A Companion of Fools

Three Fools of Carnival, Pieter Bruegel the Elder

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, 

but the companion of fools will suffer harm." 

-Proverbs 13:20

There is much wisdom in this Proverb, both for young and old alike. In my home, we talk regularly to our children about the company they keep, the books they read, and how they spend their time, because my wife and I both know the powerful influence these have on our lives. 

In high school, I was the proverbial "fool" that Christian parents would've wanted their little Johnny to stay away from, and had my hand in leading many a young person down the fool's road. I lacked wisdom and discretion in many areas of life, and enjoyed finding others who shared my views. It wasn't until the Lord's grace reached me and transformed my life by removing my heart of stone and implanting a heart of flesh, that I was able to finally see my folly; and folly is putting it mildly.

So what company are you keeping these days? Who do you enjoy spending your days off with, your free time with, and your internet time with? 

What about your children; what company are they keeping? 

Who do you believe in your heart, has the hearts of your children? 

Have they become "the companion of fools," or do they walk with the wise?

The Proverb says "whoever walks with the wise becomes wise," but what exactly does that mean?  To 'walk' with the wise is to willingly reject the fool's path. Walking with someone is a predetermined, cognitive act, that moves you in a certain direction. It isn't just 'knowing' the wise, or once in a while heading in the same direction as the wise; NO, it's much more intentional, much more decisive, much more engaging, and much more formative. It's doing life with the wise, and letting the wise shape your life.

A companion of fools is easy to spot. He's the guys who mopes around aimlessly in life while the wise move toward a vision of where they want to be. The fool is seldom called upon to accomplish anything because no one, except maybe his mother, believes he can do much of anything based on his track record. He's the guy who quits every job he has because he believes his boss is picking on him. The guy who refuses to join the military because he hears stories about how hard boot camp is and that he can't play video games there. The guy who's only looking for a date, not a wife, and only pursues girls who's dad isn't the protector he's called to be in her life. The fool thinks life should be easy, where as the wise understand the fall of man and the duty of man toward God to bring order out of chaos in a fallen world.

The fool says little in life of any substance. He holds no place of honor in the systems of government God has established for humanity to live and function under. He's the guy who says "let's eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we shall die." The wise "eat, drink and are merry" as well (1 Cor. 10:31), but for much different reasons. In 1 Corinthians 15: 33-34, Paul says, 

"Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame."

Are duty as men toward God is to pursue wisdom with all our heart. And our duty as fathers and parents is to raise sons and daughters who pursue wisdom with all their heart. The trumpet has sounded and the King awaits your service....

 "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, 

 act like men, be strong."

-1 Corinthians 16:13

The Result of NOT Fathering Your Sons

6 year old, Aliyah Shell, pictured above.

This past weekend saw 49 people get shot, with 10 fatalities, in the city of Chicago, where I grew up. One of the victims who died was a 6 year old little girl named, Aliyah Shell, who was shot while sitting with her mother on the front porch of their home, as her mom brushed her hair while they prepared to attend a birthday party on a warm, sunny afternoon.

Read the article here.

The reason this post is entitled, "The Result of NOT Fathering Your Sons," is because these shootings, as with most violent crimes, were perpetrated by young men with no fear of God, and no measure of self control, which fathers, like myself, are commanded to instill in their sons when they're growing up. When boys are allowed to grow up without men teaching them what manhood is all about, we end up with weekends like this one. The two young men who shot and KILLED this innocent little girl are 18 and 16 years old, who's lives are now forever changed, like Aliyah's.

I have a hard time believing that these two young men have hard working fathers who spend lots of time with them living at home. If that turns out to be the case, I will be very surprised. More often than not, young men who commit crimes like this are being raised by single moms, who are doing what they can to pay the bills and keep food on the table, while the men who fathered the boys, are out doing their own thing. I grew up in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, so I know what I'm talking about. But not for the grace of God, I would have been one these young men.

Having said that, I really wouldn't have a problem with the fathers of young men who commit crimes like this being held responsible in some fashion. True, the fathers didn't pull the trigger of the gun that killed Aliyah, but neither did they train the hearts of the boys who did, and for that, I say, hold them responsible.

