The FAMILY is the oldest of three institutions ordained of God, the others are human government and the church. The family and the church are complementary institutions. The greatest home is one built around a church, and the greatest church is one made up of families. Satan realizes the most effective way to stifle the church is to attack the families. Consequently, we see tremendous perversion and disintegration of the family today. This section of the course consists of two parts, marriage and parenting. We begin with the foundation of the family institution, marriage.
I) MARRIAGE
 | A) DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE |
"The act of uniting a man and a woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children."
| 1) Commendable (Heb 13:4) |
| 2) Companionship "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18) cf. (Mal 2:14) |
| 3) Compatibility "I will make him an help MEET for him" (Gen 2:18) |
| 4) Combination "Therefore shall A MAN…cleave unto his WIFE" (Gen 2:24) |
| a) It is to be heterosexual, not homosexual (one MAN + one WOMAN) |
| b) It is to be monogamist, not polygamist (ONE man + ONE woman) |
| c) One man + one woman = a marriage |
| 5) Commitment "Therefore shall a man…CLEAVE unto his wife" (Gen 2:24) |
The word cleave implies no future separation. One man + one woman + one LIFETIME = a marriage.
| 6) Communion "they shall be one flesh" (Gen 2:24) |
| a) Marriage is a SPIRITUAL union (Gen 2:22; Mark 10:9; 1 Cor 7:39) |
| b) Marriage is a CIVIL union |
| 1. The espousal (engagement) (Matt 1:18-20,24) |
The word of God considered, and the angel of the Lord called, Joseph and Mary husband and wife although they were only espoused to one another. The espousal was the only legal part of marriage in Jewish society, and could not be broken except by a bill of divorcement. In the espousal, all legal documents were signed and contracts completed, specifying the time between the espousal and the actual marriage.
| 2. The ceremony (Jud 14:15-16,20; 15:1,6) |
The word of God considered Samson and a woman of Timnath husband and wife as they proceeded through the week-long wedding feast (ceremony) (Jud 14:10,12). Some argue that a ceremony is not necessary if two people love each other, but the Lord Jesus Christ attended a wedding ceremony in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11). The ceremony is: (1) PRESCRIBED, in order to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 The 5:22); (2) PRACTICAL, in that it provides an opportunity for the two parties to publicly declare their love and commitment to each other; and (3) PROPHETICAL, in that it pictures the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8).
| c) Marriage is a PHYSICAL union (Gen 2:24) |
| 1. For propagation (Gen 1:28) |
| 2. For prevention (1 Cor 7:2,9; Heb 13:4) |
As previously stated in the dictionary definition, one of the purposes of marriage is to prevent promiscuous sexual relations. Sexual intercourse is one of the privileges and pleasures of the marital relationship. Sexual intercourse outside of marriage has serious consequences, including that the word of God considers a man who has committed fornication with a harlot to be married to her (1 Cor 6:15-16,18).
| 3. For pleasure (1 Cor 7:3; Heb 13:4) |
| B) DECISION OF MARRIAGE (Pre-Marital Considerations) |
| 1) Receive wise counsel |
There is a need for pre-marital counseling. Most marital counseling programs are secular and non-Biblical, and even most of those that are Biblical focus on existing marriages. But even if Biblical counseling is available, the individual(s) must be willing to receive it. There are two main sources of counseling for the Bible-believing Christian:
| a) Godly parents |
Godly parents have experience, wisdom, want what is best for their children, and see the "big picture".
| b) A godly pastor |
The pastor can be more objective than parents, understands the Bible better than anyone else, and is specially gifted and positioned by God to counsel on marriage (Amo 3:7; Heb 13:7,17).
The Christian should not seek counsel from the world's marriage counselors, sociologists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. These individuals may be sincere in their desire and effort to help people, but they are not adequately equipped, nor are they divinely appointed, to address spiritual matters, and a Christian marriage is a SPIRITUAL matter.
| 2) Regard the PURPOSE for the marriage |
| a) The wrong reasons |
| 1. To CONVERT the other person to Christ |
Desiring to see the other person saved is commendable, but using marriage as a means of achieving that end is unwise and unscriptural (2 Cor 6:14). Seek to win them to Christ BEFORE marriage, or even dating.
| 2. To CONFORM the other person to a physical, social, or philosophical ideal |
Many have made the mistake of assuming they could change the other person if they married them. Both parties need to be willing to marry the other person "as is", not "as they may be". Marriage should not be considered based on a person's POTENTIAL character but their PRESENT character.
