CPC THIS WEEK
AUGUST 11, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
GUIDING OUR CHILDREN (PART 2)
By Tom Stein
During August, our children return to school - at all ages, and in all forms. We realize the years are passing!
This month in this space, I am using four illustrations from Tedd and Margy Tripp’s book, “Instructing a Child’s Heart,” to guide us in guiding our children.
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The Tripps tell the story of a man who had a “shut up” jar in his home. When his children said those dreaded words, they had to put a dollar in the jar.
In two weeks, the jar was filled with 100 dollars - and the family went out one Friday night and used up all the money in the jar.
What happened next? The children started saying “shut up” again. Why? Dad had controlled their behavior, but he had ignored their hearts.
As parents, we are all susceptible to this. We do not like what our children are doing, and we just want them to stop. It is easier and quicker, no matter their age, to merely restrain behavior.
But it comes at a price: our children learn to behave for a season, but they do not learn why their behavior needs to change. We do not encourage them to see the heart issues behind their behavior.
The result? When the external motivation (generally punishment or bribery) is removed, the behavior resumes, because the heart is unchanged.
One good way to understand this issue is to think in terms of idols - false “gods.” We ought to ask questions like:
* What “god” is so important to my child, that he or she is acting this way?
* What biblical truths address this “god” issue in the life of my child?
Then we must take the time to talk through this with our children. From the heart comes behavior, so we are called to address the heart.
WOMEN!!!
Women in the Church (WIC) will have a kick-off meeting on Thursday, August 19 at 7 PM at the church. They will plan events for the coming year.
All women are invited! Bring craft/sewing projects if you like, and it will be a great evening of work and fellowship. Questions? Contact Debbie Gentry.
FROM THE DISCIPLESHIP TEAM...
Sinclair Ferguson suggests, “You are what you read.” If this is true, we need to read books that explain Scripture, search our consciences, and challenge us to spiritual growth and obedience.
With this in mind, the Discipleship Team recommends a booklet called “A Christian Reader.” You can get it in the foyer rack, or on the CPC web page: www.christpca-richmondin.net./books/
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
CPC 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE AND CELEBRATION:
SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 19
***SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 15***
For the three weeks remaining in August, we will hear reports on summer events: mission trips, youth camp, and the PCA General Assembly.
**LIFE GROUPS RESUME IN SEPTEMBER - SIGNUPS SOON**
Life Groups are an excellent way to increase your love for God and deepen your relationships with other people in the body of Christ.
At CPC, our third commitment is to “spiritual maturity expressed in every area of life.” Life Groups build this. Please consider joining a group this fall.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: IRAN
Voice of the Martyrs reports:
“On July 18, 15 newly converted Christians who were travelling to the north eastern city of Bojnoord to meet and to fellowship with believers were arrested in the city of Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan.
“All 15 detainees were transferred to the Ministry of Information's central detention centre. In the days that followed, they were subjected to harsh and inhumane interrogations. After one week, 13 of the believers were conditionally freed, after they agreed to sign promissory notes and post bails.
“Two remaining detainees, 48-year-old Reza and 23-year-old Ehsan Behrooz, refused to sign any forms or post bail and thus remained in detention...”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
If you are making a financial contribution to the church during a time other than the Sunday morning worship service, please give the money directly to Beth Allen, either in person or by sending it to her home: 1300 Heinbaugh Road, Richmond.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
August 12 - Emily Stein, Sadira Steinfort, Jacob Weiss
August 16 - Marta Baker
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: 1 PETER 1:13-2:3
AUGUST VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8