For your convenience, this space is reserved for websites that will enhance the monthly Encouraging and Equipping meetings. Updated each month following class.
*NOTE: December's class was canceled due to icy road conditions. December's topic was covered in January. January's topic will be covered in February, etc....
SUMMER 2010 WEBLINKS:
REACHING THE WORLD AS A FAMILY - Serving As A Family This Summer
God has given the Christian family several specific ministry commands, and sadly, most Christian families are unaware of these and how they apply to them now; or they are so overscheduled or self-absorbed they fail to attend to these commands. What are the commands:
1.) Great Commission - "Go and make disciples (not converts), baptizing them...." (Matt 28:19)
2.) Cultural Commission - "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matt:28:20)
3.) Hospitality - "...to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."(James: 1:27) and "...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) and "Do not forget to entertain strangers...." (Hebrews 13:2) and "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10)
Many professing Christians fail to see themselves as ministers here and now... and our families are suffering because of this misunderstanding, our church is suffering, and our community and culture is suffering because we fail to see ourselves rightly - this day.
Often overwhelmed with daily life and living, parents take on the attitude that this is not the season for ministry. They unfortunately, assume ministry is for later - when the children are grown or out of the home. They fail to see the fulfillment of these commands now as a valuable teaching opportunity before their children; an opportunity to teach your Christian calling by example - not just words. Family faithfulness to these commands need not be a burden. God is faithful! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
Be willing. Be creative. Be courageous!
Might I make a couple suggestions on integrating family ministry and faithfulness to these commands?
Commit to making your family home a place of respite, physical and spiritual nourishment, and evangelism and edification. Your home belongs to God - use it for God. Open your home and invite neighbors, other young mothers, or people from church to a home study of some kind. Here are some ideas you may wish to implement this summer:
1.) The Little Book of BIG Reasons to Homeschool (book and bible study - 4 weeks)
This is especially powerful for mothers who have yet placed their child into the local public school system. Many mothers and fathers are anguished the summer before they are scheduled to send their child off to Kindergarten. Make the most of this tender opportunity. Give them a sound, biblical reason to follow their God-given desire to keep their child at home.
2.) Answers for Life (DVD-driven evangelism/apologetic study for unbelievers - 6 weeks)
This is the latest witnessing tool from Answers in Genesis. As a result of this course, the participants will do one of three things:
a.) Experience new birth and saving faith in Jesus Christ.
b.) Reject the news of the gospel having truly heard it.
c.) Develop a true desire to investigate the truths of the gospel more
seriously.
3.) Children Desiring God - Backyard Bible Club curriculum
Our local churches often hold in-church Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), but your home can be the place of child evangelism and neighborhood outreach this summer. Enlist the help of older, responsible young adults (teens) to teach the material and lead the activities with the kids. Invite and welcome the children's parents to stay as you treat them to an opportunity to get better acquainted with the other parents in your neighborhood and as you serve them with the love of Jesus Christ.
NOTE: Child Evangelism Fellowship is the primary ministry that puts on 'backyard bible clubs'. They have great intentions and they are very organized, but I warn you they teach an insufficient gospel in our secular day and they make use of 'alter-calls' and encourage repeating the 'sinner's prayer'. This is a very dangerous practice that can (and has been known to) lead to false converts. False converts often point back to a raised hand at an invitation or having sincerely prayed the sinner's prayer as their assurance of being saved. True salvation is not decisional and is not as 'easy as ABC'. If you wish to host a backyard bible club, you must be diligent to ensure the gospel given is biblical and complete. We are charged to preach the gospel - in season and out of season - and we must know our audience. Peter was able to begin his gospel in Jerusalem at the cross because the Jews knew the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His right rule. Paul, on Mars Hill in Athens, has to begin his gospel message with Creation and who the one true God was because he was talking with people who were ignorant of this vital information. We live among 'Greeks' in America today - not 'Jews'. We must be very serious about not giving an easy-believism, 'God has a wonderful plan for your life', all you have to do is 'believe' kind of message.
Consecrating your family and your family home to outreach and ministry need not be overwhelming. You do not need to have a picture-perfect house. Dust bunnies are welcome! Don't let your pride get in the way of opening your doors and serving and loving your neighbor.
Here are some ideas I've used in the past when having in home Bible studies when our children were younger:
1.) Provide an evening study so your children can be fed, bathed, and ready for Dad to tuck into bed after some quiet quality time together.
