Sermons

Sermon Preached by Chaplain Rick Brewer 8-7-13

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Oft times we associate ourselves with others of like minded faith or ideas. And as a result we are judged within those borders.. Guilt by Association

There are some Organizations that have existed through the years that when mentioned.. Bring about an understanding of the beliefs of those who would associate themselves with them.

  • KKK
  • Arian Nation
  • NAACP
  • Democrat
  • Republican
  • Shiners
  • Masons
  • Boy Scout
  • Christian
  • Athiest

Note: These are examples of organizations that people CHOOSE to be associated with.

A good name to be Associated with might be, Christian

Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

When you are a Christian, people know it:

John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
[26] One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
[27] Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Some times a Church can get a bad reputation

1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Here at Slater Road Baptist Church the Slate has been wiped clean.

We can set example of how a New Testament Church of believers should be.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing for someone to say…
You’re one of those “Christians”

sermon preached by Chaplain rick Brewer 08-21-13

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

1. What does the voice of God… sound like?

1 Kings 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
[10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
[11] And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
[12] And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

2. So if God speaks in a still small voice… how can we hear Him?

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

When we are so busy in life with so many distraction it makes it very hard for us to hear God

3. It is not easy… nor does it come naturally

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

4. You sometimes need to be in “the right mind”

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

5.  How do I get a readiness of mind?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Note the promise: and the God of peace shall be with you.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Preached by Chaplain Rick Brewer 9-4-13

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

First list the 7 church ages

•Identify the elements of why we are in the last church age -Laodicea –
Definition: “Rights of the people” this Church is Lukewarm
This is the last of the ages before the tribulation Revelation 4:1
Needful to identify this because (17) they did not know

How to keep from being a miserable Christian

Learn to Examine yourself

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Learn to see the signs

1.  A miserable Christian is: uncommitted – Lack of commitment

[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Look at the lack of commitment today in work ethic, relationships, church attendance

2.  A miserable Christian is: untruthful

[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

We often see a greater movement of the Politically correct mindset OVER the truth of the word of God

3.  A miserable Christian is: un-teachable

[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

4.  A miserable Christian is: unrepentant

[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

There are those who will not overcome

Jesus Sits by the door and knocks

[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Compare to Revelation 3:7 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

This was written to Christians…

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

The church that is described in this last age they did not know that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:they did not examine themselves to see whether they be in the faith. I believe very much that we are in the last days and that what we are seeing is an empathy of the New Testament church. A situation whereby we seek the world’s comforts within the house of God rather than the truth. The fact that the church as a whole is bowing to these comforts does not mean that the individual needs to.

We must examine ourselves.

Listen First to the Audio recording playing of automatically of Paul Harvey. A Broadcast from 1965!

A sermon preached by Chaplain Rick Brewer on 9-11-13.

I am continually amazed at those who search the scriptures so diligently…looking for verses that will justify their sin. Everyday Christians are backed into a corner by a lost world that knows their Bible better than the Christian does, or worse yet by a Christian who seeks to use the word of God to justify their own sin. I think we have all been met with a Christian who would desire to sin and always uses the “judge not lest thou be judged” verse. So for that crowd I prepared a few verses that they might want to consider…

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

What Paul Harvey spoke about… Christians allowed to happen.. We have been backed down by society and the politically correct culture who would take a verse out of context and fool those “Christians” who don’t know their Bible well enough to defend themselves.

How do we deal with this world?

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

We can not be silent about what Jesus has done for us!

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Remember what Jesus has done!

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus came and died for the sins this world cherishes.. not so that they could continue in them, but so that they might repent (turn away) from them. Jesus desires for us to live Holy… as best as we can… desiring to be a little better every day.. not for ourselves, but for what Christ has done for us.

Perhaps it’s time we take a stand for Christ… Learn what this Bible says and live it!

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

The conclusion of this message is simple: Put God first.

I think we can all agree that we are busy. Time seems to be a premium. As a child you see time filled with grooming, school, homework, sports, friends, family even taking their free time and filling it with video games, social media, texting, movies… note what is missing?

As an adult our list often is the same, save school for work… leaving out the same:

God.

In our Bible we see God’s book, the instruction manual for our lives, starting out with “In the beginning God”. In fact, putting God first was so important to Him; He chose to put it at the beginning of the Bible!

