From The Pastor's Pen - 5/12/14

“And all of thy children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54:13 AKJ).

The family is under attack in our day and time. That is an indisputable fact. And Christian homes are certainly not exempt from the contributing elements in modern society, which many experts believe are reaching epidemic proportions. In the midst of it all, a primary concern for many believing parents, as well it should be, is the effect that there societal factors are having on our children, and it often seems that every pseudo-secular and religious expert is offering their own brand, or version, answer, or answers.

As remnant believers, however, if we are truly interested in seriously confronting both the natural, and supernatural issues and enemies battling against us and our families, the only real answers are right at our fingertips, within the pages of the preserved Living Word of God (we recommend the Authorized King James for accuracy). So, the first step we need to take to turn it all around, is to, not only familiarize ourselves with what the scriptures teach on the subject, but, likewise, learn to properly apply the multitude of the Father's specific promises, in our new blood covenant, by faith. Scriptural action and communication, in line with kingdom principles, are the key to our victory.

1) When contending for our families and children, in faith, Galatians 5:6 tells us that “...faith worketh by love.”

2) Diligently keep the lines of communication open between family members and, at all costs, minimize and/or eliminate strife remembering that “...we wrestle not against flesh and blood...” (Ephesians 6:12).

3) When difficulties of any kind arise, we need to learn to pray fervently and apply the solution (scriptural promises), not the problem, “For we walk by faith, and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), so we needn't be moved by what we see with our natural eyes.

4) Don't forget that, as children of God, our spoken words carry power and authority. As believers, it is vital that we guard our verbal confession. Remember that Jesus clearly taught that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23). The choice is ours and according to Proverbs 18, it is, literally, on the tip of our tongues. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...” (vs. 21).

While these four foundational principles, and accompanying promises, are only a few of the many aspects of our spiritual warfare, they are the scriptural keys to total victory in the battle for our homes and families, for the ultimate glory of God.

We invite questions and comments in regard to this column which you may address to John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.