Shepherd Press Blog

Tiger, the Mayor and the Church

2009-12-14T23:11:05Z

News headlines are the most immediate indicators of cultural drift. While they are inconclusive in themselves, they provide insight as to what issues make an impact on people's thinking. Headlines become the topic of water cooler and even playground discussions. That is why it is important for Christian parents to pay attention to headlines. Media headlines are written to attract attention, and they do. Your children will be exposed to headlines and sound bites because these are what people catch on the run as they rush through their day. Children will hear people asking what do you think you think about Tiger? And, of course, they will begin to find out about what people think from their friends at church, at school, or in the neighborhood. They will hear offhand comments by parents and other adults. Based upon these seemingly random series of connections, opinions will be formed and embraced, often without parents even being aware of the process. That is why headlines are important for parents.

For example, this past weekend the headlines concerning Tiger Woods' infidelities continued to dominate news headlines. Some sponsors are ending their associations with the world's number one golfer. More women are claiming to have been involved with Woods. The PGA Tour is preparing for a significant loss of revenue as it begins the 2010 season without its premier player. These headlines about Tiger's sexual sins are unpleasant. However, we live in a culture that is saturated with sex. On the one hand, sexual freedom has become a human right. On the other hand, infidelity by a sports figure is a sign of disgrace. The truth is that we can't have it both ways. There is a note of hypocrisy in the controversy over Tiger Woods' marital failings. As a culture we believe we can pick and choose which sins matter. A constant diet of premarital sex, adultery and sexual promiscuity dominates movies, TV shows and popular novels. The concept of family is being redefined to accommodate current sexual appetites. Yet Tiger Woods is now seen as an embarrassment because of indulging his sexual appetite. Of course, Tiger Woods has acted disgracefully. But why is he wrong? Why is it wrong for him to be unfaithful to his wife? Is it because the headline writers have deemed that he is? Or is it because he has sinned and violated God's commands regarding sexual conduct?

This past weekend the headlines also praised the election of Annise Parker as the new mayor of Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth largest city. Parker's election is being praised because she is openly homosexual. USA Today reports the following: ""This election has changed the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Just as it is about transforming the lives of all Houstonians for the better, and that's what my administration will be about," Parker told supporters after her opponent, Gene Locke, conceded defeat." Lives are being transformed for the better...

From God's perspective, both Woods and Parker have chosen a sinful path with their sexual behavior. Yet, our culture has chosen to condemn Woods and approve of Parker. Why? Certainly, it is not because of anything that has to do with Scripture. Culturally, we have become our own judges of what is right and wrong. To reference God's law in determining the appropriateness of Woods' or Parker's actions would be viewed by the headline writers as an outrageous violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Here is the danger of children forming their views based upon the trickle-down of headlines into daily life: actions and attitudes are right or wrong not because society says they are, but because God says they are! God's Word matters. The trend of the moment may favor Parker over Woods. But the truth is that both are in need of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Both are hopelessly lost apart from seeking forgiveness for all of their sins and coming to faith in Christ. That is why understanding Deuteronomy 6 is so important in raising children to honor God. Deuteronomy teaches that our children are to be taught about God's laws at all points in their lives. Culturally, there has been a generation-long effort to have homosexuality become accepted in our everyday life and culture. And this campaign has been successful. A Houston Chronicle poll found about that three-quarters of voters said Parker's sexual orientation wasn't an issue. This represents the increasing failure of the church's mission to be salt and light to the world.

The church will not regain the momentum lost simply by being against homosexuality and adultery. Instead, we must be for the gospel message of Christ to a lost world. Our children must be prepared for the subtle yet relentless attack of cultural headlines that honor man rather than God.

Tiger Woods has at least got one thing right. Here is a quote from his most recent statement posted on his website:

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

While this is true, he will not become a better person apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the message only the church--the true church of Jesus Christ--can proclaim. Perhaps, if we pursue our mission with courage and faith, the church will be salt and light. Perhaps one day there will be headlines that say Tiger Woods and Annise Parker have come to faith in Christ.

Help your children interpret the headlines from God's perspective. Just as our culture has diluted and lost the message of Christmas, so we have also lost the meaning of sexual purity. The solution for both issues is the faithful proclamation of the truth of the gospel--first at home and then to our community. The headlines will only get worse until the church embraces her role of being salt and light.

Are You Santa's Helper?

2009-12-12T18:33:57Z

Little children are dependent upon their parents for everything. This includes more than food, clothing and shelter. Children are dependent upon you, parent, for how they view the world around them. The way you live in front of them is the most powerful teaching tool that God gives you. This is teaching in the milieu. God designed families to demonstrate what it means to have a relationship with Him. If you love God, if you sincerely attempt to live your life by His Word, if you recognize that every moment is given to you so that you will glorify and honor God, then you will teach your children these same truths without even thinking about it. Your children observe you, everything about you. They see when you are sleeping, they know when you have been good or bad, they know when you pout and when you shout. In the midst of the turmoil of life your children know whom you delight in. Your kids know this without your ever having to say a word. When you stumble and ask God for help -- they learn. When you stumble and snap or make excuses -- they learn from that, too. If you value your relationship with God above all else, your children will know this, even when you fall short of your calling as a Christian parent.