There are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day and 7 days a week. We all get the same amount of time… it is what we do with it that matters. If we are going to make the most of the time given to us, shouldn’t we start out our time… with God first?

Putting God first in Salvation.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Because we are so busy we often look for shortcuts to understanding, which can lead to misunderstandings. We watch a movie instead of a book, listen to an opinion rather that seek the facts, allow ourselves to be educated by an organization rather then to learn about the issues ourselves.

Enter religion. So much is placed on the church advertisements to let people know about the music, the Bible, the facility, the activities, the people, the pastor and the parking; that salvation often is last.

People have been told for years to stop smoking, stop cussing, stop drinking – Clean yourself up THEN go to church. But nothing could be farther from the word of God.

Salvation should be the first and foremost charter of any Christian, Christian or Christian Church. When you look at the pattern of the Tabernacle the picture of the sacrifice if the FIRST thing seen. The Laver (cleansing) Articles of Fellowship (Church) and the holies of holies (access to God) we all things that came AFTER the sacrifice.

Seek God Early

Psalm 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Starting out our day with God will change the perspective of the day. Our focus, attitude, outlook and anticipation of our day will be seen through God’s eyes, rather than the eyes of the world and our fleshly problems.

Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Putting God First at Church

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

If you ask 10 people why they go to church; you will likely get 10 different reasons. With the Church today so interested in filling seats and paying the mortgage it can get easy to lose focus on the spiritual condition of the people.

Likewise, the people being busy about God’s business, it’s easy to lose focus on putting God first. As we see in 1 Peter, putting God first aligns our path to be able to help others. When we move prayed up by putting God first we will see the fruits of the Church and the people grow.

Putting God First In Marriage

1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

Naturally this point could be made for those who might choose to have relationships prior to marriage. Scripturally, putting God first means to have those relations in God’s order; marriage first. Beyond that, within a husband and wife relationship, is a balance whereby the fleshly needs and the spiritual needs both are to be fulfilled as part of that proper relationship.

However, when the fleshly needs are placed before the spiritual needs it will never satisfy or complete the spiritual roles of both the husband and the wife. Over a period of time, the fulfillment of the flesh will no longer satisfy the needs of the soul. The wife, needing a spiritual leader will be left wanting. The husband, needing a helpmeet, will feel disappointment. When placing God first in the marriage and completing the spiritual roles that God has given for both the husband and the wife; it allows for a more open and fulfilling relationship

Putting God First in Raising Kids

As parents we know that are to train up a child. If we start the child out early with God: in prayer, at church, in the word…

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

It’s not secret that kids today have more distractions that ever before. Cell Phones, TV, Youtube, Facebook, Netflix, video games… all these things that, if we are not careful, will be done before God is even thought about. Part of the process of training a child is to train them to seek God first; however that also means that we, as parents, should be seeking Him first too.

Putting God First in our Jobs

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Putting God first means to do what you were hired to do to the best of your ability. It does not mean to read your Bible or witness on company time. That is stealing from your employer. When you seek God first your work ethic, clean communication and attitude can be a tremendous witness to your co-workers.

The sad reality

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Too often we say that verse at the end of the day trying to find something good about it. When we don’t put God first we miss an opportunity to enjoy our day WITH God… rather than simply acknowledging him after.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

A false ideas exists in society today.. More than perhaps in the past. A understanding that good people go to Heaven and bad people go to Hell.

Getting Saved or Born Again is not simply an feeling or mental acknowledge that there is a God… But a physical action or rather reaction based on the facts of the Scritpure.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.   ADD THE DYE

When we get saved a physical transformation takes place from the inside out. This is important to Note because on the outside.. Lost and saved people look the same. What is different is on the inside.

Colossians 2:10-12 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Note: Baptism is not part of Salvation.. Rather an act of obedience AFTER salvation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We receive the Holy Ghost which now dwells in us.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

2 Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

♦ Now look at the picture of our body. The tainted flesh but the Blood of Christ.. This is the state of so many Christians today..

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

♦ Timothy was told to Stir up the Gift of God… Just don’t sit there and be stale!!

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

We stir up the Gift of God by doing! Joining the Church, Getting Involved, telling others…

When we stir up the Gift of God… The Blood of Christ can be Seen Through us!

Maybe tonight you can’t stir up the Gift of God.. Because you’ve never received it.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

If you have not been transformed… YOU ARE JUST PLAYING CHURCH.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

If you have never been saved .. Get saved

For the Christian tonight.. Stir up the Gift!

