Resources

We can say to our children "God is so big that He is beyond anybody's brain. We cannot really figure Him out, but He has explained things to us in a way that we can live by. He gives us words like 'faithful' that help us to have some idea of what He is like." The word faithful is a wonderful word! In the use of this word in the Old Testament days, it was used of steady hands. If you think about it, that really helps us understand. God is a person who has steady hands. For example, if you have something really important and you want to trust someone with it who will not drop it, you give it to the person with steady hands. You can trust them with things that are important. People can be that way a little bit, but God is that way perfectly. He is perfectly faithful.

We as Christians are up against massive enemies, principalities, and powers that will do everything they possibly can to disrupt the church. We are certainly a tiny group trying to make it through an ocean of powerful forces that are against us, but if God is in the midst of us, we cannot be moved. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) It is a delight to me that, even though we are in the presence of enemies, He still prepares a table before us. As a pastor and leader, I have seen this so many times in the last number of years and it has been a huge encouragement to my soul to know that God is above it all. Nothing can get in the way of God! He opens doors that no man can close and closes doors that no man can open.

James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" Even the demons believe. Then what is Biblical, saving faith? James is not primarily pointing out that the content of demonic faith is fundamentally different than the content of saving faith. The demons believe in God and tremble. They know Him in His judgment. The difference is not that one impacts you and one does not. The primary difference is that the demons do not view the eternal triune God through the beauty of the Redeemer. Redemption is not for them. They view God and they hate Him. They do not long for and desire peace with God. Saving faith views God through the redemptive labors of Jesus Christ. This love crashes through every wall between us and our Creator.

What should you do when tyrants are in control? In this encouraging message, Scott Brown examines Jeremiah 29:1-14, encouraging those living in exile to “Build, Dwell, Plant.” In other words, don’t waste your exile pining away. Don’t waste your exile getting caught up in distractions, move forward, be productive, do the powerful things, and don’t be frustrated. Don’t let the bad guys get you down. Get your wife at the table and design your home. Settle down. Stay put. Plant crops. Be self-sufficient. Plan weddings. Have babies. Make your house a house of prayer. Be a force of peace in your community.

In this video message, Carlton McLeod discusses the verses in Matthew 15:21-28 about the topic of perseverance. The woman in this chapter sought help for her daughter who was possessed by a devil. Despite challenging circumstances, she was determined to find healing. Similar to this woman, we must persist in holiness and godliness and be slow to become weary in doing good when things get difficult. We live in times where there is a great falling away. The response to difficult circumstances or even persecution is not to buckle under the pressure but to hold firm to the Truth. James 1:12 (NKJV) - "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

In this message, Dr. Joel Beeke discusses the blessings that God-fearing families receive. He explains that the blessings aren't necessarily automatic. Rather, parents have responsibilities. They need to train their children in accordance with what is prescribed in Scripture. In this message, he covers three points: First, God's heart for the family, Second, His vision for the family, and then God's recipe for the family for them to have true happiness in Him. When parents fear God, obey His commandments, and train their children in the ways of God, He will richly bless them. Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

What are you doing with your life? In this video, Paul Washer states that you are living for something -- the question is, what are you living for? Are you living your life for Christ or are you pursuing worthless endeavors? What is driving you to live the way you do? To live for Christ, you must be desperate -- you must realize that something must change. You cannot be satisfied with living in sin and worldliness. A desperation for Christ and His ways must drive your live. 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (NKJV) - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness."

Mike Davenport explains in this video that in Ephesians 6, we read that we are to nurture our children and bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We each should have a Godward focus. Our families each might look different, but the one constant should be that our families should be God-focused in everything that we do. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

John Snyder explains in this video that if we want to have good marriages and raise our children in the right way, we can't only be concerned about the passages that speak about marriage or about children raising. Rather, we must back up and see what the purpose is for everything according to Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Trent Moody explains in this video that Scripture explains how Zacharias and Elizabeth served the Lord and trusted Him. After they faithfully prayed for a son, Zacharias saw a vision of an Angel who told him that his prayers were answered. Their son was John the Baptist. We see a moment of joy for this couple who was faithful to the Lord and were in constant prayer. Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) - "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.'"

Jeff Pollard explains in this video that a shepherd is someone who oversees a flock -- he guides and protects them and is the one responsible for their wellbeing. Similarly, a father has the responsibility to look after the physical and spiritual wellbeing of those within his house. A man who does not take both aspects seriously is someone likely to do a great deal of damage. Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV) - "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."

How should we speak about the Church? Joel Beeke explains in this video that when you bring your children up in the nurture and fear of the Lord, they will be folded into a larger family that will never die. The Church is the blood-bought bride of Christ. Accordingly, we should be very wary of criticizing the Church, the bride that Christ gave everything for.