Episode Summary: Both Solomon, and later the author of the book of Hebrews appeal to the obvious creation principle that they assume everyone knew in their era, loving fathers don’t allow their children to persist in selfish, wrong behavior; they discipline their children out of love for them. In our own day, a weird time in history when cultural voices are denying what every other culture in history has affirmed—that there are differences between fathers and mothers—it seems necessary examine this creation principle of fatherhood. It is also important because, today, so much child-rearing advice is rooted in a fear of stifling a child or harming his self-esteem instead of recognizing that by nature a child wants to be the center of the universe--dad giving him what he wants when he wants it, and the rest of the world catering to his wants and demands. This episode examines how fathers must protect their child from the child’s worst enemy, the main person who can ruin his life—HIMSELF, because he comes into this world with self-centered, sinful nature

For Further Prayerful Thought

1. How would you answer a husband who said, “My wife is so much better with the kids, I leave the discipline of the children to her?”
2. How would you explain to someone that loving a child requires disciplining them but that letting them go their own ways is a form of hatred for them?
3. Which of the 6 reasons parents don’t discipline their kids as well as they should stands out to you?
4. Which of the 6 principles from Hebrews 12 for administering discipline that is like God’s discipline of us stood out most to you? Why do you think that is important?

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Summary: As we return to our pre-Christmas study of I Timothy, we come to chapter three, where Paul lays out the qualifications to serve as an elder in the church. In doing so, he gives us a portrait of not only the character required for spiritual leadership, but of leadership that even the secular world acknowledges attracts followers.

For Further Prayerful Thought:

1. How does Paul’s insistence that fulfilling a spiritual leadership position is a “noble task” affect your perspective about such positions?
2. How can we better remember that fulfilling the leadership positions assigned to us by Jesus with excellence brings honor to Him?
3. Which of the six virtues most stood out to you 1) above reproach, 2) a one-woman man, 3) sober-minded, 4) self-controlled, 5) exhibiting an ordered life, 6) demonstrating love for the outsider.
4. Which of the above six do you most need to focus upon building?

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Episode Summary: One of the habits of Jesus that is often overlooked, but extremely powerful is his habit of regularly withdrawing to a secluded place to intercede for his loved ones. This episode investigates the biblical evidence for believing Satan cannot stand against prayer made in Jesus’ name for the growth of kingdom righteousness in our own hearts and over the earth.

For the printed version of this message click here.

For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.

For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

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