| 3. To COMPLY with the expectations of others |
| a. Due to pregnancy (the Christian should NEVER be in this situation) |
| b. Due to promises (including engagement) |
| c. Due to perceptions |
| 4. The COMELINESS of the other person (i.e.- physical attraction) |
There should be a degree of physical attraction between the two parties, but beauty is vain and temporal (Pro 31:30) and should not be the sole or primary reason for marriage.
| a. Time and gravity will eventually defeat the plastic surgeon and cosmetologist |
| b. Illness or injury can permanently disfigure or disable |
| 5. The CLASS of the other person (i.e.- social status or wealth) |
Marriage should be with a PERSON, not their POSSESSIONS. Riches and power are temporal (Pro 23:5; 27:24).
| 6. To CONFRONT feelings of desperation |
| a. Abstinence- some marry because they cannot control their sexual lusts any longer |
| b. Acceptance- some marry the first person that shows an interest in them because they do not believe any one else ever will show an interest in them |
| c. Age- some marry because they believe they are at an age where if they do not marry now they never will |
| b) The right reason |
The right reason for marriage is because the two parties LOVE each other unconditionally and want to spend the rest of their lives together, including raising a family together. Love is not the same thing as lust. Two people can have "lust" at first sight, but not love. Love is the result of spiritual and physical compatibility between two people, and the reason the two people desire to commit themselves to each other for a lifetime.
| 3) Regard the PERSON for marriage |
| a) The wrong person |
The information below applies to dating also since dating is the beginning of a relationship that eventually ends in marriage.
| 1. A non-Christian |
| a. It is against the COMMAND of God (1 Cor 7:39; 2 Cor 6:14) |
| b. There will be no spiritual COMPATIBILITY (2 Cor 6:15-16) |
| c. There will be no spiritual COMPANIONSHIP (Job 21:14; Psa 10:5; 2 Tim 3:4) |
| d. There will be spiritual COMPROMISE in order to appease the unsaved spouse |
The saved usually embrace the gods of the lost in a "mixed marriage" (Num 25:1-3; 1 Kin 11:4).
| e. There will be spiritual CONFUSION among the children (Neh 13:23-24; 1 Cor 14:33) |
The Bible instructs us not to have fellowship with the following individuals; therefore, they are professing Christians. If this instruction applies to fellowship, it would certainly apply to marriage since it is the highest form of fellowship.
| 2. A person living in sin (Pro 24:1; Eph 5:11; 2 Tim 2:21) |
| 3. A person with a bad temper (Pro 21:19; 22:24-25; 29:22) |
| 4. A trouble-maker (Pro 6:19; Rom 16:17) |
| 5. A heretic (Rom 16:17; Tit 3:10) |
A heretic is, "one who holds or teaches doctrine contrary to scripture". Teaching doctrine contrary to the fundamentals of the Christian faith would certainly constitute heresy. Things become uncertain when non-fundamentals are considered. Marrying a person who does not believe in all the fundamentals of the Christian faith, especially doctrines related to the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation, is PROHIBITED. Marrying a person who is saved, believes in all the fundamentals of the faith, but belongs to a different denomination, is NOT PREFERRABLE. The Christian who does so anyway, will experience spiritual compromise and confusion in the family.
| 6. A fornicator (1 Cor 5:9,11) |
Marrying a fornicator will result in a relationship based on mistrust, many long and lonely nights wondering if the other person is sleeping with somebody else, and constant fear of potential contraction of venereal disease or AIDS.
| 7. A covetous person (1 Cor 5:11; 1 Tim 6:5) |
Marrying a covetous person will result in a relationship filled with financial problems, including unpaid bills and skyrocketing debt (Pro 21:20; Hag 1:6).
| 8. An idolator (1 Cor 5:11) |
| 9. A railer (1 Cor 5:11) |
The word railer is translated from the Greek word blasfhmos (transliterated blasphemy) (1 Tim 6:4; 2 Pet 2:11; Jude 9). The word means, "to jab; to molest; to revile; to scoff; to use insolent or reproachful language; to insult". Marrying a railer will result in a relationship where there is frequent cussing and verbal abuse.
| 10. A glutton or drunkard (includes alcohol and drugs) (Pro 23:20;1 Cor 5:11) |
Marring a glutton, drunkard, or druggie, will result in a relationship headed for financial ruin due to the need to support the other person's "habit" (Pro 23:21). There will also be constant health and safety issues (Pro 4:17). The family could be in constant fear of their lives, not knowing which "person" will come home to them, or even if they will come home.
| 11. An extortioner (1 Cor 5:11) |
The word extort means, "to gain by force, oppression, violence, or any illegal means". Marrying an extortioner, will result in a relationship where there is physical abuse and constant bouts with the law.
| 12. A lazy person (2 The 3:6,11,14) |
| a. There will be financial and food problems (Pro 20:4; 2 The 3:10) |
| b. There will be hygiene and housekeeping problems (Pro 24:30-31) |
| c. There will be disharmony (Pro 26:16) |
WHAT ABOUT INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS?
