The Unbeliever's Favorite Scripture...Do Not Judge!

Unbelievers aren't the only ones who like to quote this out of context...MANY believers do, as well. I find that they really only feel the need to do so when they know that what you're saying is right and it convicts them. For more on SCRIPTURAL judgment by Believers, read here!

"It should be noted that this passage has erroneously been used to suggest that believers should never evaluate or criticize anyone for anything. Our day hates absolutes, especially theological and moral absolutes, and such simplistic interpretation provides a convenient escape from confrontation. Members of modern society, including many professing Christians, tend to resist dogmatism and strong convictions about right and wrong. Many people prefer to speak of all-inclusive love, compromise, ecumenism, and unity. To the modern religious person those are the only "doctrines" worth defending, and they are the doctrines to which every conflicting doctrine must be sacrificed..."

Raising Indigenous Missionaries

"And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews... to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law... I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some." 1 Corinthians 9:20-22

Indigenous Missionaries are individuals who originate in a particular region or country and who boldly share the Gospel of Jesus. Since our children are natural citizens of America, and since the ones who have trusted in Jesus as their Savior have been commissioned by Jesus to share the Good News of the salvation that He freely gives, they are perfectly placed to live out the role of an Indigenous missionary.

We can probably all agree that being a native missionary is a commendable goal for our children, though they may also be called to be a foreign missionary as adults. So, what about the training process? Must we wait until they are a certain age? Should they plan on attending Bible college before actively learning how to practically share their faith? What should our focus be in these formidable years?

First, WHO did Jesus command to go?

The Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

In that passage there is something deeper to think over: "Therefore go" is not the best translation. An expanded translation that better reflects the Greek text is:

"As you go through life, wherever you may have been born, wherever God may take you, as a habitual practice of life, make disciples . . ." (Matt. 28:19).

So, while there is a need to go to the ends of the earth and preach the Good News, there is a commission given to EACH believer that tells us to make disciples HABITUALLY, AS we go through life!

Secondly, HOW can this be accomplished?

Where has God called me (Lisa) to go in life? He has called me to be a wife and a mother. Since Mark is my spiritual leader, I am not called to make a disciple of him. But Mark and I have been called, as our children’s parents, to make disciples of them and to train them in the way of Jesus at ALL times (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The first way our family accomplishes this is through homeschooling!

Another one of the many ways we are training our “little disciples” is to allow them to participate in our ministry – our family’s ministry - to those at abortion clinics. We minister to them where they are and we share with them the Good News and Hope that only Jesus can bring! Many times we get to minister to these men and women, both on a short-term and long-term basis. So in essence, we go about this particular ministry, making disciples by reaching souls outside of abortion clinics. (for more info: check the Pro-Life and Family Ministry categories)



When you train up disciples you have to equip them with the tools they need to share and defend their faith! We train them “as they go”, teaching them through the many opportunities that present themselves in real life, and preparing them before hand through doctrinal overview (discussing why we believe what we believe) and through evangelism training. I highly recommend evangelism training through Ray Comfort’s ministry, Living Waters. Their resources are great! Another good one, for learning about solid scientific defenses for our faith is through Ken Ham’s ministry, Answers In Genesis. Through nightly family worship, we study the Scriptures and hide the Word in our hearts!

What are YOU doing?

So where have you been called to serve? How can you and will you purposefully share your own faith, as well as train your children up to know and experience sharing their faith as children, teens and young adults?

Be in the world and not of it? Is that Biblical?

How does one apply "be in the world, not of it"? I think, without
sinning, we need to stay current with the changing of the world. I know of youth pastors who have read Twilight so they can better relate to their youth who were obsessed with it, or to stay current on fashion (when it does not become immodest). Becoming immersed in the world is not an option, but staying clear of it's trends isn't an option either. Just because the world changes all of its ways (usually for the worse) does not mean that we have to stay in ours.

The Bible clearly points out that we are to flee sinful things (such as Twilight) and focus on things that are pure. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." – Philippians 4:8

To focus on vampires for educational purposes of any kind is plain evil. Why do we need to immerse ourselves in evil, in order to abhor and rebuke those entwined within it? Look at what the Bible says about those who eat or drink blood...."'Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood—I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, "None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood." Leviicus 17:10-12

I don't see where imitating the world is advised in Scripture. In fact, all I see is the direct opposite (see verses below). I'm also wondering where this "in the world but not of it" is coming from anyway?