Should parents give kids an allowance? This indeed is a great question and with any great question there are differing points of view. There is certainly a need of stewardship and teaching children how to use money wisely… but is the giving of allowance the way to do that? In this post I will identify the biblical position and equip the reader with what is needed to make an informed decision for their children.

A pattern to follow

This, as any biblical lesson, must be premised off the fact that the parents have accepted Christ as their saviour. To try to teach Godly principles yet not be Godly is an exercise in futility that will create unnecessary grief. For many years, biblical concepts were used as a guide to raise children; even being used “without God” and were called morals. This technique of forcing Godly obedience without a Godly example has often created resentment for the word of God because it was administered without the power of God.

I encourage parent that if you are reading this looking for a better way to raise your kids and you are not saved; to stop reading and click here to learn of God’s simple salvation. Start with a firm foundation in which to build from.

Consistency

I must also emphasize that that there is a difference between being a “saved” and being a “Christian”. There are many today that: 2 Timothy 3:5a  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: … In short, not practicing what they preach. As Christians we must have the Bible as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice, which is our guide and pattern to follow. To mingle the world’s philosophies with Bible doctrine is the recipe to create a disobedient, confused child who will not know as to which premise a parent might approach from. God’s word has everything we need to have a fruitful Christian life. If Gods command for a parent is to raise their children in the nurture in the admonition of the Lord then He has in His word what is needed to be able to accomplish it.

The Root of the problem

1 Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

We are going to reflect this article with the understanding first that allowance money is given for compensation for chores (which is most common) we will deal with allowance as a metered gift later in this article. 1 Timothy 6:10 identifies why money, in principle and by definition, is the root of the problem. As parents we are to raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; stewardship is very much a part of that charter.

Traditional forms of giving an allowance or wage for chores can easily teach children more about money than the sacrifice and service. This knowledge can create a need and craving that ignites a flame that burns slowly at first, but quickly grows as they begin to compare themselves to the world and find themselves wanting. I have seen so many instances while out shopping where a parent says no to a child that wants something, only to hear them exclaim they will simply buy it themselves in direct defiance. So the love of money and the evil intentions it can create in a spiritually immature child must be considered when making a responsible choice about giving an allowance.

What’s my motivation?

Colossians 3:20  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Obedience and servitude comes down to a condition of the heart. We teach children to obey when they are young with a reward/ punishment system as a way to motivate them; with hopes that as they mature, their motives will be that they choose to obey. Much of the child’s life will be spent balancing this effort, weighing punishment with the action. Biblically this principle is consistent; when we are in obedience with God He blesses us spiritually and sometimes physically/ materially… yet in disobedience He withholds His blessing.

As we examine, as parents, whether or not the giving of allowance is something we should participate in we should consider the motivation and the end results as well. Do you want to give your children a love of money? or a love for serving? What becomes their motivation? The Lord desires His children to obey; but more, obey with gladness. As parent we should desire the same. Our desire is to instill in our children that Godly principle of servitude and gladness. When we substitute the gladness with a monetary reward… then money becomes their motivation.

1 Samuel 15:22  And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Attitude (condition of the heart)

Having and teaching obedience and submission is more about attitude than the act of obeying. Take a look at these verses:

Psalms 40:8  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Deuteronomy 26:16  This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

Joshua 1:7  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Psalms 119:60  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Matthew 21:28-31 speaks of good intentions between sons and how they obeyed… It comes down to attitude and compliance. As we teach our children to obey we must be very perceptive about the attitude in which they obey. Keep in mind our children look to us to set an example… so our attitude when serving God must be right as well.

Workplace thinking (reverse analysis)

We work as adults to get a paycheck. I know of very few people who love work so much that they would just do so without compensation. The money IS our motivation, and we weigh what we do based on such. One may say $8 an hour is good for working fast food, but is inadequate for being an SEO of a large company. We weigh what we are willing to do based on the compensation. Now we may enjoy what we do as a profession but let’s be reasonable, if the employer said on Monday that you were not going to get paid for working; you wouldn’t be there on Tuesday.

Let’s now apply this concept to children getting an allowance as a wage for chores. If we are teaching them the value of money, that it holds a just compensation for workmanship, then the things that kids do around the home should be weighed accordingly. The child should then get to choose whether they want to obey based on the compensation. Their motivation to “obey your parents in the Lord” becomes “obey your parents to get paid.” Their motivation is moved from the spiritual blessings to the physical/ monetary gain.

