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Bulletin Article Archives The Family Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory. Their eyes betrayed amazement and adulation at the fortuitous sight before them. This was the often spoken of Jesus. They had listened to stories told in the street and in the home about his compassion and power. Childhood wonder poured from their faces as they clustered around their hero competing for his attention. A certain kinship seemed to weld these children to the recipient of their excited praise, a bond of spirit, of purity, of innocence, of willingness to believe and step out on that faith. Their eyes betrayed amazement and consternation at the unbelievable spectacle before them. Women were leaving their daily chores, rushing through the streets with babes in arm and toddlers in tow. The apostles knew by instinct their destination was Jesus. Not a moment could be lost to inactivity lest others be encouraged by their folly and join in on this totally unacceptable behavior. It was a far greater issue than a mere breach of etiquette. Theirs was a man's world where children were not to be heard from or seen. Theirs was a mission to free the world of tyranny, to establish the long awaited for Messianic kingdom, neither they nor Jesus had time for children. His eyes betrayed amazement and pity at the disastrous disturbance before them. His chosen helpers had wedged themselves between Master and admirer in hopes of preventing their meeting (Matthew 19:13-15). Politely, yet forcefully, Jesus asked his men to step aside and let the children come. Instead of being a hindrance they would become a lesson. He encouraged the adults to watch and learn, for here were the very traits he had been urging upon all men: honesty, trust, purity, innocence, zeal, love, joy, excitement! These are the very things needed to enter the Kingdom they were laboring so hard to establish. Our future success rests in our own past. Take some time to rediscover it. December 22, 1991 The father's image may have been reflected in Timothy’s face or stature. The son may have mimicked his father’s mannerisms. He may have given his name to the boy who so quickly grew to manhood, but it doesn't take much of a man to give those things. Eunice taught Timothy how to live (2 Tim. 1:5). She introduced him to a loving God and molded his heart by divine truths (2 Tim. 3:15). It was at her knees that he learned right from wrong, to respect God and to serve others. Timothy grew, thanks to his mother, to be respected by all who knew him (Acts 16:1-2). Paul immediately saw in him the spark of a servant carefully kindled under a mother's loving touch. God must have beamed with pride as Timothy, like His own Son, became a minister. Meanwhile Timothy's father is noticeably absent. It is as if his contributions ended at birth. Did Timothy ever know the love that must have resided in his father's heart? Could his father appreciate the man Timothy had become? Was this man, shrouded in a world Timothy chose not to share, the one who planted in a young heart the fear that would dog his every step as an adult (1 Tim. 5:12)? Think of the great strides Timothy enjoyed for the cause of Christ through the investment of his mother. Imagine how much greater Timothy's achievements for good could have been had his father been a father. June 5, 1994 Eunice knew the challenge of raising a child in the Lord. She knew well the pressures of unbelief seeing the fruits it bore on a daily basis. Eunice wanted more for her son. If Timothy was to come to know the goodness of God, and be intoxicated by His great love, he must see it first in her. The young mother began early. Perhaps she feared the cries of anguished parents realizing that the world's hold was too great and their children's love for God too weak to salvage. Eunice was moved to instill in Timothy a love for God he could see first in her and could build on all his life. Paul would later confess to Timothy his knowledge that "from a child" Timothy had known the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15). (The Greek word for child means infant. It is used of John and Jesus before and right after they were born.) As fathers and mothers you must see more than a child. You must see the men and women you long for them to become. You must begin planting season early since you never know when the harvest might begin. If you fail today tomorrow may be too late. April 23, 1995 Preparation for one's life vocation is very important. Whatever career one chooses, the Bible discusses a complete program for a successful life. It serves as a pattern for all of humanity. Below is a brief outline of this training for success. Mental Growth. Every trade demands instruction in the skills necessary to succeed. To survive in a trade one must be able to perform those skills to the satisfaction of the employer or patrons. Physical Growth. Maturity is a must to succeed in the adult world. The sophisticated business world of today is no place for the immature and childish. Strength, stamina and drive, traits that come with age and experience, are essential. Social Growth. To prosper in the marketplace requires a certain amount of the social graces. Although manners are not universally practiced in this sometimes crude modern world, the successful are often the well-liked. Spiritual Growth. Ethics are still vital in the professional realm. Often belittled or scoffed at, the good do not finish last. Any financial success is degraded without the high values of God. This is a program of training that is tested and proven. It will succeed because this was the training of Jesus (Luke 2:52). August 25, 1996 Family is important. This was impressed on me at a young age as extended family frequently gathered at our home for meals. It was a time for great food, games and laughter. Many of these loved ones are gone. Others have moved far away. The lessons burned into my mind linger, reminding me of the value of family. There is strength in love. I know this is true because of what I observed in life. In difficult times couples have found, in their love, the strength to persevere. Love finds a way through trials and hardships to safety. There is more joy in giving than in getting. Many holiday seasons came and went when we each