Teaching our Children
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart
from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Who has the primary responsibility in teaching our children? Does the responsibility
fall on the public school system? Is it the church? Does it really take a village
to raise a child? I believe that the Bible places the principal responsibility on
the child’s parents. Locally, I believe that we have one of the best public school
systems in the world. However, public education was not designed to supersede the
moral teachings of a youth’s family. In the beginning the primary purpose of school
was to teach reading, writing and math. Sadly, some have neglected the Biblical
mandate of Proverbs 22 and public education has been given a burden that it was
never intended to bear. I am thankful for Godly men and women that gladly bear this
yoke. However, it ought to be our desire to return to the pattern of the scriptures.
Some may place the task of teaching our youth on the church. While local congregations
and ministers are to provide clear instruction from God’s word, the training up
of children is a parent’s job. Well meaning Christians will sometimes enroll their
children in Sunday school, youth groups or children’s church and assume that they
are receiving the necessary spiritual teaching. Mothers and fathers, God has made
you responsible for teaching your son/daughter the moral truths of God’s word. As
Christians we need to find a church that upholds the doctrine and practice of the
Bible. We should regularly attend a house of worship that teaches the Word of God.
When we are spiritually fed the Word at church, then we pass those teachings along
to our children.
Solomon instructs us to train up a child in the way that he/she should go in Proverbs
22:6. The word train in this verse is synonymous with the idea of instructing, shaping
or guiding a child. How do we go about shaping our children in the things of God?
It has already been mentioned that we need to be sitting under the preached word
of God. I believe that the most effective method of public worship occurs when families
are all together. This also appears to parallel the pattern of the New Testament
Church. When families worship together there is no doubt about what your children
are hearing. When we are not in public worship we need to be taking time daily to
study the Bible with our children. When our youth are trained in Biblical morality
they will be equipped to deal with the evil that they confront in the world. Another
way that we teach our children is to be actively involved in all aspects of their
lives. This means that we are discussing with our children what they are learning
in school, church, etc. When the teachings from other places are contrary to Biblical
instruction it is imperative that we show our children the right way.
In Deuteronomy 6:5-9 we observe the importance of teaching our children to love
God with all of our heart, soul and might. God states that the children of Israel
were to
“Teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest
in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they
shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts
of thy house, and on thy gates (v.7-9). God wants parents to be constantly engaged
in teaching their sons and daughters.
Solomon says that when parents are diligent to train up their children they won’t
depart from these teachings when they are old. Does this mean that all will be perfect
when we diligently teach our children Biblical morality? As long as we are in this
world of sin God’s children will periodically stumble along the way. However, when
we provide Godly teachings and live a Christ-honoring example before our children
they will know where to turn when confronted with our present culture. I believe
that when we as parents adhere to this Biblical principle, we can make a positive
impact in our present and successive generations. I know that we do not live in
a perfect world and many children come from broken families. It is my prayer that
mothers, fathers, grandparents or others who are guardians of children would make
Godly teaching a priority in the lives of their children.
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org)
in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm.
Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org.
Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist
Church.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Article - Who Will be in Heaven??
Who Will be in Heaven?
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” Matthew 25:34, KJV.
Who will be in heaven? This question in often debated amongst religious circles. Many Christians believe that only those who have heard the preached word and have made a profession of belief in Jesus Christ will enter into Heaven. Other religious groups believe that they are the only ones who are entitled to paradise beyond this world, and the rest of the human race are doomed infidels. Is heaven reserved for a small group or will we all be there? Will only Christians enter into heaven or will there be people from other religions there also? What about those who have never heard about Jesus Christ?
In the latter part of Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of his return to the earth. The Bible states that all nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Those on the left (the goats) will be sent to everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Those on the right hand (his sheep) will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. It is they who are going to heaven whom we will address in this article.
The Bible provides much teaching about heaven and who will be there. Simply stated, all that are supposed to go to heaven will be there. In 1 Peter 1:2, the Apostle writes to those who are, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Who are the elect? They are those who God chose before the foundation of the world to enter into heaven. In Ephesians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” God has chosen who will be before him for all eternity. His Son, Jesus Christ procured the salvation of the elect through his sacrifice on the cross. How did God decide who was going to go to heaven? He predestinated (determined their destiny beforehand) them according to the good pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:5).
Does the concept of election limit the number of those that will enjoy heaven’s eternal glory? No indeed! The Bible speaks of God’s children as being a great multitude. The number of God’s elect is likened to the sand of the sea. God told Abraham that if he could number the sand, then he could number His people. The elect are also likened to the stars of heaven (Genesis 22:7). Today, telescopes have located millions of stars. New ones are identified daily! Many have not yet been discovered. So it is with those that will enjoy heaven’s glory. They are a great multitude which no man can number. In Revelation 19 we observe a great voice of much people in heaven saying, “Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God.”
