It is a fact that many marriages are in trouble today. It is also a fact that the Lord’s people are not immune from this kind of trouble. The sources of trouble are many. Couples argue over finances, children, parents, time together, time apart, priorities, sex and a host of other items. God inspired Solomon to offer some valuable advice concerning marriage. He said, “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life…” (Ecclesiastes 9:9). This verse seems to offer some valuable tips for a successful marriage. Note the following. First, the verse shows that successful marriages require the giving of affection (“whom you love”). While we live in a world that believes in free love and no restrictions to sexual affection, often marriages lack the kind of intimacy God wants them to have. Paul had something to say about this in 1 Corinthians 7:3‑5. Second, the verse shows that successful marriages require an active search for happiness (“enjoy life”). People need to focus more on making their mates happy rather than complaining that their mates do not give them happiness. What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)? Could it be that the giver often receives more joy than the recipient? Third, the verse shows that successful marriages require a lifelong commitment (“all the days of your fleeting life”). We live in a …

If any of the following situations happen in your life, please dial the appropriate numbers. All numbers can be dialed directly. If as a Christian you need to speak with someone directly, please bow your head in prayer now. God is standing by.

Have you ever had a time in your life where you just needed to talk to someone? Have you ever had a friend come to you and discuss with you the matters of his or her heart? Most of us have had moments like this in our lives where either we or one of our friends needed some help. We have all, at times, received some great help and have given great attention to our friends when they have had a need. Yet, even with all of these things being true, there is a pattern developing among some Christians today. Less Christians are reaching out for help. The world in which we live can be a very cruel place at times. Weaknesses are exploited and used as ammunition to gain popularity or a higher position. Many people who have trusted in a friend or a companion have found themselves hopelessly sitting by while they are ridiculed, passed over and betrayed. Many people do not know who they can trust anymore. As Christians, it is our responsibility to be the kind of people that others can trust. James 5:16 gives instruction to us all to confess our trespasses to one another. Here in this moment of personal weakness, another Christian friend has an opportunity to listen and to pray so that an erring Christian or someone that is struggling can receive the healing that he or she needs. This is a moment for healing, not for revenge or personal gain. We …

When an individual decides to become a Christian (a follower of Christ, a child of God), he or she has decided to turn his or her life over to God, surrender the will to His will and live the remainder of one’s life in subjection to His Word. This procedure begins by obeying the Gospel. After this, baptized believers are babes in Christ. They begin their journey; it will be a tough journey, but it will be worth it. Jesus said in Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” No reward is ever given when one runs a race until he has crossed the finish line. The apostle Paul said at the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” The young Christian studies God’s Word daily to learn what he or she is to do—and not to do. Also, Bible study draws strength from His powerful Word. The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and …

The apostle Paul gave directives to “put off” the “old man,” that is one’s former way of life, and to “put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.” He continued to list certain sins that should not be descriptive of the life of a Christian (Ephesians 4:22-31). Paul concluded this section of his letter to the Ephesian brethren by giving them this positive exhortation: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). It is the word “kind” that I want to emphasize presently. It is an adjective that describes the heart and action of a devoted Christian. Paul stated that “love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). In 2 Peter 1:7, we are admonished in our Christian growth to add faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness and “to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” In Galatians 5:22, we read that “kindness” is one part of the “fruit of the Spirit.” The apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:12, instructed Christians to “put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” Albert Barnes, in his Barnes Notes on the Bible, commented on the word “kind” as found in Ephesians 4:32. There is no religion in a sour, misanthropic temper; none in rudeness, stiffness, and repulsiveness; none in violating the rules of good breeding. There is a hollow-hearted politeness, indeed, which the Christian is not to aim …

Many in the world believe that one is saved by faith alone, without any act of obedience. Most preachers teach that all one has to do to be saved by the blood of Christ is to accept Jesus as one’s personal Savior. It is said that “the doctrine of faith and faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.” However, the Bible teaches, Jesus Christ is the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. To obey means, “to do what one is told or expected to do.” Speaking about Christ, the Bible says, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). Notice, He was a Son, the only begotten of the Father (John 1:18). One would have thought this might have exempted Him from obedience, but it did not. By His suffering, He was made perfect, and He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. The salvation Christ accomplished for humanity by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8), is actually bestowed on none but on those who obey Christ, and not on those who merely believe in Christ and accept Him as their personal Savior (James 2:24). It is not sufficient that one has some doctrinal knowledge of Christ, or that one makes a profession of …