Now the Chicago Police Department is scrambling as they look for ways to combat violent crime in Chicago, so that the citizens there can feel safe, when the only answer needed is found in the world's most bought and read book in human history, the Bible. One verse we can start with is Ephesians 6:4, which reads;

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Or how about Psalm 78:5, which says,

 "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,"

 And if we're man enough to read on, Deuteronomy 21: 18-21 says this to fathers of rebellious sons:

If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Now, will sin reign in the hearts of some sons, even though they've been brought up and disciplined by Godly men, yes...

Are men responsible for their own actions in the sight of the LORD, yes...

Can the violence we see in our culture being thrust upon society, in large part, by men, be GREATLY reduced, yes it can...

This little girl didn't have to die in the arms of her mother, who had dreams and goals for her little gift from God, the way that she did. The two young men who killed Aliyah will pay for their crime, in this life and the next, apart from faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sin, and as a society, we long for justice. But what about their fathers? Are they around? Are they alive? Do they even know what their sons did???

In Revelation 21:5, Jesus said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And to that, I say, Amen.

As men, we must embrace our roles in society and do our duty to the LORD. He has commanded us to disciple our children, to love our wives, and to work hard. With a quick glance at culture, it doesn't take long to see how men have completely abandoned what they were created for, and wear their refusal to be a man as a badge of honor. LORD help us.

As you go through your day, keep Aliyah's family in your prayers, as well as the city of Chicago. I have family that live there, know men ministering there, and believe God can do amazing things there.

May every man do his duty...

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**If you're able to help with the $8,000.00 funeral cost, please visit my wife's blog where she's collecting money to give to the family. This little girl was best friends with my friends young daughter in kindergarten, so this story is very disturbing on several fronts. If you can't help financially, please pray as you remember to. Thanks, and God Bless...

What About Socialization?

My family runs a blog aimed at encouraging homeschoolers called The Homeschool Corner, and thought you might enjoy this funny video my wife posted there this morning about the silly questions we homeschoolers have to answer about "socialization."

Hope you enjoy; click here to view!

Educating Children Pt.4 - Education as Discipleship

In this, my last post on 'Educating Children,' I would like to write briefly about how the education of our children helps or hinders us as parents in our attempt to obey the scriptures and "bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Over the years as a Father of 8 homeschooling children, I've been pleasantly observing the transitional language that those in the homeschool movement have begun to perpetuate.

I've seen the movement go from one of "homeschooling," to "home education," to "home discipleship." And I like the last statement the best. I believe it encapsulates what home educators are after. We're not trying to do public school at home, or trying to compete the public schools at all. We are after something much more significant. Much more substantial. Much more faithful to scripture.

Those families who we spend time with, who are also home educators, are after the multi-generational vision that the word of God sets forth for parents to pursue in the covenant relationship that they have with Him and their children.

The Lord doesn't save people to be cul-de-sacs. He saves them to be 6-way intersections, affecting lives in all direction. Telling others of His goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and most of all His Son. And He expects parents to begin their missionary life by bringing up their children firmly grounded in His word, and thoroughly protected from those who would seek to harm them.

"...Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses."

Nehemiah 4:14

Did you hear that Men? The Lord says to fight for your families, not to offer them on the alter of convenience in the name of education.

Use the 12+ years of educating your children as a precious time of molding them, shaping them, developing them, and directing them in the way they should go. The Lord promises that if we do this correctly, they will not depart from the faith when they get old! (Proverbs 22:6)

How sad it is when a Father and Mother hear the great commission in Mathew 28:19, and never think to begin with those living in the same household as them. If you think I'm exaggerating, think again. The following is true:

• Between 75-88% of children growing up in Christian homes are leaving the faith by the end of their 2nd year of college.
• Less than 1 out of 10 "churched" teenagers has a biblical worldview. (*Churched means they went to Sunday school and youth group for 13 years from ages 5-18)
• The average Christian Father spends less than 1 minute a day engaged in conversation with each of his children.
• Most Christian homes have no formal discipleship happening on a daily basis.
• Most Christian homes don't do Family Devotions at all, let alone on a regular basis.
• Fathers hearts aren't turned to their children as they are commanded to be in scripture. (Malachi 4:6)

Can we do better? absolutely! Will it be easy? nothing worthy is! Look to cross Men, and call upon the Lord for a fresh vision for your home!

Stand on His promises and enjoy the fruit of living under His sovereign Hand!

Educating Children Pt.3: Educational Jurisdiction

OK... Part 3.. this time we're looking at the topic of 'Educational Jurisdiction.' In other words, who has God given the responsibility to for the education of His children?

