Resources

Scott Brown discusses the topic of marriage in the sermon. If both a husband and a wife keep their eyes on Christ, there will always be hope for your marriage. Marriage is one of the most defining and impactful things that a person will ever embark on in their life. Entering into a marriage should not be something that should be taken lightly. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) - "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

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.

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."

Anthony Mathenia explains in this video that for any young person questioning the decisions and lifestyle of their parents, they should ask themselves if they are questioning their parents and the decisions that they have made or are they questioning what God has commanded? Are you willing to take God at His Word? Open up the Scripture and see what God has said. Psalm 119:160 (NKJV) - "The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever."

Mike Davenport explains in this video that we see in Scripture examples of how fathers produced godly seed. We see their descendants after them living their lives for God as was taught in Scripture. Fathers should have a generational mindset, understanding that their choices today will impact generations to come. Revelations 2:4-5 (NKJV) - "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent."

Jason Dohm explains in this video that the idea of sexual sin is not something new. In fact, Scripture deals with sexual sin many times. As with any sin, the hope for individuals who are besieged by these kinds of sin is that Jesus can save those who believe in the Gospel and trust in Him. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

David Fry explains in this video that Abraham gave us a positive example of biblical fatherhood. We have many situations of how involved he was with the Lord but also with his son and his nephew, Lot. Even though he wasn't perfect, he strived to walk according to what God commanded. Proverbs 20:7 (NKJV) - "The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him."

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."

Gary Powers explains in this video that there are a lot of children that can have questions about gender. We as parents have to take them back to Scripture and explain what God says about gender. Your biology defines who you are, not what you feel or what culture may say who you are. It is important to keep pointing them back to Scripture. 1 John 1:8-10 (NKJV) - "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."

Rob Tart explains in this video that Abraham regularly communed with God and was a man of God, even though he had his sins and faults. He walked by faith and not by sight, even when God called him to do things that were incredibly difficult to do. Galatians 3:6-9 (NKJV) - "[J]ust as Abraham 'believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.' So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham."

Jeff Pollard explains in this video that mothers have among the highest callings in human experience. They are vital. Adam was incomplete without Eve. He could not do what commanded Him to do without her. Mothers add much to the family. They are able to significantly influence their children -- for better or for worse. Proverbs 31:28-29 (NKJV) - "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.'