There are two things to consider regarding this highly sensitive subject: (1) the testimony of scripture, and (2) the testimony among men. The various races originated through Noah's sons after the Flood, and proliferated shortly thereafter. Since that time, God has determined boundaries for the various nations and races so that they would seek after him (Acts 17:26-27). The tower of Babel and the subsequent judgment (Gen 11:1-9) are indications of what will happen when man fails to recognize the boundaries and distinction God has made in the races. Interracial marriage not only violates the boundaries God has established, but more importantly, it will eventually result in a hybrid race that does not seek after God. The question is, does this racial distinction apply to Christians? If there is no clear New Testament testimony superseding this Old Testament distinction, then it is reasonable to conclude it applies to the Christian. But there are numerous New Testament scriptures indicating that all physical distinctions are done away with in Christ (Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11). Man may look on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart (1 Sam 16:7). In addition, contrary to popular opinion, there is no New Testament scripture prohibiting interracial marriage between two Christians. Many argue that the prohibition God placed on Israel regarding interracial marriage is a principle that ought to be followed by God's people today. But God did not prohibit the Israelites from marrying ALL Gentiles (Deu 21:10-13), just the Canaanites and other occupants of Canaan (Deu 7:1-4). The New Testament corollary is the prohibition of marrying an unbeliever (2 Cor 6:14-18). Therefore, the testimony of scripture is that interracial marriage between two Christians is NOT PROHIBITED. However, the Christian's testimony among men must also be considered. The Christian must keep in mind that his conduct has an effect on others, believers and unbelievers alike (Rom 14:7). Although something may be lawful, it may not be expedient or edifying (1 Cor 10:23). Just because the Christian has liberty to do something does not mean he ought to do it. Christians should not do anything that purposely offends another person (1 Cor 10:32) and gives place for them to think or speak evil of Christ. Most aspects of society and the church frown upon interracial marriage and consider it wrong. Consequently, if a Christian marries a person from another race, they will be viewed as doing something wrong, and that creates a poor testimony among men. Both the husband and wife, as well as any children, will have their fair share of "trouble in the flesh" (1 Cor 7:28). Therefore, the testimony among men, and the conclusion of the matter, is that interracial marriage between Christians is NOT PREFERRED.
| b) The right person |
The right person is GOD'S CHOICE (Gen 24:14), will be found in the right PLACE in the right WAY (Gen 24:27). For example, the right person can be found in church or church related functions, as opposed to bars or nightclubs. The right person may be introduced by a mutual spiritual friend, but is not waiting on the list of a dating service.
| 1. Reverse the characteristics of the wrong person (a Christian, a Christian serving the Lord, a person of self-control, sound in doctrine, similar beliefs, faithful, financially prudent, kind, honest, and industrious) |
| 2. A person who has the right relationship with the Lord (see: PERSONAL DEVOTIONS) |
| 3. A person who has the appropriate conduct of a brother or sister in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP) |
| 4. A person who has the appropriate conduct of a friend (see: FRIEND) |
| 5. A person of virtue (Pro 31:10-31) NOTE |
| 4) Regard the PERIOD of the marriage |
| a) The wrong time |
It is possible to have the right person, but if the marriage takes place at the wrong time, it will probably end in divorce.
