical</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have purposely stayed away from telling you some of the practical things we do with our kids. The reason for that is because some of my readers may do what we do. That may not be a good fit for you. I don’t want you to necessarily do what we do. My hope is that you will pray to God and ask the Spirit to illuminate your mind in some of the practical ways in which you can parent your child according to the concepts of this article. Parenting is hard work, as you know, and if you want to implement some of the concepts in this article, then I suggest you begin by doing the first hard thing: pray to God, asking for His direction in practically applying this article.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes we can jump into a book to get answers before we lunge for the throne of grace. We end up doing what that guy did, even though it does not fit our situation exactly. I can promise you that if you humbly pray to God about what I have written here, He will help you to customize your parenting to your specific child.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But if you press me, I will share with you three of a zillion things that we do to incrementally introduce our children to the culture:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We began when our children were four or five years old, depending, teaching them Systematic Theology. <em>[The Sunday school and children’s church curriculum at Faith Bible are systematic theology curriculums]</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All three of our kids have bank accounts, the youngest started hers when she was four. Once a month, on a Tuesday, I take one of my children out for lunch. Part of that trip is to the bank. They meet the bankers, get a lollipop and make a deposit. They have three ceramic pigs sitting on the mantel of our living room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We watch Cops, the TV show, with my hand on the remote. I’m teaching them to respect authority. I want them to love the police, appreciating how they serve us. Primarily we watch so I can teach them how to discern good from evil, while not self-righteously criticizing or laughing at fellow sinners who do dumb things just like each one of us do in our family. </span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-87988459864786652382011-12-01T16:54:00.001-06:002011-12-01T16:55:48.875-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>E is for Evangelism</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Gospel is food for believers. But it is also the only saving medicine for those who have not yet believed. And we are compelled by the love of Christ to declare this Good News to all people. St. Francis of Assissi told his friars not to preach unless they had permission to do so. But, he added, “Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds.” Francis’s words have often been paraphrased along these lines: “Preach the Gospel always; use words when necessary.” The fact is that words are necessary, every time. We are always witnesses to the Gospel (Acts 1:8) and, as witnesses, we shall be called upon to testify. When we are, we must be sure to get the message of the Gospel right for there are many counterfeit “Gospels” in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>MY SUGGESTION TO WIVES ON WHAT TO BUY AND WHAT NOT TO BUY FOR THEIR HUSBANDS </u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buying gifts for men is not nearly as complicated as it is for women. Follow these rules and you should have no problems. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #1: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I own 17 </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and have yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #2: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. By-the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?" Again, no one knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #3: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are really broke, buy him anything for his car, a 99 cent ice scraper, a small bottle of </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">de-icer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars. No one </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #4: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Never buy men bathrobes. Once I was told that if God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">he wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #5: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">wild as he flips, and flips, and flips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #6: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of after-shave or deodorant. I'm told men do </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">not stink - they are earthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #7:</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">will be labels absolutely everywhere. "Socks. Shorts. Cups. Saucers. Door. Lock. Sink." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You get the idea. No one knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #8: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on the box. It will ruin his </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christmas and he will always have parts left over. No one knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #9: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Good places to shop for men include Tractor Supply Center, Menards, Home Depot, John </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Deere, Lowes, and Walker Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sears Clearance Centers are also </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">excellent men's stores.) It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. ("From NAPA Auto, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">thanks.") </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #10: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. (No one knows why.) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #11: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tickets to a Cornhusker game are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts." Everyone knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #12: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Men love chain saws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chain saw. If you don't know why </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">please refer to Rule #7 and what happens when he gets a label maker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #13:</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">real man a stepladder. It must be an extension ladder. No one knows why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rule #14: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manila rope. No one knows why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>PARENTS AND THE IMAGE OF GOD</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">by Matt Lauterbach, Sovereign Grace Ministries, San Diego</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I would like to suggest that the doctrine of the image of God is neglected in books on parenting. I cannot remember any emphasis given to it in my thirty years as a pastor. Yet it shapes everything I see and do as a parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Bible is not a list of things to do. It is a way of seeing. When I get inside the Bible and it gets inside me, it is a way of seeing life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I pick up my Bible I am given a lens through which to view life. It is a lens colored by major themes: God the Creator, Man the image of God, Sin that corrupts the image, and Christ who redeems and ultimately restores man to his created glory. This is the storyline of the Bible: Creation. Fall, Redemption, and Glorification. Through that lens I view all of life, including parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Parents, including myself, tend to miss part of the lens. We lean toward certain perspectives. We often view all problems with our kids in light of sin. We are tempted to miss redemption, and to view all solutions to sin in terms of morality and moral pressure (as in, “How many times do I have to tell you to clean up your room?”).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We may also see our believing children with inappropriate expectations. We want glorification NOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friend Elyse Fitzpatrick, with her daughter Jessica, has written an exceptional book on bringing the Gospel to our kids. It’s called,“Give Them Grace.” They will help you see your kids in light of redemption in what is one of the clearest treatment of this subject I have seen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the Gospel is rooted in creation. And I think we tend to miss the view of our kids as image bearers. And that is not a minor matter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are image bearers. They are creatures, made by God and for God. They are given glory and honor by God. They have inherent value, of greater worth than animals. How we treat the image of God is how we treat God. The dignity of humans is built into the Law and the Prophets and the Gospel. And we must see our children as image bearers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me suggest a few things we see when we see them as image bearers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, we see them as utter equals in creation and redemption. I may be Dad and a parent and have a responsibility to raise them in the nurture of the Lord, but that child is my equal in dignity. They are, in creation, crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sin makes us despise people, especially people beneath us in power. Religion forms crazy rules that excuse cruelty or apathy to needs. Jesus faced this each time he healed on the Sabbath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Parents can be bullies by treating their children with dishonor. That is sin. The way we treat the image of God is how we treat God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This means that any act of parenting which demeans, dishonors, shames, or humiliates my child is an assault upon the image of God. Therefore it is an assault upon God. (I would apply the same rigorous test to all exercise of authority, by the way). I wonder if we, as parents, are tempted to use humiliation as a powerful tool to motivate our kids? I wonder if we treat our kids as less than us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Alongside of this is the evil of the old adage, “Children are to be seen and not heard.” While that may sound like the height or order in the home, it can be applied in a way that despises the child and marginalizes them until they have something adult-like to offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Second, it means my child is an individual and has the right to some measure of individuality. Part of being in the image of God is simply: We are individuals well. Children are not an extension of me. They have likes and dislikes that are distinct to them. Parents are to cultivate the child as an individual. I do not mean in the silly self-esteem kind of way, but in a respect for the designs of God in their personality and gifts and preferences. I have to recognize that when my child is someday glorified in Christ, they will be a distinct individual, and not just like me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My wife has been the one to help us see this. Many years ago, after a “dinner time battle” (over one of our children not finishing their food because they did not like it, and my insisting they do so or be disciplined) my wife inquired, “I was wondering if there are foods you do not like?” I assured her there were and she knew what those were. She then asked, “Do you suppose that our kids being individuals and image bearers have a right to say they do not like certain foods?” Ouch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She was right. I treated them as extensions of me. I was telling them they had to like and dislike. They are not extensions of me, but image bearers, individuals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh, I know all about the starving children in Africa argument for why our kids should finish their dinner — but that is another example of making everything into a moral issue, of oppression by abuse of power. It creates a moral issue where there is none. Is there a command in the Bible for people to eat everything on their plate?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The fruit of that discussion was simple: we established a policy in our home that we could each have a short list of foods we did not have to eat. My wife cooked around those preferences. One of our kids wanted to change their list every day, but that seemed a little over the top!