Passing Your Faith Down

Christianity is a taught religion. We must pass our faith down to others (Matthew 28:19-20). We cannot assume that the next generation will naturally live by Christian principles and believe Christ's teaching. When left to himself, a child will usually choose a shameful life (Proverbs 29:15). When people are not taught how to have a personal walk with God, an entire generation will arise that "does not know God"(Judges 2:10). Because when we are left to "do what is right in our own eyes" (Judges 17:6; 21:25), our choices seem right but lead to personal destruction (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).

What can we do to pass our faith to the next generation? We must deliberately teach them healthy doctrine and Christian behavior. Paul said that the things that we know are true must be "entrusted" to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). This type of instruction certainly begins in the home. Timothy had initially received his "sincere faith" from the diligent teaching of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy did not have the benefit of a believing, Christian father (Acts 16:1). Paul "spiritually adopted" Timothy and instructed him as if he were his own son (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul understood that fathers have a crucial role to play in training their children spiritually. Fathers are entrusted with the responsibility of bringing up their children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers must be an authentic example of faith and diligently teach their children in the midst of everyday living (Deuteronomy 6:4-8).

Several years ago, Gus Nichols wrote the following insightful words about passing our faith to the next generation:

"One hindrance to the unity of the Spirit is that we are living in a secular age. We see everything through the spectacles of 'dollar-marks.' We are materialistic, we think of values in terms of money, and houses, and lands, and things of that sort. We forget that one little child to be reared and trained for the Lord, can rear and train others, and they others, and they others (Ps. 78:5-6), until in a thousand years there may be thousands of souls in heaven--all because we took time to train one. Or, it may be the other way: if we fail, it may be that this one will fail, others under like influence will fail, and others still under those influences will fail--and there may be thousands of souls burning and suffering in hell forever, a billion years from now, all because we put money, and other things, ahead of the spiritual--because we failed to train a child, failed to put the kingdom first (Matt. 6:33)."

(Source: Gus Nichols Lectures on the Holy Spirit page 210. Nichols Bros. Publishing, 1967).

May we all as parents do our best to model and instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. How we teach our children today will effect generations throughout eternity.

Parental Instructions from a Non-Parent?

Well, I finish a series of lessons on the family today. It is a major understatement to say that in some ways I have felt woefully ill-equipped to address issues related to the family (and especially raising children) when I don't yet have children of my own. It is very similar to when I would be asked to bring lessons on marriage as a young preacher, though I myself had never yet been married.

Understandably, some people automatically will "tune out" when listening to a sermon about parenting that comes from someone who is not a parent. Likewise, why should I listen to a sermon on marriage from someone who has never been married himself? As a preacher, I once really struggled with this. I determined that there were only two options. I could either never address issues related to marriage and the family until I had the personal experience (and thus not preach the "whole council of God" as I have been charged to do in Acts 20:27), or I could simply speak what God has spoken on these issues and let him use me to communicate his message and attempt to avoid adding my personal opinions. I have chosen the latter.

Think about it for a moment. Jesus often taught on marriage (cf. Matthew 19:1-12), yet he never married. The Apostle Paul gave instructions on child-rearing (cf. Ephesians 6:1-4), but he never had any children of his own. One does not have to have experiential knowledge to be able to communicate what God's instructions direct concerning marriage and the home (although admittedly it can really help the audience relate if you do!).

Perhaps one of the reasons that the state of the family is in such disarray today is because we have listened to the council of men for far too long. Too many parents have built their families on the advice of child-psychologists, popular parenting books, or upon the misguided advice of others whose techniques of parenting do not stand the test of time. It is time that we return to the advice of the First Parent and listen to what our Heavenly Father instructs about the home.

Much of God's advice about parenting is extremely controversial in our current day, it is counter-cultural, and politically-incorrect. Yet God's directives for the home have proved effective for generations; and rightfully so, since He is the architect of the home.

If a single preacher gives lots of personal advice for marriage, you likely are justified to roll your eyes. If a preacher without kids gives his personal steps for raising a successful family, you are likely justified in turning a deaf ear. However, if a man of God simply points to instructions from God about the family we should carefully give attention to those passages on parenting, marriage and the home. Yet, we must each be responsible ourselves to make sure that what anyone proclaims on any topic is biblically accurate by a personal study of the Scripture (Acts 17:11).

