In preparation for becoming parents this fall (God-willing), my wife and I have begun reading through William Farley book "Gospel-Powered Parenting." In the opening chapter he elaborates on five assumptions of the worldview of gospel powered parents:
1. Parenting is not Easy
"Because parenting is difficult, and because you are imperfect, you will need the grace that comes to you through the gospel." (p. 20)
2. God is sovereign, but He uses Means
"...God normally exercises his sovereignty through parents who faithfully practice biblical parenting." (p. 22)
3. A Good Offense is better than Defense
"...effective parents equip their children to overcome the world - not by changing and controlling their environment, but by going after their children's hearts. We change their hearts by teaching the gospel, modeling the gospel, and centering our homes on the gospel." (p. 24)
4. The need to Understand New Birth
"New birth is radical change of heart that ushers in new desires, new loves, and a new life direction. (p. 29)
5. God-centered, not Child-centered, Families
"It is important to love your children, but there is a fine line between healthy parental love and child worship. We know the latter has happened when we begin compromising God's will for the sake of our children or their activities. (p. 33)
And the most striking statement I've read so far in the book (especially since by God's grace I will soon by a father): "There seems to be a strong correlation between the faith, commitment, and sincerity of the family's head and the spiritual vitality of his adult children." (p. 15)
By God's Grace, Jeff
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