What does this have to do with being Santa's helper? Just this: in Psalm 72:18 we read that "God alone does marvelous things." However, at Christmas time, for little children someone else is portrayed as doing the most marvelous things. Santa brings the toys! Not just any toys, but toys that come in brightly wrapped boxes under a colorful, sparkling tree. These toys have been longed for, prayed for, craved for, hoped for and wished for. This longing has gone on for months if not years. The goodness of Santa is confirmed by the tag on the present: From Santa. Amid the pile of wrappings, bows and empty boxes, happy children know they have been adorned. When I was a child we always left milk and cookies for Santa each Christmas Eve before we went to bed. And sure enough, when my brothers and I bolted out of bed to head for the tree, the milk and cookies were gone. But in their place were presents and full stockings. Santa was for real!

So there is no question that children who experience this visit from Santa feel adorned. Yet this adornment is clearly of the material sort. The children don't really know "Santa." But they may actually know his helpers, as I did as a child. His helpers? Why Mom and Dad of course! When Mom and Dad help Santa, good things happen. Toys pour down from the chimney and appear under the tree.

However, if Mom and Dad are Christians, they often may say they are somebody else's helper. That's right, parents are also God's helpers. This brings a question: whom would your children rather you help? Do your children feel the same sense of adornment when you are God's helper as they do when you are Santa's helper? Proverbs 1:8-9 implies that children should be adorned (and feel adorned) everyday. Even discipline and correction should feel like adornment to your children. Sadly, most children are anything but adorned by their parents' discipline and instruction.

Proverbs teaches that these opportunities for discipline and teaching are to be times of "adorning your children" as with the finest jewelry, just like Christmas time. God is often appealed to as the reason for the spanking or scolding. So, being God's helper can mean spanking, harsh words, cold, silent treatment, banishment to rooms, broken relationships. On the other hand, Santa's helper brings longed for treasures. The contrast is not lost on a young child. Don't misunderstand; I am not saying, "Don't discipline." But the Bible teaches that you can discipline in such a way as to adorn your children. Try the special combination of Proverbs - the rod and pleasant words mixed together (Pro. 16:20-24). This is a powerful combination. Verse 24 says pleasant words promote instruction. This is not easy, but with Christ's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit you can be a different parent -- one who adorns at times other than Christmas.

Teach your children that One more wonderful than Santa loves them and has given them parents to teach them about Christ and true riches. Don't confuse your children by helping a mythical visitor. Tell them that you love them because Christ has loved you. Tell them that your God has given you a rich blessing - your children. Let them know that the gifts they receive are expressions of your love to them. Adorn your children at Christmas. Adorn your children on August 3rd as well, and every other day. Let them know that you are God's helper to bring them into relationship with Him. Let your children know that you are Christ's helper. Tell your children what true riches are. In addition to the gifts that you wrap, adorn your children with gifts that are more valuable than silver and gold. Show them the excellence of being Christ's helper.

This Christmas, whose helper will you be -- Santa's or Christ's? Blessings to you this Christmas Season!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-11T14:41:51Z

As I listen to the radio, read various opinion articles, and view cable news programs, I have found that the seasonal greeting of Happy Holidays is a hot topic this year. Particularly, some say that Happy Holidays is a concession to political correctness. And, of course, this is true. Happy Holidays has come to replace the more antiquated Season's Greetings in the marketplace as the accepted seasonal salutation. The primary reason for this choice is the motivation to avoid offending anyone who has a different religious preference. Happy Holidays, then, is supposed to accommodate Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and other groups, even the non-believers. In reality, Happy Holidays is a denial of the reason for the Christmas celebration. However, this phrase is not the real problem but only a symptom. Let me explain.

Many Christmas Carols offer a strong proclamation of the gospel. For example look at the last verse of "O Little Town of Bethlehem":

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel.

These words do not fit well with Happy Holidays or with political correctness. The baby Jesus is not particularly offensive to holiday celebrants. The offense occurs when the full earthly life of Christ is examined. This baby grew up to become a man who did what no other human being has ever done. He remained sinless and then endured the wrath of God in payment for the sins of his people. He then came back to life and defeated sin and death. There is nothing politically correct about this baby who grew up to be the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins. As a culture we have lost sight of the reason for the Christmas celebration.

Giving of gifts has come to be an act of social and economic atonement, following the spirit of Happy Holidays. Socially, gifts are given not only to show love, but to offer appeasement for insensitivity during the past year. Gifts are given to attempt to earn the gratitude or acceptance of others. Gifts are often given out a sense of obligation and expectation. Too often, gifts are given to make the giver happy, rather than the recipient. Economically, holiday gift giving has become the means of redemption for a battered economy. Most retailers would go out of business without holiday gift giving. As a culture we have taken the true joy of Christmas and replaced it with a celebration of ourselves and our way of life. Our culture has taken the wonder of God's gift and made it into an idol that is served by man-centered, self-serving desires.

This is another area where Christians must avoid mixing biblical truth with cultural practice. When this mixture happens, idolatry is always the result. This is a good time consider what the giving of gifts should really be about. Many Christians will stretch their budgets to the breaking point in order to give the gifts they think they need to give. Others will experience a sense of guilt if they cannot afford the gifts they would like to give. Still others of us will know disappointment if we don't receive the gift we are hoping for. These thoughts and actions come because the spirit of Happy Holidays has replaced the true joy of living in the light of God's most precious gift to his people. So, even when you say Merry Christmas, you may actually mean Happy Holidays. This is the trap of our culture, the deception of the enemy: to mix truth and error and thus render the church ineffective in its witness. If we celebrate Christmas like the culture around us, we will have become like our culture.

