The Parents’ Privilege

Note to Readers:  This teaching article by Bible Study Fellowship is being re-published on the Faith Hope and Love Blog.  BSF lessons are copyrighted with all rights reserved, but articles they publish can be distributed.   This article is part of the BSF lesson on Matthew, Chapter 2.   It emphasizes the importance of "Making disciples" including the children in your own home.

Published by Bible Study Fellowship.

BSF Home Training Lesson - Matthew Lesson 2 Series III

The Parents’ Privilege

How do you view parenting and the raising of children? Is it a joy or a burden?

Do you find it a delight or an interruption in your plans? Is it a responsibility or a privilege? If God has given you children, he has given you the privilege and responsibility to teach them to know and love God.

Parents are not perfect. But God is gracious and will provide everything an adult needs to raise a child. His Word is truly “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105  NIV)  in all areas of life, especially parenting.

Cherish and Nurture

The early years are intriguing but demanding for the parent. Each day can require much energy. There is little time to contemplate the awesome influence of these brief years between infancy and entrance to the world outside of home. Cherish these unique years. There will be no other time like this. Later, many others outside your home will influence your child. But for now, parents are the principal teachers in a child’s world. You will never again have such unchallenged credibility or control over what your child learns. You may never again have the concentrated time with this little person that you have during this time.

You will spend much time stimulating your child’s mind. You will encourage him to develop physical skills and foster healthy emotions. Amid this continual learning and development, your child’s spirit is also putting down roots and expanding. The parent must nurture the spiritual life of his child, as well as assisting growth in all the other areas of his life.   Spiritual training is a distinct responsibility that God appoints to parents. But it is also a special privilege they have been given. You have the joyful and life-changing duty to help your child understand the character of God, discover His love, and learn about Jesus’ place in his life.

There is little that is more important than laying this foundation of spiritual truth in a child’s life. To do so from the beginning of his life is a profound gift with lifelong benefits. To allow his sense of God to go undeveloped or not to encourage his growth in biblical knowledge is an injustice. In a home where parents have some knowledge of God, it is an inexcusable default. It is similar to denying proper food to a child who is living in a home with others who are well-fed and healthy.

As a child grows, she gains a sense of independence.   A variety of outside forces try to influence your child’s sense of God. Children are natural imitators. They will imitate what they observe in the home and outside world — good and bad. If the parent is self-indulgent, has a low view of God’s Word, or separates his spiritual from everyday life, the child will likely do the same. It is a tremendous witness for a child to see her parent’s authentic relationship with God.

Whether a child is young or more mature, a parent must make it a priority to spend time with her. Let there be joy and respect in the interactions with your child. This will go a long way in the spiritual development of your child.

Build on BSF

BSF is willing to assist in this spiritual development. But it does not intend to assume the privileged responsibility given to mothers and fathers. Parents can count on their child’s leaders to present the biblical truth in class each week. Leaders are counting on the parents to work with their child, clarifying and building on the spiritual principles taught in the weekly lesson.

As you review the story with your child, explain that the word Magi refers to wise men. Ask your child questions about the story. “What did the Magi follow? For whom were they looking? How did they feel when they found the baby?” Sing a Christmas hymn and talk about the meaning of the words. Locate the Scripture verse and help your child memorize it. Together, compare this week’s and last week’s verses. Talking about the story, hymns and verses is a responsible way to train your child in godly thinking. It nourishes his spiritual growth. You will be fulfilling the privilege God has entrusted to you.

Ask your school-aged child what principle was meaningful to her in the Bible Lesson.   Feel emboldened to ask what action she feels compelled to take and what she will do differently in daily life as a result of studying the Scripture. This will provide great memorable conversation on the way home from BSF. Be certain the conversation is not one-sided; you should share what challenged you in the lecture. Your goal should be to have a spiritual dialogue. Take this time to memorize next week’s verse together. Find out what the Basic Truth or Attribute of God was in that particular lesson.

Seeing your child develop into the person God created him/her to be is a privilege. The effort exerted in nurturing your children in their spiritual growth goes beyond this life and into eternity.

