Restoring the Christian Family

A New Restoration Movement: Restoring the Christian Family

I fear that many people who read these words will never realize the real need. To many, the idea of “reclaiming the family” is simply a nice catchy slogan that reads well on the cover of a Christian magazine. But it’s not really something the average Christian needs to worry about—right? Reclaiming the family is for those who have delinquents or serious problems in the home. After all, “we attend church ever Sunday morning and our children are kind to others. Surely, we are alright.” And yet, these are precisely the individuals who I hope will re-evaluate their entire paradigm.

There is a need to restore the family.

There is a need to restore the family.

Let me begin by asking one simple question. If you knew that the activities your family was involved in would eventually lead them away from God would you change your life? I suspect most people would indicate that they would change. But when it really comes down to making those changes in our lives (when the rubber hits the road), we find ourselves making excuses and often justifying our behavior. After all, we may already be “comfortable” and changing things could involve too much energy.

In order to really reclaim our families the first thing we must do is: (1) acknowledge they need to be reclaimed. We must admit that our family has been influenced by the world more than we have influenced the world. Husbands and wives need to sit down and discuss openly the need to make changes. Then, and only then, can we begin the process of reclaiming our family.

In addition to acknowledging the need, we must also (2) honestly evaluate what we are allowing into our lives. Yes, certain shows may be funny, but are they wholesome and can we thank God for them (Col. 3:17)? This step will be the hardest for most individuals—as oftentimes we get into daily ruts and we don’t even see the danger that the world is leading us into. Evaluate your jobs, your children’s schools, your television habits, your children’s friends, your hobbies, etc. Anything that is not going to help your family get to heaven should be seriously questioned and eliminated if possible.

After you have acknowledged and identified the problem, then (3) you must act. Begin by communicating to children (old and young alike), that nothing is more important than getting to heaven, and as such, you are going to make some changes. When they see you changing your life they will be more likely to follow in your footsteps, and carry those sentiments into their own families.

If you stop at this step you will feel good about having made some serious steps towards reclaiming your family—but one final step remains. In order to insure success, (4) families must replace old bad habits with new good ones. Time that used to be spent in front of mindless television shows can be used to study the Bible together, learn new hobbies, exercising together, or just sitting down sharing your thoughts and feelings across a dinner table. Take some time to learn how to reconnect with one another, and teach your children how to recognize anti-God influences.

For twelve years we send our most precious gifts, our offspring, off to be indoctrinated in secular humanism and atheistic ideology—and our tax dollars are paying for this propaganda. (In many cases we are literally paying to have our children led away from Christ!) Those twelve years are followed by four years of undergraduate study in which their faith is questioned and tried in various classrooms. And for the life of us, we cannot figure out why so many young Christians are abandoning their faith. Many Christians have not fully recognized that our children are the ultimate prize. Activists in our country have waged war on Christianity, and they are quietly enlisting our own children against us. By shaping their thoughts and molding their value system for twelve years, secular humanists and evolutionists have fashioned their minds to reject the concept of a God. Instead, they return home to us embracing a philosophy of: “eat, drink, and be merry, and always look out for number one!”

When Adolf Hitler was laying the foundation for his New World Order—the Nazi Party—he commented, “Let me control the textbooks and I will control the state. The state will take youth and give to youth its own education and its own upbringing.” Hitler knew that the youth were the key to his dominance and the future. During a speech he delivered on November 6, 1939, Hitler affirmed: “When an opponent declares, ‘I will not come over to your side,’ I calmly say, ‘Your child belongs to us already…What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community.’”

Hitler knew that youth held the ability to reshape the cultural and philosophical framework of a nation. Hitler’s words sound extremely similar to Abraham Lincoln’s, who once noted: “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next.

Why do we find the world in the state it is today? Tim La­Haye, in his book, The Battle for the Mind, suggested: “Our present society is in a state of moral decay, not because the majority of Americans love degeneracy, but because the influence of humanism has been greater on our culture than the influence of the church” (1980, p. 189). The time has come to reverse that trend! Christ said:

Ye are the salt of the earth:… Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under a bushel, but on a stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).

God’s people are to uphold that which is right, and oppose that which is wrong. In so doing, we set an example for all around us. We must oppose atheism/humanism because its teach­ings are contrary to the teachings of God’s Word. We must come to understand, and help others to understand, the fol­ly of human “wisdom” such as is found in society’s current philosophies.

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and discernment of the discerning will I bring to naught. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of the world? ­Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good plea­sure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe (I Corinthians 1:19-21).

Human wisdom leads away from God if not founded on, guarded by, and subject to biblical revelation. Human wis­dom is at war with God (Romans 8:7), and is foolishness as far as God is concerned (I Corinthians 3:19-20).