The tragedy of this is where fathers are directed not to provoke a child to wrath, yet many times parents will withhold allowance from the child or even take monies earned away as punishment while forcing them to obey. This hypocrisy will provoke a child to wrath quite quickly, not to mention create resentment toward the system and never truly be able to trust the circumstances.

Biblical Stewardship

For the most part stewardship in the Bible deals with what we do with what God has GIVEN us, not what we have earned.

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

While there is a place for parent to teach stewardship in the area of money, it should not be attached to labor. Children should be taught that obedience is pleasing to the Lord, wanting to do so because they love their parents. This motivation, rather than money, will help them understand why, as adults, we choose to obey God. We do not obey God (or shouldn’t) for a paycheck… but rather because of our Love for God. 

How to teach children stewardship of money in the real world.

Trying to teach a six year old to be a good steward of money is a task that will frustrate any parent. Not only will you not be able to show them a good example of why, they simply don’t understand things like rent, electric, groceries, ect. I recall when My oldest daughter was six years old I told her we were out of money… she said “let’s just go get more from the magic box on the wall!” Meaning of course the ATM machine. Using the pattern of the scriptures we know that people… grow; this is why we have different grades in school, 1st graders simply can not understand the things taught in the 12 grade. Understanding this we must use caution exposing children to something so powerful as money before they are ready to handle it.

As an example, I sit down with my children, now that they are teenagers, and teach them the things of being an adult (14 and up) and show them the bills of the home. To show them why dad always tells them to “turn off the lights!” They are mature enough to understand where the money comes from, how it’s spent and how to be a good steward of it. They learn spending habits from their parents setting the example, rather that giving them the burden of having to spend the money they have received in a way that would be pleasing to the parent.

Over a time the children will begin to understand that a Father with a generous heart (in the example of our heavenly Father) will give unto his children some of the increase of where they were helpful in saving money for the home. This family spending understanding, rather than individual increase, will help bring a unity in the home in the area of monetary stewardship.

Stewardship (a better understanding)

It is important to also acknowledge that everything is God’s and we are simply stewards of it. (Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8, Exodus 19:5) Whether it be money, property or time God expects and teaches us through His word how to be good stewards, then to pass that down to our children by example.

There are many passages that deal with the area of stewardship or “what to do with others money or property”. The principle of stewardship is rooted on responsibility and faithfulness… not directly on money. In the bible we see that monetary stewardship is not how we spend our “own” money but rather how we handle the masters money or property.

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

In the story that Jesus gave in Matthew 25: 14-30 deals with a master giving money unto his servants.

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Continue reading… click here

In this account the Master does not appear to be paying them a wage but rather giving them money for them to invest based on their ability. This is seen later in the passage where he punishes the third for not investing and growing his money. If it was a wage then there should have no punishment for not investing. This passage teaches us about the stewardship of the MASTERS money… and not that of the servant.

Note also the scriptures speaking about stewardship of time:

Ephesians 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

How we spend the time that God gives us is as much about Godly stewardship as money. Many times in the scriptures God teach us what to do with the TIME He has given us rather than the MONEY…. why? Because money is the root of all evil. Money should not be the motivator for our stewardship but rather more what we do with our time. How we teach our children should be after that same pattern.

God provides us with the ability to earn money. We use that same concept to teach our children our ways and skills to do the same. A carpenter’s son will usually become a carpenter himself. Again a pattern to follow of setting the example for your children.

Deuteronomy 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Basic principles

Implementation (levels)

So the question comes, how do I implement this concept? First parents must understand that there are several levels to this; for example, are the children currently getting an allowance or not? Allow me to explain in the following:

Starting early

If your children are not currently getting an allowance then ask yourself if you are teaching them the concepts of obedience and the spiritual rewards. Focusing them on the motivation for obedience as outlined earlier in this article. Then framing the discussion and setting the example of good monetary stewardship as the child gets older.

As a correction

If, however, children are currently getting an allowance then steps must be made to determine the results of stopping that system. It is a natural fact that if you take away something worldly from the child it must be replaced with something spiritual; otherwise satan will fill that void with resentment, anger and disobedience. So if the children are 10 and up, it may be very difficult to reverse that course if the signs of that root of evil are present; but it can be done. Children are wiser, at times, more than parents give them credit for. If parents want to truly try and reverse the course that money has in corrupting children through allowance then the parent must first sit down with the child (children) and explain the concerns. Give children Bible verses and reinforce the parents role to raise the children after the Lord.