| 1. A time of spiritual, financial, or physical INSTABILITY (Luke 14:28-30; 1 Cor 7:26) |
| Cont: (Gen 24:35-41) |
| 2. A time of UNCERTAINTY |
| a. Uncertain of the right purpose |
| b. Uncertain of the right person |
| c. Questions to help make decision |
| * Is the woman ready and willing to submit to the man as unto the Lord? (Eph 5:22) |
| * Is the man more spiritual than the woman? (Eph 5:23) |
| * Is the man ready and willing to be the head of the home? (Eph 5:23) |
| * Does the man love the woman sacrificially? (Eph 5:25) |
| * Is the man ready and willing to independently provide for the woman? (Eph 5:31) |
| * Does the woman revere the man? (Eph 5:33) |
| * Are the man and the woman best friends? (Song 5:16) |
| * Is there peace from the Lord? (Phl 4:6-7) |
| * Are the man and the woman willing to submit to the word of God as the final authority in their marriage? (2 Tim 3:16-17) |
| * Are the man and the woman willing to spend the rest of their life with each other? (Gen 2:24) |
| b) The right time |
| 1. A time of spiritual, financial, and physical stability |
| 2. A time of certainty |
| C) DUTIES OF MARRIAGE (Post-Marital Conduct) |
| 1) The husband |
| a) To preside over his wife (Gen 3:16; 1 Tim 3:5) |
The husband is responsible for being the spiritual and physical head of the family (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23). This does not mean he is a dictator, or that he makes all the decisions, it does mean he is responsible for the decisions that are made.
| b) To provide for his wife (Gen 3:16; 1 Tim 3:5; 5:8) |
The husband is responsible for taking care of his family, and ensuring all their needs are met, physically, financially, and spiritually.
| c) To love his wife (Eph 5:25) |
| 1. As Christ loved the church (i.e.- sacrificially) (Eph 5:25) |
| 2. As their own bodies (i.e.- unselfishly) (Eph 5:28-29,33) |
| 3. As a sister in the Lord (1 Pet 3:8) |
| d) To render due benevolence to his wife (1 Cor 7:3) |
He should not treat her like a possession or object of personal pleasure.
| e) To defraud not his wife (1 Cor 7:5) |
He should not refuse to give her physical intimacy.
| f) To give honor to his wife (1 Pet 3:7) |
| g) To be compassionate to his wife (1 Pet 3:8) |
| h) To show pity to his wife (1 Pet 3:8) |
| i) To be courteous to his wife (1 Pet 3:8) |
| j) To render blessing to his wife instead of evil for evil or railing for railing (1 Pet 3:9) |
| k) To treat his wife like a sister in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP) |
| l) To treat his wife like a friend (see: FRIEND) |
| 2) The wife |
| a) To submit/be in subjection to her husband as unto the Lord (Eph 5:22,24; Tit 2:5; 1 Pet 3:1) |
This does not mean that the wife is a slave to the husband and is obligated to obey anything and everything he tells her. The submission is "as unto the Lord", and the Lord would never tell us to do anything sinful or harmful. If the husband tells the wife to do something unscriptural, unlawful, unethical, or harmful, she is not obligated to obey. The same principle of submission applies in our relationship with government or employer.
| b) To reverence her husband (Eph 5:33) |
The word reverence means, "to give honor and respect". The wife should never criticize her husband in the presence of others.
| c) To bear children for her husband (1 Tim 5:14) |
| d) To guide and keep the house for her husband (1 Tim 5:14; Tit 2:5) |
The wife is responsible for "housekeeping" and taking care of the children. This truth is offensive to many contemporary women, who have been poisoned by the philosophy of the N.O.W. Today, it is very difficult for a family to get by on just the income of the man. It requires tremendous self-discipline and sacrifice on the part of the entire family. However, the benefits are invaluable. Our society is beginning to reap the results of having someone other than the wife raise the children.
| e) To love their husband (Tit 2:4) as a brother in Christ (1 Pet 3:8) |
| f) To render due benevolence to her husband (1 Cor 7:3) |
She should not treat him like a possession or object of personal pleasure.
| g) To defraud not her husband (1 Cor 7:5) |
She should not refuse to give him physical intimacy.
| h) To be modest in appearance for her husband (1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-4) |
| i) To be compassionate to her husband (1 Pet 3:8) |
| j) To show pity to her husband (1 Pet 3:8) |
| k) To be courteous to her husband (1 Pet 3:8) |
| l) To render blessing to her husband instead of evil for evil or railing for railing (1 Pet 3:9) |
| m) To treat her husband like a brother in Christ (see: FELLOWSHIP) |
| n) To treat her husband like a friend (see: FRIEND) |
II) PARENTING
A billboard on the side of the road contained a picture of a mother and father, and their baby, with a subtitle that read, "Its too bad they don't come with an instruction manual". The truth is, they do, but it is not Dr. Spock's books. The instruction manual on raising children is THE BIBLE.
| A) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS |
Although the following responsibilities are applicable to both parents, the Bible places ultimate responsibility on the father as the head of the family (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21; 1 Tim 3:4,12).