The Joseph Challenge

Let me encourage every family who reads this article to consider taking the Joseph challenge. Joseph was 17 years old when we are introduced to him in Genesis 37. Within just a short period of time he was sold into slavery by his brothers—into a land where he didn’t even know the language. He was placed into Potiphar’s house and seduced on numerous occasions by Potiphar’s wife. He was falsely accused of sexual misconduct and thrown in jail. And yet, through all of this he remains faithful to God. Let me encourage you to raise your children (and/or grandchildren) to be strong enough in the world that they too can withstand such trials by the tender age of 17. Use those first seventeen years to instill goodness, purity, and reverence toward Almighty God.

In Ezekiel 22 we find one of the most troubling passages in all of God’s Word. In reviewing the actions of Jerusalem, Ezekiel records that Jerusalem had violated most, if not all of the Ten Commandments. The vast army of Nebuchadnezzar was poised around the city, about to begin a two-year siege that would bring utter destruction to the city. In those days, the common practice to fortify a city was to build a giant wall. Enemies wanting to overthrow the city were then forced to concentrate their efforts on breaching a hole in one portion of the wall. But often, men of the city would step into the gap and fight to protect their homeland. They were willing to “stand in the gap.” At the end of chapter 22 we learn that this is not the case with Jerusalem. God said: “‘I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their heads,’ says the Lord God.” No one was willing to stand in the gap. Parents and grandparents, we must stand in the gap and fight for the souls of our children! Unrighteousness still abounds. The laws and commands of God are still being violated. Have you heard the battle cry? Will you reclaim your family and stand in the gap on their behalf?

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The Kingdom & the Resurrection

Understanding the Kingdom & the Resurrection

It is remarkable how intertwined Biblical truths are. To fully understand one opens the door to better understanding of another truth found in His word. This is true concerning the truth about the resurrection and the nature of the kingdom Jesus promised to establish. There is no way the idea of a future millennial reign of Jesus in Jerusalem where He will establish the kingdom can be possible when one looks at what the Bible says about the resurrection.

What will the resurrection be like?

What will the resurrection be like?

The truth about the resurrection. Read the following words of Jesus and consider carefully what is taught. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Look at what Jesus says. First, notice that He speaks of “all who are in the grave” (both those who have done good and who will receive life in the resurrection, and those who have done evil who will face a resurrection of condemnation). The subject under discussion is every dead person.

He then says that all of these will “hear His voice and come forth.” There is no way to misunderstand these words. Now, notice that all of this will happen in the same hour. There is no room in this verse for there to be a 1,000 years between the resurrection of the righteous and the resurrection of the unrighteous. It will happen for all of them at the same time. They will all hear, will all come forth, and will all be judged.

The truth about the reign of Jesus at the resurrection. Hear the words from God’s Holy Spirit. “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:24-26). Consider the truths taught in these words. Jesus must reign until death, the last enemy, is destroyed.  At that point, Jesus will end His reign and give the kingdom to God. The text says that this coming will mark “the end.” When death is destroyed Jesus will cease His reign.

The truth about the resurrection and the kingdom. Now combine these truths. Jesus affirmed that in the same hour everyone will be raised, both the good and the evil. The only conclusion is that at this point death will be destroyed. When the righteous are raised at His coming so will the unrighteous. At this time, Jesus will not begin His reign but will end His reign. These truths clearly show how mistaken men are who believe in the 1,000-year reign in Jerusalem. Read these words and thank God for the consistency of eternal truth!

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Lessons from Esther

Lessons from Esther

I was one of the privileged ones to have been able to sit at the feet of the late and lamented Bobby Duncan, and I still remember hearing him preach this sermon on lessons from the book of Esther. Esther could be renamed, “God in the Shadows,” for while the name Jehovah or God does not appear in this book, it does not mean that one will not find His presence in studying this inspired literary piece.

Please read the story of Esther, and then let us notice some lessons from this great woman and the book that is named after her.