A specific commandment authorizes; silence about similar things prohibits. The apostolic command is to sing; silence about other kinds of music intentionally omits them. That is a common hermeneutic that we all learned as children. When mama said, “Go play in the backyard,” “backyard” was specific. It commanded an enjoyable and a familiar play place. We learned quickly that her silence about other play places prohibited: playing in the street or inside Phillip’s house next door, for example. Why do we understand that so readily in every venue except in worship to God?

It is becoming more and more common to see church attendance dominated by women. Worldwide there is a shortage of preachers and adult male Bible class teachers. In congregations all over the world, it is becoming more and more difficult to find deacons and elders. In the homes of so many people there are countless problems because of absent fathers. “Where are all the men?” I acknowledge that there are many fine Christian men with the ability to be good, sound teachers, preachers, elders and deacons. They, however, are becoming more difficult to find, and sometimes harder to persuade that their service in the Lord’s church is most imperative. From the creation, God’s plan was for men to be the leaders in the family and in the church (Genesis 1:16; Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:1-13). Many men have not fulfilled their responsibilities. When men fail to assume their responsibilities as leaders in the home and in the church, the problem is compounded. The result is that many young men have not truly been taught what it means to be a man in service to the Lord. If this problem is not addressed now, there is greater trouble for the Lord’s church in the future. Every father needs to think daily about the example he is setting for his sons and grandsons. What will they view as important in this life based on our example? Will they be ready when the time comes to be leaders in the …

People in general love the mysterious. Back in 2006, news media and magazines revived an apocryphal gospel, under the title of The Judas Gospel. We wonder how many folks believed this bogus, spurious material, and thus, had their individual faith in the Word of God shaken? Apocrypha is a word used in theologies, which signifies some gospels or writings that may falsely claim to be sacred. “Apocrypha” literally means hidden or mysterious. Some claim that these books or gospels are lost books of the Bible. Sadly, many uninformed folks pay attention to these magazine articles concerning apocryphal writings as true and as missing parts of the Bible that were lost and now have been found. Joined with apocryphal works, there have been recent fictional books such as the novel, The Da Vinci Code written by Dan Brown in 2003. This fictional book was made into a popular movie in 2006. With these recent works, the faith of some has been weakened. This is very sad! The number of these hidden or mysterious gospels and literature, to say the least, is huge. Apocryphal literature was produced for both the Old and New testaments. Lists of lost and preserved apocryphal works may be viewed in any number of encyclopedias or Bible dictionaries. One definition of apocryphal literature appears below. The general character of the writings here grouped as “Apocrypha of the New Testament” will appear from even a cursory perusal of them. It did not require any great discernment to distinguish between these and the canonical …

Isidor Isaac Rabi, one of America’s outstanding physicists, became a scientist for one overpowering reason. He said, “I couldn’t help it.” Brought to this country as an infant, he has never forgotten his mother’s daily query when he came home from public school on Manhattan’s Lower East Side: “Did you ask any good questions today?” Some questions are good to ask, but others are not and can be untimely. Take for example, the account of Jesus healing a man born blind in John 9:1-12. We read in verses 1-2, “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” Other questions appear in this account, too. In verse 8 we read, “The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?” In verse 10, “Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?” However, among all of these questions came one that stands out, and it is one that many people ask about the Savior today: “Then said they unto him, Where is he?” (v. 12). It amazes us how the people were focused on such questions. Yet, the one question in verse 12 is one of worthy consideration. A good answer would be the statement that Paul made in Acts 17:27, where Luke recorded, “That they should seek the Lord, if haply …

