We are right in the middle of a series called ‘Christian’ as we begin today. And we’ve been talking about the fact that you could be a Christian and believe just about anything you want, do just about anything you want, and adopt just about any lifestyle you want … because the Bible doesn’t even tell us what a Christian really is. Christian was a term used by those outside the faith … to negatively describe or label those inside the faith, but it wasn’t the term used by Jesus...
I shared today’s sermon title with you a couple of weeks ago, but if you weren’t here, let me explain the title of today’s message: Zig Ziglar, a motivation speaker and salesman extraordinaire, was once asked how as a Christian parent he could advise others in raising their kids. His response? He said, “It’s no real secret to raising your kids God’s way; simply spank them … and take them to church!” That was his formula for successful parenting… Now, that may seem a bit harsh, but I’m here...
A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study with a talented old teacher. This gentle man put a piece of the precious stone into his hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk of philosophy, men, women, the sun and almost everything under it. After an hour he took back the stone and sent the boy home. The procedure was repeated for several weeks. The boy became frustrated. When would he be told about the jade? He was too polite, however,...
The one practical question that I get asked often by parents is this: How should I teach the Gospel (the Good News about Jesus Christ) to my kids? My answer is usually … simply! Pitfalls, both real and imagined, intimidate virtually every parent who thinks about this responsibility. On one hand, there’s the danger of oversimplification. On the other hand, we don’t want it to be too difficult, so that it’s way over their heads (and ours)! So, what’s the best approach to take? If you’ve ever been...
Christian parents today seem to be begging for more detailed programs, step-by-step methodologies, and meticulous instructions … on how to raise their kids. Quite frankly, they seem to be looking everywhere …except to God’s word! And, if you hadn’t noticed, ‘parenting gurus’ are more than happy to oblige! If you walk through a book store today … and go to the parenting section (even at Christian book stores), you will find a myriad of books for parenting God’s way! There are Christian methods for everything, like: How to feed your...
An old Chinese proverb says, “One generation plants the trees and another gets the shade.” Our generation has lived in the shade of many trees that were planted by our ancestors… Spiritually speaking, we derive shade from our parents’ and grandparents’ ethical standards, their perceptions of right and wrong, their sense of moral duty, and above all, their spiritual commitment. Their ideals have determined the kind of civilization we inherited from them; in the same way, our generation’s ideals will likewise shape tomorrow’s culture for kids… Folks, the truth is,...