The HONOR Beard

The  HONOR Beard

By George Nielsen

I have never grown a beard before, having only gone a few days without shaving, at times when I was very sick and bedridden.    During my years in the U.S. Army, having a beard was not permitted.    However, in August I had a prompting from Holy Spirit that I should grow a beard, and began doing so, on August 5, 2013.   The direction given to me was that having the beard was connected to these things:

(1) Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets – coming up on September 4th, the first of the Fall Feasts of the Lord described in the Scripture that are to give honor to the Glorious Presence of God with men here on the earth; this feast looks back to the loud trumpet blasts on Mount Sinai when God descended onto the mountain before Moses and the Israelites, and looks forward to the “Last Trumpet” – and the Rapture of the Church;

(2) the honor associated with the spiritual gifts known as the 5-fold Ministry Gifts, and the ministry of Teacher, in particular, (where having the beard, and being generally a somewhat older person, are to symbolize wisdom);  true wisdom comes from God and we can find it in His Word, the Holy Bible;  by giving honor to the 5-fold ministry position of Teacher, this also gives honor to God Himself, who gives the Teacher his/her wisdom, the calling and the anointing to teach;

(3) making a tangible expression of honor to Holy Spirit Himself, by declaring my purpose for growing this beard, as the Honor beard.   I did this while speaking to a group of men on September 5th, Yom Teruah, and have done so at other times, too.

It was somewhat humbling to grow the beard, particularly during the first three weeks, because of how it looked – uneven, not particularly full, and sort of “grizzly” looking.   The picture shown above was taken after seven weeks of growth.  

The word I received was to honor Holy Spirit on Yom Teruah by growing the beard, and I started 30 days prior to this feast, growing the beard during the Hebrew calendar month of Elul.   Those who follow the Hebrew calendar and observe the Feasts also use the month of Elul as a time of personal reflection to prepare their hearts for the upcoming days.   In my case, I was also preparing my face.  

Being mindful that Yom Teruah was the first of three major Feasts of the Lord, I purposed in my heart to continue with the spirit of expressing honor by keeping the beard and not shaving it off.   I determined to declare special honor and give thanks to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and my Savior, by having the beard on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.   Furthermore, I determined to declare special honor to God the Father, by having the beard on Sukkot, the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and to highlight the prophecy from Scripture in Revelation 21: 1–3.   This Scripture declares the coming of the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven to earth, and that the dwelling place of God will be with men. On September 19th, Sukkot, I also spoke to a group of men and was able to make the declaration of honor to God the Father and of Revelation 21’s prophecy.  

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I hope that having a beard, and declaring it to be the Honor beard, will serve as more than a personal expression of Honor, by me. I hope other people, reading this or taking note of my having the beard, will also be inspired to seek to give special honor to God and to our indwelling God – Holy Spirit, the third person of our triune God – in particular.  

Honoring God involves how we live our lives, first of all.  Then we can also speak out, making expressions of honor.  Finally, we can show honor with a special Honor financial offering.   I have done this with a special missions offering, and I encourage those reading this to also consider making an Honor offering.   

SEEKING STRENGTH FOR THE TASK

One of the areas of emphasis for the men that I associate with, from Businessmen in Christ, of Springfield, is taken from Philippians 2: 12 - 13.   This is the passage where we are commanded to "work out our salvation":

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.    (NKJV)

The idea is to exhort people, beginning with me, to not be spectators, but rather be participants in works of service and in witnessing -- all for Jesus our Savior, to bring glory to God.    So, we need to keep on putting out the effort, as leaders and workers, in works of service for ministry.   But, when we do so, we need to remember to seek strength for our tasks.

A series of devotional messages that I have been reading, Leadership: Stepping Out in Faith, is a study of the Book of Nehemiah.    I have reprinted the message from day 24 below, which is  developed as a commentary based on Nehemiah 6: 9.

SEEKING STRENGTH FOR THE TASK

It becomes terribly frustrating when you are constantly being dogged by your enemies. In one instance, it is insults.   In another, it is petty skirmishes and in yet another, it is lies, deceit and intimidation.   Many of us would crack under such relentless personal and physical attack.   Nehemiah, however, holds fast.   God has given him a high level of wisdom, and he can spot deception a mile away.

Nehemiah does not fall for the intimidating tactics of his enemies.   He recognizes them for what they are, and as is his practice, goes to God in prayer, appealing to God for strength.

Nehemiah needs strength for the physical task of building the wall.   What are some other reasons he might need strength?

Deceit is pandemic in our society.   Speak out against it when it occurs, knowing that God’s power will back you up. 

Pray: Lord, let me be prudent in my response to those who attack my credibility and to those that are deceitful.    Strengthen my hands for the work You have called me to do, in Jesus' Name.

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Nehemiah 6:9   (NKJV)

For they all were  trying  to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O  God, strengthen my hands.