"...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." 1 John 5:19

"When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there." Deut. 18:9

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." 2 Corinthians 6:17

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. **If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.** As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. " John 15:18-19

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:16-20 [sanctify means to be made holy]

"Friendship with the world is enmity to God." James 4:4

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' Awake to righteousness, and do not sin...." 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

We need to be set apart for Jesus! Our focus should not be on the world and their ways, but solely on Jesus and HIS plan for our lives. We will be different from the world, and we will be hated for it. Why work so hard on conforming the outside to blend in, when our motives in this world should stand out and be so different?

True Knowledge

Below is an excerpt from my post today on At The Well.

“I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place their child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt.” Martin Luther, A.D. 1537

Martin Luther’s quote is direct, yet honest and full of truth. Since Luther was a lover of the Word of God, His thoughts were likely based on how he viewed the Bible to be the beginning of all knowledge and how we, as humans, are nothing apart from God. Therefore, he determined that we need spiritual teaching above all other academic instruction. Do we need to throw aside reading, writing and arithmetic? Of course not. Since the foundation determines the stability of all else that is built above, we must look at what the groundwork of our children’s education is, as well as what it should be. Without diligent instruction about our Creator God; without a true understanding of what He desires for our lives, True wisdom and knowledge will never be attained.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning [first-fruits; principle thing] of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

What is the fear of God? READ THE REST HERE...

Life in a Family Integrated Church!

I cannot say enough about how much we have spiritually grown as a family since attending our family integrated church 3 1/2 years ago. We are blessed to be surrounded by a supportive church family that meets for worship on Sundays, has a weekly fellowship potluck following the service and has monthly prayer and men and women's accountability meetings, as well as other social events!

Moving to a family integrated church was a big switch for us. Both Mark and I grew up in age-segregated churches and after we married we attended one of the largest churches in Charlotte for 9 years before making the big switch. It was different, to say the least.

However, since we began going to our church, Mark has felt encouraged by the other men to LEAD his family in nightly family worship. Was it natural to him? No. He didn't grow up with family worship. Mark tells of how his father, though a Baptist minister, only opened the Bible for family Bible reading twice a year (Easter and Christmas). This family worship thing was something that Mark learned to do. Is he a perfect teacher? No. But, then again, is anyone? Only Jesus!

All I can say, is that when men are "forced" (er, encouraged!) to lead their families in this regular spiritual mentorship, as God has them naturally programmed to do...WOW! God brings together the family in ways that couldn't be done without Dad taking that nightly spiritual leadership role! Men desire to lead their families, but are either never asked, required or allowed to take on that role.

Since starting regular family worship, our kids are now closer to Mark than ever (we have always homeschooled...he's always been very involved, just not in this aspect). They are learning Scripture and understanding Scriptural concepts that most adults can't wrap their minds around. All this is learned either alongside Mark or a day or two behind him! Mark didn't need to go to seminary. He just needed to study Scripture, read it aloud and explain the concepts as he noticed them. The Holy Spirit does the rest...and oh, how cool it is to watch Him move through our worship and Bible reading times!

I'll also say that our pastor has a wonderful way of speaking to all ages. There are concepts that our children don't understand...that's okay. They'll either ask us later (they take notes and write down their questions) or they'll catch what they can for their age and that's exactly what the Holy Spirit had in mind for them! It's kind of like when we have the littles sit in on our history or science lessons. We call it the "school bus stop approach". They listen and their brains "get off the bus" after they have exceeded their attention span. Does that mean it was fruitless? On the contrary...they learn MUCH MORE than we assumed they were able. Same with a family integrated church...we always underestimated the Holy Spirit's workings in our children's hearts and minds! DUH...they have the SAME Holy Spirit we do! ;)

I could go on and on, but I will leave it at that. Oh, and just a few weeks ago...the fathers and sons are on our church's father and son retreat! While they were there they called to say that they were having a blast and that they were all learning so much from the teaching that all the dads were doing throughout each day! I LOVE that!

