centers around two admonitions, “provoke not” and “nurture” (vs. 4). Fathers are specifically addressed here. Father cannot sidestep his duty by sending the children to mother. He must not act in haste toward his children, nor out of personal dis pleasure. This discipline must be coupled with a regular program of instructing, training and education. The purpose is that the child may remember the Lord and be in sub jection to God. Beginning with Ephesians 6:10- 24 we find the battle which the be liever faces each day. The Christian warrior, as verses 10-17 indicate, is to be strong. We are to put on strength as we would a suit of clothes. Note the important phrase, “in the Lord,” for this is the only way we can have the necessary pow er we need. What a tremendous panoply the believer has in this spe cial- armament. God has provided. Verses 18 to 20 shows us Paul’s tremendous concern for every child of God. Battle must be waged daily against the most relentless foes seen and unseen. If you are a believer, Christ has given you a new posses sion in Himself. You have the re sponsibility of living as a new man in Christ, and you can through the Spirit’s indwelling presence.
ity. It is necessary for the effective functioning of the home. The hus band is to be the spiritual head. It takes a spiritual man to head a Christian home. When God’s order is upset or altered, the ultimate re sult is disharmony, difficulty and of ten divorce. The sixth chapter of Ephesians calls the believer to face a common enemy, equipped with a common spir itual armor for instant use. First of all there is to be strength in the home (Eph. 6:1-9). Then servants are to be obedient to their masters. Each of us is to do the will of God from the heart. How unfortunate that so many homes have become battlegrounds! Paul also directly ad dresses chi ldren. He admonishes them for obedience and honor. In this day of permissiveness, non-di rective counseling, lawlessness and anarchy on every side, how impor tant that we realize the importance and application of such facts. Paul always gives reasons for his com mandments. First is the reason that they are Christian children. Obedi ence and honor are commanded by God. This is in keeping with God’s order of things. The purpose is that “it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long.” God’s program for child-rearing
The recent Homecoming activities included a parade in which a number of local high school bands partici pated. Colorful floats were also a part of the program. Pictured is the Biola Pep Band, also a part of the parade. 32
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