This issue is important to address with your children. No, I am not suggesting that you take back all of the gifts you have already bought. What I am asking you to do is think carefully about why you give gifts and how you have transmitted this perspective to your children. Ephesians 1:8 says that the riches of God's grace have been lavished on us. That is just as true on May 6 and August 13 as it is on December 25. Is this your reality? Do you live as though you have already received the most wonderful of all gifts? Is this the perspective on gifts that your children receive from you? You see, the way your children view giving and receiving gifts will tell you much about your own perspective on gift giving.

Christmas will come again next year. You have a whole year to consider whether Happy Holidays has come to dominate your reason for gift giving. If a shift in your perspective on gift-giving is in order, you have a whole year to make this change and to bring your children along with you. Happy Holidays is about what makes us happy--it is about a false sense of atonement. The gift of Christ Jesus to a lost world to save God's people from their sins is the one true message of hope and redemption. Rejoicing in this perspective must be the reason that we give gifts at Christmas or any other time. Giving gifts to others should be and can be a very good thing, but we must always give in the light of what we have been given in Christ.

As always, let me know your thoughts.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-10T14:19:14Z

What does Merry Christmas mean? The first widespread usage of the greeting Merry Christmas apparently began in 1843 with the publishing of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Not surprisingly, the greeting first appeared on Christmas cards that same year. The idea behind this phrase is that Christmas should be a happy, joyous time. So when you wish someone a Merry Christmas, you are, in fact, offering a blessing to them for a merry or happy occasion. For Christians, this is where it gets interesting. The annual celebration of Christ's birth is not directly commanded in Scripture. However, we do have a good example to follow in the proclamation of the angels announcing Christ's birth. We looked briefly at this announcement, recorded in Luke 2:14, in the last post. The glorious pronouncement by the angels is also anticipated in Psalm 98:4-9:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn--
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

              Let the rivers clap their hands,
                Let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD,
                                for he comes to judge the earth.
                                He will judge the world in righteousness
                                and the peoples with equity.

This psalm was the basis of the carol by Isaac Watts, "Joy to the World." Celebrating the birth of Christ really is a wonderful and appropriate activity. This question then arises: when you tell someone "Merry Christmas" do they have this biblical understanding of why it is fitting to be joyful? The psalm builds to a crescendo of praise, culminating in joy that Christ will come to judge the people of the earth with equity. The joy is in Christ's righteous judgment. This is closely connected to the praise of the angels in Luke. God will bring peace to those on whom he has blessed with favor. In other words, peace comes to those who have believed and embraced the gospel.

"Joy to the world," another way to say "Merry Christmas," keeps the gospel sharply in focus. In our culture, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. Unfortunately, for most this joy is tied to earthly gifts and treasures. So, sadly, when Christmas Day is past, the joy of earthly treasure fades quickly. Thus, when you say "Merry Christmas" to someone, look for a way to speak of the real reason for joy, the real reason for being merry. You will not be able to give this gospel news to everyone you speak to, but there will be opportunities to do so if you are looking for them. One of the best ways to find these opportunities is to remember that the reason for the Christmas celebration is rooted in the gospel message. Why should Christmas be merry? Why should the world be joyful? Because Christ has come to earth to save his people from their sins. Talk to your children about this, about the real reason Christmas is merry. Read again the biblical exclamations of praise about Christ in Luke 2:14 and in Psalm 98.

Yes, giving and receiving presents is special; decorations are festive and fun. But if we focus only on the temporal gifts that will fade and decay, we do not speak of the ultimate reason for joy at Christmas. Please join with me in asking God to make Christmas a time when we truly proclaim joy to a lost world. As the carol proclaims - Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Merry Christmas!

Peace on Earth

2009-11-30T04:40:26Z

This Christmas season the truth about God and his Son is mixed with cultural myth and fantasy. This mixture dilutes the power of the gospel. This mixing of truth and cultural myth can also help to mislead your children about the real meaning of the incarnation of Christ. For example, look at Luke 2:14:

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" ESV

This proclamation from the heavens has commonly been recast to say that the goal of Christmas is peace on earth. This recasting of the truth conveniently leaves out the necessity of the gospel, and makes the temporal peace of man the highest good. This reinterpreted phrasing, peace on earth, dominates Christmas cards, product advertising, and Christmas-themed TV programs and movies. You will see Peace on Earth on billboards and bumper stickers. Peace on Earth is even politically correct. No one is offended by calling for world peace.

The problem is that man's version of world peace was not what the heavenly host was proclaiming to the shepherds 2,000 years ago. That proclamation came straight from heaven. The first line of the proclamation ascribes glory to God who reigns in the highest of all places. That, of course, is not politically correct, because it implies that there is a God to whom all men must be accountable. It assumes that there must be someone above man, to whom praise and honor is rightfully due. The second half of the couplet proclaims that peace will come only to those with whom God is pleased. This statement is definitely not politically correct--it does not have the makings of a Hallmark moment. Do you see how recasting this line to say only Peace on Earth strikes at the heart of gospel? This heavenly proclamation is one of hope precisely because the world (apart from Christ) is at war with God and hopelessly lost. There is no possibility of peace without a Savior.

A message of wonder, of hope for peace, was given to the shepherds. God would act through the birth, life, death and resurrection of this baby to bring peace to a broken, sinful world. It is impossible to find peace without the sacrifice of the Son of God. The sacrifice that was required showed that there is something horribly wrong with the human race. There is no hope of self-redemption. Man is simply not able to make himself acceptable to God, no matter how hard he tries. The gospel proclaims that there is hope only in Jesus Christ. The exclusivity of this hope is what our modern cultural resists and rejects.