had presents our parents could not afford. Thinking back I realize the enormity of their sacrifice. I remember now, not the gift but the joy they found in giving. Impressions. We gather them as we travel through life. They shape our values, our cynicisms, and our personalities. Some impressions are false and take years to outgrow. Others are proven over time to be trustworthy. Impressions are being formed right now as a child watches parents, grandparents, teachers or friends. They learn from observation to trust or reject what we say and teach. Let the children learn, from us, to give. Let them find the joy Jesus found in giving (Acts 20:35). November 24, 1996 God's gifts are always beautiful (James 1:17). His creation is always marvelous. It is no wonder that the idea of meeting the human need of companionship led God to establish the first home. Although often flawed under the burden of sin borne by modern society, the home is still sweet. It is a great idea not because of human contributions. It is great by God's design. It is no surprise that the idea of meeting the human need of salvation led God to establish the New Testament church. It also often labors under the weight of human imperfections. Yet, the church retains its beauty as the Divine, blood-bought Kingdom of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). The church is a great idea not because of human contributions. It is great by God's design. Both of these concepts were born of necessity. Neither can survive without the other. The home needs the church to provide direction through life and into eternity. The church needs the home. It is here that the basic truths of Christianity are examined, applied and found worthwhile. Both must be patterned after God's design. Only then will they be great. September 14, 1997 Teaching The Gospel To Children The spiritual training of their children is a crucial obligation of Christian parents. Anyone who is involved with teaching the young can attest that today's youth usually possesses a great ability to learn facts at a very young age. While some may value the basic skills of reading and math, Christian parents must recognize the surpassing worth of understanding the Bible, and especially the plan of salvation (hear, Luke 8:18; believe, Mark 1:15; repent, Luke 13:5; confess, Acts 8:37; baptism, Mark 16:16). What is the appropriate age for a child to be baptized? The usual response is, "when they reach the age of accountability." This raises the question, "What is the age of accountability?" It really is not so much an age as a stage; one may not know when they approach it but they will always know when they enter it - when they make a conscious decision NOT TO OBEY a command of God, they become accountable to God for their decision. Beyond the ability to recite the plan of salvation, all children (not just those interested in baptism) need to learn about the lordship of Jesus, what it means to be a sinner, and how to count the cost of being His disciple. Many adults who were baptized as children, struggling with doubts regarding their understanding and motives, seek to be baptized a second time. These cases reinforce the position of carefully instructing children until it is evident they fully understand the meaning and consequences of baptism. Any opportunity presented by a curious child to further instruct them about Christ must be seized. Those who are spiritually mature should be assisted as they obey Christ in baptism. Those who are not should be reassured that God loves and protects those who are innocent in His eyes (Mat. 18:3). December 14, 2003 Absalom, the third son of King David (2 Samuel 3:3), was one of the most handsome men to grace the stage of life. Potential greatness exuded from this young man. It must have occurred to many people that he may be the one best suited to succeed his father as king. Three major events shaped the tragic, short life of Absalom: the attack of his sister, Tamar (2 Sam. 13:1-20); the murder of her attacker, by their half-brother Amnon (13:21-39); and Absalom's conspiracy to take the kingdom from his father (15:1-ff). In each case, Absalom reveals a characteristic drive to acquire what he wants by any means possible. Absalom's conspiracy brought much heartache to many families before it was over. But when it was over, among the dead was the young man who wanted more than anything to be king. Absalom's sole mourner was the one man he wanted most to kill: his father David (18:33). Although three sons were born to Absalom, apparently they did not survive to adulthood (14:27). Fearing that he would be forgotten soon after death, Absalom built a monument in his own honor (18:17-18). In the end he lived and died for some stones, the location of which is not known for certain. Absalom did not appreciate his "living monument," the tears of his grief stricken father. Even Absalom, with all his disappointments and failures, was loved. Imagine the happiness awaiting the families of young people everywhere who learn to live godly lives. There will still be tears, but many of them will be tears of joy. May 18, 2003 An influential leader was drawn to address a very serious social problem with potentially devastating effects. He recognized that, left untreated, the scourge would sift through civilization like a plague. Endangered was the most basic, and sacred, institution of mankind - the family. Drawing from nearly forty years of experience this leader diagnosed the situation as a lack of attention given to the youth. They were suffering from neglect by those most qualified to assist them in maturing. They had no time with their fathers. Something had to be done. The nation assembled for an important press conference. Their esteemed leader emerged to address this terrible oversight. He called for fathers to talk with their children, to walk with them, to put them to bed with a prayer and greet them each morning with joy. He insisted that they could no longer afford to neglect the children. They must invest the essential ingredient of time into that valuable relationship. In Deuteronomy chapter six Moses issued a challenge to fathers: do not assume your children know that you love them; spend enough time with them in meaningful communication that no doubt about it remains. June 21, 1992 The Man's