Resources

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 explains that it is so important that we teach our children truths and principles from Scripture beginning at an early age. It is important to develop convictions. Christ is wisdom itself and lived life in our place so we may glean from His wisdom. Dr. Beeke looks at three books of the Bible and explains how each can specifically help develop convictions within the family. First, we can develop foundational convictions for Christ-centered daily life from the book of Proverbs. Second, spouses can develop marital convictions for Christ-centered intimacy from the book of Song of Solomon, and then, third, we all can develop realistic convictions for Christ-centered humility from the book of Ecclesiastes. Deuteronomy 6:7 (NKJV) - "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

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."

In this message, Gavin Beers preaches from 2 Samuel 7 and provides a brief overview of the history of Israel. He starts by describing the families of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham's family eventually grows into a nation. He looks at four influential families in this book of the Bible and important lessons that we can learn from each family. He begins with the household of Elkanah. Romans 15:4 (NKJV) - "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

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."

Carlton McLeod explains in this video that the church provides many benefits and blessings to a family. For instance, preaching helps families. When a family can sit together and hear the preaching together, it can be helpful to reinforce what was taught during the week during family worship. Fellowship amongst fellow believers can encourage and uplift members of the family. 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."

Kirk Smith explains in this video that parents can be guilty to confuse the world's definition of masculinity and femininity with what the Bible says about the same. The Bible provides many descriptions and examples of what a man and a woman look like and how they act. Parents need to bring their children to Scripture. Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) - "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Dr. Joel Beeke explains in this video that the word "patriarchy" can be interpreted wrongly. It could involve a degradation of women and children because the father is harsh and authoritarian. There is a difference. It is important to understand that the husband and the wife are parents together. The father must teach his children to have great respect for their mother. Both should work together as a team with the husband ultimately being able to make the final call, but the husband should do this lovingly. 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."

Mike Davenport explains in this video that Scripture makes it clear that discipline is healthy and biblical. In fact, God chastens all of His children and does not spare us from it. If God does not discipline us, it is because we are not sons of His. Discipline, though it may not be sweet to the recipient, is ultimately an act of love and kindness. Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV) - "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Paul Carrington explains in this video that the entire life of a believer is to orbit around God. Everything that He has said, we are commanded to follow. That is one of the key objectives of family life -- that the Word of God is to be dominant in all of our thoughts. You will be able to be sustained through difficult seasons of life if you keep God and His Word at the forefront of your life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Tom Ford explains in this video that in Deuteronomy 6, if fathers do not love the law of God, they will not be teaching it to their children. It is important that our children are taught to fear God. But, it starts with a father. It is their responsibility to train their children up in the ways of 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."

Stephen Hopkins explains in this video that family worship involves the worship of God in the home. It is similar to the worship of God in the church. There is Scripture reading, singing, and teaching that takes place in both. Family worship involves opening Scripture, singing the praises of God together, and praying together. Psalm 95:6 (NKJV) - "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."