The idea that peace will come only to those with whom God is pleased flies the face of the cultural myth of the holidays, where silver bells bring hope to all--if we just embrace peace on earth. Be aware of the culture's attempts to mix the truth of God with the myth of man's goodness. Have compassion for those who believe the false hope of peace on earth. Be patient and gentle with your children as you teach them that true peace can come only from being made righteous by the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. Jesus was born to die and then to live again. He was born to make beautiful that which was ugly and dark. Only by embracing his life and finding forgiveness through his mercy can there truly be peace. This gospel message is one of wonder and power. It is so powerful that it can reach even a culture that is blindly looking for Peace on Earth.

Black Friday, Lord Willing

2009-11-28T21:17:54Z

Please don't worry--this blog has not embraced materialism! I will admit, though, the title of this post does appear to be influenced by the profit motive. But the notion that making money and following God are polar opposites actually represents a cultural bias, not a biblical one. Does that surprise you? Let me illustrate. It would not seem unsettling for a farmer to ask God to bless the harvest and provide a good crop. In an agrarian culture it would be only fitting to acknowledge God's control over all the details that affect the harvest. Yet most of us would not recognize the same dependence on God's control of business and retail that we do for agriculture. But the Scriptures teach that God is also intimately involved in business and profit. Notice these words from James 4:13-16:

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.

The bottom line is that things happen because God determines that they will. Even though the most careful business plan has been put in place and much preparation has been made to achieve a profit, James says that these things will happen only if the Lord wills that they happen. To think otherwise is boasting and evil. So it is not the making of money per se that is evil, it is the false perception that money can be made simply by human effort, without dependence upon God. Perhaps if people were more conscious of just how dependent they are upon God's will in business, they might be more inclined to honor God in using the profits of their business endeavors.

The reason for raising this issue is Black Friday. Black Friday has become a major advertising and news theme this holiday season. This is the time when retailers are hoping to have enough income from sales that they will actually earn more than they spend for the year. So, from an advertising standpoint, deals abound everywhere. New products are introduced and store hours are extended, all for the one purpose of moving income from red numbers (a financial loss) to black numbers (a financial gain). In all of this it is safe to say that God--that is, the God of the Bible--is little more than an afterthought. This is the thinking that James says is evil boasting. Just as God is the one who arranges all the things necessary to produce a good crop (appropriate weather, lack of pestilence, healthy seeds, etc.) He is also the one who controls all aspects of the business cycle that determine whether or not a profit is made.

Our culture sees little practical need for God and his ways. But God really is the only one who is able to do everything and anything he plans. Every leaf that falls, every dollar that is made is all a part of the purpose and plan of God. This dependence upon the purpose and plan of God is what James is addressing. This is the reality that your children must embrace if they are understand how the world around them actually works. The economic ups and downs of business are intended to show us how dependent we are upon God for life. Yet we tend to forget this and talk of things such as recessions and inflation as the ultimate forces that determine economic growth. These things are only secondary causes. God is the one who wills whether we will live and carry out the plans we have made.

In the wake of this Black Friday, help your children to see the wonderful truth that James is teaching. Living life for Jesus Christ and His glory is the true bottom line.

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T03:03:15Z

A recent Rasmussen poll found that fifty-three percent (53%) of Americans say they are more thankful this Thanksgiving than they were last year at this time. Digging a little deeper into the contents of the poll, I found a question about religion and thankfulness. The poll found that the plurality (41%) of adults say their religious faith is what they are most thankful for, after family and health. In other words, the thing that most adults are thankful for after their family and health is their religious faith. These findings in the poll point to a sharp distinction between religious faith and biblical Christianity. The first commandment says that there shall be no other gods before the one true God. Clearly, from the results of this poll, family and health occupy the place of most importance to most Americans. While it is important to interpret polls carefully and look closely at the way questions are stated, this result resonates with the trend of American culture. Our religion is something that serves us and satisfies what we want. The immediate, in this case health and family, are those things that truly dominate our lives. These things hold the place of first importance, a place that God reserves for himself alone. Health and family are good things, but they must not surpass fidelity to God as the very core of what is important in life.

Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of the holiday season. This time of year is a mixture of emotional ups and downs. Folks are happy to give and receive gifts, but they are also worried about how they will pay for these same gifts. People look forward to seeing family and friends, but then are reminded of all the personal issues they have with these same family and friends. Parties and celebrations abound, but these occasions are colored by hangovers and other manifestations of sensual indulgence. Church attendance will spike upwards at Christmas, but will quickly fall back to normal levels in January.

At least one reason for this trend is reflected in the Rasmussen poll that analyzes our thankfulness. For the vast majority of Americans, something or someone other than God dominates their lives. It is important for Christians to consider if we have followed the culture in this. Is something other than God the core value that dominates your life? What you are thankful for reveals the attitude of your heart. You are like the world--actually you are loving the world--if God is just one of the things that your mind tallies up in a list of things to for which to be thankful. God is not interested in sharing space with anything or anyone other than himself. This doesn't mean you can't be thankful for the good things God brings to you, but God must be unique. He must be first in your gratitude and affections. Everything else, including health and family, should be on another list entirely. It is not a good sign when God is added to the things we are grateful for about life.

In the Palm 100, God is to receive praise and thanks simply for being who he is. His great character alone is to be the basis of our worship, praise and gratitude. He will not share his glory with another. The more deeply your life is tied to the pursuit of the person of God and the more you delight in the relationship you have with him, the less like the world you will become. Stability and security will increase as the focus of your gratitude shifts away from people, things and circumstance and moves toward the awesome wonder of your God. This is a theme that your family needs to hear this holiday season. God cannot be evaluated by polls or moods. Pray for faithfulness to the person of God. This holiday season, witness to the uniqueness of Christ in the way you celebrate.