If I am ever guilty of "preaching my opinion" on any matter (including parenting), you would do well to dismiss, or even ignore it. But as I strive to simply speak and expound only "the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11) I would say with the Apostle Paul, "let him recognize that the things I write [or speak] to you are the Lord's commandment" (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Smoke from My Chimney

My grandparents, Guy and Hope Jones, had six children. They raised their kids on the family farm that has now been passed down several generations. Grandpa used to say that he wished that one day he could stand on his front porch and see the smoke from the chimneys of all his children. He wanted to be surrounded by his family. He wished that his family would stay close. To this day, most of them have.
Many of you reading this can probably relate to the sentiments of my grandfather. In the South it has been common for family clans to stay close together. It is not unusual for grandchildren to visit the same house where their parents were raised. During special family reunions, families across the South return to the old “homestead” and share memories of the past that thread them together.
In the Biblical text, Abraham sent servants back to his “homeland” to find a wife for his son Isaac (Genesis 24:4). Isaac took his bride Rebekah into his mother’s tent the night of their honeymoon (Genesis 24:67). Yet, it is also true that God originally intended for man to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28). Sometimes this requires children to launch out into new regions—to make a new “homestead” for themselves. In order for a husband and wife to really be “joined together,” God said they must first “leave father and mother” (Genesis 2:24).
It is really difficult for me to think about leaving Maury County. This place runs deep in my family history. I have the soil of this place coursing through my veins. I will never forget where I came from. This place will forever be deep in my heart. Elmer Lusk told me a few days ago, “Boy…I’ll give you two years…and you’ll be back here.” I’m not sure about that, but one thing is for certain…my mind will often be back here.
Michelle and I are going to make a new home for ourselves in a new and exciting place. While you may not be able to see smoke from a chimney three hours away in Maryville (especially since we will first be living in an apartment!), be sure that the "smoke" from our chimney is blowing west back toward Spring Hill. We love you all and you will be greatly missed!

Miss California and Traditional Marriage

It appears that Miss California's stand for traditional values cost her the Miss USA crown. Carrie Prejean was asked the following question during the competition: "Vermont recently became the forth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?" This was her answer: "I think it is great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage...in my country, and in my family, I think that I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that is how I was raised and I think it should be between a man and a woman." (see the video clip).

Many observers and even some of the judges of the competition are saying that her answer to this question clearly cost her the crown. In a Fox News interview Carrie Prejean says that she believes that was exactly what cost her the crown. It is uncertain if this single event was the reason why she lost. However she makes a good point in the interview with Megyn Kelly, "Where is the class? Where has the integrity gone? Why am I such a bad person for stating my own opinion?"

There was a time when Americans would not approve or endorse homosexuality. Most Americans would be very outspoken against this behavior. Now the tables have turned. Political correctness screams for tolerance of all opinions and beliefs. In reality, however, the Politically Correct crowd will not tolerate beliefs opposed to their agenda. The prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled in America, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). In our country today homosexual marriage is viewed as good while traditional marriage is viewed as evil.

I was surprised but pleased to learn that Miss California took this stand on national television. She says that she does not regret it but is proud to take a stand for what she believes rather than giving the politically correct response. Will you stand up for what you believe before others as well even in an increasing hostile culture?

Be careful little mouth what you say!

Peter said that husbands must live with their wives in an understanding way (1 Peter 3:7). This is especially true for those of us who preach! This little video is really funny, but it hit home to me and maybe it will for you too!

Pass Your Faith On!

Recently I was reading the writings of Gus Nichols on the issue of the Holy Spirit. In his discussion of "The Unity of the Spirit" he made a great observation about how families must pass their faith down to the next generation. Here is brother Nichols' wise instruction:

"One hindrance to the unity of the Spirit is that we are living in a secular age. We see everything through the spectacles of 'dollar-marks.' We are materialistic, we think of values in terms of money, and houses, and lands, and things of that sort. We forget that one little child to be reared and trained for the Lord, can rear and train others, and they others, and they others (Ps. 78:5-6), until in a thousand years there may be thousands of souls in heaven--all because we took time to train one. Or, it may be the other way: if we fail, it may be that this one will fail, others under like influence will fail, and others still under those influences will fail--and there may be thousands of souls burning and suffering in hell forever, a billion years from now, all because we put money, and other things, ahead of the spiritual--because we failed to train a child, failed to put the kingdom first (Matt. 6:33)."

(Source: Gus Nichols Lectures on the Holy Spirit page 210. Nichols Bros. Publishing, 1967).