Let's begin with some verses:

Eph. 6:4 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Deut. 6:4-9 4 ¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. {teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen} 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Prov. 22:6 6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (This verse is very specific in the meaning of the words for 'train up' and 'the way he should go.' The education he/she receives should help, not hinder, the child to accomplish that which God wants to see happen in the life of that child, namely, that they love him and serve him for their whole lives.)

Psalm 78:1-4 1 ¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. {Maschil…: or, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction}
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

So we see that from the beginning, God's desires for the children of His children is that they be brought up in a covenantally faithful household, and a large part of the discipleship process is the how we educate our children.

We see this evidenced by what the Lord said of Abraham being covenantally faithful in the following verse: (Genesis 18:19 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.)

Again, I'll repeat what I stated in another post, We as Christians cannot compartmentalize various areas of our lives and separate certain parts of them from the counsel of the Lord. Education is not spiritually neutral. In fact, education is inherently spiritual. Few things are more spiritual than education.

Why do Men who have a desire for ministry go to Bible college or seminary? Why not go to a government college? You know why! Because they wouldn't receive an education that would edify them and help them in their desire to serve the Lord faithfully in their calling. Right?

So is it different with our children? Don't they have a calling on their lives? Doesn't God desire for them to serve him faithfully all their lives, regardless of vocation? Yes He does. And he expects, no, let me rephrase that, He commands parents to help ensure that this happens and holds them directly responsible for how they turn out. For better or for worse!

The state has no jurisdiction over your children outside of keeping the rule of law. God didn't establish state governments to educate the children of His covenant members. In fact, he established it primarily to punish evil doers. So if you've been thinking that the state does have jurisdiction over the education of your children, they don't, You Do. Assume it, and set out on the path of giving your children a thoroughly biblical education. Your children may just thank you with their life for all eternity!

Educating Children Pt 2: The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools and Home Schools!

OK, my 2nd post on 'Educating Children.' Today's title:

"The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools, and Home Schools"

Hopefully, I'll be able to portray a pretty good picture of what I experienced in my own life as a public school student for 12+ years, and now a homeschooling Dad for 12+ years.

What I present is no way meant to be an exhaustive list of pros and cons, and may not accurately represent what you've experienced and have seen in your neck of the woods.

I understand that public schools in wealthier rural areas out perform public schools in poorer urban areas. My portrayal is based on national averages and overall behavioral patterns in general, not one district in particular.

We'll start with the pros and cons of Public or Government Schools, and end with the pros and cons of Home Schools.

Public or Government Schools:

Pros:

• Already paid for by your tax dollars. Out of pocket expenses are kept to a minimum, and limited to such things as field trips and perhaps fund raiser events. Depending on school, you may have to purchase uniforms as well.
• All the work is done for you. All you need to do is get 'em there. Either drive them yourself or have them ready for the school bus rain or shine.
• Your days are just that, YOUR DAYS. No kids to disrupt you while watching TV, surfing the web, making calls, running errands, etc., etc..
• Frees up Mom to pursue a career outside of the home where she can find her perceived happiness and true liberation from what the Lord says matters most.

Cons:

• Unbiblical world view is taught to your child for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 9 months a year, for 12 years of their life.
• Negative and evil peer pressures surround your child for time stated above.
  
• Child is faced with all types of sin that most children are unable to walk away from because of immaturity and lack of time being trained by parents.
• Innocents of child is lost at an age when unable to process the things they hear and see such as: sexual misconduct, vulgar language, homosexuality, immodest dress, poor character, rebellion to authority, rebellion toward God, hatred of God, etc.
• Parents sin against child by placing them in an environment that is hostile toward what they believe and where the child will almost always be the one who's converted. A lack of charity toward our children is to sin against them.
• Class sizes are about 1 teacher to 30+ students.
• No biblical or jurisdictional authority over the education of your child.
• Parental authority in the life of the child is almost completely obliterated.
• Unnatural surroundings (age segregation) leave children ill-prepared for real world.
  
• One size fits all approach to curriculum, learning styles, etc.
  
• Virtually no one on one time with teachers unless they're deemed 'special need' or 'underachieving.'
• Slave to schools calendar and schedule.
  
