Christian Education is Homemade
Deuteronomy 6:1-4
I. The Current State of Families
- Problem: Families dissolving, high divorce rates
- Assertion: No amount of business or professional success compensates for family failure
- Historical Fact: Societies disintegrate when family life breaks down
II. Biblical Foundation: Deuteronomy 6
- Historical Context: Children of Israel at Kadesh Barnea
- Biblical Reference: Book of Deuteronomy, especially chapter 6
III. Moses’ Message in Deuteronomy 6
- Deuteronomy 6:1-3: Importance of commandments, statutes, and judgments
- Deuteronomy 6:4: The Shema, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
IV. Components of Moses’ Message
- God's Truth in the Heart (Deuteronomy 6:4-6)
- Revelation demands a response: Immediate obligation to act when God speaks
- Doctrine is dynamic: It is meant to be lived out
- Relationships Determine Reality (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)
- Christianity as a relationship: Not a search for God by man, but God’s search for man
- Example of parental influence: The story of a mother’s impact on her children
- Teaching Diligently (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)
- Formal and Informal Instruction: Teaching and talking about God's commands
- Life Integration: Habits and daily actions reflect God's word
- Symbols and Reminders: Binding commands on hand and forehead, writing them on doorposts and gates
V. Practical Application
- Parenting as a Privilege: Recognize children as a reward from God
- Personal Stories: Illustrations of family dynamics and learning
- Parental Influence: The importance of parents' habits and commitment in shaping children
VI. Conclusion
- Psalm 127:1: Foundation of a God-built family
- Ultimate Goal: Leading children to walk in truth and building a fulfilling family life
- Call to Action: Trust in God for wisdom and strength in parenting
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
