New Believer's Bible Sample - Flipbook - Page 41
page A43
OFF & RUNNING
Why? Because the bulk of the problems in our culture today can be directly
traced to the breakdown of the family or to homes in which biblical principles
are ignored or disobeyed. This not only includes husbands and wives splitting
apart but also “alternative families,” such as same-sex marriage and domestic
partnerships. Such relationships will never be blessed or honored by God, for
they are clearly outside the parameters of his will. A family can survive without
a country, but a country cannot survive without the family.
Fortunately, there is hope. The Bible gives us specific guidelines to follow
when it comes to parenting. If they are put into practice, we will see amazing
results. See what the Bible has to say about raising children who love and
revere the Lord in a world that is often hostile to God and his values.
• Watch the legacy you leave see 2 Chronicles 17:3-6, page 415
• Children are never too young to learn about God see Proverbs 22:6, page 599
• Discipline your children see Proverbs 29:15, page 606
• Make sure your children hear the gospel message see Acts 16:29-34, page 1050
• Avoid aggravating your children see Colossians 3:21, page 1148
Prayer Time
Before you became a Christian, you may have prayed before meals, on holidays, or perhaps during times of crisis. As a believer, however, prayer should
become second nature. Prayer is no longer an option but should become part
of all you do.
As you integrate prayer into every aspect of your life, you will not always see
your prayers answered the way you would like them to be. When this happens,
it is easy to grow discouraged and give up praying. But Jesus implored us to
“pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1-8). Paul also instructed believers to “never
stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). When we fail to pray, we miss out on one
of the greatest blessings of the Christian life—fellowship with God himself,
our power source for living. In addition, we are going against what God has
instructed us to do.
The Bible gives us some perspective on how to experience the power of
prayer in our lives. The following is a partial list of what should characterize
your prayers as a believer.
• Pray regularly see Psalm 55:16-17, 22, page 528
• Pray without hindrance see Isaiah 59:1-2, page 678
• Pray persistently see Luke 18:1-8, page 984
• Pray effectively see Acts 12:1-17, page 1044
• Pray boldly see Hebrews 4:16, page 1181
• Pray for what pleases God see 1 John 5:14-15, page 1213
