Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 13, 2016

The Christian Father
by Bill Hall
Little difficulty is experienced in thinking of outstanding Bible women in the home: Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Jochebed, Eunice. Efforts to think of a comparable list of men, however, are not easy, for many great men of the Bible were failures in their homes: David, Lot, Eli, Samuel, Jacob, etc. A look at the causes of their failure might help our male readers to avoid their mistakes.
Immorality. David's adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, resulted in the ruin of David's home. Noah's drunkenness contributed to trouble within his family, thus marring the success with which he had brought up his sons in a society of unparalleled wickedness. Men today, if they live in drunkenness, adultery, and other forms of immorality, cannot hope to be successes in their homes.
Lack of discipline. Destruction came upon Eli and his family because "his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them" (I Samuel 3:13). The Bible says: "Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction" (Proverbs 19:18).
Greed. "Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere...like the garden of the LORD "(Genesis 13: 1 0), and, apparently motivated by a desire for material abundance, moved his family into Sodom. The consequences of this sad mistake are well known to our readers. Many Christians today are making the same mistake as they sacrifice their children on the altar of greed, being willing to move their children anywhere for the sake of a promotion or more money.
Partiality. This oft-committed mistake brought trouble to the home of Isaac, who was partial to Esau while Rebekah was partial to Jacob, and to that of Jacob. who was partial to Joseph. Not only did the family suffer generally in each of these cases, but the favored one suffered especially. Pity the favorite child in any family. He suffers more than anyone else in the family.
What can men do to avoid failure in the home?
Recognize their position of headship in the home. "For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church " (Ephesians 5:23). Recognizing this, they can develop greater worthiness of this place of headship through increased strength of character and conviction. It is sad to see a godly woman trying to be in subjection to a weak, indecisive, vacillating husband. Men will do well to heed David's counsel to Solomon, "Prove yourself a man" (1 Kings 2:2).
Become more thoughtful of their wives and children. Men would do well to turn their attention away from the TV, sportscasts, and newspapers, and spend time with their families.
Lead the family in prayer, Bible reading, and devotion. They will do well to consider the instructions given to the children of Israel: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Many children have never heard their fathers pray; have never even heard them give thanks for the food. Pity those children.
Pray without ceasing for the Lord's help. The task of bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is one of the greatest responsibilities men must face in life. That responsibility should be carried out prayerfully.
Develop humility. The following poem, "Two Prayers," written by an unknown author, suggests the humility every father needs.
Last night my little boy
Confessed to me
Some childish wrong;
And kneeling at my knee
He prayed with tears,
"Dear God, make me a man
Like Daddy—wise and strong;
I know you can. "
Then while be slept
I knelt beside his bed,
Confessed my sins,
And prayed with bowed bead;
"O God, make me a child,
Like my child here—
Pure, guileless
Trusting thee with faith sincere.”

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.