For those who need idea starters on how to do family worship, here ya go! It's not difficult. It just requires a committed, godly man to take up the natural, God-given leadership role that he hungers for whether he realizes it yet or not (and in the absence of the man, the woman can take up that role in her family). For more information on how to find a family integrated church in your area, click here! To see how we teach our children to listen and learn in church, check out this blog post from a while back!

Refined, Not Comfortable

My quote of the week (from a previous sermon from our pastor)...

"Comfortable living produces weak character."

Truly, being comfortable seems quite desirable. Just last week, I heard on Dobson the reminder that the Christian's life is full of adversity, not always comfort and prosperity as this world defines it. So, with that in mind, I would rather be refined by my Father and a woman of Godly character than comfortable.

Apply this quote as needed in your life this week!

How do you celebrate Reformation Day?

Q. Where do you go in town to celebrate Reformation Day? Is there a party nearby?

A. Well, we just do our party at home. We watch this Reformation video ahead of time and the children make a village and act out various roles, mainly of the Reformers. Though the Reformers were mostly men, our girls act as their wives and/or town people. They all dress in period costumes to the best of what we have on hand. They make "indulgences" ahead of time to sell to one another, along with a long piece of paper with the 95 theses on it! We usually have homemade bread or some treat with spiced cider, too. Here is a great link on how to make your own Reformation Day Faire!

Another fun part of the night is when we light ALL the candles all over the house to remind us of the following verse (particularly the part about what fellowship does "light have with darkness" part).

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God...Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'"

I hope that helps a little. I found that since we prepare the day before, as well, by taking off of school that the kids REALLY look forward to planning the events of the evening. It might be just our family, but we have a blast! HERE are photos of how our family celebrates Reformation Day! Enjoy!

Reformation Overview DVD!

Our family has enjoyed this movie. It's 6 hours long, but it is manageable in that it's broken up into half-hour segments. WONDERFUL....and available from Netflix!

Reformation Overview - Explore what it means to believe with this thorough program designed to shed light on the Reformation by introducing key reformers and crucial events. Ideal for a classroom setting, these films are divided into 30-minute segments, with convenient topic conversions and forewords. Learn about John Wycliffe, John Hus, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, The Anabaptists and William Tyndale, whose stories will encourage and motivate.

HERE are photos of how our family celebrates Reformation Day! Enjoy!

Foolish Talk

Q. Is it okay for Christian boys to call each other names like "homo" or "retard"?

A. Name-calling terms, such as "retard" or "homo" aren't Biblically permissive to call another person. One is in regards to a sexually perverse lifestyle and the other is making fun of a birth defect.

Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself."

James 3:17-18 - "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

One could argue that these terms are being used figuratively, rather than literally. No matter how LITERAL you are being in such name-calling, it is still not Biblically permissible.

Also, as Proverbs 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." As parents, we are to be encouraging our children to become disciplined in the ways of Jesus, not in the ways of their peers and other foolish thinkers. Discipline in someone's life does not come naturally, when they come of age. Rather, it is something that is taught to someone and practiced until it becomes a part of who they are.

One more passage to consider is Ephesians 5:4 "...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

All that name-calling is foolish talk and is not suitable for those who are to be being trained in how to be a godly young man. I love Ephesians 5! It instructs Believers on how we are to be as children of God. This is a beautiful passage after which to pattern one's life.

Consider your talk momentarily. Does your language represent Christ? Are you teaching your children to become disciplined in their speech?

The Recent Invention of Adolescence...

"Adolescence is now accepted by most Americans as a strange and difficult period marked by wild swings of mood, outbursts of temper, rudeness, rebelliousness, and personality changes — all involuntary.

They would be surprised to learn that this period was unknown, unrecognized, and unseen in every previous civilization, culture, and society throughout the immensely long history of humanity. It is, even today, unknown in large areas of the inhabited world."

Read the rest HERE...

Associating with Homosexuals Regularly - Is it Biblical?

Reposted from 2008

If you believe that associating with homosexuals is just the same as associating with any other type of sinner, I am urging you to consider these verses and warnings about associating with the sexually immoral! The Bible is very clear on this. I have concluded that God would have us to present the truth to an unbeliever and try to persuade them, but if we remain in their presence after the Gospel has been rejected, we are taking the chance of being brought down by them and/or becoming desensitized toward that sin.

