Paul encourages children to obey their parents so that it will go well with them and that they will live a long life on the earth. Paul is quoting from the fifth commandment, found in Deuteronomy 5:16. We know that the gospel is all about grace and receiving things we do not deserve. Yet in Ephesians 6:3, Paul appears to add a caveat to grace—if children obey their parents, they will enjoy a long and favorable life on earth. Is this a formula for works being woven into the gospel???
Monthly Archives: January 2011
8 posts
Power struggles are a common theme among parents of teenagers. Even teens who appear to be mild and compliant to others can engage in hard-fought battles at home. At the root of many of these battles is a deep-seated perception that they, the teens, are being treated unfairly. We see this dynamic in the life of Absalom. It is abundantly clear from his narrative that Absalom did not seek God in his distress and troubles. He took matters into his own hands. His outrage over Tamar turned into vengeance towards Amnon. His bitterness at his father’s failure to deal with Amnon’s sin yielded a life devoted to the overthrow of David’s kingship. We see Absalom’s anger, his planning, his obsession […]
I have posted about John Crotts’ Loving the Church previously on the blog. It is a much needed encouragement about the value of the church. Well, Thabiti Anyabwile, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman in the Grand Cayman Islands and a Council member with The Gospel Coalition, has just written about this book on his blog. Here is a brief excerpt from the post: If you’re looking for a book that helps people see the importance of the local church family, understand whey being a member of a church is for their spiritual good, shows them how they may serve in the church, and does all that in plain, accessible, engaging style without being preachy or too […]
Absalom was a troubled young man. He certainly did not present himself as troubled, but he was. He projected power; he manipulated his father, the king. He was arrogant; when his father’s chief general failed to heed his request, Absalom set his field on fire. He was vengeful, taking the life of his brother in payment for the honor of his sister. He had a flare for the dramatic. He had 50 men who ran ahead of him to announce his going and coming. He publically challenged his father’s leadership by standing in pronouncing that life would be better for all if only he were in charge. Yet, he did not appear to be a rebel, but a champion—winning over […]
For those of you not able to attend the Shepherd Press Authors’ Conference the complete conference is now available for audio download. The conference featured Tedd Tripp and Dave Harvey as keynote speakers. Ed Welch, Tedd Tripp, Margy Tripp, John Crotts, Rick Horn, and Jay Younts had individual breakout sessions. This conference was very well received. You can purchase the downloads here. Topics ranged from issues regarding ADHD to struggles with teenagers to renewing your marriage with the power of the gospel. You can buy individual sessions or purchase the entire conference. This material will strengthen your family’s walk with Christ.
To a Christian committed to Scripture, the title of this post may seem to be a foolish question. Of course the Fall is relevant! My pastor said so in our adult Sunday School class! This hypothetical response may be stretching things a bit, but the Fall has become a forgotten doctrine in many circles. Our culture believes it is nothing more than a myth. What better example of this reality is there than the mass murder in Tucson this past weekend? Note the press coverage of the event. Everything from mental illness to a dysfunctional family to radio talk-show hosts is being blamed for these tragic shootings. Such responses provide a lesson that is crucial for your children to grasp: […]
America is a nation searching for answers, following the shooting this weekend in Arizona. At least six people were killed, including a Federal Judge and a nine-year-old girl. Among the fourteen others who were wounded in this assault was U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head. The Congresswoman was holding a public event called “Congress on Your Corner,” at a Tucson supermarket. The event was patriotic and peaceful. Yet, for reasons unknown at this time, a young man chose to bring death and terror to the gathering.
Today is the third day of 2011, a new year. But what is new about this year, other than new calendars? Some are relieved that their tax rates will not go up. In many states new laws are taking effect. There is a newly elected congress in Washington. There will be a new Super Bowl champion. But these things are not really new. They are repeats of recurring events and traditions.