Ham K.& S. Raising Godly Children in and Ungodly World

Ham K.& S. Raising Godly Children in and Ungodly World, Master Books, Green Forest Ak. 2008   Chap. 1 K. Ham noted that his parents set a godly example and upheld scripture in and ungodly country Australia. He raises the question of what legacy will you leave? Col. 3:23, Luke 6:40 “A pupil is not above his teacher, but after he has been trained, will be like his teacher.” The number of Born again Christian’s there is only about 1-2 % and those that attend church about 5-7%. In Darwin’s book the Descent of Man he noted the link between apes and man. In Columbine HS one of the killers wore a tea shirt saying natural selection. He noted that C. Sagan cited and article on the fraudulent embryonic recapitulation promoted by E. Haeckel false embryo diagrams in 4/22, 1990 Parade mag.  Although America has been noted as a Christian nation, 90% of our children attend public schools. 70% of the students walk away from the church after HS. P 30  Teachers complain that student lack politeness and respect. Also surveys showed that only 9% of teens who are classified as born again, believe in absolute moral truth. Ham’s father struggled with not being able to square scripture with science; nevertheless he held scripture was correct. “Even if we can’t find an answer to explain why the secular idea is wrong, we need to continue to search and wait for the answer.” Job. 38:4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” Ps. 147:5 “Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.” Prov. 2:3-6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Ham says the AIG ministry is itself a memorial to my parents and the legacy they began. P37 Ref. noted: Bahnsen, G. Always Ready, 2004; Edwards, B. Nothing but the Truth, 2006 Chap. 2 S. Ham If all we has was the word: p. His Dad read the word, believed it, defended it, lived it, taught it. Back then the bible was there main resource not psychology or child raising books. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Tim. 4:2; 3:14-15.   J. MacArthur book Our Sufficiency in Christ, noted that Christian psychology is an oxymoron; Psychology is fundamentally humanistic; They use secular theory and add a few Bible verses to support it. The goal of scripture is sanctification as in Rom. 12:2 be transformed by the renewing of your minds.

Chap. 3 The theologian in each of us. 2 Tim. 2:15 Handles the word of truth. They hold to 2 points: 1. God’s word is sufficient for raising children.  2. The defense of the authority of scriptures is key.  Anyone who studies and applies the scriptures dutifully is a theologian. 2 biblical concepts: 1. The bible as and axiom: a self evident recognized truth. 2. The bible should be read in an exegetical manner. The root word of axiom is axel. It is the central point about which things rotate. It should be the central point about which our beliefs and convictions revolve.  Gen. 1-3 answers the question- Why is there death and suffering in the world? Theology isn’t a theory; it reflects truths that have great practical significance in day to day life.  Exegesis means out of – the process of bringing forth truth from scripture. It usually favors a straight forward reading of scripture, but takes grammatical and historical factors into account. A second method is Eisegesis reading into-here data external to scripture is used to aid in interpreting it.  This is discussed in K. Ham Six Days and the Eisegesis Problem.  Also see G. Goldsworthy According to Plan.  The many miracles do not fit with strict science and naturalism. Nevertheless they are central to the Christian faith. 1 Cor. 15:12-17, 1-2  if one can’t take Gen. 1-8 as historical, then why should we take other historical narratives in the bible being true?  The bible gives us the big picture of history, but is not exhaustive in astronomy, biology and geology.  The fall, the flood and the Babel dispersion are certainly true. Ham, K. One Blood: The Biblical Answer to Racism.