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Third, they should be given room for self-determination, and increasing room for this as they mature. The goal of parenting is a mature adult, with the ability to make wise decisions in the adult world. Parents, tempted by fear, over-control their kids. We make all their choices for them. We refuse to let them test and learn the path of wisdom by mistakes. We are afraid of mistakes. When they move toward adulthood, we interpret their desire for self-determination in anything as rebellion. I am not so sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For us, we sought (unsuccessfully some of the time) to allow them every occasion possible to make up their own minds and choices. This was fenced by biblical holiness and wisdom. But really, it was not all that hard. If we went out to dinner, they could order what they wanted. That was not so easy given our commitment to healthy eating. They could decorate their room as they wanted, they could buy the clothes they wanted, and they learned to manage their own budget for clothes and snacks when they were able to — even if they made bad choices. Of course, there were budget guidelines (no, you cannot build an addition on the home for your room) and moral guidelines (no, that piece of clothing with those words on it are not pleasing to God). But we cultivated them as image bearers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">More subtle than this was appreciating their individuality. There was a distinct temptation as parents to shape their personality. We tried to make the introvert more extroverted. We tried to make the easily excited child into a zen buddhist with superior self-control. Granted there are matters of sin and sanctification in all areas, we appreciating their individuality was honoring the image of God, and remains so to this day when they are all adults.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Obviously there are areas where a child cannot be self-determined. Families must be led from biblical principle. Principle limits the “self-determination” of all. There may be rules as to family meals, church participation — rules that everyone lives with because we are not just a collection of individuals under the same roof, but we are a family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I would guess that, if people are like us, the accent for many Christian parents is on unnecessarily restricting self-determination. Perhaps this is a reaction to the lack of order and principle we see around us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are other implications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last of all, it also helps me see what I am up against: sin. There are times when I saw the image of God clearly in my kids and praised the God of wisdom who made us that way. Really, think of watching your child learn a language. It is a wonder. Think of how they respond to music. It is a reflection of God’s glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But sin is present. My child in sin is a distorted version of what they would be apart from sin. As a parent we can see the gifts God has given our kids. We envision what those gifts will look like when they flourish. But we also see the power of sin in their lives. We see the distorting and corrupting influences of sin. The tragedy of sin is on display before our eyes (and also before their eyes in us).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My only hope is for a power great enough to break the rule of sin. That power is in Christ alone. The law will not change their hearts. I cannot lecture them out of their selfishness or humiliate them out of rebellion. I cannot discipline them out of them either. The tough and deep root of sin is only extracted by the blood of Christ applied by the Spirit of God. And that application happens when I tell them of the grace of God won for them at the cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christ died to restore us to being full representations of God’s character. That is what we were made for. That is my real power for parenting. In Christ the image will begin to be restored in this life and glorified in the age to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But meanwhile, look at your children as image bearers of God. Treat them as your equals. Treat them as individuals.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-62963902178188657522011-11-23T11:38:00.001-06:002011-11-23T11:38:50.525-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Gospel</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Alphabet by Timothy Keller</span></span></u></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>D is for Depth</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We do not move from the milk of the Gospel to the meat of something else, but from the milk of the Gospel to the meat of the Gospel. Even Paul, concluding his exposition of the Gospel and preparing to move on to its implications for life, closes his argument in awe and wonder: “Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Rom. 11:33).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The wonder of how deep and powerful the Gospel is– especially as it works its way into believing hearts– is well articulated in this Puritan prayer:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blessed Lord Jesus,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No human mind could conceive or invent the Gospel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Acting in eternal grace, thou art both its messenger and its message,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">lived out on earth through infinite compassion,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">applying thy life to insult, injury, death,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">that I might be redeemed, ransomed, freed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blessed be thou, O Father, for contriving this way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eternal thanks to thee, O Lamb of God, for opening this way,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Praise to thee, O Holy Spirit,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">for applying this way to my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Glorious Trinity, impress the Gospel on my soul,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">until its virtue diffuses through every faculty;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let it be heard, acknowledged, professed, felt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>WHY DEB WILL NOT SEND ME OUT SHOPPING THIS SEASON</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My wife, Deb, was not feeling well last week and to help her out, I volunteered to go to the supermarket for her. She sent me off with a carefully numbered list of seven items to buy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Returning shortly and being very proud of myself, I unpacked the grocery bags. I had one bag of sugar, two cartons of eggs, three hams, four boxes of detergent, five boxes of crackers, six eggplants, and seven green peppers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She is making sure I stay away from shopping without her this season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Some Suggestions and Deals for the Family This Holiday Season </u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My favorite advent readings are from a book titled, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus; Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas” edited by Nancy Guthrie. These are 22 articles that express the focus of the gift of Jesus Christ by a variety of classic theologians and contemporary communicators of the Word. This can be purchased at <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5835/nm/Come%2C+Thou+Long-Expected+Jesus%3A+Experiencing+the+Peace+and+Promise+of+Christmas+%28Paperback%29">Westminster Bookstore</a> along with the Bibles mentioned below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Through Tuesday, November 29, <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/category-exec/category_id/230/nm/Children_27s_20Bibles">Westminster Bookstore</a> has its children’s Bibles on sale for 45% off. This is a great opportunity to get some of my top picks for kids:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For a small child – “The Big Picture Story Bible” by David Helm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For 4 years old and up – “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For readers (First grade on up) – “The ESV Children’s Bible”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>SUCCESSFUL PARENTING</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By Ed Welch, Christian Counseling Education Foundation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Everyone who has children thinks about the question: How can I be an effective or even successful parent? I have yet to meet a parent who simply wanted to pass children off into the next stage of life with basic physical health intact but nothing more. (Reminds me of the time I babysat a friend’s goldfish while he was on vacation– simple survival- that was my only goal.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We want our children to thrive, and we want to contribute whatever we can to make that happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Parenting, of course, is not a precise recipe. Follow the steps and. . . voila, out pops a fear-of-the-Lord, covenant-keeping, wise young adult. Such parenting would actually oppose the way God does things. All we would have to do is trust in our steps and everything goes fine. Instead, the (much better) system we have received is one where we parent by faith. We trust in Christ every step of the way. We pray tons and love the best we can. Yet, there are some basic directions available to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I get older I have the opportunity of watching many children grow. Some do well, others don’t. I have a mental file of hundreds of conversations about parenting and have observed almost every kind of parenting style imaginable. Here are some of the tendencies that I have noticed in successful parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Successful parents are always learning about Jesus.</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a no-brainer. A pastor once said that his congregation’s greatest need was his [the pastor’s] sanctification. The same goes for successful parenting. God can use blatant hypocrites, but, as a general rule, parents who have a growing knowledge of Jesus do best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To be a little more specific, successful parents are able to answer the question: What are you learning about Jesus? “Learning,” in this case, like “knowledge” is no mere academic accumulation of facts. It is the intimate knowledge and learning that take place in the closest of relationships and inspire us to love the other person more deeply. This means that these parents are talking about how they are learning about Jesus rather than lecturing their children about Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was in a conversation recently that was headed toward that question: What are you learning about Jesus? I had probably thirty seconds to consider my answer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was one of the more painful thirty seconds of my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My mind was blank. Nothing to say. I might have been a little embarrassed, but I was more grieved by the dryness of my own heart. So I asked the person to pray that I would never have that experience again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Successful parents can tell you how they are personally learning about Jesus. Hopefully, that group also includes those who want to be personally learning about Jesus but miss a few days here and there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Successful parents talk about Jesus with their children.</strong> If you are learning about Jesus, you talk about him. Successful parents talk about Jesus naturally in the course of their day. In this, they are following the earliest of biblical guidelines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."</em> (Deuteronomy 4:9-10)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jesus is a part of their everyday life and their children hear about it. Some children might suggest that the parent is being a little over-spiritual, but my observation is that children’s – or, more often, teen’s – complaints about references to Christ are akin to children’s complaints about parental affection in that they don’t like it but they don’t really want their parents to stop doing it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Successful parents don’t mind imposing tight boundaries.