What about those who didn't know Christ?

2009-11-19T14:29:05Z

In this series of posts on talking to your children about the death of one close to them, there is one aspect that was not specifically covered : how should the death of an unbeliever be discussed? This is an important consideration. Dan posted the following comment on a previous post:

This post is very timely! My kids just lost their grandfather last week. I do not believe that he knew Christ. Any advice on dealing with this would be helpful and appreciated.

Let's start with the reality that is the most important: the faithfulness of God. The faith of the psalmist in Psalm 46 is not based upon how a particular circumstance would turn out. His faith is in the living God. Even though devastating troubles have occurred, God is his refuge and strength. While this kind of faith will not change events or take away deep hurt, God is there to bring comfort and strength. Your strong belief in these realities---your reliance on God's strength--can and will be a source of comfort to your children in troubling times.

The fact that matters above all else is that God is the true source of comfort. Circumstances cannot bring comfort. That is the place to begin in responding to Dan's question. Our hope is in God's faithfulness to us, not in the outcome of circumstances. Thus, when someone who is not a Christian dies, God is still God. God is still being faithful. He has not made a mistake. Rather than trusting in a particular outcome, we must entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly (1Peter 2:23).

Losing a grandfather is difficult for children. If the grandfather died without knowing Christ, that is even more difficult. When talking with children about this situation, it is God's goodness that must be stressed. God was good before the grandfather died. He is good now. And he will be good tomorrow. This is the constant. Life is uncertain. God is not.

In this time of grief the focus must remain upon God and his goodness. Psalm 103 reminds us of how good God is. Verses 17-23 speak specifically of God's love for his people.

                  But from everlasting to everlasting
                                the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
                                and his righteousness with their children's children-

with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

                Praise the LORD, you his angels,
                                you mighty ones who do his bidding,
                                who obey his word.

Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

                Praise the LORD, all his works
                                everywhere in his dominion.
                                Praise the LORD, O my soul.

These words are designed by the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and hope to God's people regardless of the circumstances. These words bring hope even when someone close to us who didn't know Christ has died. As we saw in the last post, gratitude is always the appropriate response of God's people. While there is great sadness in the death of one who did not trust Christ, there is even greater hope and comfort in constant goodness of God.

In this situation it is important not to give false hope to children (or to yourself) by saying things like , "We don't really know that Grandpa didn't repent at the last moment; maybe he is with God after all." While this statement may sometimes apply, it still focuses on the outcome of the circumstance as the basis of comfort, rather than on the goodness of God. God is worthy of praise in all things. We don't know the actions and state of the heart of others, but we do know the goodness of God is certain. I believe that this is what Deuteronomy 29:29 is teaching.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

The outcome of those who die falls into the secret things of God. These matters belong ultimately to him. But the things that he has revealed in his Word belong to us and to our children. What is certain is that God is worthy of praise, honor and worship in all circumstances, for one significant reason--he is God! Yes, the loss of loved ones who don't know God is painful. But God is faithful. He is the God of all comfort, even when the pain of loss seems insurmountable. There is a day coming--beyond our present comprehension--when God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.

An important life lesson that we all need to embrace is this: do not judge God's faithfulness on the basis of circumstances. The world deals with death by attempting to ignore the reality of heaven and hell. Christians can face death knowing that God is good and that Christ has paid the awful penalty that we deserve. That is the reality that brings peace and comfort. In difficult times, turn to Christ. Trust in his steadfast care for you. This is the message of hope to give to your children. Urge them to seek the goodness of God for themselves. This is the time to present the message of the gospel once again to your children. Pray with your children that they will know the peace of that passes understanding - the peace that only Christ can give.

I want to thank Dan for his comment and the opportunity to respond to his concerns. Please let us know your thoughts and comments as well.

What Are You Thankful For?

2009-11-17T20:51:14Z

An honest answer to this question says much about your relationship with God. In the Scriptures, gratitude is a command. It is not an option. This in itself cuts across the grain of our flesh. Deciding what we will be thankful for is kind of an unwritten right that we assume for ourselves. What we are thankful for is personal. The command to Be thankful! (whether we feel like it or not) is a command we humans are not at ease with. But I Thessalonians 5:18 makes it clear that God commands gratitude from his people:

... give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

The meaning of this passage is hard to avoid! Being thankful is God's will for you. Notice, too, that we are not allowed even to choose which circumstances to be thankful for. The Holy Spirit tells us that thankfulness is appropriate in all circumstances. How can this be when there is so much difficulty and heartache in life?

The reason for this command to be thankful is that, unlike the plans that you or I might make, God is able to execute his plan faithfully, no matter what the circumstances. Paul is conscious of God's unique ability to do all that he has planned to do. God has purposed to redeem a people for himself from every corner of the planet. So, Paul is intimately aware that even in the darkest of circumstances, God is moving redemptively in history, just as he purposed that he would. Even when those around us are insensitive, there is still reason for thankfulness. This is truly something to be thankful for always. God is at work saving those whom he has determined to save (Acts 17:24-28. Indeed, life on this planet will continue only has long as there people remaining that God intends to bring to himself (2 Peter 3:9). In 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Paul also says that it is God's will that his people will be sanctified. Paul knows that God is faithfully accomplishing this purpose as well. God even uses the hardships of life to bring about the sanctification of his people (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Here, then, are two profound reasons for gratitude to dominate the life of a Christian. And there are many, many more. Our sins are forgiven in Christ. God provides our daily needs. He blesses us with family and friends. These are all things that we tend to forget easily. So, God in his kindness has commanded us to be thankful in all circumstances. This reminds us that God does not leave us or forsake us even in difficult time. He is always at work accomplishing his purposes, so we always have a reason to be thankful, as God commands. From this perspective, God's command to give thanks in all circumstances is a great blessing. Obeying this command will reorient our thoughts to be more in line with God's purposes for our life. We can more easily understand how the gospel motivated Paul when we , too, rejoice in God's faithfulness to bring about what he has promised.