Members of the church of Christ are family (Ephesians 3:14-15). Sometimes, we may treat others better than our own flesh and blood. For example, a man may leave his office and open the door for others and show extraordinary politeness, yet when he comes home, he slams down his stuff, grumbles at his wife and demands, “Where’s my supper?” Unfortunately, some members of the church are the same toward their own spiritual family. There are several New Testament verses that contain the term “one another.” When we consider them, a pattern emerges on how we should and should not treat one another. Must Be Governed by Love The primary factor in our treatment of one another is biblical love. Paul wrote, “Owe no one anything except to love one another” (Romans 13:8). He further stated, “But concerning brotherly love…you yourselves are taught by God to love one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:9). John likewise wrote, “For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another…that we should…love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:11, 23). The reason why we must love one another is clear: “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). We must seek the highest good for our brothers and sisters in Christ! There is tremendous significance in treating one another in love. First, “everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Since being “born of …

Recently I heard this little quote: “For evil to win, good must do nothing.” I don’t remember where I heard this, but it stuck with me as I realized what a truism it is. Let’s examine the thought. Too often, when evil becomes an overpowering force, we don’t see anyone standing up to fight the evil. It’s just too easy for good people to stand idly by and do nothing. Sometimes, this occurs because they feel too outnumbered, unprepared or just simply don’t want to get involved in whatever is happening. There are many excuses why Christians don’t step up to the plate and swing at the fast ball. Yes, Satan is fast in performing his evil and trickery. Peter described Satan as “a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). A hungry lion is loud, overbearing and vicious. He threatens and intimidates everything around him and devours his prey quickly. Peter said the solution to Satan’s evils is to “Cast all your care upon God for He cares for you…be sober, be vigilant. Resist Satan steadfastly in the faith…the God of all grace will make you perfect, establish, strengthen and comfort you” (1 Peter 5:7-10). I submit to you that being sober and vigilant is to guard against the sinful practices of the world and not to allow them to separate one from God’s care. There are people in the world who have only evil agendas. They teach and spread evil contamination and filth. …

Infants and little children have no sins (Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4; 19:14). They are not able to understandthe differences between right and wrong, good and evil. As each person grows older, a time comes when he or she begins to understand right and wrong. When a person chooses to do what is wrong (what is against the will of God), he “sins.” There is no man or woman on earth who has lived a totally sinless life. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Unless the guilt of a man’s sins is removed while he is living on earth, his soul will suffer eternal punishment and separation from God forever (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48). The Bible uses the word “death” to describe this punishment. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God wants us to be free from sin so we can have fellowship with Him. No man can remove his own sins. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ lived a …

Some time ago, the Roman Catholic Church announced that it had conveyed sainthood upon two of its now dead popes. Of course, no such action, practice or example is found anywhere in God’s Holy Book. Like all false doctrines and practices, this one originated in the corrupt minds of corrupt men. “But,” says someone, “Does not the Bible speak of saints?” The answer to this question is an emphatic, “Yes!” In fact, in the New King James Version of the Bible, the plural word “saints” appears sixty-four times in the New Testament and thirty-four times in the Old Testament. The singular word “saint” appears only two times in the entire Bible. The appearing of the word saints and its usage in the New Testament makes for an interesting study as one studies it in its many contexts. From time to time through the years of studying with different people, one or more has occasionally stated, “Well, I am not a saint, but…,” in an effort to point out that though such a one had not obeyed the teachings of God for people today, he or she, after all, was not in such a state by which one would be lost if he or she continued in neglect or rebellion of biblical teaching. Such an attitude betrays a gross misunderstanding of the words “saint” and “saints.” Let us look at a few of the many times the word “saints” is used in the New King James Version. “Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, …

“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, so as this day” (1 Kings 8:61). These are the words of King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. He was wise enough to see that the blessing and security of that great building depended upon the faithfulness and spiritual integrity of those who came there to worship. He told the people to have a perfect heart. How is that possible? Some people think of the word “perfect” as meaning “absolutely faultless.” We all know that we are weak and sinful, and therefore, to aspire to have a perfect heart in that way is a losing cause. That is not what “perfect” means in this passage. A perfect heart is a true heart. We err from time to time, but our hearts are set on pleasing the Lord. Our faith does not waver like a wave of the sea (James 1:6). A true line is a straight line. We are called to follow a straight path (Psalms 5:8) with the Lord. A perfect heart is a pure heart. God is holy and morally unblemished in every respect. He wants us to be holy as He is (1 Peter 1:15-16). We should be so thankful for the cleansing that we have in our Savior. The Temple that Solomon built was amazing and glorious, but it was no more glorious than God’s temple today, His holy people (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; …

