home & church

Our God is a wonderful teacher.  The truths that exist eternally in His heart are repeated in different and parallel ways.  A truth that exists in the spiritual is played out on earth.  For example the relationship between God and His people is reflected in marriage.  God speaking to Israel says;
"And I will betroth you to Me forever. ... I will even betroth you to Me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD." (Hosea 2:19,20)

The same parallel truth exist between God's family and the earthly family.  In fact the earthly family derives its name and nature from the Father.  Note that in Greek the word family (patria) literally comes from the word father (pater).  Paul writes;
"For this cause I bow my knees to the Father (pater) of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family (patria) in Heaven and earth is named, ..."  (Ephesians 3:14,15)

OR "from whom all fatherhood derives it's name"
OR "from whom all parenting derives it's name"

IT STARTS WITH KNEELING - "I bow my knees to the Father"

Only in worship and submission to the Father will the "parenting program" start running.  To the degree that a man or woman looks to the "Heavenly parent" (I'm not trying to be politically left) is the degree to which we will function as godly parents.  Authority flows downward from the Father and only under Him do we have real authority.   Jesus was under the Father's authority and the people were awed by His authority. They said, "He does not teach as the teachers of the Law but as someone with authority." (Matthew 27:9).

WE NEED HIS HEART

Jesus the man, the eternal second person of the Trinity, spent time with His Father and had His heart.  As we learn to know the Father's heart we will become better parents.

God promises us a heart of flesh as replacement for our hearts of stone (Ezekiel 11:19).  Hearts become stony because they have been far away from His Heart and because of hurt.  We turn away from those who have hurt us.  This includes parents turning from their children.  It is only natural, but God is supernatural.  He can give us a heart of flesh towards our family. God says:
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the sons, and the heart of the sons to their fathers, that I not come and strike the earth with utter destruction." ( Malachi 4:6)

The greatest turning of families in history is needed.  The destruction of families is the greatest curse on earth.  Only God can turn our hearts and restore families.  The turning needs to take place from all sides.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. And fathers, do not provoke (parogizo) your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Epheshians 6:1-4)

"Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master." (MSBible)

"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as is becoming in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them.
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke (erethizo) your children, lest they be discouraged." (Colossians 3:18-21)

"Parents do not come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits." (MSBible)

Biblical truth	In the family	In the church
Name & nature from Father	Selfish, tire, irritable since we lost His power	Cold, unloving judgemental because lost touch with Him
Submission to Father	Brings order & love	Order & love "Why should I submit to any other believer? God says, "Because he is my son and your brother"
The Heart of the Father	love, forgiveness, respect, hope	we don't have the option of holding grudges - there is a job to do and you will answer to HIM
The best from Father heart	Parents want kids to be the best they can	the mature in God seek to make disciples who will do same
Purpose of Family	Love, protection, learning growth	Know, love, serve Father & others
Don't crush their spirit	Esp. the least in the family are the most important and cherished	"Every one gets to play"