I am certainly not saying that we should isolate ourselves from the world. If we are spiritually mature *AND* trained appropriately in how to minister to people with particular sins we should mix with unbelievers in the world to minister to them and help them. But we should not be living or working with the same unbelievers for an extended period of time, if they refuse to repent and believe. It is good to mix with unbelievers to love and convert them (our family does this regularly). If you can share Jesus with them, then you can happily yoke together. We should revisit some people even if they don't believe at first, as conversion can take time.

Jesus did the right thing by loving and mixing with sinners and tax collectors for the purpose of converting them. But he did not yoke, work and live with the same people if they did not believe. Jesus and the Apostles moved on if people did not believe, and met other people, trying to convert them. **The fact of the matter is that Jesus did not CONTINUE to spend time with sinners (tax collectors, prostitutes, etc.) if they refused the TRUTH presented to them.**

The following passages refer to the sending forth of Jesus' disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Obviously, Jesus was teaching his disciples that if some people will not listen to the message, their time could be better spent going to someone who will listen. **The Greek/Hebrew direct translation in parenthesis in order to better understand the words literally. **

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NIV): Do not be yoked together [associate; befriend] with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship (associate) can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

Acts 13:51-52 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

..... to shake the dust of any city of Israel from off one's clothes or feet was an emblematical action, signifying a renunciation of all further connection with them, and placing them on a level with the cities of the Heathen. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (reprehend severely; rebuke; convict).

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred (hostility) toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy (hostile) of God.

[Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world] How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favour of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the church, the church becomes a painted sepulcher; its spiritual vitality being extinct. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Regarding associations with perpetual sinners who call themselves believers....

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 "I have written you in my letter not to associate (keep company or be intimate) with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat (directly translated that we are to not eat, "not even in a continue negation"). What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel (remove) the wicked man from among you.'

It is vitally important to understand that we are not to judge those who are outside the church (non-professing Christians), but we are to remove those who practice homosexuality from our Church body (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). We cannot "police" the homosexuals (that's not our job), but we can remove them from our presence, as stated in the aforementioned verses.

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 26:4-7 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

Proverb 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

This is crucial........

1 Cor. 15:33 "Do not be deceived (led astray): ‘Bad company (companionship) corrupts good character (habits, customs).'"

There is no difficulty in this saying; he who frequents the company of bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. He may be sound in the faith, and have the life and power of godliness, and at first frequent their company only for the sake of their pleasing conversation, or their literary accomplishments: and he may think his faith proof against their infidelity; but he will soon find, by means of their glozing speeches, his faith weakened; and when once he gets under the empire of doubt, unbelief will soon prevail; his bad company will corrupt his morals. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Now before everyone jumps in to say how wrong I am....please do not attempt to debate without Scriptural references that refute the verses I listed above. Sola Scriptura! May we strive to please Jesus in all we do!

Do you ever feel like a Homeschool Failure?

It seems as though I receive many hits on my blog from people who have searched the web for "homeschool failure". Either there are a lot of people looking to scathe the reputation of homeschooling, searching the web for a list of people that have failed in their attempt to homeschool OR they are homeschool moms looking for encouragement when feeling beaten down in this godly calling (like we all do sometimes). My guess is that it's the latter, more often than the former.

I would just love to beat the devil at this and tackle this discouragement that ALL homeschool moms feel (at one time or another) with SCRIPTURE! Sooo.....I need to hear from YOU! Homeschool Mamas - What makes you feel like a "homeschool failure"? What have you done to battle those feelings and keep on pressing toward the goal? Please leave a comment below with you responses!

I look forward to investigating this further and encouraging each other in the process!

"B's" New Year's Visit!

"B" is a precious 19 year old young lady who turned from the gates of death ("our" local abortion mill) and CHOSE LIFE for her little girl (due May 5th)! We were BLESSED to have her stay with us the last 24 hours. We are excited to be able to walk along side her at this time in her life.

Third Wave of Homeschool Persecution - Be Aware!