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). These three questions are set against the following background. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:10-12). The plea made by Paul in Verse 10 is fully supported by the three questions. All three questions are rhetorical questions having a negative answer. Consider thoughts from these three important questions. The Question Over Division: “Is Christ divided?” The religious world is greatly divided, and many believe that such is acceptable to God. Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21). Jesus died that believers might be united in His church (Matthew 16:15-23; Acts 20:28). The apostles worked that all who obey the Gospel have the same fellowship that they had with the Lord (1 John 1:1-3). It is human wisdom that created the problem of religious division. The inventions of creeds outside the Bible, organizations unsupported by the Bible and doctrines contrary to plain …

Just a very few years ago, it was a rather popular thing among some to say, “Let’s just preach Christ, but not the church.” Thankfully, that inane “tell-tale” slogan of liberal philosophy is not heard very much anymore. Hopefully, it won’t be heard again. The whole premise was fallacious. Christ and His church are in­separable. One can’t be preached, completely, without the other being preached. They go together. Notice Acts 8:12, which reads, “But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God (i.e., the church) and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Later on in Acts, Luke recorded that Paul resided for two years in his own hired dwelling in Rome, receiving all those who came to see him, “preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness…” (28:31). Philip and Paul (both men enabled by the Holy Spirit to do great signs, and undoubtedly guided by Him in the message they proclaimed, Acts 6:5-10; 8:5-7, 13; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 13) each preached Christ and the kingdom of God. Even a casual reading of the New Testament would convince any­one that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer! (See Acts 2:36; 4:10-12; 13:23, 38; Romans 3:24-25; 1 Timothy 1:15.) It is equally plain that the saved are added to the church, “translated” into the kingdom, which has been purchased by Christ’s blood (Colossians 1:13-14). To be in Christ is to be in …

Jesus said, “Every plant which my heavenly father hath not planted shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13). That this applies to denominational organizations is certain. Yet, the context suggests that it includes every doctrine, practice, organization, tradition and attitude not authorized of God. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name (by the authority) of the Lord Jesus.” So, we must conclude that anything not authorized by Jesus is condemned. However, the point of this article is that Jesus is the one who said so! I have written a workbook on The Mind of Christ, designed to help us develop the mind of Christ rather than just talk about it. In almost every lesson, we see that He was not only kind, loving, gracious, tender, compassionate and understanding, but He was plain, straightforward, bold and uncompromising in His language and actions about sin and error under all circumstances.  It is a false concept that since Jesus was meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29), if we have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), we must be so soft and “mushy” that no one can tell for sure what we condemn, if anything. Too many of us have preached in a bitter, arrogant, sarcastic or hateful way, almost totally negative and derogatory. Our refusal to do that kind of preaching does not release us from the responsibility to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Many present-day preachers, if they had been at …

There have been those who have charged that the Bible is nothing more than a dead letter, that it is devoid of any power to persuade or convict, that it is lifeless. Many assert that the Scriptures are meaningless without an operation of God upon the Word or upon the student of the Word to animate it and make it come alive. There is much said about the way that the Spirit of God is moving among people or helping to enlighten them in their understanding of the Word of God. Are these allegations true? Is it the case that the Word of God, the Bible, is nothing more than a dead letter, and that God has to act upon it in some mysterious (even miraculous) way in order for His Word to speak to us today? What is being missed in this discussion is the fact that God has already acted upon His Word to make it living and active. Paul reminded Timothy that, “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word translated “inspiration” is from a compound Greek word that means “God-breathed.” That is, the Word of God comes from the very mouth or breath of God. The breath of God caused the inanimate, clay-fashioned body of man to become a living, breathing soul (Genesis 2:7). The Almighty gave life to man and life to His Word in the same way: He breathed life into them both! God, by means of the …