2.) Provide an afternoon study during naptime.
3.) Provide a play date/lunch/bible study for mothers with similarly trained children. Make sure to provide a separate room for each family group. For example:
11:00 - 12:00 Childs play time together/play date
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch together
12:30 - 1:00 Get children settled in designated room for nap and/or
quiet play
1:00 - 3:00 Mom's Bible Study
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER CONVICTION:
Hospitality - The Biblical Command (CD) by Alexander Strauch and Vision Forum Ministry
Children and the Dominion Mandate (CD) by William Einwechter and Vision Forum Ministry
HEARTFELT EXHORTATION BELOVED:
"There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day - which many have, and think they have enough. This cheap Christianity offends nobody... requires no sacrifice... costs nothing... and is worth... nothing!"
~ J.C. Ryle ~
There is no more pressing need this day than for Christian parents to wake up from our cultural bewitching, from our sloth, and repent of our utter refusal to teach sound doctrine toward a biblical world-and-life-view while walking alongside our own children in discipleship... which will require the investment of copious amounts of time together while they are living in our home.
There is no more important task on earth than the education and discipleship of our children toward God and in the things of God. Discipleship is spiritual parenting. It is not convert-making. That's God's work alone! Discipleship is not sending our children off to church programs; not youth groups, not backyard bible clubs, not VBS, not AWANAS, or even weekly watered down Sunday school classes. The discipleship of our own children is 24/7/365x18+ - - should God be pleased to grant us that many years with the children He's privileged us to raise for His glory. God tells us we are worse than an infidel if we neglect to provide for the needs of our own family - especially those within our own household. Ouch!
"Puritan evangelism, carried on by preaching, pastoral admonition, and catechizing, took time and skill. The Puritans were not looking for quick and easy conversions; they were committed to building up lifelong believers whose hearts, minds, wills, and affections were won to the service of Christ." (Beeke) King Jesus commissions us to, "Go and make disciples... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded." (Jesus)
Is Christ Jesus the treasure of your heart? That is the litmus for those of us who take on the name of CHRISTian! If He is not the treasure and affection of our life, we have taken His precious and holy name in vain! Truly! Belief is necessary, but even the demons believe – and tremble. Obedience is necessary, but even Satan and his legions obey God. Is Christ your treasure! Do you love and adore Him? Is He and what He cares about always on your mind, the conversation of your mouth, the service of your hands, the consuming effort of your time? Make your calling and election sure! You cannot conjure up genuine love and affection for Jesus. Cry out to God, Who is rich in mercy, to grant you what you lack. Cry out to God, Who is rich in mercy, to grant your precious children saving faith that will produce belief, obedience, and adoration as you faithfully endeavor to lead them to the Throne! Do the work of the evangelist!
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QUOTABLE QUOTEs:
“THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE WILL ROCK THE WORLD!”
~ Deane Brown and Amy Roberts ~
2008 V-CHE Moms
Charles Spurgeon once wrote, "How can a man be a Christian, and not love his offspring? How can a man be a believer in Jesus Christ, and yet have a cold and hard heart in the things of the kingdom towards his children?... It is our business to train up our children in the fear of the Lord; and although we cannot give them grace, it is ours to pray to God who can give it; and in answer to our many supplications, He will not turn us away, but will be pleased to regard our sighs."
Spurgeon's mother was one who prayed for her son. Spurgeon remembered sitting on her lap, feeling her warm tears as she prayed, "Lord, Thou knowest if these prayers are not answered in Charles's conversion, this very petition will have to bear witness against him in the Day of Judgment."
Charles Hadden Spurgeon was indeed converted from the spiritually dead to the 'alive in Christ' by grace through faith - unto many good works! Praise God for passionate, faithful mothers and fathers!
God forbid we don't do all we can do to bring our children to life in Christ!
"All this that we here suffer is through you! You should have taught us the things of God and did not. You were the means of our original corruption and guiltiness, and yet you never showed any competent care that we might be delivered from it. Woe unto us that we had such carnal and careless parents. Woe unto you, that you had no more compassion and pity to prevent the everlasting misery of your own children."
~ Pastor Richard Mather ~
1596-1669
Earthly father to Increase Mather and Grandfather to Cottom Mather!
Sermon on what covenant children might say as they stand before the Judgment Seat before being condemned to the just wrath of God.