Then the parent will need to replace the monetary with the spiritual giving them positive encouragement and love every step of the way. The parents here will need to work 3 times harder than the child to make sure they are being the proper example for their children. This fact must be clearly understood; children will take the queue from the parents. If you believe that that teaching your children this path of obedience is good, then you must provide them a Godly example to follow. In this course, you can see victory.

Grounds for allowance

Earlier in this article I mentioned that the giving of allowance should not be given in the condition of a wage for chores within the home. So where can this be implemented and not be contrary to the word of God? First the statement of “within the home”; there are many ways for a child to make some money to lay up in store, one would be outside the home. Giving children an external avenue to practice the work ethic that has been instilled is a good thing. Allowing a child to work at a neighbor or elderly person’s home and rake leaves, babysit or clean-up. Monetary gifts are also a way that a child could have money to spend; from a parent or grand-parent with no strings attached.  Note: The spending should not necessarily be force directed. Use the example you set in responsible spending to help guide the child into good spending habits. If the child is following your example then there will be no issue with the child tithing, giving an offering to God and toward the home. I have oft been blessed at the fruit of my children when they desire to spend their earnings from babysitting and mowing for things within the home.
An Example to follow

Parenting is, for all practical definitions, setting an example to follow. It is foolish to think a child will turn out mild tempered if the parent is not; it is foolish to expect a child to turn out Godly if the parent is not. Rather than trying to correct our faults in our children, perhaps we should look to God to correct the faults in ourselves.

2 Corinthians 13:5a Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…

We, as good parents, desire to keep our children away from evil things… but so many parents want to give children that, which is by definition, is the root of all evil to a child that is not spiritually prepared to handle it. We surely would not take that same thinking when it comes to other evils such as sex, drugs, alchohol and violence would we? Of course not. So we must teach proper spending habits by example just as we would teach them any other trait… by giving them the proper example to follow.

The family is under attack! Make no mistake in this. The ideals of the home, the structure, the leadership have all being separated and diminished. While there are many factors that have led to this situation we should not dwell on why or how; but rather what can we do now?

Parents need to ask themselves:

  • Is my child a spiritual person?
  • Am I a spiritual person?
  • Am I raising my kids for the Lord?
  • Are there issues that need to be deal with?

No amount of information will matter if a parent does not recognize that there is a problem and desires to get a solution.

We will deal with several different topics and aspects as we move through these lessons. This lesson will concentrate on the understanding that the Church plays a pivotal part in the raising of children. Let’s look at a few verses about parents responsibilities:

Deuteronomy 6:4  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.
[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.

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

If we are to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord it need to be in church. This is a necessary part of growing up in a Christian home. There is a movement today of home churches where small groups share their collective ignorance rather than working through the man of God as the Bible lays out. While you can find groups meeting in a home in the Bible it is never identified as a God called assembly or a church. The Church can/will play a vital roll in your child’s growth and development spiritually and socially.

Making this decision; consider these points:

1. We should start young… and when I say young I mean the first Church Service when mom comes out of the hospital. I’ve heard too many horror stories of parents that waited until the children were 5 years old or older and then take them to church. Then they realize the child has not learned yet how to sit.. the parents yell at the child for weeks to sit still and so at an early age you now have a child that associates the church with anger, frustration and embarrassment. For those parents that wait until the teen years the struggle becomes amplified as it is a constant struggle because they see the parents as a hypocrite trying to correct years of poor instruction and a parent who wants the child to be “spiritual” in a short time.  Again the child can resent the church because of this rapid, forced change. When we start the children young, show them and teach them to sit still… you will find that by 5 years old they are hearing and learning from the word of God in ways you can’t imagine… until you see the results.

2. Children need to learn to be still and know that He is God. I don’t understand why parents will get children in a habit to draw and play in church. This is not only a distraction to them… but all that are around them.

3. Children need to recognize the fear of the Lord… they learn that by the way from their parents.

4. Children hear and process information very effectively, they can form opinions and determine a course of action as early as 4. When a child hears a parent say something that they would not allow the child to say.. like when people bad mouthing the preacher, it begin to process that information and determine a course of action based of of available information. When they see parents act one way at church and another at home or in the car… they can loose respect for you and the church. Remember children are impressionable… so make a good impression.

