Confused Children Instability of societal opinions 1970s and 1980s emphasized self-esteem and independence In 1990s, many returned to values and discipline. Hb.13:8 Political correctness Jer.10:23

TVs (computers) teach worldly attitudes Marriage is a product of society, not God (evolutionary hypothesis) Mk.10:6, from…creation Living together is amoral cultural Clergymen reject Bibles sexual regulations (cultural) 1 Co.6:13; 7:2; 14:37

Open marriage. Hb.13:4 Homosexual marriages Mt.19:4-6, male and female Mt.19:9, fornication (Jd.7) Redefine marriage to cover multitude of sins

Polygamy Gn.4:19, Lamech; ct. Gn.2:24 Mt.19:5, two (not three) = one Denominational African preachers A brother: For those who are already in polygamy, to break their covenant of marriage would be adultery (John Edwards, In Depth Study of Marriage and Divorce, p.33)

Two Fathers Hb.12:9, heavenly Father Ro.8:15, adoption… Ep.5:2, beloved… Ep.6:4, earthly fathers A poor job of fathering reflects on heavenly Father

Gn.2:24 Our children leave us, hopefully not our heavenly Father What you do, do quickly! Someone else can work for you Someone else can play for you No one else can be a father for you

Temptations Of Fathers 1. Quit courting; take wife for granted A fathers greatest gift... Love busters: angry out- bursts, disrespectful judg- ments, annoying behavior, dishonesty, selfish demands, etc. One of the worst: neglect

2. Presents instead of presence 2 Sm.14:…24 Men are generally more careful of their horses and dogs than of their children Job 29:3-5 Mt.7:7-11

A confession when I had time when I had time when I had time when I had time I planned to go out w. my boy and be his companion...when I had time. I resolved to attend church regularly and to take him w. me...when I had time. I hoped to interest him in young peoples activities...when I had time. I promised I would talk to him like a father should to his son...when I had time. But for over 20 years for every one thought of my son I had a hundred thoughts of my business

Children are like wet cement Whatever falls on them makes an impression Hunt with your son today, not for your son tomorrow

3. Saving your best for others We rush to work, give it our all, show a good attitude; at end of the day, drag into the house, find easy chair and the TV remote... But I give quality time Weekends cannot make up for the rest of the week

4. Delivering lectures but not listening Some shoot first, ask Qs later If we approach them in control, they will respect us; when anger is appropriate, they will profit Dt.6:6-7 2 Pt.1:5-6

5. Demand perfection from family Test: Grass Grades Sports Popularity Marriage

6. Neglect spiritual training Some fathers expect mom to train children. Ep.6:4 Would your death make a differ- ence in your childs training? Gn.18:19

Influence Your influence is like your shadow. It may not always fall where you want it. Therefore, you need to be especially careful to see that wher- ever it falls, it will have a good effect on all. You may not be able to control the shadow, but you can control the one who casts the shadow. Make your influence count for God. Others are being influenced by your example right now.

Dt.30:15-18, farewell address At least one took him seriously – Josh.24:14-15 Most agree mentally...