| 1) To TREASURE their children (Psa 127:3) |
The word heritage means, "an inheritance; objects of special care". Children are a gracious gift from God (Gen 33:5; 48:9; Ruth 4:12-13; 1 Sam 1:27; Heb 2:13), but come with tremendous responsibility. God has entrusted the parents as stewards of the wonderful heritage of children; therefore, parents should seek the Lord for guidance and assistance in being faithful stewards (1 Cor 4:2) of their children.
| a) Cherish them (1 The 2:7) |
| b) Exhort, comfort, and charge them (1 The 2:11) |
| c) Love them (Tit 2:4) |
| 2) To TRAIN their children (Pro 22:6) |
| a) The PROCEDURES of the training ("Train up a child…") |
| 1. The METHOD |
| a. Instruction (Pro 13:1) |
| * By word |
| * By deed |
| b. Correction (Discipline) (Pro 3:11-12) |
| * Verbal (admonition and rebuke) (Eph 6:4; Heb 12:5) |
The word admonish means, "to warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness; to counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise; the first step in discipline".
The word rebuke means, "to chide; to reprimand; to reprehend for a fault; to criticize sharply; to check; an expression of strong disapproval". A rebuke is much stronger than an admonishment or reproof.
Following the Lord's example with his children, parents should almost always begin the disciplinary process with VERBAL correction.
| * Physical (Eph 6:4) |
The word nurture means, "to feed; to nourish; to train; to educate". The Greek word paideia that is translated as "nurture" (Eph 6:4) is also translated as "chastening" (Heb 12:7-8,11). The world calls child discipline of any physical form "child abuse". They insist "time outs", revoking of privileges (e.g.- no Internet, GameBoy, PlayStation, etc.) and grounding will sufficiently correct deviant behavior in a child. While these various forms of discipline can be effective, and certainly have their place in the disciplinary process, the Bible teaches that chastening with the "ROD of correction" (Pro 22:15) is necessary and right if it is done appropriately.
| 2. The MANNER |
| a. Child discipline must be done in the right PLACE |
Parents should never strike their children on the back, chest, face, etc. The most common scenario is a parent striking a child on the mouth for lying or talking back. While this may be traditional in some families, it is inappropriate. The appropriate place is the buttocks. Apply the "board of education" to the "seat of learning".
| b. Child discipline must be done for the right REASON |
Parents should never discipline their children in anger or as a means of taking out their frustrations. If the parent feels they are on the verge of losing control of their emotions, they should send the child to their room until they regain control. A child is not going to learn from their parents if they are screaming at them. All discipline should be carried out because the parent LOVES their child (Pro 13:24), and wants the deviant behavior corrected. Parents who have disciplined their children know the old saying, "this is going to hurt me more than it is going to hurt you" is true. Parents should never apologize for disciplining their child, but should reassure them of their love and have a time of prayer with them, especially after the child has apologized.
| c. Child discipline must be done in the right WAY |
| * Persistently |
Parents should not avoid disciplining their children or sparing the rod, either partially because the child cries or accuses them of being mean and hateful (Pro 19:18), or completely (Pro 23:13) because they want to be their "friend". If the parent eases up on the discipline the moment the child begins to cry, the child will recognize this and will begin to cry (or fake it) almost before the first lick occurs.
| * Consistently |
Parents also need to be consistent in their form of discipline. One parent should not spank while the other does not, when the child does the same thing wrong. Parents should not spank their children for acting or speaking ignorantly. A good example of this is spanking a child for cussing when they are completely unaware they are doing so. Parents need to keep their word. If they have specified that a particular form of discipline is forthcoming to their child, it must be carried out.
| d. Child discipline must be done at the right TIME |
| * Early |
Parents need to begin disciplining their children as soon as it is apparent that the child KNOWS they are doing wrong (Pro 19:18). If parents wait until their children are at the end of, or no longer in, their formative years, to begin disciplining them, it could have counter-productive results.
| * Expeditiously |
Parents also need to carry out discipline in an expeditious manner. If the parent needs to wait a moment to "cool off", that is fine, but if the discipline is "put off", it will lose its desired effect and could breed anger and discouragement in the child when it is carried out. The Bible says, "he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Pro 13:24). The word betimes means, "in good season or time; before it is too late; in a short time". Agag thought he would be spared any punishment because nothing happened to him within a reasonable amount of time; he was wrong (1 Sam 15:32-33).