Perhaps now you can see a little more clearly that what you are thankful for is a helpful indicator of your spiritual health and your relationship with God. Consider carefully how your thankfulness reflects your priorities. Are temporal things are the main source of your gratitude? To the extent that they are, your relationship with God will lack consistency and encouragement. Temporal things--that primarily have to do with existence here on earth--will one day be discarded in landfills or corrupted by moth and rust. Certain relational aspects of life also fall into the temporal category. For example, your favorite athletes, even if they are among those who are called by God, will probably not wear the same uniforms in heaven they do on Saturday afternoons. If your love of the world is great, your gratitude will be focused on the world's rewards.

What are you thankful for? The holiday season is fast approaching. The focus of this season has become temporal. Recently I saw a Walmart ad that proclaimed that "Christmas is better at Walmart." God's reasons for us to express gratitude go far beyond the temporal perspective. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to be thankful in all circumstances. What you are thankful for reveals what your heart treasures most. Ask God for the courage to ask yourself the probing question - what am I thankful for? If the answer is disturbing, go back and read Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. Read this letter to your children. Meditate on Psalm 100. Meditate on the cross of Christ. And then rejoice that you are able to give thanks in all circumstances.

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The God of all Comfort

2009-11-16T14:08:51Z

This is the third and last post in this series on what to say to your children when someone close to them dies. The topic of death is challenging. But as Christians, we should not fear talking about it. Jesus Christ has won the victory over death. Our children must see that we have the faith and courage to actually live out this reality. This is the test of whether we live by faith or by sight. Our children know the difference. In order to comfort our children we must experience comfort ourselves. This is Paul's message in his second letter to the Corinthians.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. --2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Paul writes as one who has known the comfort of God. He himself has received comfort. Therefore, he is able to bring comfort to others. So, parents, you too must know the comfort of God. You must not believe the lies of the culture about death. You must be firmly grounded in God's view of death. It is impossible to live as if this world really matters most and then make a sudden transition to thinking and acting biblically when something as disturbing as an unexpected death occurs. We can prepare for such unexpected events only by having God's thoughts in our hearts day by day. That is one of the practical benefits of faithfully following Deuteronomy 6 and daily imparting the things of God. 0o your children.

One passage that is very helpful when there are unexpected, life dominating events is Psalm 46. This psalm doesn't pull any punches. It acknowledges how devastating life can be, but it also acknowledges how total the comfort of God is for his people. Let's take a look at some key verses in the psalm.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

This truth is reality for the psalmist. He truly believes this. Paul is expressing a similar thought in 2 Corinthians, and that truth must be your bottom line belief. That is where your heart must reside each day. Now, look at verses 2-3:

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

While these words obviously apply to natural disasters, they apply even more powerfully to the emotional impact of an unexpected life dominating event. When an expected death occurs it does feel like the earth has given way--it is an emotional earthquake. But notice that the psalmist says that because God is his refuge he will not fear, even in the face of tragedy. This is the truth of verse 7:

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

God is his fortress. God is with him. He is living by faith. Even though devastating troubles have occurred, God is his refuge and strength. While this kind of faith will not change events or take away deep hurt, God is there to bring comfort and strength. God is our refuge and strength. Your strong belief in these realities--your reliance on God's strength--can and will be a source of comfort to your children in troubling times. This is also true for those of you who are pastors or youth workers. Your genuine faith in the God of Psalm 46 can bring comfort to those who need the comfort that only God can give.

Talking about death with your children - part 2

2009-11-14T04:54:34Z

In the last post we began discussing how to talk about death with your children. In that post we laid the foundation for thinking biblically about death and dying. Our culture attempts to avoid the reality of death by emphasizing the illusion of life without Christ. In 1 Timothy 6:19 Paul encourages us to take hold of life that is truly life. By implication, this means that there is life that is really not life at all, but death masquerading as life. It is this imposture of life that our culture worships. Thus, the culture focuses not on the life to come, but exclusively on life in the fallen world. The 21^st century is unlike the 19^th century in this regard. The afterlife was a dominant theme in 19^th century literature. The rise of existentialism in the 20^th century paved the way for a post-modern culture that is captivated by life that is not truly life. This is why you must not let the culture shape your children's view of death.

In the Bible, death is a time of sadness and grief. Additionally, for the unbeliever it is a time of fear. These perspectives are another important element of the formative instruction you must give your children to prepare them to deal with death. These perspectives move the discussion to a more intimate level than the foundational concerns we addressed in the last post.

Death is a time for sadness and grief. However, death is not hopeless for the Christian. We are to be confident of the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf, so our grief is tempered by the sure hope that Christ defeated death. I Corinthians 15:55-57 says:

Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ has defeated death. This fact provides hope. Because of Christ, taking hold of life that is truly life is a real experience for the Christian. In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul says that while Christians will grieve, it will be different that the world's grief over death.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. I Thessalonians 4:13

Death provides a practical, regular opportunity to speak of the things of God to your children as Deuteronomy 6 instructs us. The news is full of stories about death on many fronts. God does not want you to waste these opportunities by allowing news anchors and talk show hosts to fashion our view of death. Death and the centrality of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ must be brought together to challenge the world's thinking about death.