5. Children enjoy what their parents do… whatever hobbies and activities that mom and dad enjoy, children naturally want to be apart of that. Church is no different. When parents enjoy going to church… so will the children. When parents treat church like a chore… so will the children.

6. Never expect more from your children that you expect from yourself.  Most churches meet for 3 services a week for a maximum of 1.5 hours of learning about God… but what about the other 166.5 hours in the week. That is where the Parent takes the lead. I have spoken with so many parents that have their children read their Bibles and pray everyday.. but have not cracked a Bible or prayed themselves since the last church service. Parents must take an aggressive role in their own spiritual growth, the child will naturally follow your lead.

Child patterns can be broken down by age span.

  • Ages1-5 – These children are impressionable, hungering for knowledge. This is the age that it is easiest to establish habits and patterns. The lessons taught in church must be magnified in the home at this age otherwise it will create mixed messages that will cause to child to act out. This is also the age that it is good to instill the basics of the fear of the Lord and to respect of God’s house.
  • Ages 6-10 – This age is when children here begin to practice those principles and foundations that they were introduced to at the ages 1-5. They are curious, but also seek to test boundaries. In doing so they will exceed the comfort zone and watch the reaction of those who established the boundary. If the parent here does not re-enforce the established set of rules and punishment for exceeding the boundaries the child will forge their own. This is also the age when children learn to manipulate the circumstances to work to their end. They will observe those things that aggravate a situation and judge responses. Make no mistake, children at this age are crafty and observant.
  • Ages 11-16 – Children in this age group are most susceptible to emotion whims. A parent must be at their best in their consistency. The world around this age is changing daily as they deal with social issues, responsibility, internal emotional changes and rapid changes to their bodies… they need a parent that is extremely consistent and is unwavering… you must be their stability. This will also be the time when you find out how you did for the first 10 years because the foundations you have built will be tested. Oft times this is the age when parents seek external assistance to cope with their child because they have not raised their child in a Godly home… I have seen so many destroyed homes because a parent begins forcing a child to be something that they are not… spiritual. Forcing a child to go to church expecting the church to fix the problems you have created CAN NOT WORK. There is a formula for this that will work and will be discussed in a later lesson.
  • Ages 17-19 – This is a child who will practice what they have been taught. Good or bad. Dealing with this age is simply trial by example. No longer is it, because I said so, but rather why. This age must understand why things are the way they are and how things work so they they can learn and make correct decisions. A child of this age must also be allowed to make mistakes, under guidance and with understanding. They have relied on the parent for 17 years and need to know that actions have consequences, yet in all, you will be there.

So in this lesson we have determine that the first, best option is to start with the child as a newborn so to allow you both to grow in Christ through the local church… however.. what if you child is already older. Future lessons, which I will link later below, will deal with each age group listed and what to do if you are seeking God’s guidance later in a child’s development.

By Chaplain Rick Brewer

I often see or hear the statement of “Put God Back in Schools” and while I understand their zeal I’m afraid I cannot agree with it. In this article I will provide a history of God and prayer in school, present my argument why religion should not be taught in the public school system and provide a vision of what is to come because of the course of this country chose to take with the 1962 & 1963 court decisions.

History

In this country public schools are not allowed to teach biblical matters or allow public or mandated prayer because stately the wording of the First Amendment of the Constitution, which states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…

The first part reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” is the Establishment Clause, while the second part (“or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”) is the Free Exercise Clause. The Fourteenth Amendment extended the scope First Amendment to all levels of government, thereby compelling states to adopt an equally detached approach to religion in schools.

School prayer prior to 1962

As early as 1890 school prayer has been under attack for reasons I will use later in this article as proof text. The Catholics had exception, in 1890, to the fact that the King James Bible was being used. They took their case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court who ruled in favor of the Catholics thereby starting a debate of which Bible and which religion should be taught in schools. In 1962 another challenge in New York surfaced when a Jewish father objected to his son being exposed to Christian faith and mandated Christian prayer. Two main court battles in the Supreme Court eventually led in 1963 the banning of corporate reading of the Bible and prayer in schools. The courts did make allowances to “religion” in school as long as it remained totally secular and neutral in all respects to a particular group or Bible.

