No Cost Too High

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

MATTHEW 7:13-14

 

PONDER THIS

It costs to serve Jesus. It costs every day. It costs every step of the way, and there is no fine print in the contract. Many of us have settled for cheap grace, an “easy believism.” There is, necessarily, a discipline to the Christian life.

Take a river and just let it meander, and it has no power. But dam it up, and it makes power that can light up a city. A few years ago, a young African was martyred for the cause of Christ. But before he died, he wrote a poem of commitment and resolution to serve God no matter the cost. Compare that with the Christianity we see today. We are often looking for a cheap way, an easy way, a lazy way to serve Jesus. There is no such thing. We are called to follow Him, be changed by Him, and surrender daily to Him because the cost will be worth it in the end.

What comes to mind when you think of the cost of the Christian life?

What does it look like to be disciplined in your faith daily?

PRACTICE THIS

Talk to a trusted Christian brother or sister about the ways you are seeking growth in the discipline of following Christ.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

But - I didn't deserve that!

BIBLE MEDITATION:

For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

As a child, did you ever get a spanking you didn’t deserve? Maybe now and then your dad or mom would just be in a “spanking mood,” and they’d spank everyone they could get their hands on?

Talk about being indignant! There is nothing worse to a child than to realize, “I got spanked, and I didn’t deserve it.”

You know what’s funny? At that point, we never stop to think about all the times we deserved a spanking and didn’t get one!

Our Father is mercifully loving and graciously wise to give us what we need at all times. Sometimes we need His hand of love in comfort; sometimes we need His hand of love in discipline.

ACTION POINT:

Thank God that His hand of mercy extends to you when you don’t deserve it and that His hand of discipline extends to you when you do.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Hurting You To Heal You

Discipline:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. - Hebrews 12:1-13

The Goal:

14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. - Hebrews 12:14-17

The reward:

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest

19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.

20 For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."

21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,

23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."

27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken-that is, things that have been made-in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

29 for our God is a consuming fire. - Hebrews 12:18-29

All Things May Be Lawful, But…

BIBLE MEDITATION:

 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If you want to be a victor in the race God has for you, you must learn the discipline of laying aside some weights. Many times these weights are good things in our lives. But good things are bad things when they keep us from doing the best things.

Life would be simple if it were a choice between good and bad. But typically it’s a choice between good and best.

Our verse says “all things are not expedient.” When you think of the word “expedient,” think of the word “expedition.” You are going somewhere, and if something doesn’t speed you on your way, it’s excess baggage and you need to get rid of it.

ACTION POINT:

Ask God, “Are there legitimate, lawful things in my life that are keeping me from running the race You’ve given me?” If revealed, ask for discipline to lay them aside!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Taming the Tongue

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Your tongue can get you into a lot of trouble. There is nothing that can do more damage to your relationships than your words.

Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words.” That is, if you’re smart, you won’t talk so much. When you do talk, keep your words warm and sweet because you may have to eat them later.

There’s an old saying I heard a Rabbi use once that reminds us:
“The ears are open and out. They’re unguarded, but the tongue is behind ivory bars.”

When you’re talking, you’re not learning.
When you’re not learning, you’re not communicating.
When you’re not communicating, there will be no intimacy in your relationships.

ACTION POINT:
In what ways has your mouth gotten you into trouble this week? Confess those times before the Lord and ask for strength and wisdom to be a better communicator. 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Train Up A Child

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A little boy was riding around and around the block. A man asked him, “What are you doing?”

“I’m running away from home,” he said.

“But you’re just going around and around the block,” said the man.

The little boy responded, “That’s because my mom won’t let me cross the street!”

Even in the earliest ages, there can be restraint in the heart of a child because of godly training by his or her parents. The only way I ever learned to play football was on the training field. The classroom wasn’t enough. Parents must provide training and education for the lessons of life to be ingrained in their children.

ACTION POINT:

Has God given you the divine responsibility of parenthood? Then spend some time this week training your child in one area of godly living.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Removing Trip-Ups from the Track

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”  1 Corinthians 9:24

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Runners not only need to untangle themselves from weights that may slow them down, but they need to also remove things from the track that may trip them up! 

As a Christian, the good things in life may slow us down, but sin will stop us dead in our tracks—it will trip us up. You had better learn to treat sin as sin would treat you! Sin will be merciless to you, and you need to be merciless to sin. 

2 Timothy 2:19 says “Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

ACTION POINT:

Is there any unconfessed sin in your life that is tripping you up today?  Pray Psalm 139:23-24.

 LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

All Things May Be Lawful, But…

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If you want to be a victor in the race God has for you, you must learn the discipline of laying aside some weights. Many times these weights are good things in our lives. But good things are bad things when they keep us from doing the best things. 

Life would be simple if it were a choice between good and bad. But typically it’s a choice between good and best. 

Our verse says “all things are not expedient.” When you think of the word “expedient,” think of the word “expedition.” You are going somewhere, and if something doesn’t speed you on your way, it’s excess baggage and you need to get rid of it. 

ACTION POINT:

Ask God, “Are there legitimate, lawful things in my life that are keeping me from running the race You’ve given me?” If revealed, ask for discipline to lay them aside!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Setting Sail for a New Year

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Helen Keller was born with sight, but became blind as a young child. Yet she had vision. A reporter asked Miss Keller, “Is there anything worse than losing your sight?” 