This article is a MUST READ for every Christian homeschooler! This is the THIRD WAVE OF ARGUMENT that seeks to curtail or crush the homeschooling movement—specifically, the Christian homeschooling movement—is coming. You need to know about it. You need to get ready to fight it. My parents, among many others, fought hard so that we could have the homeschooling freedoms we enjoy today. Prepare to fight for this same right so that your children have this incredible freedom to home educate!

Launching Your Arrows...how are you preparing your children?

"We don’t aim to hold on to our arrows all the way to the target. They’re not push-pins, they’re meant to fly. Our job is to shape and prepare the arrows so when they are released, they fly straight and true on their own. The time is coming when they will leave our quiver and depart on their life’s mission, as we have to prepare then – and ourselves – for that launch."~ Raising Real Men

• What are you doing to prepare YOUR arrows to hit that target?
• Do you have regular family worship?
• How are you discipling your children regularly?
• Are you obeying Deuteronomy 6:6-9 in instructing your children?
• Are you being consistant in enforcing boundaries and rules?
• Is your discipline consistent?
• Are you spending one-on-one time regularly with your children? (even monthly or bi-monthly, but where it's ON your calendar)
• Are you setting high expectations for your children? Do they know that you expect them to aim high? Or are you settling for the world's standards?
• Have you taught your children WHY you believe WHAT you believe? Do they know the Scriptures behind your beliefs and standards? This is real Biblical worldview education!

Time for Christians to Shred Their Bibles

Don't read into this any more than what it says, please (I know some would love to put words in my mouth). That being said, this is so true...we are becomming sheepish slaves of government; we are lambs being willingly led away to our own slaughter! Read the exerpt and then click the link to read the conclusion!



Many of us grew up in Sunday School and church. We have heard the great Bible stories over and over. We heard about the story of how Moses’ mother defied Pharaoh and hid her little baby boy in bulrushes. We heard the story of how Moses killed the Egyptian taskmaster defending a Hebrew slave and later became the great deliverer of God’s people. We heard the story of young David going out alone against the Philistines’ greatest warrior, Goliath. We heard the story of how Saul’s servants refused to carry out the king’s order to murder the priest Ahimelech. We know well the story of Daniel who defied his government’s order to refrain from praying. The names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are very familiar to us. We heard our teachers and preachers extol their courage in defying the government’s order to bow to the image of their emperor. We remember that John the Baptist went to prison (and was eventually beheaded), not for preaching the Gospel, but for criticizing the king for his immoral behavior. We certainly recall the story of Simon Peter who bluntly told his civil magistrates, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” We know that the Apostle Paul wrote many of his epistles from inside government prisons. We certainly recall that before John penned the Revelation, he had been banished to an island-prison by his civil authorities.

I challenge Christians to objectively look at the great stories of Bible heroes (in both testaments) and observe how many times they are noted for either being martyred for defying a civil authority, or, perhaps, for being delivered from death for defying a civil authority. The stories of defiance to civil government (in one form or another) comprise a great percentage of all the stories contained in the Bible–perhaps even a majority of them.

So, how has it happened that a majority of today’s Christians, it seems, have become such sheepish slaves of government? How has it happened that, for the most part, the concept of courage in the face of government oppression has been totally lost to the average Christian, pastor, and church? For all intents and purposes, it is time for many Christians to shred their Bibles, because the lessons and principles of God’s Word have absolutely no influence over their attitudes and conduct. The Rest HERE....

Should I leave out "difficult" words in the Bible when reading it to my children?

Q. How do you handle reading aloud such words in the Bible as "homosexual", "harlot" and such as that? Do you omit them or do you explain to all your children what those words mean?

A. We attend a family integrated church, where the pastor preaches the Word of God to all ages. No parts of the Bible are omitted and we follow the same principles at home, during family worship. Remember, the “Book of the Law” (the copy of the Scriptures at that time) was read to ALL the people....old, young, children, and even nursing infants. I don’t see how we can seek to imitate the Bible and leave out anything. However, there is a delicate way of handling this....we do not explain the direct meaning of these terms UNLESS we are asked for those meanings. Depending upon what ages are present, we explain on their age level of understanding. The word harlot could mean a person who kisses men who are not her husband or someone who sells s-x for money.....it all depends on the age and understanding of the one asking AND who else is present. We would bring the subject up again, if not brought up sooner, as the child ages and gains more understanding of sin.