• Child is forced to violate the commands in Psalm 1 which reads:

1 ¶ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Private Schools:

Pros:

• The Same as for Public Schools, with the following added.
• Teachers try harder because they're paid better.
• In Christian Schools, at least the Teachers are suppose to have a biblical worlview. But according to the Barna Group, only about 20% of Evangelicals actually have a biblical worldview.
• Facilities are better maintained than at public schools.
• The sins of the students are more white-washed, giving the appearance of 'not-so-bad.'

Cons:

• The same as for Public Schools with following added.
• Students at Christian Private Schools act and think like their public school counterparts sending confusing signals to your child who you tell that the kids there are better because they're "Christian."
• With so many "Christian" students doing 'it', 'it' must be ok for your child to do it, or so they think.
• Many students there are there because their parents are hoping that private school will 'get out' what public school 'put in' for 8 years.
• No biblical or jurisdictional authority over the education of your child.
• Parental authority in the life of the child is weakened by time apart and by who the child views as "intelligent."
• Financial Costs. Can leave many families financially burdened, especially larger families with multiple students attending.

Home Schools:

Pros:

• Controlled environment.
• Environment conducive to learning.
• Child is taught by parent or co-op leader who is under the authority of Jesus.
• Parent-child relationship strengthened throughout school year.
• Authority of parents in child's life is established and strengthened .
• One on one time of student/teacher.
• Class size limited to number of children in family.
• Curriculum tailored to child's' learning style(s).
• Supremacy of God in academics upheld.
• God's relevance in the world is taught to child throughout school year.
• Superior academic performance on SAT, ACT.
• Higher level of performance per grade level compared to public and private school students.
• Hebrew method of discipleship (walk beside, talk beside) established in child's life.
• Obedience to commands to "bring up" children "in the Lord". (Deut. 6: 4-9; Eph. 6:4)
• Family vision impressed upon child without negative influence dissuading child from it.
• Negative or ungodly behavior can be dealt with swiftly while still trainable.
• Complete control over calendar and schedule.
• Children mature much quicker.
• Adapts much easier to people of all ages and genders.
• And everything else I missed!

Cons:

• Children can suffer if parents are lazy and undisciplined.
• Parents don't take the eduction of their children seriously enough and leave child ill-prepared for life outside of home.
• Some parents who opt for the "relaxed" method to home educate their children are so relaxed that they sleep thru entire year of school.
• Boys can suffer identity issues and become feminine with Mom doing all the educating, if Dad isn't pro actively discipling his boys on how to Men and making them work hard outside of school.
• Added cost of curriculum per child every year.

Again, these aren't exhaustive lists by any means. Just what I've seen and experienced in my own life and in the lives of those around me.

Share your thoughts and add to any list you'd like via a comment or two!

Educating Children Pt 1: The Goal of Education

In this, my first post on 'Educating Children', I thought I'd start by asking the question, "What is the goal of childhood education?", then giving what I believe the bible says is the answer to the question.

How we answer this question will set the course for how we will go about educating our precious gifts from the Lord. And remember Men (and Ladies reading) we only get one chance to raise and educate our little ones. When it's done, it's done. You can't start over!

To preface my answer let me first turn to scripture, as this is good to do being a Christian!

Let's see what the bible says about education:

Genesis 1:1 1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 2:16-17 16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;
17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 ¶ "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (emphasis mine)

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

So why all the scripture on a Christian blog you ask? Good question. Let's try and answer it.

Obviously, if this were a sermon or lecture, I could systematically expound on each verse, support it, sustain, etc., etc.. This being a blog, I don't have that liberty. But let me at least say that I chose these from among the whole bible because they begin the process of laying a foundation for the the fact that God cares deeply how we as parents think and act and how we as parents teach our children to think and act. This is called orthodoxy (what we believe), and orthopraxy (how we act based on what we believe).

We see from the very beginning that God had an ideal in mind for his creation when it came to right belief and right conduct. He wanted them to obey Him and see the world as He sees it. When they didn't and that ideal was compromised, the result was mankind's loss of God-consciousness and him becoming self-conscience. One minute he's eating fruit in his birthday suit with his lovely wife Eve, the next minute he's hiding from God with leaves covering up his nakedness that only became an issue after he became a sinner, then began blaming his wife for his sin. Sharp contrast and poor headship!

So what about us and this post? OK, here's my answer. I believe the goal of childhood education should be to help our children see the world as God sees it, and help our children to act in this world as God intends for them to act. Any educational system that doesn't lead our children toward this goal is leading them down the wrong road in the wrong part of town and only the most diligent of parents will be able to overcome what is being taught to their children. It's Eden revisited; "Hath God really said?"