 

Over the last 25 years the very mention of prayer in schools has brought an atheistic response from teams of lawyers and the ACLU to force compliance in state schools.

 

1 Samuel 8:6  But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

The Separation of Church and State

Another commonly spouted discourse is the “separation of church and state” as a constitutional matter, but it is not. The reference first came from Thomas Jefferson in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists. It states: “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.” The intent in this letter is to calm concerns that the newly formed federal government would establish a state religion like that of England. It was not meant to keep the church out of government but rather the government out of the church.

Why Religion should not be allowed in schools.

I can sum this argument up by asking “which religion”. Naturally everyone who would want to put God back in schools would want their OWN religion taught. Modern statistics place in the Christian faiths nearly 33,000 different denominations, they essentially can be broken down to some 40 or so main groups of belief… but even still I have witnessed differing beliefs from one church to the next within the same denomination. That doesn’t even include the non-Christian religions, some of which are even now working diligently to fill the void left when “God was kicked out in the ‘60’s. Satan has done a good job over the last 100 years getting people to NOT rightfully divide the word of truth; eventually leading to much confusion about the word of God and creating many different denominations to provide validity to their beliefs.

So the question comes to play that if we can’t get trained pastors on the same page about what we are to believe… how are we to expect a public school teacher who is not trained in biblical matters to be able to? Not to mention it was NEVER to be the responsibility of a school teacher to become the moral compass for a child to teach them religion, it is the Parent!

The only way to put God back in schools and it be effective to a singular teaching would be a state religion that would have mandated beliefs and structure teaching a singular point… but isn’t that what the founders fought against? Spin the dial… which one of the 33,000+ are we going to pick?

To Make my point let me ask this question:

Do you want a teacher or teachers of multiple faiths responsible for teaching your child about God?

The root of the problem

So what’s the root of the problem? Christians. For 70 or so years Christians have so sought acceptance from the world that they were shamed to keep silent; thus making it easy to throw out the Bible and prayer from the public school system. Christian parents began to rely on the public school system to do their job in raising children. No longer are teachers tasked with teaching reading, writing and arithmetic but also needing to be a guidance counselor, social worker and advocate literally being forced to teach children morality without the moral tools needed to do the job. Add that to the government utilization of the public school system to teach anti-Christian indoctrination of social behavior and you get a system that is failing because Christians gave up to fight in the 50’s.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Sure there are teachers in the system that are Christians… but to what end? Is it their job to teach children about God? No, it is the parents’ responsibility to do that. Parents at one point held the children responsible for their actions, now we are crucifying teachers for not raising the children in the way the parents would like… shifting the responsibility away from themselves and the child to the teachers!

The Course

Naturally the course now since the 60’s has been well trodden. It certainly isn’t going to get better. The moral decline in this country can be directly related to the home… not the Schools. God was kicked out of the American home long before He was kicked out of schools; and it is foolish to think that we can put Him forcibly back in the schools without graciously accepting Him back into our homes. As long as Christians choose not to take responsibility for their spiritual actions and allow God to reign supreme in their homes… this country will remain in the downward moral decline until pure anarchy becomes the norm.

Summary

I don’t think that God should be forced back in schools for the many reasons I have listed above. I believe that Christians need to wake up and realize that we are the majority (that is shrinking with every graduating class) That a Christian voice should be at teacher conferences, school board meetings, city council meetings, state legislature, federal legislature and court systems making sure our voice is heard. That Christians stop chasing after the approval of the world and stand separated with a loud voice that lifts up Jesus Christ! Let those making decisions think about the effects their choices will make. The false religions in this country are speaking louder that we have in 70 years because we are so concerned with being called names that our voice has no power.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

It is important to understand that having a personal electronic device such as a cell phone, tablet, computer, tv, ipod, mp3 player, video games… ect.. is a privilege. They are not needed to function in school, church or any other activity. Used properly these electronic devices can be a great asset to a healthy quality of life by offering a greater capacity to learn and grow; however used incorrectly they can damage a testimony, provoke sin and diminish a walk with God. This lesson will deal with the Biblical nature of these electronic devices; it is intended to help parents when making decisions about the use of devices for their children, but the concept is certainly valid for mom and dad too.

2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The Hidden things

2 Corinthians 4:2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

One feature of electronic devices is that they are personal in nature. It is difficult for others to see or hear what or how they are being used, therefore these hidden things can become a problem. There is a sense of liberty that one has when they have access to see and hear things that cannot be viewed or judged by others.

