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

Answers Book for Teens AB4T by B. Hodge; T. Mitchell; K. Ham, Masters Books 2011

The AB4T is briefly revied below:

This is a question and answer book with 15 chapter questions and 96 pgs. The 1^st question is on the truth of the Bible and the 2^nd on why there is pain and suffering. It can be useful for answering witnessing questions to non-believers. It is illustrated with some pictures. It covers some of the typical questions found in more detail in the Answers Book series for adults. However it has some unique questions: A chapter on sex, one Homosexuality and one on what actions Christian students can do in school. The student is generally free to mention his beliefs and even hand out tracts as long as it is not disruptive. Bible clubs in school free time are generally allowed. The book would be suitable for a teen church school class.

Ham, K. & Hodge, B. How Do We Know the Bible is True? Vol.1 2011 book review

This book is a good collection of articles on Bible truth and other topics. It has 28 chapters by various authors. You can find the table of contents on Amazon.com. It covers 300 pgs. I have done detailed summaries of some the key chapters on the primary topic: the truth of the Bible and its inerrancy.  How to interpret the Bible is also included.

Chap.1. How do We Know the Bible is True? P.15-24 by J. Lisle. The bible answers most of life’s major questions.  God has done miracles in your life. This is only subjective evidence. We believe the Bible by faith. This is not a good argument for a non-believer. 2 Pet. 3:15 says we should have an answer for why we believe. The bible itself says it is true: 2 Tim. 3:16. This is valid but it is a circular argument and begs the question.  Nevertheless most people believe what a book says about itself, unless they have good evidence to the contrary. One argument is that the text is quite consistent although written by different authors at different times. It has many old manuscripts from close to the time of writing. This is truer for the Bible than for almost any other ancient written work. It also contains some history that has been verified by archeological evidence. This makes the book unique. Still this only demonstrates that some or most of the Bible is true. It contains much fulfilled prophecy.  Some skeptics might say this is a coincidence. The Bible does show some agreement with findings of science. Some would find exceptions to this. Lisle stated that the laws of logic being true and God giving them is a good argument as is the uniformity of the laws of nature and physics. By God giving them we know they are universal, otherwise we don’t.

Chap. 2 Is the Old Testament Reliable? p.25-34 B. Edwards.  The Old Testament (OT) writers believed their message was God breathed. There are about 400 statements in the OT “Thus says the Lord”. The prophets often identified themselves as God’s spokesmen. Jesus, Paul and Peter quoted the OT often. One unique thing about the OT is that it describes a God who is one while other nations hand many Gods.  Also the Bible tells it as it is:  Army defeats and embarrassing sins of God’s leaders are told.  In literature about history of other countries like Egypt, Rome (when written by their own historians) they often deny or omit any battle defeats or problems of the leaders. Nevertheless, some more neutral historians document that there were in fact defeats and problems. Many prophecies in the OT came true. Archeology has verified much history of the OT.

Chap. 3 Is the New Testament reliable? P.35-43 B. Edwards: Two important verses in the NT are 2 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Pet. 1:21. These tell of all scripture being God breathed and given through men moved by God. 1 Cor. 2:12-13 tells that the men of God spoke through the Holy Spirit. Occasionally Paul distinguishes what God say and his opinion. After the death of the apostles, most of their letters were accepted as cannon equal to the OT. In John 16:13 Jesus gave the disciples two promises: a divinely aided memory and understanding. Some of the disciples may have kept notes on parchment. See Luke 1:63, 16:6, Tim 4:13. Jesus likely spoke in both Aramaic and Greek. Robinson stated that most of the books of the NT were written by 70 AD. There is also considerable historical confirmation of the details in the NT.

Chap. 8 Did Moses Write Genesis? p.85-101 by T. Mortenson & B. Hodge: Some recent authors and seminary courses have suggested that Moses did not write the Pentateuch. Instead they claim that at least 4 different authors wrote portions of these books and then one or more redactors (editors) combined the writings into books and into its present form. There are the J, E, P, and D authors in this Documentary hypothesis. The authors of this article argued for Moses are the author: First they cite 4 pgs of scriptures stating Moses as the author. 2^nd they note Moses was highly qualified to write and they think he had older records and oral traditions to use for early Genesis in addition to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Toledoth (Gen. 5:10) states “This is the book of the generations of Adam.”  Normally this means a written record. 3^rd there are fallacious assumptions and reasoning’s that are part of the documentary hypothesis: 1. They assumed their conclusion that God did not divinely inspire the text; many of the view authors were deistic and some atheistic. 2 Based on evolution and some views of history, the art of writing was unknown at the time of Moses and before.  However, more recent findings of archeology have noted some written records predating Moses, thus somewhat invalidating this claim. There is also the possibility that not all early written record have been found. 3. They assumed that the author/s were different that other Hebrew authors and incapable of using more than one name for God or more than one style of writing. 4. One of the biggest evidences is that there is no J, E, P, D manuscript evidence ever found. There are also no old Jewish commentaries that mention such documents. 4^th The biblical doctrine of inspiration does not require that all books be dictated by God to the reported author. Records could be incorporated into the final document by God’s direction. There is evidence that some biblical authors did research or remembered old experiences and then incorporated them into their books(Peter, Luke). 5^th It is sometimes cited that Moses couldn’t have written about his own death as in Deut. 34:5-12.  Joshua could have finished the book, but that does not diminish its value.  There are also arguments that a few events in the Pentateuch occurred after Moses death. The authors refute this that they could be prophetic statements or misinterpretations.