</strong> I want to be careful on this one because “tight boundaries” can become an excuse for parental fear and anger more than parental love and wisdom. What I am thinking of has more of that Proverbs feel to it. Children are prone to foolishness and they don’t do too well at establishing their own boundaries, so we help them. There are times we say no to requests to sleep over at someone else’s house. Other times we call the other parents before we let a child or teen go to someone’s house. We want to know where our children are, and we are willing to get evidence that they were actually there. When boundaries are done in love, and parents listen to the advice of other wise people, I have never seen a child permanently scarred by tight boundaries, though I have known many children declare that they would be forever harmed by a parental no. I have seen children who lived with loose boundaries indulge in sins that had long-term consequences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Successful parents love in a way that leads toward a friendship.</strong> Friends enjoy one another. They have a genuine appreciation for each other. They like each other. We are warned that we are our children’s parents, not their friends, and I think I understand what that warning is addressing, but my observation is that parents who aim for friendship with their maturing children are the ones who have most successful spiritual influence on them. Children share their hearts in such a context. Parents ask forgiveness. Parents even seek advice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a recent example, I know a young man who anyone would be proud to have as a son—late-twenties, faithful to his wife and friends, pastoral and caring in relationships. I just met his father. He had flown to see his son so that they would be able to drive one-on-one to a vacation area where the families were staying. This father clearly loved his son. Most fathers do. Yet his expression of love was most striking. He admired his son. He felt as though he was watching his son surpass him in spiritual understanding and growth, which wasn’t the case but it is a good thing to think. And he had a list of questions for the twelve-hour drive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How are you really doing? What are you learning in life… as a father, husband, friend, worker? What are you learning about Jesus? What books are you reading? Tell me about your church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These questions weren’t an interrogation. The father was prepared to answer the questions too so that both father and son would be sharpened (Proverbs 27:17). But mostly, he just wanted to savor the growth in another person. And as I listened to him further, he had all the qualities of a successful parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Successful parents know there are no guarantees.</strong> You can do all the things I’ve talked about and still have wayward kids. There is no formula or one-to-one correspondence between faithful parenting and “success”– that would violate the creative and grace-filled ways of the Spirit. God calls us to provide good soil conditions but He alone gives the increase. As we lean on Him, He teaches us how to participate in creative and grace-filled ways with our kids as we give unexpected gifts, become servants rather than masters, extend patience and kindness toward them, and walk with Him in one of life’s great adventures.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-86493522068671847052011-11-17T16:32:00.001-06:002011-11-22T16:31:02.436-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>C is for Contextualization</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Paul was determined to “become all things to all people” for the sake of the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:19-23). He knew that the Gospel could and should take on different cultural forms in different cultural settings. Yet when we export the Gospel to others, we may be guilty of confusing it with our own cultural trappings. For example, we know that some missionaries have been guilty of imposing their Western cultural forms on those to whom they carried the Gospel. Though this error could be conscious and express cultural imperialism, it is more often unconscious and reflects a lack of discernment about which aspects of our own Christianity are truly Gospel-driven and transcultural, and which are culturally driven and therefore variable. To help us avoid such an error, it is critical that we continually study the heart of the Gospel so that we may better distinguish the treasure we bear from the jars of clay in which we bear it (2 Cor. 4:7).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>THANKSGIVING IN ENGLAND</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I grew up in a very British home in New York, where we often had family guests from England and Ireland. One year at Thanksgiving we had several guests from England at our home for the celebration and, out of curiosity, I asked if Thanksgiving was celebrated back in England. “Yes,” replied my relative, “but we celebrate it on the 6th of September.” “Why?” I inquired. He answered, “It is the day the Mayflower launched from England and you chaps left.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>THE TRUE THANKSGIVING STORY</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">by Dennis Rupert</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It seems that every year we are treated to articles attempting to disprove the "myth of Thanksgiving." In these articles we are told that: </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the Pilgrims weren't the first people in America to hold a thanksgiving </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the first thanksgiving had no religious significance at all, but was merely a harvest festival </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">our traditional Thanksgiving dinner has nothing in common with the Pilgrim's meal </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some of these accusations are not a serious concern. After all, who cares if the Pilgrims served cranberries or not? But what seems to lie behind some of these articles is a desire to devalue the religious nature of our present Thanksgiving holiday. This is unfortunate since Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays on the America calendar that is not swept away with commercialism or mixed with pagan elements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So here is "The True Thanksgiving Story." We have included references to primary sources which you can read for yourself. After reading I believe that you will still be able to eat your turkey with a happy stomach and a grateful heart to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Who observed the first Thanksgiving?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Okay, it wasn't the Pilgrims. Of course, native Americans celebrated many thanksgiving festivals before Europeans ever arrived in America. For example, the Wampanoag (Indian allies of the Pilgrims) held six thanksgiving festivals during the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first recorded Christian thanksgiving in America occurred in Texas on May 23, 1541 when Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, and his men held a service of thanksgiving after finding food, water, and pasture for their animals in the Panhandle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another thanksgiving service occurred on June 30, 1564 when French Huguenot colonists celebrated in solemn praise and thanksgiving in a settlement near what is now Jacksonville, Florida.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On August 9, 1607 English settlers led by Captain George Popham joined Abnaki Indians along Maine's Kennebec River for a harvest feast and prayer meeting. The colonists, living under the Plymouth Company charter, established Fort St. George around the same time as the founding of Virginia's Jamestown colony. Unlike Jamestown, however, this site was abandoned a year later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Two years before the Pilgrims on December 4, 1619, a group of 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation in what is now Charles City, Virginia. The group's charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of thanksgiving to God. Captain John Woodleaf held the service of thanksgiving. Here is the section of the Charter of Berkley Plantation which specifies the thanksgiving service:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty god."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In addition to 1619, the colonists perhaps held service in 1620 and 1621. The colony was wiped out in 1622. It was a private event, limited to the Berkeley settlement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thus Spanish, French and British colonists held several Thanksgiving services in America before the Pilgrim's celebration in 1621. Most of these early thanksgivings did not involve feasting. They were religious in nature, i.e. worship services of thankfulness to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>What about the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a children's book called "The First Thanksgiving", the author, Jean Craighead George says, the Pilgrims left Europe "to seek their fortune in the New World."1 That would have come as news to the Pilgrims themselves. Pilgrim leader William Bradford wrote in his diary that the voyage was motivated by "a great hope for advancing the kingdom of Christ." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Pilgrims set aground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. Weakened by the seven-week crossing and the need to establish housing, they came down with pneumonia and consumption. They began to die -- one per day, then two, and sometimes three. They dug the graves at night, so that the Indians would not see how their numbers were dwindling. At one point, there were only seven persons able to fetch wood, make fires, and care for the sick. By the spring, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower.2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Pilgrims obviously needed help and it came from an English-speaking member of the Wampanoag nation, Squanto. Squanto decided to stay with the Pilgrims for the next few months and teach them how to survive. He brought them food and skins, taught them how to cultivate new vegetables and how to build Indian-style houses. He educated the Pilgrims on poisonous plants, medicine, how to get sap from the maple trees, use fish for fertilizer, and dozens of other skills needed for their survival.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one and the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast. The author of "The First Thanksgiving" states, "This was not a day of Pilgrim thanksgiving." Instead, she writes, "This was pure celebration."3 This is the type of subtle statement that often occurs in reading about the Pilgrim's first thanksgiving. It is not based on factual history, however. One can only guess at the motives of people who write such things, but statements like this appear to be motivated by a desire to rob the event of any religious meaning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is quite true that the word "thanksgiving" is not used in referring to the feast. Much is made of this by secular authors who attempt to reinterpret the Pilgrim thanksgiving. But the only letter that we have telling us about the first Thanksgiving praises God for the harvest, makes reference to the "goodness of God" in providing for them, and says that the feast was held so that they "might after a special manner rejoice together."4 That sounds like a Thanksgiving feast to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The event occurred between September 21 and November 11, 1621, with the most likely time being around Michaelmas (September 29), the traditional time for English harvest homes. The settlers asked Squanto and the leader of the Wampanoags, Massasoit, to bring their immediate family and to dine with them. The English had no idea how large Indian families could be and Squanto and Massasoit arrived accompanied by 90 relatives. The feast lasted three days. The Pilgrims and Indians ate outdoors at large tables and competed together in tests of skill and strength.5 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Governor William Bradford sent "four men fowling" after wild ducks, geese, and turkey.6 The warriors brought five deer. The feast probably consisted of the following items (constructed from original sources and historical research by the Plimoth Plantation): </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Seethed [boiled] Lobster</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roasted Goose</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Boiled Turkey</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fricase of Coney</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pudding of Indian Corn Meal with dried Whortleberries </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Seethed Cod</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roasted Duck</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stewed Pumpkin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roasted Venison with Mustard Sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Savory Pudding of Hominy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fruit and Holland Cheese</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Were there other thanksgiving feasts held by the Pilgrims?