Can children who are being taught at Government Schools grow up to be Godly individuals? YES they can, and I know many who have. In fact, I'm a product of the Chicago Public Schools educational system myself. But more importantly, I'm a testimony of God's grace as well! But does this educational system make raising Godly individuals more difficult? The answer again is YES! I'm just being honest. If we Christians can't speak openly and honestly on these vitally important issues, then who can? If you don't hear this from someone who loves you as a brother in the Lord, then who will you hear it from?

As Christians, we cannot, and I repeat, we cannot separate education from our faith. A good education will help to strengthen our faith, not weaken it! All that we do in this world is an act of worship unto the Lord, including how we educate our children. Consider this question: Is acceptable worship rendered when we educate our children with an educational philosophy that at it's core, teaches that God is irrelevant and that all gods are equal? I'll let you wrestle with the answer to that. But remember, God doesn't stand at the top of the list of acceptable gods. Besides Jehovah there is no other God!

So let us consider whether or not the method we've chosen for our children to receive their education will in fact accomplish the goal of educating children. Regardless of what method you choose for your children; government schools, private schools, home school, or some other, God will still hold you as the parent, and Father's especially, responsible for how your children turn out!

So let us think deeply on this issue, and when we've all made our decisions, let us pray for one another and seek to help one another in raising up a Godly generation of young people!

Educating and Discipling the Next Generation

With the school year around the corner for my family, and having just begun, for most others, I find it a good time to consider the topic of educating children. Few things are going to be as important to parents than what type of education they give their children, so I think it's worth discussing, at least for the next week or so.

I wrote a series of posts on this topic that I'll be 'reposting' this week, and will post some new material on the subject as well, so be sure and check back often. The best posts are those that spark conversation, so be sure and leave a comment, agreeing, disagreeing, or just observing!

Chicago Public Schools Give Their Students "Birthday Sex"

To kick off their "Back to School" campaign this year, Chicago Public Schools CEO, Ron Huberman, (an openly gay man who recently adopted a child with his gay lover), enlisted help from R&B star, and CPS graduate himself, Jeremih. "Great," you might say, "Wrong," I say. (Click for full article.)

Jeremih's biggest hit is a song entitled "Birthday Sex." It's about a young man wanting to give his girl what she "really" wants for her birthday, Sex!

C'mon, CPS, c'mon Mayor Daley, you all speak about how our children are the future and how they need to be protected and "well" educated, and then you give them Jeremih as a role model, who's suppose to entice the kids to show at school on Sept. 8th, via Twitter updates. Seriously???

The CPS doing this doesn't surprise me one bit. I went through the CPS system, K-12, and know they aren't known for their commitment to excellence or Godliness. So them doing this...is well...Caesar running Rome. When asked about the lyrics and whether they're appropriate for kids, CPS CEO Ron Huberman said; “We don’t condone any behavior we think is not healthy for our students. . . . But, he’s a great role model for our kids. . . . it's a song like any other song you hear." WHAT???

My concern, however, is for the children in the CPS who come from Christian homes. If you're reading and not a Christian, you still should find this appaulling, but if you're a Christ-follower, you should be thinking long and hard about the biblical command to "bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Eph. 6:4)

Jesus also said the greatest commands were to " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "(Luke 10:27)

Then there's Psalm 1, which reads:

¹Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
²but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

³He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. ⁴The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Are we doing everything we can, maybe not 'want,' but 'can,' to ensure that our children are able to obey these words? Or, might we be even contributing to our children sinning against these words of the Lord??? Hm...that's between you and God.

If you have kids in the CPS system please understand what type of mentality the CPS is promoting by, First, having an openly gay man running the show, and Second, by enlisting a guy like Jeremih to be the voice of influence who your kids are to suppose to listen to via Twitter updates to show up at school on Sept. 8th.

Can children love the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts, and abstain from evil and meditate on the word of God, while getting their education from the CPS??? Sure, even a broken clock is right twice a day. That's called God's enabling grace. Should we put that grace to the test though? Certainly not.