There will be people from all nations in heaven. Entrance will not be limited to one particular race, culture or religion. God’s elect are everywhere! Acts 10:35 records that, “In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Scripture teaches that hell is a real place that will be populated by those who know not God. These will be judged according to their sins. However, we know that all whom Jesus died for will be in the presence of the Lord forevermore. How do you know that you are one of the elect? If you have a reverential fear of the Lord and work righteousness, then you have good evidence that you are one of his! As one of God’s children we need not fear his return to the earth. When he comes again he will say unto his children, “ Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” What a day that will be!
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” Matthew 25:34, KJV.
Who will be in heaven? This question in often debated amongst religious circles. Many Christians believe that only those who have heard the preached word and have made a profession of belief in Jesus Christ will enter into Heaven. Other religious groups believe that they are the only ones who are entitled to paradise beyond this world, and the rest of the human race are doomed infidels. Is heaven reserved for a small group or will we all be there? Will only Christians enter into heaven or will there be people from other religions there also? What about those who have never heard about Jesus Christ?
In the latter part of Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of his return to the earth. The Bible states that all nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Those on the left (the goats) will be sent to everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Those on the right hand (his sheep) will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. It is they who are going to heaven whom we will address in this article.
The Bible provides much teaching about heaven and who will be there. Simply stated, all that are supposed to go to heaven will be there. In 1 Peter 1:2, the Apostle writes to those who are, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Who are the elect? They are those who God chose before the foundation of the world to enter into heaven. In Ephesians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” God has chosen who will be before him for all eternity. His Son, Jesus Christ procured the salvation of the elect through his sacrifice on the cross. How did God decide who was going to go to heaven? He predestinated (determined their destiny beforehand) them according to the good pleasure of his will (Ephesians 1:5).
Does the concept of election limit the number of those that will enjoy heaven’s eternal glory? No indeed! The Bible speaks of God’s children as being a great multitude. The number of God’s elect is likened to the sand of the sea. God told Abraham that if he could number the sand, then he could number His people. The elect are also likened to the stars of heaven (Genesis 22:7). Today, telescopes have located millions of stars. New ones are identified daily! Many have not yet been discovered. So it is with those that will enjoy heaven’s glory. They are a great multitude which no man can number. In Revelation 19 we observe a great voice of much people in heaven saying, “Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God.”
There will be people from all nations in heaven. Entrance will not be limited to one particular race, culture or religion. God’s elect are everywhere! Acts 10:35 records that, “In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Scripture teaches that hell is a real place that will be populated by those who know not God. These will be judged according to their sins. However, we know that all whom Jesus died for will be in the presence of the Lord forevermore. How do you know that you are one of the elect? If you have a reverential fear of the Lord and work righteousness, then you have good evidence that you are one of his! As one of God’s children we need not fear his return to the earth. When he comes again he will say unto his children, “ Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” What a day that will be!
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Repentance Unto Life
Acts 11:17-18
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Yesterday I attempted to speak on the subject of repentance. Repentance is a change of mind; a conversion from sin unto God. Peter was giving an account of the Lord's work amongst the Gentiles. God gave them repentance. He changed their lives! The good news for us is that the Lord continues to change the lives of his people today. If you sorrow because of your sinfulness yet see Jesus Christ as your savior, then you have been granted repentance unto life. If you believe on him it is because of the work of the Lord in your heart!
Thankfully, God also grants repentance in our everyday lives. The Bible says that Godly sorrow worketh repentance (2 Cor 7:10). The Spirit convicts his children when they do wrong. It is at this point when we should change out way and clease ourselves from all filthiness. I don't know about you, but I have to do this on a regular basis. Praise the Lord that we have a loving Heavenly Father that is faithful to chasten us when we do wrong.
Remember that repentance is not merely saying your sorry or feeling bad because of sinful behavior. It involves a change in behavior. We are able to make a change on the outside because God works on the inside.
In Christian Love,
Michael Green, Jr.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Yesterday I attempted to speak on the subject of repentance. Repentance is a change of mind; a conversion from sin unto God. Peter was giving an account of the Lord's work amongst the Gentiles. God gave them repentance. He changed their lives! The good news for us is that the Lord continues to change the lives of his people today. If you sorrow because of your sinfulness yet see Jesus Christ as your savior, then you have been granted repentance unto life. If you believe on him it is because of the work of the Lord in your heart!
Thankfully, God also grants repentance in our everyday lives. The Bible says that Godly sorrow worketh repentance (2 Cor 7:10). The Spirit convicts his children when they do wrong. It is at this point when we should change out way and clease ourselves from all filthiness. I don't know about you, but I have to do this on a regular basis. Praise the Lord that we have a loving Heavenly Father that is faithful to chasten us when we do wrong.
Remember that repentance is not merely saying your sorry or feeling bad because of sinful behavior. It involves a change in behavior. We are able to make a change on the outside because God works on the inside.
In Christian Love,
Michael Green, Jr.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Article - Being Instant in Prayer
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer...”