Psalms 101:3  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
With this liberty comes self control. God’s people must make a point to set no wicked thing before your eyes. Remember the device in itself is not wicked, but what is done with it can easily become wicked.

Self Examination

Part of growing up is the principle of self examination.

Psalms 26:2  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

1 Corinthians 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

This matter of self examination must be a constant event weighing every activity based on the name of Jesus Christ. If you don’t think Jesus Christ would be delighted in what you do see or say on an electronic device… then why are you doing it?

Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Idleness

When you are on Facebook, surfing the net, texting or just listening to music it can cause a sense of idleness where you are not being productive or worse, counter productive to the things that need done.

Proverbs 19:15  Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

1 Timothy 5:13  And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

 

Facebook and social media

Facebook, twitter and other forms of social media can be a neat way to express feelings and thoughts on a particular topic, stay in touch with friends far away and get insight on current events… but beware.

Proverbs 22:24  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Social Media can also be a place where sin can run unchecked. From a disconnected mindset of privacy the internet can be used to speak evil things, to show evil things and make friendships that can lead to a life filled with sin.  A Christian must be on guard and regulate those things that you participate in. If you continually view angry posts it can motivate you to be the same way. Things can be said and feelings can be hurt by posting something you think is humorous but because it was in poor taste… offends someone; we must remember our testimony when participating in these social media areas. If you have people on your friends list that is posting inappropriate pictures, comments or posts to include nudity, perversion and profanity it is YOUR responsibility to unlike and not participate with those people. It is clear that a Christian is to come apart and be separate; we must be self regulating in these matters.

1 Peter 2:12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

These same guidelines go along with texting, skype or any other form of communication whereby you have influence. Keep this rule in mind:

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

We must treat social media in the manner that we would never post something about anyone we wouldn’t be willing to say in front of them.

Matthew 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

How to proceed.

Guidelines need to be in place to help train a child in the way they should go. These guidelines will promote self examination and the responsible use of electronic devices.

Nothing hidden

In order to help guide a child to a mature sense of responsibility the child should not be allowed to delete anything from electronic devices. This will include, but are not limited to: Texts, Messages, Posts, Pictures, likes, shares, tweets, viewing history, browsing history and search history. This basically will allow a parent/ guardian to review the use of the electronic devices to make sure they are being used properly. Naturally you want to work your way to a point that the child is self regulating (self examining/ self judging) themselves with the mindset of the scripture laid out previously.

Time limits

Time limits and time restrictions should be placed to help make sure that a healthy balance of time is being structured. Idleness, as they say, is the devil’s workshop… so making sure that the devices are not filling space where structured study, chores or relevant playtime should be utilized.

“The double standard” – One method is if the child spends one hour on an electronic device or devices he should give the Lord two hours. Time in prayer and Bible reading will naturally help bring a sense of balance and priorities in the child’s life.

“Centralized charging” – One popular way to keep children from abusing electronic device privileges is to not allow the electronic devices in their room overnight. Find a central location such as the parents bedroom, kitchen or living room where the child will not be tempted to stay up all night using the device(s).

“Read twice, message once” – An embarrassing message can often become conversation at school, church or even around the dinner table. Helping your child avoid this situation is to teach the “read twice, message once” rule. Teach them the habit of making sure that the message is spelled properly, sent to the correct person and most importantly… needs to be said. Oft times a child can get caught up in the moment and before they know it, they have send a hurtful or disrespectable message. Messages like this in the social media and texting realm cannot be deleted, so help them understand the importance of this rule.

“The Grandma rule” – Have children think about this when sending out a text, tweet, post or message: “Would I say this to Grandma?”

When should I get my child a electronic device?

This is different for each family. It naturally will depend on the maturity of both the parent and the child. Note: If the parent is not going to properly monitor the use of the different electronic devices you are setting the child up for a fall. It is the parents responsibility to make sure the child knows the proper use of different devices.

Abuse

Because electronic devices can be used for good or bad it is important to take seriously instances where the guidelines of responsible device use are not observed. Remember electronic devices are a privilege, not a need or requirement. It is for this reason I recommend the complete removal of all devices from a child that abuses the guidelines set forth by the parent. After a preset period has passed then the child should be re-taught the Biblical principles outlines in the paragraphs above.