The point here is that you are to talk about all of life's situations, including death, from God's perspective. Children identify with sadness and grief. Talking about such issues as death before they make a personal impact will not remove all hurt and grief, but it can help place life's events in the positive construct of God's good providential care. While nothing can fully prepare a child for the shock of an unexpected death, having a solid biblical foundation can help provide stability.

One additional thought on the impact of culture on the church's view of death. It has become quite common to refer to a person who has died as one who has "passed." The expression is a shortening of the phrase passed away. The question still remains - to what has he passed? If the biblical realities are fully understood, then the term passing can work. However, in the politically correct world, it would be offensive to say that someone has passed to either heaven or hell. So, if you refer to someone dying as having passed, it is important to understand that that person is passing on to one of two distinct locations - one of unspeakable joy and the other of unspeakable torment.

In the next post we will look at some passages that can bring hope in the face of death.

Talking about death to your children

2009-11-13T19:05:19Z

Someone recently wrote in and asked how to talk with a young child who had just unexpectedly lost a close relative. This is a subject we have not yet specifically addressed in this blog, but it is a question that needs good biblical answers. The discussion must be addressed with gentleness and care. There are some things that can and should take place to prepare for this discussion. So, let's start with laying a solid biblical foundation about life and death.

Ever since the Fall, death has become part of life. Modern Western culture is attempting to ignore this basic reality of life. We are cajoled, persuaded, marketed, and bedazzled with the idea that life in the here and now is all that really matters. The biblical reminders that life is but a vapor, a mist which is here today and gone tomorrow, go unheeded. Many children grow up in this modern culture with little firsthand exposure to death. But when death does come to those close to them, these same children are often traumatized and devastated. If you read the pages of history, even the relatively young history of America, children dying in infancy or early childhood was common in earlier days. It was not unusual to have siblings who had died in childhood. Diseases and injuries which formerly would have been fatal are often curable now. Compared to even 100 years ago, children today face the finality of death much less frequently than their earlier counterparts did.

That being said, how do you help a child cope with the shock and deep sadness that accompanies death, particularly when it is unexpected? The first and safest place to start is always the Cross. Instead of viewing life as a gift from God, our culture views life as an entitlement. This is a natural outcome of a culture that has a low view of sin and sees little need of a Savior. Death is not seen as the rightful end of fallen man, but rather a barrier to be overcome, something we can defeat (or, at least, postpone) in our own strength. The problem is that this kind of thinking does not work well with children. Children know only the searing loss of the one who is gone . It is only the cross of Christ that can make sense of death.

Children were designed to learn from others, especially from their parents. So the way those who are close to children think about life and death will directly shape how they view death. Here are some points that should be part of your regular conversation with your children before they have to deal with death directly.

Death is a part of life, whether our culture thinks it should be or not.

All men deserve death because they are sinners.

God is in control of all things, even death.

God is good and all he does is good, even if, especially if, we cannot understand it.

We will live exactly as long as God has determined, not a second more or less.

For those who know Christ, he does not treat us as our sins deserve.

Christ conquered death by bringing new life to those seek him for forgiveness.

These themes should be discussed regularly with your children. These are the basic issues of life. There are plenty of opportunities each day to make these themes a natural part of your conversations with your child. For example, it is good to remind your children frequently that there are no random events in this world. Just because the news media doesn't know why something happened doesn't mean that the event was random. God plans all things after the counsel of his own will. Passages such as Colossians 1:15-20 and Acts 17:24-28 show the purposefulness of all of God's actions. Remember that the inclination of the culture in general, and the media in particular, is to add the element of randomness to tragic events. But our God is not random.

Prepare to talk about death by talking about the gospel. Why does man die? Man dies because of sin. Death is the ultimate reminder of the Fall. There is no escape! This theme of sin and judgment is lacking in our culture, but it is essential for our children to understand it thoroughly. It is important to see that life is maintained by God's grace, not by man's efforts and accomplishments. When the gospel message is removed from the center of daily life, we begin to think of life as an entitlement. A sense of entitlement means that there is no sense of grace. This is the current state of American culture, and this attitude is beginning to make inroads into the church. (But that is a topic for another post.) The point is that death becomes perceived as something that is not fair, instead of being accepted as the consequence of sin and rebellion against God. Children pick up on these underlying attitudes of the heart about death. That is why you want the necessity and practicality of the cross to be central in their lives and in your conversations with them.

The subject of death should not be avoided just because is it painful. One reason that these kinds of conversations don't take place more often is that children often ask questions that are more insightful and probing than we are comfortable with. But that is okay. God's Word has the answers, and your children need to hear them.

Let me stress that these are the kind of discussions you want to have with children before death touches their lives, if at all possible. It is better for them to understand the reality of life and death beforehand.

This, then, is the groundwork for talking with your children about death and dying. In the next post we will look at some things that might be helpful when the issue of death becomes more immediate. As always, let me know your thoughts.

The Wisdom of a Fool

2009-11-11T04:53:48Z

The title of this post doesn't make sense. Fools, by definition, are not wise. This is the fourth of Tedd Tripp's concerns for parents today. The first three concerns were these: grasping the importance of formative instruction, establishing a biblical view of authority and maintaining biblical communication. The fourth concern is developing the ability to contrast the supposed wisdom of fools with the wisdom of God. The book of Proverbs is the perfect place to see this contrast vividly laid out.

