Introduction: This morning I would like to discuss some of the ramifications covenant theology has on being a father and mother with regard to raising our children. In doing so I would like to begin at a place where we all should agree, and move out from there to less often charted territory. Representative Headship: […]
The Mechanics—Raising Children 3
Introduction: In this chat, I would like to talk about why and how parents should exercise corporal punishment (spanking) with their children. I will also be addressing different ages, sexes, and situations. Text: Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4) […]
not whether, but how—Raising Children 2
Introduction: What I want to talk about in this hour is the principle of “not whether, but how” should we be training our children to be godly? We want godly children, not well behaved children or nice kids. On one hand what we do with them will often look similar, but when we really get […]
I’m saying eat and drink
I mentioned in the exhortation that we are the people of God and God is our God. This means that we live in the presence of God, knowing this to be true all the time. The Holy Spirit is always and constantly telling us that we are his friends. Jesus called us friends (Jn. 15:14) […]
God wants to praise us
Everywhere we look lately, it seems that suffering and pain are on the rise. Maybe it is age related , culture related, government related or simply what God has decreed for us for our growth in grace. The Bible tells us that though suffering always comes, it is never an excuse for sin. Sin is […]
Dying For Others
I have around 250,000 conscious hours remaining to me in which I could be smiling or scowling, rejoicing in my life, in this race, in this story, or moaning and complaining about my troubles. I can be giving my fingers, my back, my mind, my words, my breaths, to my wife and my children and […]
life is heavy for the strongest shoulders
Our challenges always build. A ninety-five-year-old man sits in his chair with a wandering mind because a century cannot pass without many blows. That much life is heavy for the strongest shoulders. A young man might feel bold; he might feel courageous, gambling with life and death. And he might be courageous. But he trusts […]
It had all been taken and hung on a tree
He was my expert whenever some adventure story required knowledge of planes. He was a man who faced bullets and bombs and storms, who was willing to end his life story in the service of his country, his family, his men. And he came close. But even after two wars, the heaviest burden he ever […]
THE PSALMS: A FABRIC OF FEELINGS
Emotions are one of the least reliable yet most influential forces in our lives. One day we are hopeful; the next, we hate. Despair at one time; delight, the other. Emotions are the surging, restless tides that keep ebbing and flowing, drawing us up, then pushing us down. The Psalms are a gyroscope, keeping moving […]