- Romans 12:10-12
Are you distressed at the current moral climate of our nation? Do you feel helpless and hopeless about any changes for the better? If you are in this condition, have you thought to pray? I am reminded of the hymn, Did You Think to Pray? by Mary Kidder. She writes:
Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
The Bible teaches that we have instant access to our Lord. He is always available to hear our petitions. In the above verse, the Apostle Paul commands us to be instant in prayer. He is teaching us to earnestly persevere in our petitions to the Heavenly Father. Sometimes we are discouraged when we do not find instant peace or solutions to our problems. Do
not be disheartened! Continue to pray that God will lead you according to His holy will. The Bible teaches us that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous main availeth much (James 5:16). As we enter into the summertime months, here are a couple things that we need to diligently remember in prayer:
1. We need to pray for our churches. We are living in a time where many do not see the importance of public worship. The Bible teaches us that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). God blesses us in an extraordinary way when we are faithful to assemble ourselves together in corporate worship. There are myriad
reasons that people stop attending church. Some have been offended by another. Some might be overwhelmed with personal problems while others might have grown apathetic in their Christian walk. Whatever the case, we need to pray for those that are struggling. We need to diligently pray that God would revive his people so they will return unto their first
love and glorify the Lord.
2. We need to pray for our youth. As we enter into the summer months, many of our children have completed another school year. Some have graduated and are planning to move on to secondary education. We need to constantly remember them as we pray to the Lord. Satan desires to cast stumbling blocks in the paths of our youth. I have observed many cases
where young adults have faltered in their Christian walk when they leave home and enroll in college. An articulate, engaging professor can undo 17 years worth of spiritual training in a semester. Pray that God would bless our youth to follow the way of truth and withstand the assaults of the devil.
Moral change will not occur through government policy. It will only be realized when the Lord’s people repent of their sins and turn towards Him. All of us have the ability to pray. He hears our cries and answers prayer. I am reminded of Solomon’s charge in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Our churches are in great need of revival. Our youth are under attack by Satan. Let us strive now to be diligent, fervent, and instant in prayer, that God will forgive our sins and bless our churches and young
people to honor His holy name!
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer...”
- Romans 12:10-12
Are you distressed at the current moral climate of our nation? Do you feel helpless and hopeless about any changes for the better? If you are in this condition, have you thought to pray? I am reminded of the hymn, Did You Think to Pray? by Mary Kidder. She writes:
Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
The Bible teaches that we have instant access to our Lord. He is always available to hear our petitions. In the above verse, the Apostle Paul commands us to be instant in prayer. He is teaching us to earnestly persevere in our petitions to the Heavenly Father. Sometimes we are discouraged when we do not find instant peace or solutions to our problems. Do
not be disheartened! Continue to pray that God will lead you according to His holy will. The Bible teaches us that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous main availeth much (James 5:16). As we enter into the summertime months, here are a couple things that we need to diligently remember in prayer:
1. We need to pray for our churches. We are living in a time where many do not see the importance of public worship. The Bible teaches us that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). God blesses us in an extraordinary way when we are faithful to assemble ourselves together in corporate worship. There are myriad
reasons that people stop attending church. Some have been offended by another. Some might be overwhelmed with personal problems while others might have grown apathetic in their Christian walk. Whatever the case, we need to pray for those that are struggling. We need to diligently pray that God would revive his people so they will return unto their first
love and glorify the Lord.
2. We need to pray for our youth. As we enter into the summer months, many of our children have completed another school year. Some have graduated and are planning to move on to secondary education. We need to constantly remember them as we pray to the Lord. Satan desires to cast stumbling blocks in the paths of our youth. I have observed many cases
where young adults have faltered in their Christian walk when they leave home and enroll in college. An articulate, engaging professor can undo 17 years worth of spiritual training in a semester. Pray that God would bless our youth to follow the way of truth and withstand the assaults of the devil.
Moral change will not occur through government policy. It will only be realized when the Lord’s people repent of their sins and turn towards Him. All of us have the ability to pray. He hears our cries and answers prayer. I am reminded of Solomon’s charge in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Our churches are in great need of revival. Our youth are under attack by Satan. Let us strive now to be diligent, fervent, and instant in prayer, that God will forgive our sins and bless our churches and young
people to honor His holy name!
Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.
I'm Baaack
Hello All!
It has been I while since I posted on my blog. I hope to use this site more frequently and post articles, reflections, etc. This site is linked to our church website (www.palmchapel.org). I am not proficient enough to add directly to the site without much labor :-) Look for articles here in the near future.
Blessings,
Bro. Michael
P.S. The church website is now updated.
It has been I while since I posted on my blog. I hope to use this site more frequently and post articles, reflections, etc. This site is linked to our church website (www.palmchapel.org). I am not proficient enough to add directly to the site without much labor :-) Look for articles here in the near future.
Blessings,
Bro. Michael
P.S. The church website is now updated.
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