I am Now Able to Return to My Online Writing Ministry

I had planned that this ministry blog would have a new post twice each month, of my writing, and also occasionally posting material from others that I want to pass along.   The health crisis that I had on March 1, 2013 brought those plans to a halt.   The treatment and medical care I received helped bring me through the severe health problems that started in March, and the two occurrences of either a bad cold or the flu, in April and May--June.  

Through all of this, I don't worry about how God chooses to manifest my healing, or how/when prayers said by me or for me will be answered.  I just try to use the wisdom and the leading that Holy Spirit gives me to keep going, day by day, and (I think most importantly) to seek, to try to hear from God, about what I can learn from the situation I am in.

"EXAMINE yourself" is always a worthwhile thing to do, but my experience is that when you are ill, and laid-up because of the severity of the illness, that is the most important time for doing this self-examination.    The self-examination will be part of what God can use as He brings the truth of the Scripture to pass in our life -- Romans 8: 28, that all things will work together for good, for those that love God and are the called, called out as His children and as disciples of Jesus.

So, now as we start the second week of June, its time for me to "Forward, March" -- getting back into the work of the ministry in an active way, each day working to fulfill my calling.

God Bless you.  
George Nielsen

Understanding the COST of Sanctification

By George Nielsen

Paul the Apostle wrote to the Thessalonians and spoke a blessing and a special impartation of grace over this group of believers as he closed the letter now titled 1 Thessalonians.   In chapter 5, verse 23, he wrote:

²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  [NKJV]

First, Paul addresses a particular character quality of God Almighty, peace, which he meant to convey the idea of Shalom.   Shalom included the absence of conflict, and also rest, personal fulfillment, and contentment.  Shalom has this extra, emotional, aspect to it because it is a state of being where there was no lack of any needed thing and thus no stress over needing “more.” 

Then Paul gives his spoken petition that he addressed to the God of peace, Yahweh-Shalom.     He asks for a special move of God in the Thessalonian church – to sanctify those people, and to do so completely.     We, in the Church today, probably do understand sanctification in a basic sense; it means to be set apart for a special purpose to serve God and to please God by living a life of personal holiness.   Paul was asking God for more than this!   I am not functioning as an apostle, but I am called and functioning as a teacher and pastor.   I am asking the same petition for you who are reading this message   I ask that Holy Spirit move in a special and mighty way, imparting divine Peace (Shalom) to you and stirring your heart and mind to desire sanctification at the next level, beyond the basics – to “sanctify you completely.”   

I am afraid that we are not taking the concept of sanctification seriously.  The typical view is that “God does His part by setting us apart for service, when we Come to Jesus.”  But we don’t lock-in on our part, serving God. 

Instead we live for God “just enough to get by and look OK.”    This isn’t rebellion, but it is a casual attitude that doesn’t produce results.    When this is our viewpoint, satan can easily distract us and lie to us, saying things like “you can’t succeed” or “you’re not gifted, not able, don’t have time, etc.”     Or, maybe you’re a man who is rebelling, in a passive way – believing the lie “Christianity is for girly-men; I’m a real man.”   For you, serving God means “I go to church on Sundays,” but that is the full extent of your sanctification.

As I stated above, I have called out to Holy Spirit to stir up your desire, so you want to receive and are ready for being sanctified completely.    Oswald Chambers has written a devotional message (February 8^th, in My Utmost for His Highest  [Updated Edition c. 1992]) about the Cost of sanctification.    If you are thinking, “well, Jesus paid the cost” you are not fully understanding what the Apostle Paul wrote to describe what he meant by being sanctified completely.   The cost for our salvation was fully paid; the price was the precious Blood of Jesus, shed for us when He died on the Cross.   The cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus is complete.   This is what Oswald Chambers wrote about the cost of sanctification:

Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification?   The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns.   Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view.   It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone.  

In the devotion, Chambers went on to quote part of John 17: 19, where Jesus is praying to the Father, the night before His Crucifixion: “For their sakes, I sanctify Myself.”   It is based on this text, and Jesus’ complete dedication to do His Father’s will and be our Savior, that Chambers was able to arrive at such an intense, hard-core, “real-man” definition of sanctification, and of the cost we have to pay for sanctification.   Chambers also wrote “It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.”  

