I. Col. 3:18-21
A. I could not find any information concerning B. B.
McKinney, the lyrist and composer of this song.
B. The need for children to be brought up in Christian Homes can be seen in many aspects of today's life. Being a schoolteacher, I have seen a lack of moral influence on the children of today and the subsequent problems that follow. Many children are not given any religious or moral guidance at home but are instead given examples of immoral and atheistic behavior. The resulting disrespect to authority and the increasing discipline problems in school and in the community have become overwhelming. Teachers no longer are just teachers, but have become counselors, policemen, mothers and fathers to today's school children. Juvenile crime has increased dramatically and courtesy, politeness, consideration for others has all but vanished.
Some adults will say that they have a Christian home, when in actuality, their lack of respect for God and God's word is evident in all aspects of their life.
When a child is exposed to hypocrisy, and told by their parents' actions that its ok-why should we then wonder why the numbers of children who remain in the church has dwindled to such a small number.
II. Verse 1-Read
A. "Where the Bible is loved and taught."
1. Psalms119 This chapter is unique, in that, every verse contains
a word that refers to God's word-law, testimonies, ways, statues,
commands, etc.
2. I John 2:5, I John2:14-17. To love the word of God is to love
God. His love is in us if we cherish and keep his word. Please
note that this is not just giving lip service to loving the word
of God, but it is implementing it in your life and using your
example and influence on others to bring them to a love of God's
word! If our children do not see in us a love of God's word-how
can we expect them to have that love in their lives? What will
follow is a lack of respect for and a rebellion against, the authority
of God!
3. Psalms 119:26, II Tim. 4:2, Titus 2:15. We are commanded by
God to teach his word. If we have the love of his word in us we
will follow it. In following his word, we must fulfill the command
to teach. We teach by our words and by our example in public and
in private life. There is always something that we as Christians
can do-whether it is teaching a class, teaching our neighbor or
being a right kind of example, we are all obligated to teach!
We all have an obligation to teach each other and just as important,
to teach each other's children! A child who strays from God's
word, is a tragedy that not only must be borne by it's parents,
but on all who did not do all they could in trying to teach and
influence that child.
B. "Thy love hath wrought." - Psalms 56:11, one of the things of beauty that God's love will produce in us is addressed in this verse. Why should we be afraid of what man can do to us? God and his love in us is greater than anything man can do. Luke 12:4
III. Verse 2-Read - "Homes where the Father is true and strong."
A. Psalms86:15, 16 Please notice that in his request for God's strength, David also asks that God save the son of thine handmaid. Also notice the things in verse 15 that were characteristics of God's strength.
B In his book, "Show Thyself a Man", Herschel Patton quotes Jim McDonald, a former preacher at Second and Walnut Street Church in Paragould, Arkansas:
"There is an urgent need for men-for strong, fearless, mature, wise, kind and honorable men: for men who bear pain without whimpering; criticism without cowering and persecution without complaining: for men who have convictions-deep, vibrant, urgent and compelling convictions to whom compromise is cowardice; surrender unthinkable and triumph inevitable. We need men who have faith, a faith that is farsighted, giving strength for the present and future; faith that is able to provide hope in adversity; love in turmoil and which placates present disappointment by future expectation: a faith that moves to act at the slightest command of God, nothing doubting; a faith that moves brethren to step forward because it is fight-despite the fact that there is doubt of personal ability."
IV. Verse 3-Read
"Homes where the mother....Strives to show others thy way is best..where the Lord is an honored guest." I Sam. 12:20-24, Titus 2:5, Gen. 18:1-8, Acts 16:14. Abraham and Sarah did more than lip service in attending to the needs of the angels that appeared to them. They were treated as honored guests in their home. Women, can treat the Lord as an honored guest in their home today, by looking out for the needs of the family-not just physical but spiritual also, by helping others, by being the right example to the family, and yes, as Lydia did, by being a business woman. Proverbs 31:10-28
V. Verse 4-Read - "Where the children are led to know Christ"
A. Lev. 10:9-11, Deut. 11:18, Eph 6:1-3. When Children have a knowledge and an appreciation for the love of Christ and what it means in their lives, they will have a better chance of fighting against the influences of this world. Pier pressure has become a great problem in the lives of today's youth. The feeling of being ostracized by the group has great influences on the actions of the young. The only hope that they have is to have had instilled in them from a very early age, an appreciation for God's word and his authority. Without this there is no hope in their lives or in our own.
B. "Where the altar fires burn and glow." Our responsibility in serving God is not a quiet one. If our alter fires only bum without giving out light (glow- influencing others, being seen by others), then we are not fulfilling our roles as Children of God!
In closing let me remind all of us that a successful Christian home is one in which all take responsibility for it's success, by assuming those responsibilities and roles that we each have as servants of God. This relates to teaching, example, worship to God, attending services, prayer, caring for others, caring for ourselves, and above all loving God, Christ and his word!