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Childrearing (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of childrearing is to prepare the coming generation for entrance into the Kingdom of God, ensuring a stable and enduring family and society. It is a primary responsibility, not a secondary one, requiring a high priority in our lives as we emulate God's intense focus on His people. God sets the example by being deeply involved in the lives of His children, keeping them as the apple of His eye, and not delegating this responsibility to others. Similarly, we must be devoted to rearing our children with purpose, studying their abilities and proclivities to guide them toward the ultimate goal of the Kingdom. Childrearing involves training a child in the way he should go, as Proverbs 22:6 instructs, so that when he is old, he will not depart from it. This training must begin early, narrowing the child's path to protect and direct him within the parameters of God's way. It is a lifelong project, not a haphazard effort, requiring systematic, repetitive instruction akin to sharpening a knife, as described in Deuteronomy 6:7 with the Hebrew concept of diligence. The urgency of this responsibility is emphasized in the imperative use of "train," indicating it is obligatory and unavoidable, especially when the child is young. The purpose is further underscored in Genesis 18:17-19, where God called Abraham to command his children and household to keep the way of the Lord, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises. This applies to us as spiritual children of Abraham, highlighting that our calling includes teaching our children God's way. Childrearing, therefore, is a major responsibility demanding significant time and attention, aimed at producing peace, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment through guiding children toward righteousness and God's ultimate purpose.
Godly Training and Admonition
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly training forewarns a child of danger or faults in human nature. The Scriptures do not contain many examples of exemplary child rearing.
Teach Them Young
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe most dramatic growth in the brain occurs between age 3 and age 12, at which time 1000 trillion synaptic connections turn the child into a knowledge sponge.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.
Parenting (Part 1): Principles
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of our upside down emphasis on the youth culture and its characteristic selfishness or self-centeredness, the family is crumbling and deteriorating.
Parenting (Part 4): Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRealizing that parental authority must be used with godly love, the prompt discipline we mete out should be fair and appropriate.
For the Children
Sermon by David C. GrabbeFor too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Self-will must be extirpated from our children; God's will must take its place. Childrearing must begin at the start of a child's formative life.
The Fifth Commandment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment teaches our responsibility to give high regard, respect, and esteem to parents and other authority figures, leading to a prosperous life.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
The Perfect Marriage
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnder the best of conditions, marriage takes work to make it succeed. Next to baptism, marriage is the most important decision we could ever make.
God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.
The Good Man and His Grandchildren
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Grandparents have an obligation to transmit the best things of the past (morality, ethics, marriage and family values) to the current generation.