With upwards of 88% of children who grow up in Christian homes walking away from God by the end of their 2nd year of college, shouldn't we be thinking that maybe we've gone off course somewhere??? Perhaps....maybe....there's a better way? I'm just askin' the question. Ultimately, ALL of us need God's grace to move in the hearts of our children if they're to love and serve Him with their lives. So I'm not saying that I have all the answers, but I do believe the Word does, and it's there where I look to make decisions about the gifts He's given me, and I hope you do as well! May God be with us...

**Parents Only: Still need more? Click here to read the lyrics to "Birthday Sex", and click here to see the video.**

Voddie Baucham on Government Education

The following quote is taken from Voddie Baucham's post "Top Five Reasons Not to Send Your Kids Back to Govt. School"

"There’s enough here for an entire series of posts (so many posts... so little time), but for now let me simply say that the “the Lord told me” line of argumentation has serious theological problems. We must make our educational decisions with an open Bible. “The Lord told me” is no substitute for “the Bible says...” Please don’t make a decision about your child’s education without consulting (and obeying) the Scriptures."

Read the full post on Voddie's blog by clicking here!

A Faithful Generation...

This Friday night, June 5th, I have the honor of speaking to the 2009 Homeschool Graduates of Northwest Indiana, in Schererville, IN..

The Lord has put on my heart to speak to them about remaining faithful as His children, even when their leaders aren't around. My text is Exodus 32, the story of the Golden Calf.

Even after all that God did in the midst of Egypt for the nation of Israel, they still worshiped false idols when they perceived their leader, Moses, to be taking too long to return from Mount Sinai.

Might we do the same to the Lord? How quickly we demand something tangible to fulfill us. We are idolaters at heart, and it needs to be addressed, both in my heart and yours. Thank God for the gospel!

So if you remember, keep me in your prayers. Pray that the Lord would speak to me and through me this Friday night. May God be glorified!

Educating Children Pt.3 - Educational Jurisdiction

OK... Part 3.. this time we're looking at the topic of 'Educational Jurisdiction.' In other words, who has God given the responsibility to for the education of His children?

Let's begin with some verses:

Eph. 6:4 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Deut. 6:4-9 4 ¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. {teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen} 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Prov. 22:6 6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (This verse is very specific in the meaning of the words for 'train up' and 'the way he should go.' The education he/she receives should help, not hinder, the child to accomplish that which God wants to see happen in the life of that child, namely, that they love him and serve him for their whole lives.)

Psalm 78:1-4 1 ¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. {Maschil…: or, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction}
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

So we see that from the beginning, God's desires for the children of His children is that they be brought up in a covenantally faithful household, and a large part of the discipleship process is the how we educate our children.

We see this evidenced by what the Lord said of Abraham being covenantally faithful in the following verse: (Genesis 18:19 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.)

Again, I'll repeat what I stated in another post, We as Christians cannot compartmentalize various areas of our lives and separate certain parts of them from the counsel of the Lord. Education is not spiritually neutral. In fact, education is inherently spiritual. Few things are more spiritual than education.

Why do Men who have a desire for ministry go to Bible college or seminary? Why not go to a government college? You know why! Because they wouldn't receive an education that would edify them and help them in their desire to serve the Lord faithfully in their calling. Right?

So is it different with our children? Don't they have a calling on their lives? Doesn't God desire for them to serve him faithfully all their lives, regardless of vocation? Yes He does. And he expects, no, let me rephrase that, He commands parents to help ensure that this happens and holds them directly responsible for how they turn out. For better or for worse!

The state has no jurisdiction over your children outside of keeping the rule of law. God didn't establish state governments to educate the children of His covenant members. In fact, he established it primarily to punish evil doers. So if you've been thinking that the state does have jurisdiction over the education of your children, they don't, You Do. Assume it, and set out on the path of giving your children a thoroughly biblical education. Your children may just thank you with their life for all eternity!

Educating Children

These Posts first appeared on The Male Domain in August of 2007. I am re-posting them now for those who may be new to my blog. Let me know what you think!

Throughout the month of August, I will be presenting a series of posts on the topic of "Educating Children".

With the start of school just a few weeks away, I thought covering this topic might help some Men think through the whole area of how to go about educating their children.

We will look at:

• The Goal of Education
• The Pros and Cons of Public Schools, Private Schools, and Home-Schools
• Education as Discipleship, and
• Educational Jurisdiction

So be sure and check in throughout the month of August and be ready to share your thoughts with me!

I look forward to the conversation!

Family Driven Education...

Great perspective on Education from Voddie Baucham!