So my message, which includes and builds on what I have read and quoted from Oswald Chambers, is that we all need to be sanctified completely.  First, understand that this is the next level up from the basic ideas we may have held about sanctification. Then make the forthright choice and commitment to do this.  Our God, the God of Peace, will step in to help us.   Holy Spirit can show us what is “of God” in all the areas of our life – home, family, employment, social, discipleship and ministry – and any corrections we need to make for things that are not “of God.”  

“Love, Peace, and Caring for Others”

By George Nielsen

Publisher's Note:  This post was originally published in the Rochester Christian Church 5th Grade Sunday School Class Blog on February 12, 2013.    It is an inspirational message and a prayer.  It has been republished here so more readers can be inspired by it.   God Bless you.

“Love, Peace, and Caring for Others”

Jesus cares for us and has great compassion -- He understands our weaknesses and wants to help us.  Our Bible Adventures lesson (“Jesus Cares”) had two examples of Jesus helping people in need, and our Key Verse from the Holy Bible declares how God still stands ready today to help those who are connected to Him -- “the family of God.”    The verse is Philippians   4: 19 which says:

My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Our class motto is We Serve Jesus.  As young disciples of Jesus, we can serve our Lord by being His hands and feet, that is, being the people who do practical work of serving that helps others.   And we can use our spiritual gifts in ministry that helps and blesses others -- extending further the influence of the Kingdom of God, here on the earth, as it is in heaven.   Jesus said we should be “a light” -- that pushes back the darkness of evil in this world.   People that still need to Come to Jesus for forgiveness can be drawn to Him by our service and ministry to them.

Bible Adventures published a prayer written by Saint Francis of Assisi that can be read for inspiration and encouragement, and also spoken in prayer to God by disciples, today.   It is reprinted below:

LORD, make me an instrument of Thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; Not so much to be understood as to understand;  

Not so much to be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;  It is in dying that we awaken to eternal life.  

  

“Desire and POWER” — A New Year’s Devotional Thought

  By George Nielsen  -  January 4, 2013

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.     Philippians 2: 12b & 13 (New Living Translation)

If through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.   Romans 8: 13b & 14 (New Living Translation)

My thoughts, here at the beginning of a new calendar year, are to let these passages from the Holy Bible sink in – first into my mind, which is the primary battlefield for attacks from satan, our enemy. Then I want to receive them into my spirit.   God declares, through St. Paul’s writing, that He is giving me – and you – desire and power to be used in service to Him.    What He is giving, I need to receive.

The beginning of the year is the ideal time to re-focus our life.   We are called to serve Jesus, and reminded in our Scripture reading in Philippians that key aspects of this are deep reverence for God Almighty, always showing honor to the Father, Jesus our Savior, and Holy Spirit – and doing so with Godly fear, mindful of God’s holiness.    Without a re-focus, believers can just be stuck in a routine – serving Jesus, but not moving in the power He has for us, to reach the destiny He has set for us.

Re-focusing is an individual task.   I can’t tell you what your focus should be, in the natural realm.  But I have these thoughts regarding re-focusing spiritually.    Quotes from two Christian teachers and leaders, devotional author Oswald Chambers and teacher and mentor Dr. Mike Brown, have been inspirational to me, and they give guidance for our spiritual life:

“Surrender your will to God absolutely and irrevocably.”

“Keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out on the right hand and on the left.  Live in a constant state of expectancy.”                                 Oswald Chambers

“Focusing on the God-inspired Picture of you and your Destiny attracts the Partnership, Favor, and Wisdom of God”

“Work diligently to develop an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, learning to know His voice and immediately without hesitation or negotiation follow His every instruction.”               Dr. Mike Brown

Take time to apply what these two teachers have said to yourself – your attitudes, plans and goals, and your actions.   Jesus said “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11.22)     Be determined to hear the voice of Holy Spirit, receiving His guidance, so that you can be led by the Spirit.   Expect to be an overcomer, victorious and achieving your destiny.  And expect that this destiny will prove to be well beyond the routine – beyond what we are seeing now in the Church.   Expect to make an impact in our society, for the Kingdom of God. 

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If you are a parent, one of your goals should be that you help your children to apply this to themselves.    Work with them in an age-appropriate way to guide them toward making a firm commitment to God’s will instead of self-will, positive expectation, and the spiritual disciplines that will help them grow and help them be led by the Spirit.   

I am particularly encouraged and expectant regarding the preteen and young teen students that I teach, the iGeneration, born after 2000, and the youngest of the Millenials, now age 13 or 14.   These students will be the believers who can bring revival and renewal of the culture to North America.    I encourage parents reading this to also have this same expectation.