“Yes,” she said, “It is to have sight but no vision.” 

Do you have a vision for your life at the threshold of a new year? On New Year’s Day, I review the goals for my life. These are spiritual, relational, intellectual, physical, and financial goals. I pray over these and ask for God’s will to be done in each one. I hold them in an open hand and ask that God would give me wisdom as to the direction He wants for my life. I don’t want to be a man without vision. I don’t you to be one, either.

ACTION POINT:

Begin to think about some goals you would like for your life. Pray and seek the Lord’s face as you ponder the future.

LWF  Dr. Adrian Rogers

“The Cross and Christian Discipline

1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

11 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

What About Church Disputes?

The Overall Problem...
Christians were denying the wisdom they had in the church. (6:1-5)
Christians were destroying the witness they had in the world. (6:6)
Christians were disobeying the will of God in the gospel. (6:7-8)
We sacrifice our rights to show the love of Christ.
(1 Cor. 4:12-13; Mat. 5:39-40; 1 Thess. 5:15)
Cor. 4:12-13
12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
Mat. 5:39-40
39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
1 Thess. 5:15
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

We strive for reconciliation with one another in Christ. (Rom. 12:1-21)
Romans 12:1-21
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The General Principles...
We recognize in this text that Christians should settle disputes
with other Christians in the church outside of court.
We remember from other texts that Christians should subject themselves
to governing authorities for our good. (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Acts 24:2-4; 25:10-11).
Rom.13:1-7
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
Acts 24:2-4
2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation,
3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.
4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly.
Acts 25:10-11
10 But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar."

Discipline, Disputes, and The Church at Brook Hills...
Let’s obey with the love of Christ. (5:1-2; 6:1-8)
Let’s do church discipline not only because we love righteousness, but
also because we long for a brother or sister’s restoration. (Jas. 5:19-20)
Jas. 5:19-20
19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back,
20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Let’s settle church disputes not only because we have a responsibility to do this, but also because we desire reconciliation through this. (Eph. 4:1-3)
Eph. 4:1-3
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let’s be humble. (Col. 3:13; Prov. 19:11)
Col. 3:13
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Prov. 19:11
11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Let’s be biblical.
Is there unrepentant sin that is dishonoring God? (5:11; 6:9-10)
Is there unrepentant sin that is denying the gospel?
(1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18)
1 Tim. 1:18-20
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
2 Tim. 2:17-18
17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.

Is there unrepentant sin that is detrimental to a brother or sister? (Heb. 10:24-31)
Heb. 10:24-31
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Is there unrepentant sin that is harming the unity of the
church? (Rom. 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11)
Rom. 16:17-18
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Titus 3:9-11
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Is there unrepentant sin that is hurting the witness of the church? (1 Cor. 10:31-33; Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Thess. 4:12)
1 Cor. 10:31-33
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Phil. 2:14-15
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
1 Thess. 4:12
12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one
Let’s be pure.(Mat. 7:1-5).
Mat. 7:1-5
1"Judge not, that you be not judged.
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Examine your life.

Examine your motives.
Let’s be prayerful. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Let’s be quiet before others. (Eph. 4:29-32)
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Let’s be quick to act. (Mat. 5:23-26)
23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.
26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Let’s be gentle to others. (Gal. 6:1)
Let’s be careful ourselves.
1 Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Let’s be intentional (Mat. 18:15-17)...
15"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Private Correction

Small Group Clarification

Church Admonishment

Church Excommunication
A clear change in relationship. (5:9, 11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15;
2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

2 Tim. 3:5;
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Titus 3:10;
10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
2 John 10;
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,

remember also Eph. 5:22-33;
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
30 because we are members of his body.
31"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1 Cor. 7:10-16;
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband
11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Eph. 6:1-3;
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),
3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
1 Tim. 5:8;
8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Pet. 3:1-2)
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

A continual call (and continual prayer) for repentance.
(2 Pet. 3:9;
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
1 John 2:19)
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
Let’s trust in the authority of Christ. (5:3-5; 6:2; Mat. 18:18)
Mat. 18:18
18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Let’s pray according to His promise. (Mat. 18:19)
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Let’s be confident in His presence. (Mat. 18:20)
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Let’s honor the cross of Christ. (5:6-8)
We want a Christ who pardons, but do we want a Christ who purifies?
When we tolerate unrepentant sin in the church, we trample on the sacrifice of Christ.
Let’s celebrate new life in Christ. (5:9-13; 6:9-11)
Realize...
Who you once were. n What He once did.
Who you now are.
What you will be.
Rejoice...
The death of Christ on the cross transforms our lives and relationships in the church.

Thank you pastor David!

Godly Discipline

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of The Lord.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Col.3:20-21
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Prov.13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. 

All my life I have believed in spanking! I spanked my daughters and I have spanked my grand kids. We must be careful in discipline not to over use spanking or it will become ineffective. There comes a point in time, as a child matures, when a child can be reasoned with. When a child looses control, spanking may not be the answer. Time out from their favorite pass time is a good alternative. Do not be a party to a tantrum! Both you and your child will loose control. Time alone for them in their room, to calm down is key.
Then punishment can be given with an explanation as to why they are being punished. Love your kids, they are an amazing gift for which you are responsible for before God! I have made many mistakes in my parenting, as my daughters gladly will tell you!