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Pilgrim's first thanksgiving feast was not repeated the following year. In the third year, when many of them had become preoccupied with cultivating more land, and building on to their houses, and planting extra corn for trading with the Indians, they were stricken by a prolonged drought. Week followed week with no rain, until even the Indians had no recollection of such a thing ever happening before. The sun-blasted corn withered on its stalks and became tinder dry, and beneath it the ground cracked open and was so powdery that any normal rain would be of little use. And still the heavens were as brass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally, in July, Governor Bradford called a council of the chief men. It was obvious that God was withholding the rain for a reason, and they had better find out why. Bradford declared a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, and they gathered in their blockhouse church and began to search their hearts. It turned out that even these 'saints', had things to repent for -- spiritual pride, jealousy, vindictiveness, and greed, as well as a number of broken relationships. One after another, as they became convicted, they asked God's forgiveness and that of their fellow Pilgrims.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A tender, peaceful spirit grew among them and was enhanced as each hour passed. Late in the afternoon, as they emerged from the blockhouse, the sky which that morning had been hard and clear (as it had been every morning for nearly two months), was now covered with clouds all around them. The following morning, it began to rain -- a gentle rain that continued on and off for fourteen days straight. Writing of it, Bradford said:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"It came, without either wind, or thunder, or any violence, and by degreese in yt abundance, as that ye earth was thorowly wete and soked therwith. Which did so apparently revive & quicken ye decayed corne & other fruits, as was wonderfull to see, and made ye Indeans astonished to behold; and afterwards the Lord sent them shuch seasonable showers, with enterchange of faire warme weather, as, through his blessing, caused a fruitfull & liberall harvest, to their no small comforte and rejoycing." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Their harvest that fall, was so abundant that they ended up with a surplus -- to the benefit of Indians to the north who had not had a good growing season. To everyone's delight, the Governor "sett aparte a day of thanksgiveing" and apparently once again invited Chief Massasoit and his braves to eat with them.7</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A generation later, after the balance of power had shifted to the English settlers, the Indian and White children of that first Thanksgiving were striving to kill each other in the conflict known as King Philip's War. The settlers prevailed and in June of 1676 another Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed. The governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the victories in "Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land." By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving. The following is part of that proclamation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Was Thanksgiving practiced during the early days of the United States?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">December 18, 1777 marked the first time that all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"It is therefore recommended by Congress, that Thursday the 18th. day of December next be set apart for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise; that at one time, and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgements and offerings they may join the penitent confession of their sins; and supplications for such further blessings as they stand in need of." </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">President George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving for November 26, 1789 to honor the formation of the United States government. His proclamation called for a day of prayer and giving thanks to God. It was to be celebrated by all religious denominations, but discord among the colonies prevented it from being practiced by all the states. Washington wrote in his November 26th diary entry: <em>"Being the day appointed for a thanksgiving I went to St. Paul's Chapel though it was most inclement and stormy--but few people at Church."</em> President Washington later provided money, food, and beer to debtors spending the holiday in a New York City jail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thanksgiving failed to become an annual tradition at this time. Only Presidents Washington, Adams, and Madison declared national days of thanks in their terms. Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams considered the practice to infringe upon the separation of church and state. During the War of 1812, President Madison proclaimed three days of fasting and prayer in response to Congressional requests (August 20, 1812, September 9, 1813, and January 12, 1815). He was the last president to call for a national thanksgiving until Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Governors, on the other hand--particularly in the New England states, regularly issued proclamations of thanksgiving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>How did Thanksgiving become a yearly national practice?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book. She was fired with the determination of having the whole nation join together in setting apart a national day for giving thanks <em>"unto Him from who all blessings flow."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In 1830, New York proclaimed an official state "Thanksgiving Day." Other states soon followed its example. The Territory of Minnesota celebrated its first Thanksgiving Day on December 26, 1850. The whole territory, including all of what is now the State of Minnesota plus the Dakotas as far west as the Missouri River, contained approximately 6,000 settlers but the book, "The Frontier Holiday", describes a spirited celebration. Territory Governor, Alexander Ramsey, proclaimed the day of thanks:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"Young in years as a community, we have come into the wilderness, in the midst of savage men and uncultivated nature to found a new empire in aid of our pursuit of happiness, and to extend the area of enlightened republican Liberty . . . . Let us in the public temple of religion, by the fireside and family altar, on the prairie and in the forest, join in the expression of our gratitude, of our devotion to the God who brought our fathers safely through the perils of an early revolution, and who thus continues his favors to the remotest colonies of his sons."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By 1852, Hale's campaign succeeded in uniting 29 states in marking the last Thursday of November as "Thanksgiving Day."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's passion became a reality. On September 28, 1863, Sarah Josepha Hale wrote a letter to President Lincoln and urged him to have the "day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival." On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day <em>"of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father."</em> Here is the text of Lincoln's proclamation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>By the President of the United States of America.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>A Proclamation. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.8 </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lincoln issued a similar proclamation in 1864. U.S. presidents maintained the holiday on the last Thursday of November for 75 years (with the exception of Andrew Johnson designating the first Thursday in December as Thanksgiving Day 1865 and Ulysses Grant choosing the third Thursday for Thanksgiving Day 1869).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the next-to-last Thursday of the month (November 23rd) to be Thanksgiving Day. This break with tradition was prompted by requests from the National Retail Dry Goods Association. Since 1939 had five Thursdays in November, this would create a longer Christmas shopping season. While governors usually followed the president's lead with state proclamations for the same day, on this year, twenty-three states observed Thanksgiving Day on November 23rd, the "Democratic" Thanksgiving. Twenty-three states celebrated on November 30th, Lincoln's "Republican" Thanksgiving. Texas and Colorado declared both Thursdays to be holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After two years of public outcry and confusion, Congress introduced the legislation to ensure that future presidential proclamations could not impact the scheduling of the holiday. They established Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November. The legislation took effect in 1942. Their plan to designate the fourth Thursday of the month allowed Thanksgiving Day to fall on the last Thursday five out of seven years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Thanksgiving and Christians</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are those who want to remove any thought of God from our Thanksgiving celebrations. They wish to secularize the holiday and they reinvent history to attempt to prove their point. But it is evident from reading primary sources that Thanksgiving in America was always about giving thanks to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is a Christian command and privilege to be grateful for the blessings of God (Deuteronomy 8:10; Psalm 107:19,21; Colossians 1:12-14; Philippians 1:3). Our Thanksgiving celebration is a wonderful reminder to "give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Rev. Benjamin Arnett was a prominent African American cleric in the Ohio AME Church. He preached a Thanksgiving sermon during the centennial of our nation on November 30, 1876. His sermon is a beautiful expression of gratitude to God for national blessings and a call to continue to pursue righteousness for ourselves and our nation (Proverbs 14:34): </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Following the tracks of righteousness throughout the centuries and along the way of nations, we are prepared to recommend it to all and assert without a shadow of doubt, that 'Righteousness exalted a nation'; but on the other hand following the foot-prints of sin amid the ruins of Empires and remains of cities, we will say that 'sin is a reproach to any people.' But we call on all American citizens to love their country, and look not on the sins of the past, but arming ourselves for the conflict of the future, girding ourselves in the habiliments of Righteousness, march forth with the courage of a Numidian lion and with the confidence of a Roman Gladiator, and meet the demands of the age, and satisfy the duties of the hour. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Let us be encouraged in our work, for we have found the moccasin track of Righteousness all along the shore of the stream of life, constantly advancing holding humanity with a firm hand. We have seen it 'through' all the confusion of rising and falling States, of battle, siege and slaughter, of victory and defeat; through the varying fortunes and ultimate extinctions of Monarchies, Republics and Empires; through barbaric irruption and desolation, feudal isolation, spiritual supremacy, the heroic rush and conflict of the Cross and Crescent; amid the busy hum of industry, through the marts of trade and behind the gliding keels of commerce.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>And in America, the battle-field of modern thought, we can trace the foot-prints of the one and the tracks of the other. So let us use all of our available forces, and especially our young men, and throw them into the conflict of the Right against the Wrong. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Then let the grand Centennial Thanksgiving song be heard and sung in every house of God; and in every home may thanksgiving sounds be heard, for our race has been emancipated, enfranchised and are now educating, and have the gospel preached to them!