“Are We Really in Danger of Making an Idol of the Family?” – Kevin DeYoung
I love everything about family ministry. I have been doing it for over 16 years, and Lord willing will do it for the rest of my life. The spiritual growth of our families should be of utmost importance to us all. However, there is a real danger when we put too high a priority on family that it will undermine what God has said that He desires for us. DeYoung writes, “In a world hellbent on redefining marriage and undermining the fundamental importance of the family, Christians would do well to honor and support all those trying to nurture healthy families. And yet, virtually every pastor in America can tell you stories of churchgoers who have functionally displaced God in favor of the family.”
“Husbands, We’re Called to Help Our Wives Grow in Christ” – Randy Alcorn
This is a subject that I have written on many times, but Randy Alcorn really writes a helpful article on the subject on the husband’s responsibility in helping his wife grow in grace as well. He writes, “There’s a lot of stuff out there that isn’t going to draw you or your wife’s mind and heart toward God. Part of loving and leading her is pointing her toward things that will. The payoff is huge for her, you, your kids, and everyone her life touches.”
“Parents, Take Note of the Spiritual Practices Common to Kids Who Flourish As Adults” – Trevin Wax
As Christian parents, we all want to see our children come to faith and flourish in their Christian walk. Trevin Wax has provided 5 common practices that will, by God’s grace, help in your children’s spiritual progress in their faith. “The research indicated that children who remained faithful as young adults . . . grew up in homes where certain practices were present.”
“Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus in Song” – Sovereign Grace Music
If you are looking for some newer Christmas music for this holiday season, this is a wonderful album that your family would enjoy. This came out a few years back, but if you haven’t had a chance to listen to it, I would encourage you to do so. “The reality of the incarnation, the Son of God taking on our flesh and bones to save us, will be an eternal source of wonder, gratefulness, and joy. These fourteen songs are our attempt to capture that mystery in song. The long night is over and the light of the world has come. Prepare Him room.”
“Profile of an Evangelistic Home” – Joel Beeke
Have you ever wondered what an evangelistic home might look like? Here is a sermon that gives a glimpse into what it could look like in your home. Dr. Beeke gives this chilling reminder in his sermon, “Other than the Bible, you are the best or worst book your children will ever read.” He lays out what the gospel-centered home looked like in the past, and what it might look like today based off of biblical principles.
“The Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith – DVD Set”
If you have ever wanted your children to know more about some of the heroes of the faith, then here you can find the animated, true-life stories of Christian heroes retold for young people. In each 30 minute video you can lean about people such as Augustine, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, Jim Elliot, Eric Liddell, and Samuel Morris. These are wonderfully made DVDs that will allow your children to see God through the lives of great men and women of old. You can buy all 17 episodes at a discounted price for a limited time.
“Why My Family Doesn’t Do Santa” – Josh Buice
It is an age old debate within Christian circles. . . Santa or no Santa. I believe Dr. Buice provides pastoral and fatherly insight on why his family doesn’t do Santa. He writes, “We want our children to look at the story of a jolly old man who visits us on a red sleigh behind Rudolph and a host of other flying reindeer and find no comparison to the story of the second Person of the Trinity leaving heaven’s throne to be born into poverty as he clothed himself in human flesh—entering the world through the womb of a virgin girl—in order to save his people from their sins.” As you prepare for the Christmas season, maybe this will spark a healthy discussion within your family.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Adam B. Burrell
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