Resources

When discussing family integrated worship one of the first concerns raised it "How do I get my kids to behave in church?" The practical aspect of keeping children in the worship service is an important issue and in many cases a real difficulty, especially if changing from an age segregated meeting. Thankfully, there are simple, practical things that parents and members can do and it all starts with the mindset of recognizing the goodness of having children in the church.

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 audio message, Scott Brown discusses the topic of husbands loving their wives. He encourages his listenders husbands to replicate Christ's love for the Church. He explains what true, biblical looks like -- so often, love is misinterpreted and wrongly defined by the world. It's important to correctly understand what Scripture defines it. This message is entitled: "A Husband's Love" by Scott Brown from the 2021 "Getting the Picture Right - In Your First Ten Years of Marriage" Retreat. 1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) - "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."

In this audio message, Jason Dohm discusses the topic of the relationship between headship and the mission given to Christian families. He explains that they are inextricably connected. God instructs that their mission is to fill the earth and multiply and to subdue it. A wife is to be a helper. Genesis lays out both our mission and a clear hierarchy of gender and specific roles. Psalm 5:8 (NKJV) - "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." This message is entitled: "Headship and Family Mission" by Jason Dohm at the 2021 "Getting the Picture Right - In Your First Ten Years of Marriage" Retreat.

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 parents approach sibling rivalry? Tom Ford explains in this video that in Adam and Eve's family, there was a rivalry between siblings. In society today, it is often accepted that siblings are going to fight, but we as parents ought to teach our children to love each other and to honor God in their attitudes and actions. John 13:34 (NKJV) - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

What should each father strive for? Stephen Hopkins explains in this video that it should be the objective of a father to take what God has given him and to transmit that to the next generation, his children. He should aim to take the mighty works of God and communicate it with the desire that they would do the same with their own children. We should desire that our children be saved and experience the powerful work of Christ. Why? For God's glory. Psalms 78:5-7 (NKJV) - "For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; that the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children,that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments"

What can we learn from Christ and the Church? Jason Dohm explains in this video that marriage is a picture of the sacrificial love of Christ for the unsaved and how He laid down His life for us. The husband is called to be like Christ. Husbands have to be aware and humble that they are sinful and will sin against their wives. They are not infallible and must be quick to apologize and repent. Accordingly, so much grace is needed within a marriage. A husband and a father can do much harm to his family and to his children if he acts in an ungodly, prideful manner in his marriage. Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV) - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

What should parents be aware of before letting their children access social media? Dr. Carlton McLeod explains in this video that social media can be extremely dangerous and harmful, particularly for younger children. It can be so easy for one of our children to see something that they can never unsee. Parents must make an informed decision of what they allow their children to access. While social media is not evil in and of itself, we shouldn't necessarily be careless and just hastily let our children access it with no limits. Each parent will have to ultimately decide what to do for their own family. Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) - "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."

Human life is immeasurably valuable. This great worth of a human being is a result of the fact that humans are made in the image of God. God despises the needless slaughter of his image-bearers, and has commanded: "You shall not murder." God hates murder so much that he calls for the death penalty for any who unjustly take a human life (Gen 9:6). And yet in our country, and around the world, there is unrestrained and government-sanctioned murder perpetrated every day against the most innocent and helpless. A silent holocaust against the unborn. Every Christian must stand against this great evil and cry out in defense of those who have no voice of their own.

What should both the Church and families keep in mind as they interact in regards to authority?   Jason Dohm explains in this video that every sphere of life has authority and submission. So, how do you manage that when you have two spheres of life that intersect -- the Church and families? Churches have a God-given authority structure and so do families.   It is important that both of those authorities be very careful and mindful to be aware of each other and where those boundaries are so we don't harm the efforts of the sphere of authority.   Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

How should a father interact with leaders of a church? Gary Powers explains in this video that families of a church are under the authority of the leaders of that church. Families should strive to honor those who are in leadership positions over them. If fathers exhibit a rebellious attitude to those in authority, the rest of the family will see that. Accordingly, fathers need to model submission to their families. We must be under authority and understand what it means to be under authority. Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) - "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."