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Jean Craighead George, The First Thanksgiving, (New York: Philomel Books, 1993).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford, original manuscript, written 1647, (1901 Edition).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 Jean Craighead George, The First Thanksgiving., (New York: Philomel Books, 1993).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 Edward Winslow's letter, written December 11, 1621.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5 Edward Winslow's letter, written December 11, 1621.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6 William Bradford's comments from Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7 Of Plimoth Plantation by William Bradford, original manuscript, written 1647, (1901 Edition).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8 The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-73566963111758741602011-11-10T16:50:00.001-06:002011-11-22T16:30:52.260-06:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>NEW FEATURE:</em> <u><strong>The Gospel Alphabet by Timothy Keller</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>B is for Belief</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We must continually teach and learn the Gospel because even Christians struggle to believe God’s Good News. The message of the cross is both countercultural and counterintuitive. To the world it is foolishness and weakness. To our flesh it is simply too good to be true. And Satan, the devil– that accuser of the brethren– continually speaks a contradictory word to our hearts. He accuses us before God as surely as he accused Joshua the high priest (Zech. 3:1). Hearing all this we, with full knowledge of our failings, struggle to believe the truth of the Gospel. To believe it at an appropriately deep level, with an appropriate appreciation of all that it presupposes and implies, is a lifelong task. We must hear it again and again and ask God to seal its truth in our hearts. ”I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>A THANKSGIVING COOKBOOK </u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">by Mrs. Geraghty's Kindergarten Class </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NOTE: Mrs. Geraghty will not be responsible for medical bills resulting from use of her cookbook </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Ivette - Banana Pie </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You buy some bananas and crust. Then you mash them up and put them in the pie. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Russell - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You cut the turkey up and put it in the oven for ten minutes and 300 degrees. You put gravy on it and eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Geremy - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Meghan H. - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You cut it into 16 pieces and then you leave it in the oven for 15 minutes and 4 degrees. you take it out and let it cool and then after 5 minutes, then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Danny - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You put some salt on it to make it taste good. Then you put it in the oven. Then you cook it for an hour at 5 degrees. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Megan K - Chicken </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You put it in the oven for 25 minutes and 25 degrees and put gravy on it and eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Christa - Cookies </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Buy some dough and smash it and cut them out. Then put them in the oven for 2 hours at 100 degrees. Then take them out and dry them off. Then it's time to eat them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Irene - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put it on a plate and put it in the oven with gravy. You cook it for 1 minute and for 100 degrees. Then it's all cooked. Your mom or dad cuts it and then eat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Moriah - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Vincent - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You cut and put sauce on it. Then you cook it for 18 minutes at 19 degrees. Then you eat it with stuffing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Grace - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you add some salt. Then you put it in a bowl. Then you put brown sugar on it. Then you mix it all together with a spoon and then you add some milk and mix it again. And then you put it in a pan. Then you put it in the oven for 15 minutes and 16 degrees. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Alan - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you shoot it and then you cut it. And then you put it in the oven and cook it for 10 minutes and 20 degrees. You put it on plates and then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Jason - Chicken Pie </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put the chicken in the pot and put the salad and cheese and mustard and then you mix it all together. Then put chicken sauce and stir it all around again. Then you cook it for 5 minutes at 9 degrees. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Jordan - Cranberry Pie </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put cranberry juice in it. Then you put berries in it. Then you put dough in it. Then you bake it. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Adam - Pumpkin Pie </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you put pumpkin seeds in it. Put it in a pan and bake it at 5 degrees for 6 minutes. Then take it out and eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Jarryd - Deer Jerky </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put it in the oven overnight at 20 degrees. Then you go hunting and bring it with you. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Nicholas - White and Brown Pudding </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you read the wrapper. Get a piece of water. Stir. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Lauren - Turkey </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Tommy - Pumpkin </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cook the pumpkin. Then get ready to eat the pumpkin </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>GRACE-BASED PARENTING vs. FEAR-BASED PARENTING</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From Tim Kimmel’s chapter “The Freedom to Make Mistakes” in his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0849905486/thegospcoal-20">Grace-Based Parenting</a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Legalistic parents maintain a relationship with God through obedience to a standard. The goal of this when it comes to their children is to keep sin from getting into their home. They do their best to create an environment that controls as many of the avenues as possible that sin could use to work its way into the inner sanctum. . . . It’s as though the power to sin or not to sin was somehow connected to their personal will power and resolve. . . . These families are preoccupied with keeping sin out by putting a fence between them and the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The difference with grace-based families is that they don’t bother spending much time putting fences up because they know full well that sin is already present and accounted for inside their family. To these types of parents, sin is not an action or an object that penetrates their defenses; it is a preexisting condition that permeates their being. The graceless home requires kids to be good and gets angry and punishes them when they are bad. The grace-based home assumes kids will struggle with sin and helps them learn how to tap into God’s power to help them get stronger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It’s not that grace-based homes don’t take their children’s sin seriously. Nor is it that grace-based homes circumvent consequences. It isn’t even that grace-based homes do nothing to protect their children from attacks and temptations that threaten them from the outside. They do all these things, but not for the same reasons. Grace-based homes aren’t trusting in the moral safety of their home or the spiritual environment they’ve created to empower their children to resist sin. . . . They assume that sin is an ongoing dilemma that their children must constantly contend with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">[Children in a grace-based family] are accepted as sinners who desire to become more like Christ rather than be seen as nice Christian kids trying to maintain a good moral code. Grace is committed to bringing children up from their sin; legalism puts them on a high standard and works overtime to keep them from falling down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grace understands that the only real solution for our children’s sin is the work of Christ on their behalf. . . . Legalism uses outside forces to help children maintain their moral walk. Their strength is based on the environment they live in. Grace, on the other hand, sees the strength of children by what is inside them—more specifically, Who is inside them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">HT: Justin Taylor</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-87893320565157297932011-10-27T16:27:00.002-05:002011-10-29T12:02:15.958-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>NEW FEATURE:</em> <u><strong>The Gospel Alphabet</strong> by Timothy Keller</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>After several years, we are done (for now) with the children’s catechism. For the next 26 issues of Parents and Kids of Faith, we will cover the Gospel Alphabet or the A through Z of the Christian Life.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>A is for Alignment</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We must continually teach and learn the Gospel because it is to be the “plumb line” for our doctrine and our living. We are to measure all our teaching to ensure that it is in line with– that is, conformed to– the glorious Gospel of God (1 Tim. 1:11). If our teaching about God, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, last things, and whatever other doctrines we may teach do not accord with the Gospel then they must be rejected. Likewise, our way of living must conform to the sound doctrines that flow from the Gospel. If, like Peter and Barnabas, we begin to act in ways that are “not in keeping with the truth of the Gospel” (Gal. 2:14), may God raise up for us a Paul-like brother or sister to confront us and correct us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>A VISIT TO THE NURSING HOME</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our small group (FLOCK) does a monthly ministry to a nursing home in the city, and we try to minister to the residents who attend on other occasions as well. It has been a particularly rewarding ministry to do with our grandsons as they learn outreach and compassion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On one of our visits with 3 of my grandsons to the residents, there was a bowl of peanuts on the coffee table and we all started to snack on them. When we were ready to leave, I reminded the boys to thank the man for his kindness to let us have the peanuts. So each boy did so very politely and the man replied, “You’re welcome. Ever since I lost my dentures, all I can do is suck the chocolate off of them."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>MONDAY IS NOT ONLY HALLOWEEN</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Teach Your Children About the Reformation </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Taken from <em>The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World</em> by Stephen J. Nichols)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Historians like dates. And one of the dates that historians like best is October 31, 1517. On that day one monk with mallet in hand nailed a document to the church door in Wittenberg. It contained a list of Ninety-Five Theses for a debate. The immediate concern was an indulgence sale to finance St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Sistine Chapel—Michelangelo didn’t come cheap. Martin Luther, the mallet-wielding monk, could keep silent no longer. He got much more than a debate, however. He and his list of Ninety-Five Theses triggered a Reformation that would sweep across his native German lands, across Europe, and eventually across the entire world. The world would never be the same. Luther’s act gave birth to the Protestant church, now nearly 600 million members strong. Luther’s act also brought the world out of medieval times and into the modern age. Little wonder historians like the date of October 31, 1517.