Chap. 4. Godly Generations: Ham gives the example of a group of modern people in Australia left for jungle life to pursue simple existence and shed worldly constraints. In one generation they were primitive and shed much or society’s knowledge. When Europeans discovered the Aborigines they were also considered primitive; however they descended from Noah and had flood legends with some similarities to the bible.  Ham’s son Canaan also was probably not well taught by Ham and had serious problems. Noah said cursed be Canaan, Gen. 9:25; these are the people of Sodom, and Gomorrah.  The books of Kings and Chronicles tell of generational problems and ungodly kings. Solomon’s compromise began with allowing foreign wives to worship pagan Gods. These pagan influences then infiltrated the people, 1Kings 11:1-4.  Solomon’s son Rehoboam continued making compromises and allowed idol worship. Then King Asa made the idolatry worse in 2 generations, 1 Kings 15:11-15. Later King Josiah rediscovered God’s word and tried to correct many of the problems, 2 Kings. A deviation from commitment to God’s word inevitably leads to problems. Thus there is a compelling reason to maintain God’s word and teaching in families to raise godly generations.  Ken made a commitment to pass the word of god on to further generation at age 10 during a missionary program. His future wife Mally also did so at another location. They met at a church service in Jan. 1971 and were married in Dec. 1972. They had their first child Nathan in 1976 and tried to continue the godly training of their child. Ken was a Christian HS teacher. The family is the backbone of a Christian nation.p 79 Mat. 19:4-5 refers back to Gen. as the basis of marriage. Obviously Jesus would not quote a myth as the basis of marriage. Mark. 10:6-7 He arrived in the US in 1986. Malachi 2:15 that he might seek godly seed. Thus one of the purposes of marriage is godly offspring.  What does God say about training of children? In talks he as asked the audience to write this down, but they have difficulty. We get so much advice from other sources. TV has aired more obscene programs and lowered biblical values. Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Priority pictures: which will last forever? Which can be taken to heaven?  Not animals Ecc. 3:21 Eternal values: Phil 3:7-8; Mark 8:36-7; Mat. 6:19-21 Treasures in heaven.p85 Conclusions: 1. a legacy can be lost in one generation, 2. The family is fundamental and allows godly offspring. 3. The consequences of an ungodly or godly legacy left are very great. 4. We need to put high priority on training up godly children.

Chap. 5. God has no grandchildren. P 91 Every child must eventually decide for himself. To raise godly children you must first have a personal relationship with Jesus. J. McDowell Beyond Belief to Conviction.  This is the most important priority for your child’s life.  The parent does set an example, a passion for Jesus. Mat. 3: 1-10 John the Baptist rebuked the Pharisees – they said they were sons of Abraham- salvation does not come from your lineage. Rom. 8:14-7 our lineage is in Christ. Mat. 5:9 Peacemakers shall be called sons of God. We need to be at peace with God, not like the worlds peace which is tolerance. Tolerance of Islam, homosexuality, sin, etc. The family should be salt and light to the world. Gal. 2:19-20; 4:4-6 2 Cor. 5:17; 1Cor. 3:16-7; Rom. 8:1-2.

Chap. 6 Diligent Dads: p 103 Three Factors: Compelling Conviction to raise a godly generation, personal relationship with Christ, Clear understanding of your roles and responsibilities. God has a special plan for you. Isa. 38:19 the father to the children shall make known thy truth. Eph. 6:4 Fathers--bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ps.78 Fathers, teach your children so they’ll not forget to teach their children. We do have a problem forgetting God and his message. Josh. 4:1-9 12 stones; Judges 2:10-13 The generation after Joshua lost their legacy.  US role reversal: the mother often trains the children; the father neglects his spiritual role. Fathers do not often read the bible with or pray with their kids. There is a trend of homosexual behavior with lack of male leadership in the home. What’s needed: 1. Pray with your wife, 2. Pray with your kids especially at bed time, 3.Study the bible in family view and read some to them. 4. Go to church and get plugged in.

Chap. 7. A Girl named Ruth. p.115  Ruth was loyal to her mother in law Naomi. Ken noted how his wife Mally has been very committed in supporting him, the ministry and family. The role of a Godly mom is in Gen. A helper for Man. Prov. 31:10-31 An excellent wife is worth more than jewels. She is a woman of character, integrity, and action. She can advise her husband as she knows him well. The old saying is true: Behind every good man is good woman. See Tim. 2:3-5; Eph. 5:22-28; 1 Pet. 2:21-3:7; Eph 5:25 Both husband and wife are called to model their lives after Christ. In real life we have orphans, foster kids, divorce, and single parents, role reversal.

Chap. 8. Creating the Environ. of Sanctification. Unless the Lord builds the House, they labor in vain who build the house. Ps. 127:1There is a time for everything. Ecc. 3:1-2 Sanctification begins by communicating both the content and authority of the Bible. Heb. 4;1-2; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2 Pet. 1:19-20 For children to have a strong faith, they need to be taught that the content of scripture is real, not just symbolic or illustrative. Some churches teach bible stories as being symbolic and myth like.  An example is Noah’s ark as a rounded stuffed boat with the animal heads sticking out. This boat would surly sink in a flood. The world holds it is an obvious fable.  We must distinguish between the real and the Easter bunny and Santa Claus.  Books: Leading little ones to God.; A faith to Grow on by J. MacArthur; A Family Portrait by C. Catherwood