| 3. The MODELS of poor discipline |
| a. Jacob (Gen 34:5; 35:22) |
| b. Eli (1 Sam 2:22-25,29) |
| c. David (2 Sam 13:21; 1 Kin 1:5-6) |
| 4. The MODEL of good discipline- Solomon (1 Kin 2:36-46) |
Solomon clearly communicated the "house rules" to Shimei and the consequences for breaking them (1 Kin 2:36-37). Shimei responded that he fully understood (1 Kin 2:38). Three years later, circumstances arose whereby Shimei inadvertently broke the "house rules" (1 Kin 2:39-40). When word came to Solomon of Shimei's disobedience (1 Kin 2:41), Solomon immediately confronted Shimei. Solomon reviewed their original conversation regarding the rules and the consequences for breaking them, and the fact Shimei expressed that he understood them all (1 Kin 2:42). He then gave Shimei the opportunity to explain why he broke the rule (1 Kin 2:43). Finally, Solomon kept his word and enforced the consequence of breaking the rule (1 Kin 2:46). The lesson to learn here is that children will learn to respect authority and laws if the parents give appropriate instruction and correction.
| b) The PRINCIPLES of the training ("…in the way he should go") |
| 1. Social training |
| a. To obey authority |
| b. To work (Lam 3:27) |
| c. To have good personal hygiene and physical habits (eating, sleeping) |
| d. To manage their time wisely (God, family, school, friends, pleasure) |
| e. To manage their money wisely (tithing, saving, spending) |
| f. To respect others' possessions |
| g. To share with others |
| h. Not to scream and fight |
| i. To be polite to others ("please", "thank you", "sir", "ma'am") |
| j. To forgive and ask for forgiveness |
| 2. Spiritual training |
Every man's motto for his family ought to be, "…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Jos 24:15). In order for this to become a reality, the word of God needs to be given a prominent and prevalent place in his heart and home (Deu 6:6-9).
| a. Faithful walk with the Lord |
Children will receive the spiritual training they need if the parents faithfully walk with the Lord before them. Parents should read the word of God and pray every day, they should be active witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, and they should faithfully attend and serve in a local Bible-believing church. They should be prepared to answer their children's questions regarding spiritual things (Exo 12:26-27).
| b. Family altar |
The FAMILY ALTAR is a specific time each day that the family assembles together around the word of God and prayer. The responsibility for the family altar rests upon the father, as the spiritual head of the home (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21). But if he is unable to carry out the responsibility for any reason, then the responsibility rests upon the mother. Family altar time should consist of scripture reading and prayer, but could also include testimonies and singing. It is important to be consistent in maintaining family altar. The children will learn: (1) how to pray, (2) the word of God, (3) to make time for the Lord each day. In addition to
| c) The PROMISE of the training ("…when he is old, he will not depart from it") |
| 1. Salvation to the children (Pro 23:14) |
Raising children "by the Book" does not guarantee your children will be right at any given time. But if parents stay by the Book, pray with and for their children, and remain faithful themselves in their relationship with the Lord, their children will be right in the end. God had two children, Adam and Eve, and he raised them in a perfect environment, in perfect fellowship with him and they still disobeyed. But by the grace of God things worked out in the end for them (the coats of skins) and for all those who trust Jesus Christ as Savior.
| 2. Wisdom to the children (Pro 29:15) |
| 3. Rest and delight to the parents (Pro 29:17) |
| 3) To TAKE CARE of their children (2 Cor 12:14; 1 Tim 3:4,12) |
This is self-explanatory. Taking care of children includes providing them with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical attention, and even gifts (Matt 7:11).
| B) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILDREN |
| 1) Honor their father and mother (Exo 20:12; Deu 5:16; Mal 1:6; Matt 19:19; Eph 6:2) |
| 2) Obey their parents (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20) |
catcmo2006 would like to Thank You for allow in this site,group sites, web sites and other prayer sites as well in holding one another up for prayer's being totally united in everyone around this world, it's about Jesus Christ first and prayers,intecessory prayer's and at other times about this vast world we live in today which this old world as we all know it is slowly departing to be reaching our home in glory.
The FAMILY is the oldest of three institutions ordained of God, the others are human government and the church. The family and the church are complementary institutions. The greatest home is one built around a church, and the greatest church is one made up of families. Satan realizes the most effective way to stifle the church is to attack the families. Consequently, we see tremendous perversion and disintegration of the family today. This section of the course consists of two parts, marriage and parenting. We begin with the foundation of the family institution, marriage.
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