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While we like that date, and Luther for that matter, the Reformation is a much broader event than that singular day. To be sure, the Reformation began on that day. The Reformation, however, spanned two centuries and encompassed a cast of characters from a variety of nations. Luther may very well be at the center of the Reformation, but he does not stand alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>THE LESSONS OF THE REFORMATION </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The things that matter most to us all center on the gospel. The church simply can’t afford to forget the lesson of the Reformation about the utter supremacy of the gospel in everything the church does. Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, has dedicated his life to bearing witness to the unimaginable horrors and atrocities of the Holocaust. He speaks of the unspeakable. And he does so because humanity cannot afford to forget the lesson of the Holocaust. It is far too easy to forget, especially when forgetting eases our conscience. History, however, compels us to remember. In studying the Reformation, we remember what the church is all about, and we remember how easy it is for the church to lose its grip on the gospel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If he said it once, Martin Luther said it a hundred times: “The church’s true treasure is the gospel.” Luther lived at a time when this true treasure had been traded for something worth far less. As a monk, he stood in a long line of succession that stretched back through centuries of theologians and churchmen who had heaped up layer upon layer of extrabiblical teaching and practice, obscuring the church’s true treasure of the gospel. Like scaffolding that surrounds and hides the beauty of a building, these layers needed to be torn down so the object that mattered could be seen without hindrance and without obstruction. Luther, with a little help from his friends, tore down the scaffolding, revealing the beauty and wonder of the gospel for the church once again. Luther called his own (re)discovery of the gospel a “breakthrough” (durchbruch in German). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the process he brought about an entire revolution of church life, practice, and doctrine. Many of the doctrines that we Protestants take for granted find their crystallized expression in the thought of the Reformers. Theologians speak of the Solas, from the Latin word sola, meaning “alone.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Usually we list five Solas: </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Sola Scriptura, meaning “Scripture alone”: The Bible is the sole and final authority in all matters of life and godliness. The church looks to the Bible as its ultimate authority. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. and 3. Sola Gratia, meaning “grace alone,” and Sola Fide, meaning “faith alone”: Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. It is not by works; we come to Christ empty-handed. This is the great doctrine of justification by faith alone, the cornerstone of the Reformation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Solus Christus, meaning “Christ alone”: There is no other mediator between God and sinful humanity than Christ. He alone, based on his work on the cross, grants access to the Father. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Soli Deo Gloria, meaning “the glory of God alone”: All of life can be lived for the glory of God; everything we do can and should be done for his glory. The Reformers called this the doctrine of vocation, viewing our work and all the roles we play in life as a calling. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These doctrines form the bedrock of all that we believe, and the Reformers gave these doctrines their finest expression. In addition to the doctrines we routinely believe, the Reformers also laid out for us many of the practices of the church that we take for granted. The church had lost sight of the sermon, celebrating the Mass instead. The Reformers returned the sermon to the church service. In the case of the Puritans in England, they returned it with a vengeance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Congregations didn’t sing in the centuries leading up to the Reformation. In fact, Jan Hus, one of the pre-Reformation reformers, was condemned as a heretic for, among other things, having his congregation sing. Luther and the other Reformers restored congregational singing to the church. Knowing this should humble us every time we sing in church. We should offer our heartfelt thanks to Luther, and we should remember what Hus gave for the privilege. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For an excellent book on church history for children, get <em>The Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith</em> by Stephen J. Nichols (I did for my grandboys and they love it)</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-64682498052353822732011-10-21T08:36:00.002-05:002011-10-25T16:30:50.259-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqGJmFjvqVw/TVVVIAA02VI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Tvo9kz7ZxG0/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>QUESTION OF THE WEEK:</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Question:</strong> What does the conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer teach us?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Answer:</strong> The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen,” teaches us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him, and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say Amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Scripture:</strong> Matthew 6:13; Daniel 9:18; 19:1; 1 Chronicles 29:11-13; 1 Corinthians 14:16; Philippians 4:6; Revelatins 22:20.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>WHAT TO DO WITH 5 PUMPKINS THIS WEEKEND</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why not buy 5 pumpkins and put this out front for potential trick-or-treaters.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Christians and Halloween:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>HALLOWEEN – TRICK OR TREAT?</strong></span></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Will you participate in Halloween this year?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By Tim Challies, author of “The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(with some editing and comments by Pastor George. The opinions of Tim are ones that I generally agree with and so I offer this article as an expression of what my answers would be like if asked the same questions about Halloween)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Halloween is once again nearly upon us and articles about the occasion are beginning to make their way into the airways and writings of Christian pundits (Thought I would throw that term in since it is being so overused right now). Grace to You Ministries by John MacArthur has an article that deals well with the subject, seeking to answer these questions: "How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it irresponsible for parents to let their children trick-or-treat? What about Christians who refuse any kind of celebration during the season--are they overreacting?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The article spells out several legitimate ways Christians will react to Halloween:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some will adopt a "No Participation" policy. As Christian parents, they don't want their kids participating in spiritually compromising activities--listening to ghost stories and coloring pictures of witches. They don't want their kids to dress up in costumes for trick-or-treating or even attending Halloween alternatives. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Other Christians will opt for Halloween alternatives called "Harvest Festivals" or "Reformation Festivals"--the kids dress up as farmers, Bible characters, or Reformation heroes. It's ironic when you consider Halloween's beginning as an alternative, but it can be an effective means of reaching out to neighborhood families with the gospel. Some churches leave the church building behind and take acts of mercy into their community, "treating" needy families with food baskets, gift cards, and the gospel message. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I appreciate the sensitivity the authors display in dealing with what is a difficult topic. It is my (both of us) conviction that this is, in many ways, an issue of conscience. I do not believe there is absolute right and wrong here--we can't be too dogmatic about it. Each person (and, in particular, I believe, each father) must examine the Bible and his conscience to see where that leads him. It may lead him to any of these options, each of which can be legitimate. The Bible says nothing about Halloween, though certainly there are principles we can find that will help guide us. But ultimately I believe we have to trust our biblically-informed consciences and our sanctified reasoning to guide us. Let me share where this has led me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My conviction has long been that it would be a poor witness to the neighbors if my family were to refuse to participate in Halloween; it would be inconsistent with the way Aileen and I feel we are to live within this neighborhood. This day provides a unique opportunity to interact with neighbors, to enjoy their children and to prove that Christians are part of the community and not merely people who want only to interact with Christian friends or to only interact in our own way and on our own terms. Aileen and I are fully part of the community around us and look forward to being part of the community events that happen here. And so we allow our children to go out trick-or-treating, provided they do not wear evil or occult costumes. It still feels like a bit of a compromise, and admittedly one with which I am not entirely comfortable. Yet I would struggle far more with turning out the lights or finding something else to do that evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The truth is that I have several convictions regarding Halloween. I despise the pagan aspects of it. I am convicted that my children should not dress as little devils or ghosts or monsters or otherwise glory in evil. But I am also convicted that it is a poor witness to have a darkened house, especially in a neighborhood like ours which is small and where every person and every home is highly-visible. We know that, if we choose not to participate, the neighbors will notice and assume that we feel somehow above them for not participating (and that we are judging them for their participation). We have nothing to fear from our neighbors or from their children, no matter how they choose to dress for an evening. So my children will dress up (my son as a soldier and my daughters as a ballerina and a princess) and we will visit each of our neighbors, knocking on their doors and accepting their fistfuls of candy. Either my wife or I (I think it's my turn this year) will remain at home, greeting people at our door with a smile and a handful of something tasty. If the kids are deemed too old to trick-or-treat, they’ll be forced to sing a song to merit any handouts. Our door will be open and the light will be on. A contributor to an email list I participate in once concluded his defense of participating in Halloween with these words: “One night does not a neighbor make (and one night does not a pagan make), but Halloween is the one night of the year where the good neighborliness that flows from being in Christ is communicated and reinforced. We are citizens of another Kingdom where The Light is always on.” That analogy seems particularly appropriate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This year we're doing something else. We've invited all of the neighbors over for dinner before the festivities begin. We've got at least 40 or 50 people who are planning on coming by for a barbeque. We're doing this simply because we enjoy our neighbors and love to spend time with them. Halloween evening can be hectic, with parents getting home from work and then rushing to prepare their children, so we thought we'd attempt to relieve one burden by taking care of dinner for everyone. It should be fun and we're looking forward to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My encouragement to you today is to think and pray about this issue so that you can do what your conscience dictates for that day. I do not see Halloween as a great evangelistic occasion and this is where some of my thought on the issue has probably developed most. In the past I may have tried to convince myself that Halloween would offer occasions to share the gospel, but I don't think this is usually the case. Nor does it have to be. I think Halloween is a time that you can prove to your neighbors that you care about them, that you care about their children, and that you are glad to be in this world and this culture, even if you are not of this world or this culture. Aileen and I feel that God has deliberately placed us here and among these people. We want to celebrate with them, even on an occasion of such dubious importance as Halloween.