Chap. 11 How Should we interpret the Bible? P. 121-137 by T. Chaffey:  Some twist their interpretation of the Bible to fit science. Hermeneutics focuses on sound biblical interpretation and is taught in seminaries. The Greek word for it means to explain to interpret.  The 40 authors of the Bible wrote indifferent genres and different cultural backgrounds and settings. Yet according to 2 Tim. 3:16 the Holy Spirit moved each to write an inspired, inerrant and infallible word. God allowed the authors personalities and writing styles to also be expressed. In reading the Bible we should use standard rules of grammar and interpretation; and the historical-grammatical approach. Our goal and that of exegesis is ‘to read out of the text’ the authors intended meaning. Several basic points of Hermeneutics include the following: 1. Carefully observe the text: Note the parts of speech, singular or plural, verb tense and exactly what it states. 2. Note the Context: That is to day you can’t take small quotes out of context. For example Ps. 53:1 “The fool has said in his heart there is no God.” It would be wrong to take out the phrase ‘there is no God’ and imply the Bible says this. The context usually clarifies the meaning. Similarly historical context is important:  The Mosaic Law period, the time of Christ or post resurrection: The Mosaic Law for the sacrifice of lambs doesn’t apply now, because Christ was the lamb for all. 3. Clarity of Scripture: Most of scripture is plain and easy to understand at a basic level. Prov. 8:9 “They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.” 2 Cor. 4:2: “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” The protestant reformers held that scripture was clear in its basic message. The Catholics held that scripture is best interpreted by the church officials. 4. Compare Scripture with Scripture:  This is based on the principle that God can’t contradict himself or lie. Num. 23:19 “God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind.” Heb. 6:18 “so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie.” Not all Bible passages are equally clear, and one passage on a similar topic can shed light on another. There is the saying ‘the sum of God’s word is truth’ 5. Note the Text Classification-4 main groups: Historical books, Poetry, Prophecy, and Epistles. This deals with the genre of literary style. One would expect a more literal interpretation in a historical book. This is not to say that some figurative phrases can’t be found in the historical books. 6. The Church’s Historical View: Some books of church discipline note the view of history and prior tradition as important. The creeds are especially important.  Most topics of theology have been studied and debated by great theologians in past history. Thus on should not quickly adopt a new view that differs from the historical view. Genesis is a historical book. Some commentators have broken Genesis into two sections: 1-11 and 12-50 on the basis that Chap.1-11 is primeval history.  Chaffey argued the text does not support this. The genealogies in Chap.11 cite Abram and he continues on in the succeeding Chapters.  Also the toledoth (this is the history or generations of) phrase occurs throughout most of Genesis. Lastly the New Testaments authors, Paul and Jesus often cited from Gen. 1-11 as history.

Chap. 21 Why Should we Believe in the Inerrancy of Scripture? p.227-35 B Edwards.  He cited 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:21, 1 Cor. 2:13, Deut. 18:18, 2 Sam. 22:31, Prov. 30:5 and Jer. 1:9. The active mind of the writer and the directions of the Holy Spirit were operating together. When we talk of inerrancy it refers to the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Inerrancy doesn’t mean that there are no apparent contradictions, but that these can be resolved. Jesus and Paul quoted and believed the OT. The early church leaders from Clement to the protestant reformation believed in the truth of the scriptures.

Chap. 22 Are There Contradictions in the Bible? P.237-247 by J. Lisle. You may hear it said: Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions and fairy tales? The Bible speaks of ax-floating heads, the sun going backward, creation in 6 days, an earth with pillars, people walking on water, a talking snake etc. Only the contradictions charge is a serious one. Some charges are psychological and opinion: Like miracles can’t be true and also the Bible. This is a circular argument that begs the question. To be a true contradiction A=not A; these must apply in the same relationship at the same time. Some conflicts are a false dilemma. Some points can’t be taken out of context or violate figurative languages of appearance. For example the earth having pillars is figurative. Sweeping generalizations may be false. The Proverbs are not indented to be universal rules. Murder is wrong but there exception in self-defense and war. Only the original Hebrew and Greek tests are held to be inerrant. Some contradictions are only inferred and not stated in the text. Jesus travel in early life to Egypt in Mat. 2:13 or to Jersulaem in Luke 2:22 is an example: the exact times are not stated. Another type of contradiction in the X and only X. Example: one demon possessed man in Mark 5:2-16, Luke8:26-37 vs. two men in Mat. 8:28-34 The one man text does not say only one man. Apart from the bible how do we know contradictions are always false and the laws of logic true?  If its only from experience, that can be faulty.