Leadership Role in the Family God has placed woman in a position of submission. Paul traced her circumstances back to Eden, when Adam allowed Eve to exercise leadership over him in direct contradiction of Divine instruction (1 Timothy 2:11-15). This perpetual role for women is beyond dispute in the Scriptures. Society wrestles and wrangles over why. Some women brave the dangers of violating God's plan and thrust themselves into a position of spiritual leadership. Perhaps more often, however, she feels compelled, reluctantly, to try to fill the role her male counterpart has deserted. If woman has been placed in a position of submission, and she has, then man has been placed by God in a position of leadership. This too is beyond dispute (Genesis 3:16). Also beyond dispute is the need to reclaim their God-ordained role of leadership in marriage, parenting and the church. God, who established the respective roles of male and female, will empower all who sincerely seek it, the ability to complete the responsibility inherent in our gender. Male and female, working together in their proper roles causes happiness in God and, in the end, attendance at the great Family Reunion on the shores of Eternity. October 23, 1994 It may be difficult for our mortal minds to understand some things about God. As finite beings we struggle at the concept of eternity. His creative power exceeds our wildest imagination. God's patience with my weaknesses stands in bold contrast to my own impatience. There is much we will fail to comprehend about our great God but one thing we can easily grasp - He is our Father. For some this may bring to mind images of a stern, demanding, self-serving entity always poised to strike out in anger. Sadly, others may associate "father" with permissiveness, allowing us the freedom to choose our path in life without any guidance but ready to bail us out when we get in too deep. To a few, "father" may be a powerless force that lingers in the shadows of the unknown having long ago forsaken them. In reality none of these pictures are true. Jesus said God is our Father not only so that we could better understand God, but so that we could more clearly see what a father must be. Like God, a father is a loving, strong, guiding force for good in the heart of a stable family. Like God, a Father, wants to be involved in the daily lives of his children. A father yearns to be like God that his children can be with God. June 18, 1995 Among his earliest memories were Bible stories in the lap of grandmother. He was thrilled each day as he imagined himself joining Daniel for encounters in the lion's den or Samson pulling down the pillars of a pagan temple. Secretly he dreamed of standing tall amid the spiritual greats, of having his name recognized and memorized by generations to come. For now he was content to cuddle closer on the familiar lap and imagine standing beside David to defeat the goliath warrior of Philistine. It is not easy growing up to serve the living God when your father has no faith. But what a blessing it is when one has a godly mother and grandmother to turn his heart toward God. His mother spent countless hours tending to the needs of the family, but no need was greater than the spiritual training of her young son. Thanks to these women this young man faced life with a fuller understanding of God and His Word. Then one day some strangers come to their town. They spoke of the prophecies of old and of a coming Messiah. The young boy's attention focused on these itinerant preachers. Carefully he listened, remembering lessons learned long ago in the loving home. That was the day Timothy met Jesus. Timothy became a spiritual giant. He fought the battles of faith and persecution. Today children recognize and memorize his name and dream of standing tall like Timothy. Somewhere even today a young boy will curl up in mother's or grandmother's lap and imagine preaching the Gospel alongside young Timothy. Thank God for Christian mothers. May 9, 1993 In all the attempts of success, man has sought various measures. Some measure success by awards, peer recognition, or verbal praise. For others, the number of digits following the dollar sign measure success. Some seek success in the trappings of things: cars, houses, "toys." Success is measured by some in the number of hours spent pursuing their leisure hobby and others by time spent in the office. None of these measures are nearly as accurate as Mother's Measure. Success, to Mother, is measured in spiritual riches and faithfulness to God. When God is revered and His will upheld, to her you are in first place. When you unselfishly serve others she knows you learned well the secret of life. No matter what the world may say, by Mother's Measure you have succeeded. To the faithful Christian mother success is not in what their children "have" but who they are. They cannot fail as long as they can look their mother in her eyes and honestly say, "you did your best." May 13, 2001 Phoebe was a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Aquilla and his wife had, on occasion, risked their lives that Paul’s might be spared. Andronicus and Junias had been believers in Christ since before the days of Paul the Apostle and showed no signs of weariness. Paul’s Roman letter has taken a turn away from the weighty theological issues that dominate what has been called the greatest of his epistles to the tenderness that permeates Christian relationship. Teaching right was not the complete picture for Paul, his concern was also with right living. So he took time to greet his beloved friends in Christ (Romans 16). Nestled amidst the unfamiliar names one will find those of Philologus and Julia. Due to the absence of facts the questions regarding this couple are left to the imagination of the reader. Were they married to each other? If so, what struggles had they faced together in young Christianity? His name means “talkative.” If he lived up to it had he at times driven Julia crazy? Her name means “soft-haired.” If she lived up to it did Philologus ever take her beauty for granted or cease to be attracted to her in her aging years? Buried in all these questions without answers and assumptions without clues rests a solid fact, which makes the search through speculation worth taking. This couple had the basic ingredient