Chap. 9 Welcome to the War. P.151 1Pet. 1:8-9 The family is under attack. The culture promotes premarital sex, abortion, homosexuality, gay marriage and easy divorce. There is no such thing as absolute truth or morality. As in Jn. 10:10 Three ways:1. secular humanism 2. peer pressure, 3. compromise. Only 1/9 of born again Christians believe in absolute moral truth.  The public schools have a big secular influence. 1 Cor. 15:33 “Bad company corrupts good character” The bad in a group will influence more than a good, in worldly and school settings.  Loot at Lot in Gen. 18,19 The bad brought Lot’s relatives down. Jer. 10:2 Even in a Christian environment this can be true. Compromise occurs by Christians who do not see God’s word as infallible. This opens the door of a slippery slope to all kinds of weakening: history, morals, miracles, gay clergy, sex before marriage, recreational free sex.  Darwin’s evolution grew out of naturalism as in The Turning Point by T. Mortenson. A Christian college can be more destructive than a secular college; The cc may offer a lot of compromise as truth; the basis of this is largely secular. At a sc you expect secular challenge.  Ps. 11:3 If the foundation if a structure is weakened, the whole structure can collapse. When this compromise of the word’s authority occurs, the structure can fall. Examples: Jud. 17:6 Rev. 3:15-6; Feeding of the 5000, 4000 were 2 events as in Mat. 16:9 (Mat. 15, 16)  Mat. 7:13-14 narrow is the way of the gate and broad of destruction. Often we must go the opposite direction of the crowd, against peer pressure. Ham The War of World Views 2006; Answers Academy 13 session course by AIG

Chap. 10 Vegemite kids p.171 Vegemite is an Australian topping that takes getting used to.  The authority of the bible must also be taught early. 2 Tim. 3:14-15 Three options for schooling: 1. Public Education (90% send the kids) 2. private Christian schools, 3. home schooling.  He favors option 3 or 2.  Christian schools must be carefully observed, as they have varying teachings. Home schooling is growing and more networking is available. M. Luther recommended Christian edu.(p.174)  In secular schools the secular indoctrination is great and the peer pressure.  However bible clubs are generally allowed.  The Salt Argument: Mat. 5:13 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt looses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. A person can’t be salt unless they have salt, and some good arguments and grounding in Christ. There will be the pressures of no moral absolutes, pre marital sex, and false religions. Some parents and their children have little salt to begin with; the little they have is then contaminated and diluted is secular schools. Many say I have got good kids and psychologists confirm it.  However we all have a sinful nature and none of us are good enough to resist all temptation. Maturity comes with training, discipline, and renewing the mind according to scripture.  Children are immature and often unable to distinguish good from evil on some issues or situations. Eph.4:14; 1 Cor. 13:11 They are easily led astray in a pagan world.  Even adults can be led astray. We, even if away working, have responsibility to monitor our child’s development, teach biblical truth, and monitor the child’s friends. Resources: http://www.gocampus.com/ , http://www.aclj.org/ , www.chirstianlaw.org , http://www.thehomeshchoolmagazine.com/, book; Starting a Campus Club, http://www.youth.ag.org/

Chap. 11 Submission, Discipline, and Nutrition: p.189 Post modernism teaches relative truth: If it is right for you, it must be right. Tolerance is also the buss word. Extreme tolerance leads to lawlessness. With tolerance most behavior is promoted as long as it is not harmful to the community.  We should tolerate persons of differing beliefs but we do not need to agree with or say nothing of the beliefs. Deut. 5:16 gave a command of honoring Father and mother with a reward. Eph. 6:1-4  Parents need to provide godly examples and teaching and submit to God as children to their parents. Heb. 12:5-11 on Christian discipline.  Steven suggests spanking is Ok if done with explanation, love and a hug after. p197 Nutrition: The word of God is food, and we need to be fed frequently (Deut 8:3; 1Pet. 2:2) We are not to exasperate our children, by confusing, abusing or aggravating them. Discipline is an important factor in parenting. It is a tool that aids honor and respect. Love and forgiveness is part of the process. Discipline: Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 29: 15; 13:24; 19:18.

Chap. 12 The Family Fortress: p.211Ps. 127:1-5 Unless the Lord builds the house they labor in vain.-  Behold children are gifts from God. Ps. 33:16-18 God the protector.  Jn. 10:10 I am all you need. Ps. 113 children are of the Lord. Prov. 27:11  Be wise my son. Prayer for our children is important p224 1 Thes. 5:17 pray without ceasing. Ps. 139:13  You knit me together in my mothers womb.

Epilog: the Revelation of a legacy p.229 They tell of the passing of their father in 1995 and what a legacy he left.  He also built a small ark. Poem p 234. b 1951