One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Barnabas. Barnabas is not known because of his ability to preach or because of any great miracle he performed. Neither is he known for converting some famous celebrity. What made Barnabas great was his ability to make those around him better. When we first meet him in Scripture, he is introduced as the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). A few chapters later, he is seen helping Paul. When Paul was converted, he was not trusted by many Christians due to the fierce reputation of a persecutor he had earned earlier in life. Barnabas personally took Paul to the apostles and told them the story of his conversion. Because of this, Paul was accepted by the church and was supported as a missionary. Years later, a dispute arose between Paul and Barnabas. John Mark had abandoned Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia on an earlier mission trip, but then, he wanted a second chance. Paul insisted that they should not take him, but Barnabas was willing to give Mark another opportunity. The contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. Paul took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia while Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. This account focuses on the nature of Barnabas. Mark did not deserve a second chance, but Barnabas gave it to him anyway. Barnabas was an encourager to all who were around him. Jesus teaches us that we need to be the sort of people …

A well-dressed couple came into a toy shop with their two children. “We want some toys that will keep the children entertained,” the mother said. “My husband and I both work, and the children are alone a great deal.” The sales girl showed them a variety of games and play equipment, but to each there was some objection. “It seems to me,” the mother finally said impatiently, “that if you knew what we are really looking for, you could find it among all of these toys.” The sales girl sighed, “I’m sorry, madam, but I believe what you are really looking for—what your children want—is a mother and father, and we don’t sell those here.” This amusing little story describes the crisis of our society. Fathers and mothers are not available to raise their children. The worldliness of our society through computers and television is entertaining our children, and the results are devastating. Parents are so busy making money they have forgotten about making character. Something must be done. Our focus and emphasis must change. The Bible still says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). I challenge every father and mother to make the spiritual training of your children your top priority. The years will reveal that you made a …

The Word of God presents a matchless portrait of the moral glory of Jesus. Such attests not only to the inspired nature of the Word, but it also attests to the high standard of personal maturation unto which we should strive in our daily Christian walk of life. With respect to His humanity, Jesus committed no sin nor did he have sinful propensities. He was subject to Joseph and Mary during His youth and worshipped in the synagogue. His compassion is seen in that He wept over guilty Jerusalem and over Lazarus. He relied upon the Word of God in all respects. Jesus was perfect in every stage of development, in every relation of life and in all of His service. With respect to His being a pattern for all men, Jesus was free from influences that typically affect men. He was not unduly influenced by the peculiarities of His race nor by the spirit of the age. Jesus was not unduly influenced by things local, things transient, things individualizing, things national or things sectarian. As one author stated, “He rises above the parentage of the blood, the narrow horizon which bounded, as it seemed, His life; for He is the archetypal man in whose presence distinctions of race, intervals of ages, types of civilizations and degrees of mental culture are as nothing.” With respect to His unselfishness and dignity, Jesus did not gratify personal ambition but maintained devotion to His mission. He never drew unwarranted attention to self. Jesus …

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honored. The first modern Father’s Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908. Grace Golden Clayton is believed to have suggested the service to her preacher, after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah, West Virginia the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers. It was not only a remembrance of those who had died, but a reminder of the virtue of fatherhood itself. Of course, like many other holidays, retailers have found it a great opportunity to encourage people to spend money. While there is nothing wrong with honoring fathers through gifts, cards, meals and other expressions of appreciation, it all begins with men being true fathers. Being a father is more than just having children, although sadly this is about the most some men know about being a father. Our society has done little to foster positive images of most men as fathers. Society, however, is currently paying a high price for such low esteem. Being a father is one of the noblest callings any man can have. From a biblical perspective, it comes with great responsibilities and great blessings. To the father comes the charge of headship in the home and of bringing up children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Godly fathers will look to the Heavenly Father for guidance and direction in equipping their children in …

A father is a man created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26; 2:7). God intended for him to be a man married to one woman for life. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6, 9). A father is responsible for discipline (Hebrews 12:7-9; Colossians 3:21). Teaching his children is a crucial part of God’s design (Ephesians 6:4). He must also realize he is a trainer, which involves showing his children how it is to be done (Proverbs 22:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1). An important part of that training should be shown in loving his wife, the mother of his children (Colossians 3:19). God has given him the duty of providing for the needs of his family, but not their wants (1 Timothy 5:8). Love is one of several things a father should be given (Titus 2:4). It is also important to pay attention to his instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:1; Colossians 3:20). Fathers also deserve honor, as God instructed through Moses in Exodus 20:12 (Ephesians 6:2-3). Father is often described as the breadwinner or provider in the family, but he may also need to be provided for in his golden years. “But if …