It is also good to remember that Joshua read the ENTIRE Book of the Law to the Israelites...young and old. That should be an example of how we should lead our children!

"There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them. " Joshua 8:35

“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Psalm 78:1-8, emphasis added).

Reformation Day Photos of the Metzger's Celebration!

HERE they are! Enjoy!

No to Halloween!

To witches, Halloween is a festival of the dead, & represents the end and the beginning of the witches year. It marks the beginning of the death & destruction associated w/winter..the power of the underworld is unleashed, and spirits are supposedly freed to roam about the earth; it is considered the best time to contact spirits. - Regina Tyndall via Facebook

The apostle Paul said Witchcraft is one of the acts of the sinful nature and those who practice it will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21; see also Revelation 22:15). Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English says of Samhain: October 31, Halloween; a day of celebration for Wiccans and other pagans; also called November Eve, Hallowe'en, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead. (Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition


Never did God say, "Take the Asherah poles and idols and make them into holy monuments to me. Take back for me their high places and sacred groves. Place my relics upon their altars. Redeem the pagan shrines for me. Use them for my glory." Rather, He said, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thess. 5:22 "...let us put aside the deeds of darkness..." Ro. 13:12 and "Touch no unclean thing..." 2 Cor. 6:17

Reformation Day Activities - Loads of ideas, projects & why some Christians don't celebrate Halloween

Our family does not take part in Halloween celebrations for many reasons, but we do take part in Reformation Day, which we hold on the 31st! Here are some websites that will help you plan your own Reformation Day activities. If you, too, choose not to celebrate Halloween and would like to explain WHY you do this, here are 2 great books. Halloween - Is It For Real? and Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween

Philippians 4:8 ~ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Matthew 5:14-16 ~ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

~ Lisa Metzger

Websites with More Info

• Reformation Day A history of Reformation Day



• Print and Color a Picture of Martin Luther



• Reformation Day Word Search Find the Reformers in the puzzle



• Reformation Day Fair Activities A number of interesting ideas here for celebrating Reformation Day.



• Reformation Skit (best for older students, probably grades 5 - 12)



• A Unit Study on the Reformation This is from Core Knowledge and is for grade 5



• Questions and Answers about Reformation Day



• A Mighty Fortress is Our God The words and music are here



• Reformation Day This is from sundayschoollessons.com



• Luther's 95 Theses



• The Life of Martin Luther



• John Calvin



• Reformation Day October 31st or December 10? An interesting article

Books

• Book: Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier



• Book: The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs



• Book: Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween? by Linda Hacon Winwood

Devotional/Sermon/Teaching Ideas

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  Article: Halloween in Light of the Scriptures



• Article: What Does the Bible Say About. . .?



• Article: When Good People Disagree - uses Halloween as a case study in conflict

Ideas for Halloween Outreach (suggested only for teens, as the scary costumes can really frighten small children or "create appetites" for Halloween that are not biblical)

• Article: Pumpkin Evangelism



• Book: The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs (for children)



• Leaflet: Halloween Leaflet - Light-Up-the-Night



• Tracts: Halloween Tracts



• Tracts: Chick Tracts: Turn Halloween Into a Night of Evangelism (ideas could be used with their tracts or other tracts)

History of Halloween

• Article: A Christian Perspective on the Holiday: History Page



• Article: Christians and Halloween: The Pagan Origin of Halloween



• Article: The History of Halloween -- It's Probably Not What You Think

Satanism & Halloween

• Article: The Dark Side of Halloween



• Article: The Occult Connection



• Cassette: Halloween: Invitation to the Occult? - Audiobook on Cassette by Chuck Missler

Christians Celebrating Halloween

• Article: Christians and Halloween



• Article: Halloween for Christians?



• Article: Should Christians participate in the Halloween holiday?



• Article: Happy Halloween? Is there any good reason for a Christian to celebrate it?



• Article: A Look at Halloween



• Article: Can Halloween Be an Entirely Innocent Practice?



• Article: Saints, Symbols and Celebrations: A New Perspective on Halloween



• Book: Halloween, Is It for Real? by Harold Myra

HERE are photos of how our family celebrates Reformation Day! Enjoy!