  1. Let us learn the danger of unholy ambition. The Hebrews writer wrote, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Ahasuerus and Haman were both guilty of worldly and unholy ambition.
  1. Let us learn the danger of drinking (1:10). Solomon sternly signaled, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is de – ceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).
  1. Let us learn how a person discharges his duty to benevolence, seen in how Mordecai provided for Esther. James declared, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflic – tion, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). The apostle Paul penned, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10), and he told Timothy, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Tim. 5:8).
  1. Let us learn the value of true devotion and con – secration. Esther could have used her beauty for showiness—something even Vashti would not do. Think about the harsh lessons young girls are learning whose parents put them into beauty pageants. Let us not use our blessings as curses.
  1. Let us learn the difference between sorrow and repentance. We do not know if Ahasuerus ever repented of what he did to Vashti. The apostle Paul teaches us that repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of action brought about by godly sorrow (cf. 2 Cor. 7:10).
  1. Let us learn the smallness of a proud person. Haman is a perfect example of this lesson; he felt threatened by an insignificant Jew, Morde – cai. Indeed, pride is a sin: “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).
  1. Let us learn the value of determination (loy – alty). Upon hearing the decree of Haman, Mordecai was determined to save Esther and the Jews. We need to have loyal determination to God!
  1. Let us learn the source of comfort, as seen through Esther and Mordecai (as well as all of the Jews). We all need comfort at times. Threatened troubles do not always come; we should not worry. Nevertheless, so many sorPage 2 The Southwesterner August 2, 2015 rows are so many times accompanied by so much good. The apostle Paul promised, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). No matter what threat, God has the power to deliver (i.e. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego).
  1. Let us learn the value of opportunity. The apostle Paul penned, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, es – pecially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). No queen ever had an opportunity like Esther, and she had it one time! This is a lesson that young people need to learn as well (think about the Senior Prom; this may be the only opportunity to stand for the right!).
  1. Let us learn a lesson of self-restraint. Esther was patient with her request, planning another feast night before she revealed her request. Pa – tience is a marvelous virtue—it is a portion of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), as well as something for which Christians should aspire (2 Pet. 1:5-11).
  1. Let us learn the blessing of a good wife. Aha – suerus had Vashti and Esther both for wives in two instances. We need to appreciate good spouses (cf. Prov. 5:18).
  1. Let us learn that courage is often a feminine virtue. Women are very courageous. Not only do we see such with Vashti and Esther, but think about the women that went to Jesus’ tomb early Sunday morning.
  1. Let us learn the lesson of providence. We can see the providence of God in Ahasuerus’ sleep – less night. We can see the providence of God in Ahasuerus calling for a reader. We can see the providence of God in the reader reading the chronicles in the exact spot. We can see the providence of God in Haman’s entrance. We cannot pinpoint God’s workings, but we do know that He works through His providence.
  1. Let us learn from the character of Mordecai— he did not let his honor go to his head. Pride did not get him.
  1. Let us learn that we will reap if we faint not— Paul proclaimed, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Both Mordecai and Esther abided their time.
  1. Let us learn how to accuse an enemy. Esther not only used a great deal of tact; she also ac – cused him to his face, not behind his back. We should not talk behind people’s backs. Jesus taught us, “Moreover if thy brother shall tres – pass against thee, go and tell him his fault be – tween thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matt. 18:15).
  1. Let us learn how fleet is fortune. One day Ha – man is rejoicing over his position and riches; the next day he is hanging by his neck. Jesus preached, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will you heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21; cf. Luke 12:16-21). James warned against stating, “Go to now, ye that say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain’: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:13-14).
  1. Let us learn that retribution is as much a law of the universe as gravity. Haman is a perfect example. Paul clearly declared, “Dearly be – loved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).
  1. Let us learn the mercy of God. Look at the mercy of God expressed to Mordecai and the Jews. One has said, “God’s mercy is in his outstretched hand, but his sword of justice is in his scabbard.”
  1. Let us learn that some things cannot be undone. For example, once the law of the Medes and Persians was in effect, it could not be undone. We cannot unscramble eggs, and we cannot put toothpaste back into the tube once we squeeze it. Young people especially need to learn that they cannot undo what they did yesterday. Paul penned, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
  1. Let us learn that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Esther knew that God was there. What we cannot do, God can!
  1. Let us learn that there are two great elements in salvation—God’s mercy and man’s obedience (both of which we see demonstrated in this book). Paul spoke of both elements when he stated, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus declared that we have a response: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

Therefore, there are so many great lessons to learn from this marvelous book about a truly virtuous woman of God. May our lives be blessed by a constant study of this piece of scripture.

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The Grace of God

The Grace of God

Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

The terms “grace” and “mercy” are special words to us, aren’t they?   Just to say them aloud is sweet and soothing to the ears.  These two terms, though different in meaning, are so compatible that we can hardly say the one without mentioning the other. They are as twin brothers, as one preacher put it. “Grace” is often defined as “unmerited favor;” whereas “mercy” basically means  “compassion.” But more to the point, “grace” is receiving something that we do not deserve (i.e., salvation); whereas “mercy” is not receiving something that we do deserve (i.e., condemnation).  The concept of grace does not mean that all men will be saved, for not all will be (Mt. 7:13-14, 21-23).  Nor does it mean that no works are needed, for “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:14-26; 1:22-25).  Nor does it mean that we may continue in sin without fear of eternal punishment (Rom. 6:1-2, 12, 23).