</span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-39561372084959775802011-10-14T10:03:00.003-05:002011-10-25T16:31:18.363-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhTbua7H6U8/TVVYiOwmqdI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-oiK4eAfAOg/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhTbua7H6U8/TVVYiOwmqdI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-oiK4eAfAOg/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>QUESTION OF THE WEEK:</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Question:</strong> What do we pray in the sixth petition of the Lord’s Prayer?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Answer:</strong> In the sixth petition which is, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Scripture:</strong> Matthew 6:13; 26:41; Ps 19:13; 1 Cor 10:13; John 17:15</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>DEB WINS ANOTHER ARGUMENT</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a friendly discussion a few weeks ago, I told Deb that housekeeping would be a snap if she would organize her time better. She challenged me to put my theory to the test by disappearing for a day and having me do the housekeeping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When she returned in the late evening she asked me how it went and I replied, “I made a cake, frosted it, washed the kitchen windows, cleaned all the cupboards, scrubbed the kitchen floor, walls and ceiling and even had a bath." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She was a bit shocked and perplexed and was about to concede that perhaps I was right when I had to add very sheepishly, "When I was making the chocolate frosting, I forgot to turn off the mixer before taking the beaters out of the bowl, so I had to do all the rest." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>CHRISTIANS AND HALLOWEEN</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: blue;">If you are a long time reader of Parents and Kids of Faith, pardon my repeating myself every year with these articles (this week and next) on Halloween but the subject of what do we do with Halloween as Christians comes up every year. Here is an excellent article this week from Grace To You ministries written by Pastor John MacArthur.</span></em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Halloween. It's a time of year when the air gets crisper, the day gets shorter, and for many young Americans the excitement grows in anticipation of the darkest, spookiest holiday of the year. Retailers rejoice too as they warm up their cash registers to receive an average of $41.77 per household in decorations, costumes, candy, and greeting cards. Halloween will bring in approximately 3.3 billion dollars this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's a good bet retailers won't entertain high expectations of getting $41.77 per household from the Christian market. Many Christians refuse to participate in Halloween. Some are wary of its pagan origins; others of its dark, ghoulish imagery; still others are concerned for the safety of their children. But other Christians choose to partake of the festivities, whether participating in school activities, neighborhood trick-or-treating, or a Halloween alternative at their church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The question is, How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it irresponsible for parents to let their children trick-or-treat? What about Christians who refuse any kind of celebration during the season--are they overreacting? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Pagan Origin of Halloween</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The name "Halloween" comes from the All Saints Day celebration of the early Christian church, a day set aside for the solemn remembrance of the martyrs. All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day, began the time of remembrance. "All Hallows Eve" was eventually contracted to "Hallow-e'en," which became "Halloween."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As Christianity moved through Europe it collided with indigenous pagan cultures and confronted established customs. Pagan holidays and festivals were so entrenched that new converts found them to be a stumbling block to their faith. To deal with the problem, the organized church would commonly move a distinctively Christian holiday to a spot on the calendar that would directly challenge a pagan holiday. The intent was to counter pagan influences and provide a Christian alternative. But most often the church only succeeded in "Christianizing" a pagan ritual--the ritual was still pagan, but mixed with Christian symbolism. That's what happened to All Saints Eve--it was the original Halloween alternative! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Celtic people of Europe and Britain were pagan Druids whose major celebrations were marked by the seasons. At the end of the year in northern Europe, people made preparations to ensure winter survival by harvesting the crops and culling the herds, slaughtering animals that wouldn't make it. Life slowed down as winter brought darkness (shortened days and longer nights), fallow ground, and death. The imagery of death, symbolized by skeletons, skulls, and the color black, remains prominent in today's Halloween celebrations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The pagan Samhain festival (pronounced "sow" "en") celebrated the final harvest, death, and the onset of winter, for three days--October 31 to November 2. The Celts believed the curtain dividing the living and the dead lifted during Samhain to allow the spirits of the dead to walk among the living--ghosts haunting the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some embraced the season of haunting by engaging in occult practices such as divination and communication with the dead. They sought "divine" spirits (demons) and the spirits of their ancestors regarding weather forecasts for the coming year, crop expectations, and even romantic prospects. Bobbing for apples was one practice the pagans used to divine the spiritual world's "blessings" on a couple's romance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For others the focus on death, occultism, divination, and the thought of spirits returning to haunt the living, fueled ignorant superstitions and fears. They believed spirits were earthbound until they received a proper sendoff with treats--possessions, wealth, food, and drink. Spirits who were not suitably "treated" would "trick" those who had neglected them. The fear of haunting only multiplied if that spirit had been offended during its natural lifetime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Trick-bent spirits were believed to assume grotesque appearances. Some traditions developed, which believed wearing a costume to look like a spirit would fool the wandering spirits. Others believed the spirits could be warded off by carving a grotesque face into a gourd or root vegetable (the Scottish used turnips) and setting a candle inside it--the jack-o-lantern. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Into that dark, superstitious, pagan world, God mercifully shined the light of the gospel. Newly converted Christians armed themselves with the truth and no longer feared a haunting from departed spirits returning to earth. In fact, they denounced their former pagan spiritism in accord with Deuteronomy 18: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There shall not be found among you anyone...who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord (vv. 10-13). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nonetheless, Christian converts found family and cultural influence hard to withstand; they were tempted to rejoin the pagan festivals, especially Samhain. Pope Gregory IV reacted to the pagan challenge by moving the celebration of All Saints Day in the ninth century--he set the date at November 1, right in the middle of Samhain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As the centuries passed, Samhain and All Hallows Eve mixed together. On the one hand, pagan superstitions gave way to "Christianized" superstitions and provided more fodder for fear. People began to understand that the pagan ancestral spirits were demons and the diviners were practicing witchcraft and necromancy. On the other hand, the festival time provided greater opportunity for revelry. Trick-or-treat became a time when roving bands of young hooligans would go house-to-house gathering food and drink for their parties. Stingy householders ran the risk of a "trick" being played on their property from drunken young people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Halloween didn't become an American holiday until the immigration of the working classes from the British Isles in the late nineteenth century. While early immigrants may have believed the superstitious traditions, it was the mischievous aspects of the holiday that attracted American young people. Younger generations borrowed or adapted many customs without reference to their pagan origins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hollywood has added to the "fun" a wide assortment of fictional characters--demons, monsters, vampires, werewolves, mummies, and psychopaths. That certainly isn't improving the American mind, but it sure is making someone a lot of money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Christian Response to Halloween</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today Halloween is almost exclusively an American secular holiday, but many who celebrate have no concept of its religious origins or pagan heritage. That's not to say Halloween has become more wholesome. Children dress up in entertaining costumes, wander the neighborhood in search of candy, and tell each other scary ghost stories; but adults often engage in shameful acts of drunkenness and debauchery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, how should Christians respond? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, Christians should not respond to Halloween like superstitious pagans. Pagans are superstitious; Christians are enlightened by the truth of God's Word. Evil spirits are no more active and sinister on Halloween than they are on any other day of the year; in fact, any day is a good day for Satan to prowl about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). God has forever "disarmed principalities and powers" through the cross of Christ and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through [Christ]" (Colossians 2:15). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Second, Christians should respond to Halloween with cautionary wisdom. Some people fear the activity of Satanists or pagan witches, but the actual incidents of satanic-associated crime are very low. The real threat on Halloween is from the social problems that attend sinful behavior--drunk driving, pranksters and vandals, and unsupervised children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like any other day of the year, Christians should exercise caution as wise stewards of their possessions and protectors of their families. Christian young people should stay away from secular Halloween parties since those are breeding grounds for trouble. Christian parents can protect their children by keeping them well-supervised and restricting treat consumption to those goodies received from trusted sources. