Category: Parenting
Subject: Parenting
Sermon: What is that in your hand?
In Exodus 4, God showed Moses that the rod in his hand could be used to prove to the people that He had chosen Moses to lead them out of Egyptian bondage.
We also have things in our hand, which if used well, can accomplish God’s purposes for us in our lives.
Sermon: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
The sermon uses Psalm 127 as an introduction to an important lesson on raising children.
Sermon: 7 Keys to Raising Godly Children
It is the desire of every Christian parent to raise children who will take their place in Christ’s kingdom as faithful citizens. God’s word gives us great insight as to how to accomplish the task of raising godly children.
A Child’s Rights
Children have far fewer “rights” than adults in most societies, including our own. They don’t have the right to vote, to buy alcohol, to live on their own, or to drive a car. While children are considered a precious commodity, it is understood by all that it will take time for them to reach a state where they can enjoy, appreciate and profit from independence. In the meantime it is the responsibility of parents to care for, protect and educate them in preparation for the time they will take their place as adults in society.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
In the News: It’s My Child… Not Yours!
Seventeen years ago Hillary Clinton wrote a book titled, It Takes a Village. The book maintained that for a child to develop properly and be successful, they need the help, education and support of their whole society. In other words, it takes a village to raise a child.
Clinton was criticized by many who felt that such a position would erode the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit, with their values and world view. However, the book was well received, and Clinton has maintained an influential voice in American culture.
Invitation: Parenting 101
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
Kyle appeals to the scriptures to give instructions on parenting children.
In the News: “We didn’t have the luxury”
President Barak Obama, on April 6, 2012, addressed the Women’s Economic Forum at the White House, appropriately praising his wife for her diligence in raising their daughters. He also had praise for his mother and grandmother. They are/were apparently industrious women who he praises as chief contributors to his character and success. In his speech he mentioned the fact that his wife was conflicted while working outside the home. Consider the following from the transcript.
Once I was in the state legislature, I was teaching, I was practicing law, I’d be traveling — and we didn’t have the luxury for her not to work. And I know when she was with the girls, she’d feel guilty that she wasn’t giving enough time to her work. And when she was at work, she was feeling guilty she wasn’t giving enough time to the girls. And like many of you, we both wished that there were a machine that could let us be in two places at once. And so she had to constantly juggle it, and carried an extraordinary burden for a long period of time.
Sermon: The Responsibilities of Parents
Children are gifts given to us by God (cf. Psalm 127:3-5). As such, parents are obligated to care for them. They have the responsibility to provide for, teach, be an example to, and discipline their children.
Sermon: Must I Spank My Child?
In this lesson, brother Dennis Craig discusses the Biblical admonitions regarding the disciplining of our children.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Goals of Parenting
The text of Ephesians 6:4 serves as a foundation for the principles of effective parenting. The sermon examines the two goals stated: 1) Not to provoke your children to wrath; 2) To train them up in the Lord’s way. Practical suggestions are included.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Paul’s second and final letter to his “son in the faith” Timothy gives evidence of the tender feelings the aging apostle had for the young man. The letter was the last Paul wrote, and was penned shortly before his death.
He noted Timothy’s tears on his behalf, and expressed his desire to see him. It is believed that Paul wrote this letter from prison, perhaps only a few months before he died.
Despite Paul’s circumstances, he expressed joy because of the genuine faith of Timothy. That faith had its genesis in the instruction Timothy received from his mother and grandmother. (This shows the wisdom of Paul’s exhortation for fathers to bring up their children in the “training and admonition of the Lord” – Eph. 6:4).
After this well deserved compliment, Paul encouraged Timothy in the use of the spiritual “gift of God” given him through Paul’s hands. Timothy was not to be timid in utilizing this gift, despite the potential of persecution amply demonstrated by Paul’s own chains.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (vs. 7).
From the Preacher’s Pen: I Am Proud of My Kids!
Debbie and I are beginning a new stage of our lives about now, as Jeremiah graduated from high school yesterday evening. Kaleigh is leaving for school (in Nacogdoches) in August, so things will definitely be different around the Cox house.
Jeremiah is staying at home at least for the first couple of years, but will be going to school and working (if he can find a job)! So, the hatchlings are all about out of the nest.
If you see Debbie dabbing at her eyes from time to time, it is definitely at least a mild case of empty nest syndrome. As for me, I am excited about what is to come, Lord willing. Change can be good!
I am proud of my kids, and I think they know that. (I try not to tell them that too often, as I don’t want their heads to swell). I am most proud of the fact that they are all here this morning (assuming no sickness, since they are all healthy at the time of this writing), and are striving to serve God. I also am proud of what they are doing with their lives.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Good Parents
Congratulations are in order for Jen and Josh Scroggins, the proud parents of their third child, a daughter they named Rylee, born last Monday.
The Psalmist said that the man who fears the Lord and walks in his ways would have a wife, and children all around his table. “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord” (Psalm 128:3).
Families are truly a blessing from God. This is true even after the kids get older, and make your hair turn gray, or fall out!
They are also a responsibility. “And you, fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6;4).
As a congregation, we are blessed to have some great parents who take that responsibility seriously. Keep up the good work!
