As part of the alleged wisdom floating around these days on the subject of parenting, you've probably heard that parents who shield their children from the influence of our anti-gospel culture are guilty of "sheltering." I wish more parents were guilty of protecting their children from spiritual harm. Here are some reasons why. Children are not born wise. They are born with an innocent naivete and a default of trust. Therefore, parents have a big responsibility to filter what comes at their children. Children are born into a spiritually dangerous world. Ever since Adam and Eve Continue Reading
Why It’s Not About “Accepting Christ”
Have you ever read through the whole Bible chronologically just to get a feel for the over-arching story of God? If so, you may have noticed the same phrase which stood out to me this time around. In my read-through for 2016, I was struck by the New Testament theme of "Obey the gospel." Nowhere did I read, "Accept Jesus as your Savior." Nowhere did I see an invitation to "ask Jesus into your heart." No, the call of the gospel is to die to the old, selfish way of life and rise to an entirely new life in Christ. How do we do this? By means of obedience. Please hear me out Continue Reading
How To Dream the Right Dreams for Your Children
It started when he was an infant. His dad hung a football mobile over his crib and supplied him with a plush pigskin for a cuddle toy. This father had a big dream for his boy. He was determined for him to succeed as a football star. That meant no ice cream at birthday parties for this boy; he needed the best nutrition. It meant endless drills and devoted discipline. In the end, the boy indeed excelled at the game. I don't recall how well-known he became -- I read this true story years ago --but here's what I do remember. This son deeply resented his father for turning him into Continue Reading
Three Essential Characteristics of Passionate Parents
"It's only six more years," said the exhausted mother of teens who were involved in multiple sports. "And then they'll be out of the house." I was dismayed, but held my tongue. How sad! This mother was enduring, not enjoying, her years of child rearing. God meant for her to delight in that time, not just survive it. God wants you to experience joy as a parent, too. Remember, a passionate parent is a mom or dad who enthusiastically and fully invests him or herself in the joyful responsibility of teaching their children about Jesus. Here are three qualities you'll exhibit as a Continue Reading