May we be faithful to raise our children up in the love and admonition of the Lord! May we work heartily, as unto the Lord! May your children rise up and call you blessed. May we encourage and spur one another on to love and good deeds!
AMEN!
The online resources below will help to clarify and augment our lesson in class. Please avail yourself of these helpful resources. The Internet is an incredible tool. Master it so it works for you - not against you.
Dr. Peter Hammond in South Africa is one of my favorite 'treasures' to introduce Christian parents to. I am perhaps, his biggest fan! He has published one of the finest discipleship tools I've seen and you are able to purchase it hardcopy or as an e-book. I highly recommend having this valuable resource in your family library!
Treat yourself to the Frontline Fellowship website - a wealth of encouragement and exhortation for those who desire to advance the kingdom of God and occupy until He comes.
Are you modeling faith for your children? Today on the broadcast, Dennis Rainey welcomes pastor Voddie Baucham, author of the book Family Driven Faith. Join us to hear how Voddie and others are helping their children develop a biblical worldview.
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ARTICLE NOOK:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Child Evangelism: A God-Centered Approach for Genuine Conversion by Massimo Lorenzini
The programs offered by CrossTV are my personal favorite for building a solid understanding of the Christian faith and life. If you are serious about building a family and discipleship library, these resources are a must! CrossTV "Word Pictures" Series BORN AGAIN/CONVERSION
This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth are appealed to through shallow and worldly means.
At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.
I heartily believe the whole sermon will be a blessing to many souls.
For more info about Paul Washer go to www.heartcrymissionary.com
YouTube – Dr. Voddie Baucham on Family-Driven Faith (MUST SEE!)
A MUST VISIT! A MUST VISIT! A MUST VISIT! A MUST VISIT! A MUST VISIT!
Great blog for renewing the mind! OldTruth.com is a gift to us, to be sure! Perhaps one of the finest blogs on the Internet. Please note, the author of OldTruth is seriously ill and will not be posting any new commentaries or articles BUT he has amassed a literal treasure of worthy material for our benefit. Do acquaint yourself with this jewel of a site!
For the Christian, there is little room for anything but ‘black and white’, ‘right and wrong’, ‘for and against’. Jesus makes this clear in boldly stating: “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30 nasb)
A biblical/historical account of ‘post-modern relativism’ – there’s nothing new under the sun:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me."
"What is truth?" Pilate asked. (John 18:37-38a niv)
We mentioned 'idols of the heart' being the main problem when evidenced professing Believers interpret Scripture differently. Both cannot be correct. Both can be wrong in their interpretation, but both cannot be correct. God is not the author of confusion. So 'what's up' when two Christians disagree? More than likely, there is an idol of the heart - some supposed truth-claim - that is reigning over 'true Truth' (Francis Schaeffer) declared by the whole counsel of the Word.
Please know, we all have taken in corrupt teaching - either by how we were brought up, or the lack of exposure to other orthodox views, or by our own imaginations. This is an ongoing process...to examine ourselves for idols (lies) concerning God and His expressed Word. As you meditate on God's Word, He will be faithful to expose them to you to tear down every speculation that sets itself up against the Word of God. It's a 'hurt-so-good'!
Read the article and be sure to watch the video. The clip is from the program WordPictures and is produced by CrossTV.
Because I mention Pastor Alistair Begg and his radio program specifically in reference to an excellent gospel message, I wanted to highlight it for you so you can treat yourself of this treasure. It is not the typical easy-cheesy ABC’s of how to ‘become a Christian’. Instead of the 'C' being linked to 'making a pubilc confession' or 'confessing yourself as a sinner' - it is associated with the cost to be counted in order to follow Christ as a disciple. There is a cost! Although salvation is by grace through faith, and you can do nothing to merit it or earn it - - - although it is free. it will end up costing you everything.
It is important for us to recognize the mystery which surrounds this (the actual point in time where regeneration takes place). Jesus referred to this when he was talking with Nicodemus about being born again. He said,
"The wind blows where it likes, you can hear the sound of it but you have no idea where it comes from and where it goes. Nor can you tell how a man is born by the wind of the Spirit."
John3:8
This recognizes the amazing wonder of God's grace whereby Jesus comes to where I am, calls me by my name and changes me. So this life-changing encounter takes place both mysteriously and individually.