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Third, Christians should respond to Halloween with gospel compassion. The unbelieving, Christ-rejecting world lives in perpetual fear of death. It isn't just the experience of death, but rather what the Bible calls "a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume [God's] adversaries" (Hebrews 10:27). Witches, ghosts, and evil spirits are not terrifying; God's wrath unleashed on the unforgiven sinner--now that is truly terrifying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christians should use Halloween and all that it brings to the imagination--death imagery, superstition, expressions of debauched revelry--as an opportunity to engage the unbelieving world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. God has given everyone a conscience that responds to His truth (Romans 2:14-16), and the conscience is the Christian's ally in the evangelistic enterprise. Christians should take time to inform the consciences of friends and family with biblical truth regarding God, the Bible, sin, Christ, future judgment, and the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ for the repentant sinner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are several different ways Christians will engage in Halloween evangelism. Some will adopt a "No Participation" policy. As Christian parents, they don't want their kids participating in spiritually compromising activities--listening to ghost stories and coloring pictures of witches. They don't want their kids to dress up in costumes for trick-or-treating or even attending Halloween alternatives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That response naturally raises eyebrows and provides a good opportunity to share the gospel to those who ask. It's also important that parents explain their stand to their children and prepare them to face the teasing or ridicule of their peers and the disapproval or scorn of their teachers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Other Christians will opt for Halloween alternatives called "Harvest Festivals" or "Reformation Festivals"--the kids dress up as farmers, Bible characters, or Reformation heroes. It's ironic when you consider Halloween's beginning as an alternative, but it can be an effective means of reaching out to neighborhood families with the gospel. Some churches leave the church building behind and take acts of mercy into their community, "treating" needy families with food baskets, gift cards, and the gospel message. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those are good alternatives; there are others that are not so good. Some churches are using "Hell House" evangelism to shock young people and scare them into becoming Christians. They walk people through rooms patterned after carnival-style haunted houses and put sin on display--women undergoing abortions, people sacrificed in a satanic ritual, consequences of premarital sex, dangers of rave parties, demon possession, and other tragedies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the problem with so-called Hell House evangelism: To shock an unshockable culture, you have to get pretty graphic. Graphic exhibits of sin and its consequences are unnecessary--unbelieving minds are already full of such images. What they need to see is a life truly transformed by the power of God, and what they need to hear is the truth of God in an accurate presentation of the gospel. Cheap gimmickry is unfitting for Christ's ambassadors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween? </span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775347269149602713.post-72053693563880247892011-10-07T11:34:00.002-05:002011-10-25T16:31:41.524-05:00Parents & Kids of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s1600/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEbEZD_D7_E/TVVV2WTNReI/AAAAAAAAAYA/ugXJe2eHUns/s400/Parents+%2526+Kids+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>QUESTION OF THE WEEK:</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Question:</strong> What do we pray in the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Answer:</strong> In the fifth petition which is, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins which we are encouraged to ask because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Scripture:</strong> Matthew 6:12; 18:35; Psalm 51:1,3, 7; Mark 11:25</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>WHY MOMS ARE SMARTER THAN DADS</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(maybe this really happened)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One day Deb was out and she left our two toddler children with me. Brita, who was about 3 years old, had a little tea set that was her favorite playtime. I was engrossed in reading that evening, while she was playing and brought to me a little cup of “tea” which was just water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After several cups of tea and lots of praise from me for such yummy tea, Deb came home from her event. I had her wait in our living room to watch Brita bring me the next cup of tea because I thought it was just the cutest thing. Deb waited and, sure enough, here came Brita down the hall with a cup of tea for her dad, which she watched me drink all up. Deb then looked at me with kind of a strange look, as only a mother can have, and said to me, “Did it ever occur to you that there’s only one place where she can reach to get water?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>GRACE FOR REGRETFUL PARENTS, TOO</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By Elyse Fitzpatrick</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>The following is an article that Deb and I definitely relate to. Even to the point that two weeks ago we missed one of our grandson’s birthday by a couple of days. But where we associate with this story is that much of the way we teach and talk about parenting now is not exactly or even close to what we did. But we experienced a particular grace from God in our children and they survived our ignorance and foolishness. Hope this article encourages you as well and I very highly recommend the book mentioned, “Give Them Grace.”</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Regrets. As a mom of three and grandmother of six, I know all about regrets. Just this week I missed one of my granddaughters birthdays, thinking it was a day later than it was. That’s not unusual for me either—even though I have taken to writing down everyone’s birthdays in my phone—I never seem to be able to remember everything when I’m supposed to remember it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, there’s a place in my heart where I’m tempted to be filled with regret for things forgotten, regret for missing an opportunity to speak truth, or for speaking it in an unkind way. I’ve talked with enough parents to know that I’m not alone in this, either. In some ways it seems like regret is badge of honor for parents: you know you’re really serious about your parenting if you feel really terrible about how you’re doing… or how you did if your kids are grown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Give Them Grace</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Recently, my daughter Jessica and I wrote a book about parenting entitled, <em>Give them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus</em> (Crossway). I’ll be honest with you here. I love this book. I love the way that the Lord worked in our hearts as we sought to take the truths of the gospel and apply them to parenting in a consistent and profound way. I love watching Jessica and her friends learn how to speak grace to their children and to side with their kids instead of against them in their struggle for faith and obedience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I have to admit something else: This book could easily add another layer to the regret I feel as a parent. Give them grace? Hardly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Our Parental Story</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me explain what I mean. When Phil and I were raising our children, sure, we told them the gospel but only until they assured us that they believed it and then we piled on the law. Then the focus changed from Jesus and the gospel to their behavior and the rules.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mixed into all this was my own idolatrous desire to be a successful parent and have successful, obedient children. In addition, we had absolutely no clue how the gospel intersected with daily life. To us the gospel was the door into Christianity and then Christianity was almost exclusively about obeying, getting on down the road of sanctification. I cringe now when I think of how I used our faith to demand obedience and punish them when they didn’t comply. Regrets? Yes, boatloads of them… if I let myself go there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>And Now?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In light of what I’ve learned, how should I respond to my kids now? I’m convinced that I spent the majority of my time as a parent getting it wrong and I’m sure there are other parents who feel the same way I do. Assuming that your experience is anything like mine, let me share with you what the Lord is teaching us, in the hope that it will comfort you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First of all, perhaps you could have a heart-to-heart with you children and confess the ways you failed as a parent. This might include a discussion of the ways you’ve grown in understanding the “good” news and how you missed it when you were raising them. You could also confess any ways in which their outward compliance meant more to you than it should have. Asking them for forgiveness and then being willing to wait for them to forgive you, even if it takes some time, is one way for you to demonstrate the gospel to them. You can be open about your failures because you’ve been given grace to know you no longer need to depend on yourself for righteousness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You might also seek to change the way you relate to them now that they are adults. This would mean that you would look for opportunities to give them grace: highlighting the work of the Spirit in their lives (becoming a “Grace Detective”), sharing the truths that you’re learning about what it means to be completely loved while being completely known, asking the Lord to help you relax and enjoy them as children created in the image of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Regret will cause you to respond to your children in skewed ways. It might make you too willing to give in and support an ungodly lifestyle, confirming them in a life of irresponsibility. On the other hand, it might make you angry and unwilling to keep trying to maintain a relationship. In any case, regret is toxic to the relationship and it has to go. But how?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>God’s Remedy</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The only remedy for regret is to understand who you are and who God is. You are a sinner. That’s not really news, is it? There has only been one good parent in the history of the world and it isn’t you… or me, for that matter. We feel immense regret because we expected too much of ourselves. Although we never would have said so, we expected that we could be great parents—faithful, wise, diligent, loving—and we thought that by our efforts we could produce great kids. But realizing that you’ve failed at parenting is only a remedy for regret when you realize that you’ve been completely forgiven and stand perfectly righteous before your Father despite your failure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jesus loves all His children perfectly and that perfection is yours today if you believe. You’ve got nothing left to prove, everything has already been said about your skills as a parent on Calvary. You can relax and silence the incessant voice of the inner slave driver: of course you were a lousy parent—there is only one Savior, only one Good Father.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You also need to remember that no matter how you succeeded or failed as a parent, “salvation is of the Lord” (Psalm 3:8). The Lord is the only One who holds the hearts of your children in His hand. He’s the only one who can turn them toward Himself and even though we had an obligation to faithfully raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, their salvation was never in our hands. Salvation is always ultimately up to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The wonderful news is that He can take even your failures and use them to teach your children about grace… just like He’s done with Jessica and me. We don’t need to be filled with regret because we know that God is sovereign and although He isn’t responsible for our failures, He remains sovereign over them and will use them for His purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Rejoice</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hope that I don’t forget my granddaughter’s birthday again, but this won’t make me a perfect parent. I still fail so terribly. I have only one standing place: I have the righteousness of Jesus Christ and my children’s salvation or success doesn’t depend in any way on my getting my gospel act together. Giving grace to your children starts with giving grace to yourself. You are loved and welcomed, in your sin, in your failure. Rejoice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>SPEAKING OF PARENTING: Presenting <a href="http://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/645408.ihtml">Cross<em>Walk</em></a></u></strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Starting next Thursday evening, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (except for a break between Thanksgiving and through December) I will be having a class on parenting called “Rescue.” These will be from 7:00-8:30 P.M. in Room 1 at the church and are open to the public. I will begin with the first 3 classes on “Rescuing our Children.” </span>Pastor Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732680779493271414noreply@blogger.com0