Proverbs 1:7 sets the tone for the rest of the book:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

The fool has no love of the true knowledge that leads to life and redemption in Christ. This true knowledge is the most important knowledge that can be acquired here on earth, and it can only be known through faith in Christ. Since fools say there is no God (Psalm 14:1), they despise his knowledge. This is the contrast that matters. One way leads to death and another leads to life. For a profoundly rewarding study, take time with your children to go over all the places the word fool is used in the Proverbs. For example, look at Proverbs 12:15:

The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.

It is a rare person who has the wisdom to take advice. The wisdom of the fool says, "Don't listen to anyone else; do what you want." Think of all the hours you could spend talking about this contrast with your children. Of course, the goal here is not to have a lecture but a real, back and forth, two-way discussion that illustrates this powerful contrast. This would be an excellent time to tell your children about a time when you didn't listen to wise counsel, but insisted on going your own way. The conversation about this one contrast can easily be adapted to any age child--or even to adults!

Proverbs 13:20 makes this contrast:

He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.

.Again, think how many practical life illustrations can be made from this one proverb that contrasts the way of the fool with the way of true wisdom. This contrast shows the value of making good friends. It calls to mind I Corinthians 15:33, which teaches that bad company corrupts good character. There are a multitude of biblical narratives that illustrate this truth. You can also appeal to stories in literature and your own life as well.

There are over 70 references to the way of a fool in Proverbs. These references provide important life lessons for you to teach to your children. Tedd believes that this contrast between the way of the fool and the wisdom of God should be given top priority. Discernment is a skill lacking in far too many Christians. Regular practice at identifying this contrast will build discernment skills in both you and your children.

I pray that you will be see the importance of these four concerns as you implement them your parenting.

One additional note. This last week I have been battling an infection and thus was not able to blog. Now, Lord willing, you will see posts more frequently again. It is a great blessing to be able to interact with you about things in life that really matter.

The Reprint of Genesis is Here!

2009-11-01T01:44:58Z

The first volume of the Herein is Love series, Genesis is here, fresh from the printer. The text has been re-edited to make it even more accessible and useable. The power of God in creation is on display in the pages of these books. This volume will enhance and encourage your love for God's Word. It will lead you to a deeper appreciation of what God has wonderfully done. We are not here by happenstance, but by the design and purpose of the will of God. This volume and the others in this series tell of the wonderful plan of God with all of its intricacies. It is this rich story unfolding from the pages of Scripture that shows the futility of man's efforts to remove God from the role of Creator. Shepherd Press is thrilled and excited to offer this tool for your use and God's glory. Here are the words of one noted and respected biblical scholar:

"Where can one even think of finding such treasures as these fine commentaries on Bible books written for children? A tour de force in children's literature."

Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, RTS

Go to shepherdpress.com to purchase Herein is Love.

No men OR women needed

2009-11-01T01:37:48Z

This headline is from a recent edition of the London Daily Mail online. The rest of the headline reads: Scientists create sperm and eggs from stem cells. Here are a few quotes from this article:

The U.S. government-funded research also offers the prospect of a 'miracle pill' which staves off the menopause, allowing women to wait longer to have a child.

Scientists at Stanford University in California found the right cocktail of chemicals and vitamins to coax the cells into becoming eggs and sperm.

The American team used stem cells taken from embryos in the first days of life but
hope to repeat the process with slivers of skin. The skin cells would first be exposed to a mixture which wound back their biological clocks to embryonic stem cell state, before being transformed into sperm or eggs.

The double success, published in the journal Nature, raises the prospect of men and women one day 'growing' their own sperm and eggs for use in in vitro fertilization treatments.

Parents, while this is not exactly pleasant reading material, you can be assured that your children will be hearing about this "breakthrough" sooner than later in their education; perhaps even tomorrow. So what do you say to your 13-year-old with whom you have been slow to have "the discussion" about how babies are made?

These bio-medical endeavors, however noble their stated purposes may be, ultimately seek to gain control over the process of creating life. Ultimately, these projects seek to give man control. Neither men, women, nor God are necessary to create a child. All that is needed is some skin, a petri-dish and some drugs

If the book of Genesis makes anything clear, it is this - God is the Author and Sustainer of life. Modern man has come to believe that he is in control of his own life, even to the point of making children apart from the reproductive process ordained by God. It is still too early to tell whether the research being done at Stanford and other places will actually result in human life. However, the question must be asked: why would someone think he could do a better job at bringing babies into the world than God? Ultimately, the answer must lie in the fact that the fear and awe of God has been lost. Genesis speaks of a God who spoke the Universe into existence. The God of Genesis created matter out of nothing, to be used for his purposes. The scientists mentioned in this article, while they are attempting to by-pass the human reproductive process, must begin with something. They cannot will matter into existence.

Genesis speaks of the living, eternal God of heaven and earth. He has no beginning or end. He is not dependent upon anyone or any matter to do as he wishes. He does not experiment by testing hypotheses to see if his plans will work. God purposes and it happens. There was nothing, and then there was. No laboratory or research team can claim anything like that. Instead of being humbled by these attempts to create life man's way, these scientists actually appear to thrive on the struggle. While it is commendable to persevere, it is arrogant to attempt to replace God.

How do you explain these things to your children? The best place to start is the Bible itself and Genesis in particular. The whole story is there: God's power, His majestic plan, His overwhelming creativity, the wonder of man, the devastation of sin, the wreckage of life made by humans enslaved to sin, the hope of redemption and a Redeemer. This is Genesis. This is the beginning of the story of the Creator and his creatures. It is your story and, most importantly, it is God's story.