Children 102: What Ever Happened to the Village?  
By Mark Benedict
In America society used to assist parents in raising well disciplined children. Not any more. Fact is, western society is now hard at work doing all it can to make sure parents fail!  Don't trust the village to teach your children about right and wrong unless you will be satisfied to have your children act like the villagers!  For success, you need a winning strategy in the most important ministry God has given to you - bringing your "next generation" to a genuine faith in Christ!

"No Fear" by Ohio police detective Robert Surgenor.  This is a scholarly review of the statistics of youth crime which clearly shows the outrageous lies being propagated by the influential anti-spanking movement in their effort to make it impossible for parents to raise their children using Biblical methods of discipline.  This book also dispels many myths and misrepresentations about state and federal laws on spanking and child rearing.

Children 109: Raising Polite, Obedient, and Cheerful Children.
By  Jamie Pritchett
Read Jamie's excellent and encouraging article on how to succeed at parenting by setting the right goals.

"Is it possible? Is there a way to raise children to be polite, obedient and cheerful, or are such children only born to very lucky parents? Those were my questions when my husband and I were first married and were contemplating having children. I had always wanted children and looked forward to the day when I would be a "mom," but I worried about what kind of children mine would be. For I had noticed that I became irritated when I was confronted with whiny and ill-behaved children."  Author Jaimie Pritchett

Swedish parents fear having their children taken from them and put into forcible care and foster homes for the "crime" of using discipline methods not improved by the social visionaries who crafted Sweden's laws. "Sweden has, during the last decades, developed into a kind of socio-medical totalitarian state...About five thousand Swedish children are at present in forcible care in foster-homes and institutions. Add to that about ten thousand children who are taken "voluntarily" into care. That is to say, their parents are told that unless they sign papers which say they gave up their children voluntarily, they will never see them again"

The other interesting fact is that violent assaults by youths in Sweden have sky-rocketed since Sweden outlawed spanking!

Parenting 1.01 consists of seven concise articles developed from a Christian perspective using  sound, Biblical principles for building strong, love-bonded families. The articles emphasize parental example, spousal harmony and firm, consistent, loving discipline as keys to success.  The importance of applying these principles during the early, critical period of child rearing is stressed.

The author, Gordon A. Rampy, is an experienced, successful parent -- old-fashioned and politically incorrect -- who, with the help of God and a godly wife, raised four happily-married sons.  He believes the Biblical charge, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" provides the basis for restoring the family to its position as the foundation of our society.

I whole-heartedly recommend Buddy Scott’s book, “Relief for Hurting Parents” as one of the best books I have ever read on dealing with problem teenage children.  Buddy Scott offers an outstanding collection of Biblically sound and practical approaches to dealing with disobedient teenagers.  Buddy Scott also provides materials and support for parenting support groups.

Church 101: Should We Publicly Correct Christians? 
By Debra Bouey
Many Christians incorrectly cite Matthew 18 as teaching that we should not publicly correct those who teach error in the church. This misapplication ignores the clear example the Apostle Paul provides in the New Testament scriptures and his many exhortations to zealously guard the purity of teaching in the local church. Debra Bouey writes on the scriptural basis for public correction in a spirit of love.

Church 102: Touch Not the Lord's Anointed? 
By Dennis Costella
The Biblical story of David and Saul is used as a mistaken justification for the notion that Christians are not to publicly disagree with other Christian leaders, even when they are in error. Dennis Costella, who works with the Fundamental Evangelistic Association, provides an excellent Scriptural explanation of our duty towards those that err when it comes to public teaching, doctrine, or way of life.

Church 103: Christian Correction 
By Mark Benedict
We often shrug off our responsibility to encourage one another to love and good works. We decline to speak to others concerning their offenses, yet are quick to complain to others and gossip. The scriptures call us to a path which requires a willingness to be open and honest while maintaining short accounts with those who offend us.

Church 104: What is a Fundamentalist?  
By Mark Benedict
The term "fundamentalist" has been turned into a pejorative used against Christians who express faith in God's Word.  What is a fundamentalist and why is it important that we hold hold fast to the fundamentals? 

Church 105: Biblical Separation 
By Dennis Costella
What do the scriptures teach about separating from those who teach error and cause divisions in the Church?  Read Dennis Costella's penetrating essay about the duty of every Christian to take a clear stand towards doctrinal error.

Church 106: Christian Fellowship  
By Mark Benedict
Every Christian has an inborn need for close fellowship and companionship with other Christians, but there are many obstacles to be overcome in our busy world. To experience our Christian birthrights we must study God's Word and make time available to be with other Christians

Church 107: A Letter to the Church Leadership 
By Mark Benedict
You Should Be Concerned About Your Church If...  Several years ago we were forced to re-evaluate our membership in a church we had been attending. There were a few things that had been bothering us and we were finally forced to face them head on. Although we dearly loved our friends there and had grown to appreciate many of the members of the congregation, we couldn't overlook the fact that the preaching from the pulpit was sliding away from the basic gospel of Paul. If you read the book of Acts, and the other Pauline Epistles (letters which the Apostle Paul wrote), you will find a fairly concise presentation of the "Good News!"

I wrote a letter to the pastor and elders and laid out my concerns in detail. The letter, and several references to material which I included as relevant to what was happening in this particular church are included below. If your church is seeking to grow, you may find some of these materials apply to your own situation. Hope you will read these as good Bereans and carefully consider the truth of what is written. For more information on contemporary church issues we invite you to read New Evangelicalism by David Cloud at the Fundamental Baptist News Service.

Church 108: Two Gates 
By Don Stuart
An excellent mediation on why we experience problems and temptations when we open our lives to evil through direct disobedience.  We control what we allow ourselves to see and hear. It is always better to obey God and avoid evil since we are then spared the after effects and memories of sin.    

Church 109: The Right Kind of Help 
By Oswald Chambers
This short excerpt from Oswald Chambers excellent devotional book, "My Utmost for His Highest" explains why we are called to present the Gospel to the world and not just to do good or speak kind things to the unbelieving.