Resources

Do you know the grace of God? Have you experienced his grace? God's grace toward his people is so overwhelming it can be hard to fully grasp. Thankfully God has provided many illustrations of his amazing grace throughout scripture. The story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) is an illustration of the seeking, saving, and satisfying grace of God extended to the most unworthy.

What are some of the dangers of modern media? Pooyan Mershahi explains in this video that we must understand the philosophy behind modern media. In many cases, it is a promotion of secularism and living without God. In many movies or TV shows for instance, parents are seen as stupid or not appreciating their children. Children are identified as people who know better than their parents and who can lie, steal, or dishonor their parents. These things are promoted as being good. Parents must be cognizant of this and use discernment when determining what influences they allow to enter their home. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) - "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

During this time, we should all repent, "that times of refreshing might come in." As Joel reminded us last night, The first of Martin Luther's 95 theses stated that the whole Christian life is a life of repentance. This is what we need now. Here are some of the things we discussed in this webinar: 1. Is live streaming a church service helpful or harmful? 2. What about visiting the sick? Should we? 3. Is it a sin for someone to go to work while sick? 4. What does the Bible say about quarantine? 5. Is this the judgment of God? 6. What about taking the Lord's Supper in the homes? 7. The matter of repentance, especially in times of plague. (I'm not sure this is an actual plague, time will tell. What is clear to me is that the panic is a devastating plaguing pandemic.)

How can we glorify God in the home? Pooyan Mershahi explains in this video that we must be willing to obey God's words and His ways. Anything that does not glorify God shouldn't be brought into our lives. Anything that does not magnify or honor Christ in our homes or individual lives ought not to be allowed. Any kind of spiritual leaven must be cast out of our homes. We must teach our children from Scripture. Everything that we teach our children should be based upon Scripture instead of being based on our opinions or desires. We must take time to pray and seek the Lord together. That is one way that we can stand firm in this world. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

What is the benefit of memorizing Scripture and hymns? Pooyan Mershahi explains in this video that if families could learn and memorize hymns, it would be a wonderful thing. They could praise God no matter where they are. No matter where we are, we can praise God. Children can be involved. Children who cannot even read are able to sing God's praises because they have learned various hymns in the home. Ultimately, when we help our children to memorize Scripture and hymns, entire families can glorify God. Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

How does family worship draw the family close together? Pooyan Mershashi explains family worship has many positive benefits. It brings us into the presence of God. It is a time for healing, conviction, and growth. It is a time where a family can praise God. It is an opportunity for a family to discuss spiritual topics together. Relationships within the family can also be restored during this time. When a husband, wife, and children can meet together and pray, confess sins, and spend time studying Scripture, their relationships can be restored. James 5:16 (NKJV) - "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

What does it mean that Christ is the “only begotten” of the Father? Pooyan Mershahi explains in this video that there are many passages referring to Jesus Christ as being the only begotten of the Father. The Greek word for the phrase “only begotten” is a term relating to Christ. It is a reference to Christ being the same essence and nature of the Father. The phrase "only begotten" involves derivation by birth. It is a theological concept that refers to the essence and nature of Christ being the same as God the Father. It is a very deliberate language to give us a specific truth concerning the nature of the Son of god and His relationship to the Trinity. 1 John 4:9 (NKJV) – “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

“Because the Christian is not his own, but bought with a price, he is to aim at glorifying God in every relation of life. No matter what station he occupies, or wherever he be, he is to serve as a witness for Christ. Next to the church of God, his own home should be the sphere of his most manifest devotedness unto Him. All its arrangements should bear the stamp of his heavenly calling. All its affairs should be so ordered that everyone entering it should feel ‘God is here!’ ” – A. W. Pink I aim to set before you concise Biblical reasons and guidelines for family worship. It seems that few Christians can remember having daily family worship times in their homes. Therefore the thought of beginning this new pattern of worship can be daunting for those just beginning. This guide addresses some of the most basic questions on family worship. I pray that you will be more emboldened and equipped to lead your family in worship through using this guide. You are expected to read and study the Bible references. The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) highlights, “…God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth: as in private families daily…which are not carelessly nor wilfully to be neglected or forsaken…” (22:6). The importance of the home in discipleship is prominent throughout the Scriptures, which includes Family Worship. In the Old Testament, we read that discipleship is something ongoing throughout each day (Deut. 6:6-7). Passages such as Gen. 18:19, Ps. 78:3-7 and Isa 38:19 give more formal instruction. The New Testament commands the fathers to bring up children in the nurture and admonition (i.e. discipline and instruction) of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Timothy, a disciple of Paul, was first discipled by his mother, Eunice and his grandmother, Lois (2 Tim 1:5). Parents, especially fathers, have the primary responsibility for the spiritual instruction and vitality of their families. We must also take special note that the Lord rebukes the families who do not offer up worship in their homes (Jer. 10:25). The 80-year-old Joshua announced to all Israel, “As for me and my house we will serve [also means in Hebrew, worship] the LORD” (Josh. 24:15). In summary, the foundation of family worship in the Bible is in the idea of responsibility.

The rage of Satan and his hellish army of demons and men are against Christ's church. He seeks to weaken, cripple, and ultimately destroy any witness for the gospel in the world. Yet God has His warrior for the hour. The calling and the raising of a weak and fearful Gideon is a wonderful testimony to God's sovereign work of calling, building and using an army of seemingly small and weak warriors from among His people. If you are fearful and ready to halt, as you feel the pressures and are discouraged, then look again to God's past dealings in raising up the nothings of this world and making them effective instruments in His hand.

When we think of Christ, we need to realize that He is God, manifested in the flesh. God is seen in Christ. This realization ought to produce godly fear, reverence, and a larger realization of our own unholiness. Peter could not comprehend the power of Jesus. No man spoke like Him. He saw the majesty of Christ and his own unholiness. Luke 5:8 (NKJV) - “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!'" His life and works oozed of holiness. Even Pilate found no fault in Christ and the thief on the cross realized that Christ had done nothing wrong. If this is who Christ is then our response to his holiness must be seen in our worship and our own pursuit of holiness.

Reformation is, in essence, a turning to God from the path of error and sin. If you are a Christian, then your daily longing is that you would be conforming more to the likeness of your Savior. In this, we experience pain, tears, self-denial, persecution, yet joy, peace, and heaven's power. Throughout the history of the people of God from the beginning, they have wrestled with the world, the flesh, and the devil. This ought to humble us. Do you not feel often weak and wrestling with the same issues? Do you not experience some form of persecution and mocking by the ungodly world? We want to learn God's teaching on these, which will by His grace help us bear the multifaceted fruit of a repentant life.