necessary to keep any marriage strong: they were committed to Jesus first. A solid commitment carefully placed in Jesus provides an area for keeping the marital relationship strong. November 17, 1991 Jesus spoke of the permanency of marriage when he said, "What God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:6). Paul spoke concerning the submission and respect that were to be the centerpiece of the home (Ephesians 4). Here he outlined the emotional bond that has forever adorned the divine gift of matrimony. At the close of Hebrews thoughts of sexual faithfulness in marriage was prominent in the author's mind (Hebrews 13:4). The biblical view of marriage could be thus defined as a lifelong union between man and woman where love takes center stage and smoothes over life's blunders. It is an intimate union to be kept pure by both partners. The pages of Scripture often grace the subject of marriage. Therein we are instructed as to its importance and the deep meaning it should have to all entering this most meaningful of human relations. However, in these same pages dating, as we know it, is not mentioned. The Bible does not leave modern society adrift without instruction in this vital area. Parents are given the responsibility of informing and guiding their children in all of growing up. The high moral standards urged upon mankind, when followed, will lead to healthy and godly relationships. The reader is warned to never let our peers become more influential than God (1 Corinthians 15:33). The Bible also plainly teaches that the best chance a married believer has of successful Christian living is to be married to a faithful Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14). The amazing scope of God's Word is evident in that although the Bible never specifically mentions the modern dating situation it tells us everything we need to know about it. February 21, 1993 Forever means always, constantly, endlessly, at all times. That is the way forever is described in dictionary terms. In life, humanity tends to drastically alter this accepted description. One of the greatest problems facing modern families is a faulty understanding of forever. What was clear on the wedding day becomes less recognizable in the years to follow. A couple's promise, before God and man, to love and cherish each other forever, is far too often taken for granted or altogether abandoned. When I promised "to have and to hold from this day forward," I promised a love forever, love that time couldn’t tarnish. "For better and for worse" described a relationship stronger than any trial. "For richer, for poorer" promises a commitment to each other that is not dependant upon material possessions. "In sickness and in health" speaks of the love and comfort so needed in times of tragedy or blessing. The words "to love and to cherish" reveal a trust that no matter what is faced in life, it will not be faced alone. We find in each other a true friend. "Till death parts us" is a commitment to God and to each other of unconditional love and devotion that can only be separated by death itself. It is a love forever. Do we need to be reminded again just how long forever is? June 2, 1996 Someone has said that the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits. While traveling last week we heard some very strange sounds. A congressman was chastised for saying that homosexuality was a sin and a high-ranking government official revealed that it was now evident that fatherhood is attached to responsibility. How did things get so mixed up? Last week was spent in a cabin literally on the top of a mountain in the Great Smokies. The view was nothing short of spectacular as from those heights we escaped the hectic rush below and enjoyed the handiwork of our Creator’s hand. But then came late Sunday night when we were caught in a storm that seemed to pass just inches from our roof. The wind buffeted the windows and thunder cracked just over us, lightning flashed so close you could only shudder at its power. Come morning the storm had passed and we could once again enjoy the view of nature’s grandeur. The family is not a joke or hobby. It demands full-time commitment from all involved. Today we are reminded of the frequent and serious admonitions God has extended to fathers: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church” (Eph. 5:25); “and fathers, do not provoke your children to anger: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Marriage, and all the relationships that go with it, must be grounded in a lasting commitment that must endure the storms along with enjoying the view. When did things get so mixed up? When mankind decided to reject the biblical pattern for their lives, to take the vows of marriage lightly and to take the good while resisting the unpleasant. Marriages and families are then committed to staying together only for the better which seems always to evade them. June 21, 1998 The Ultimate Book of Parenting Experts abound when it comes to better parenting. Shelves are filled to overflowing with “self-help” books on discipline, rearing children and marriage enrichment. All of these topics are integral in successful parenting but only the Bible, God’s Word, adequately defines successful parenting. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Everything a parent is called to do in rearing children is directed towards this one great moment of eternal significance: entrance into the presence of God. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10) was written with both you and your children in mind. Only with this in mind can the task of parenting be properly understood. Modern society has its share of unprepared parents. The Bible is clear as to their ultimate goal. The goal of a parent is not to bring life into this world nor is it to deposit our children safely at the threshold of adulthood. The parent’s job is incomplete until together, parent and child, enter into glory. God has given us the ingredients in his Word, the support of his Church and the strength of the family but the responsibility is ultimately ours alone. July 5, 1998
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David Bragg
Memoirs of a Martyr
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son" |
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