Though “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Tit. 2:11), not all will receive it.  Imagine a wealthy man having compassion on a poor, homeless man, in his impoverished and despicable condition, and deciding to do something to save him. The poor man doesn’t deserve the rich man’s help (he’s done nothing to earn it), yet the offer is there.  The rich man offers to take the poor man and get him cleaned up and to give him a job and a place to live.  If the poor man takes him up on his offer, then (and only then) is he saved (from his plight) by grace. If he does not take up the rich man’s offer, he forfeits grace and cannot benefit from it at all.  You see, all because mercy and grace was shown toward the poor man doesn’t mean he was automatically saved from his predicament.  He has to be willing to receive it.  And if the poor man did accept the offer, but then turned back to his miserable lifestyle, he would no longer receive the rich man’s act of grace.

The same is true spiritually, friends.  God offers to give you something you neither can earn nor obtain on your own.  If you will do what He tells you, you will be saved by grace (Tit. 2:11-14).  If you will not, or if you turn back, you forfeit His grace (Gal. 5:1-4).  Can you see the difference, friends?

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Standard of Right and Wrong

Is There a Moral Standard?

Is there a moral standard of right and wrong.

Is there a moral standard of right and wrong.

While it may seem to be a vast generalization that all humans agree morals exist, the fact remains that all humans recognize certain behaviors as wrong. On many occasions when I correspond with atheists I will ask them if they would mind if I came to their house and robbed them blind and killed their children? Without fail, everyone I have corresponded with has stated that they would definitely have a problem with that. On one occasion an atheist argued that criminals have no ethics. I simply questioned what would happen if two criminals robbed a bank and one of the thieves tells the other that he is taking 90% of the stolen money. The other criminal is not going to view that as “fair.” Everyone, even criminals, recognizes a standard for right and wrong.

Mankind, unlike the animals, has a moral code. Where did it come from? The very existence of our moral code places atheists into a unique situation. There are forced to argue that morals came from naturalistic measures—in other words, they must argue morals and ethics simply evolved. Imagine visiting more than 10 different island populations who were completely isolated from one another…and learning that they all possessed laws regarding murder and adultery. Furthermore, each group viewed things like lying and stealing as wrong. Even though these islands did not communicate they held to a similar moral standard. Where did these independent groups come up with such a similar moral code? (This experiment was actually carried out—and the results pointed to a similar moral code.)

It is impossible for matter—by itself—to evolve a system of moral “right” and “wrong.” Yet, man recognizes right and wrong. The question then arises from whence did morals originate? In 1967, George Gaylord Simpson admitted, “Morals arise only in man.” However, in order for something to be “right” or “wrong,” there must be an absolute standard for morality. What is that standard? There are really only two options that could adequately explain the existence of morals—either: (1) they were conjured up and created by man, or (2) they originated from God.

Consider the plight of an atheist. They admit morals exist—otherwise they wouldn’t have a problem with your murdering their family members. However, they refuse to acknowledge a belief in God. As such, they must contend that morals arose from man. The question then becomes who gets to decide what behaviors are right and which are wrong? For instance, Adolf Hitler thought what he was doing was “right”. He thought he was perfecting the human race, and in the process he extinguished millions of Jews. The problem with saying man evolved ethics and morals is that each person would view “right and wrong” a little differently. What may seem right to you may seem wrong to me. Humans would constantly be changing what they felt was morally acceptable

Isn’t evolution all about the “survival of the fittest?” So if I decide a certain behavior will allow me to survive better, shouldn’t I participate in it—even if it hurts you? Evolution would presume that furthering one’s genes is a good thing—whether by adultery, rape, incest, pedophilia, or marriage. Yet, we recognize many of those behaviors as wrong. Or how about a “survival of the fittest” competition for your livelihood? For instance, what would be the problem with slicing a coworker’s tires before a job interview if both individuals were applying for the same job?

A more logical conclusion is that man has adopted God’s standard for right and wrong. The very existence of morals presents a large problem to atheists and evolutionists. Morals provide strong evidence for an immutable Creator. God’s unchanging nature allows our morals to be recognized as absolute standards for all situations. Only God is eternal (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). Only God is holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Only God is just and righteous ((Psalm 89:14). And only God is forever consistent (Malachi 3:6). The existence of a worldwide system of morals is excellent proof that God exists.

Rather than continually trying to tweak, alter, and redefine a poor naturalistic theory maybe we should give attention to the very existence of the moral code mankind has adopted. And rather than trying to embrace a Godless theory and live an immoral life, maybe we should recognize there truly is a right and wrong way to conduct ourselves. Solomon summed it up well when after tasting all life had to offer he concluded that the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiates 12:13).

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