On the subject of modernism in the home and church in our day,I have a couple of observations that I'd like to make, for it is truly a slippery slope that we're on.

For His Crown and Glory,
Bro. John

There is a growing trend today among serious believers toward returning to the preserved Holy Scriptures as the sole authority for faith and practice. And none too soon, for an abandonment of the scriptures, worldliness and a penchant for entertainment is increasingly invading the sanctuaries and pulpits of our nation, leaving the church powerless against her enemies. We must not be complacent in the face of these trends, which promote a worldview completely contrary to apostolic doctrine and the teachings of Christ the King. It can hardly be denied that a" falling away", has been in progress for some time within many of the old line Christian denominations, and a return to biblical order within their walls, is not soon likely. The result being that many who perceive these serious conditions are fleeing the institutional church in record numbers in search of spiritual sustenance, only to find themselves adrift, with God and His word alone to guide them. 

However, there are encouraging signs on the horizon; from among these wandering and hungry sheep, God is raising up in our time a remnant of believers, called by His name, who are willing to suffer ridicule and persecution for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom. And they are fully prepared to face down any enemy natural or supernatural, political or ecclesiastical, as well.  They are armed with the biblical weapons of warfare and the power of the living word, Jesus Himself, who has promised to be with them even unto the end of the world. "Sola Scriptura", the scriptures alone, is their rallying cry. And they are unwilling to negotiate away God's commands to order the foundation, and authority structures of their homes by His standards. Likewise they refuse to delegate the education of their children to government schools, but choose rather to sacrifice their own comfort, personal and financial position and security to" train them up in the way they should go”. They further realize, that despite the attacks by revisionist historians, God is creator and ruler of nations.

If this sounds like you, take heart, do not be discouraged, for the Lord has not left you or yours alone along the path which will take you through the strait gate, (Matt.7: 13-14). There are many more like you whom the Lord in His perfect time, will bring together for His glory. And you're in good company as well.

As I watch the unfolding of events in the contemporary church, I am encouraged, knowing that through the mists of times past, those saints who have gone before us have left a record of victory over circumstances similar to those which we are experiencing today. I am often reminded that in the days of Luther, Calvin Knox, and others, the glorious light of the 16th century reformation was kindled throughout Europe restoring God's word and purposes to the true church, ultimately crushing all those supernatural principalities and even political powers and entities which opposed His providential rule over nations.  And the descendents of those worthy saints, the Scottish Covenanters, and others, involved in what is often referred to as the second reformation, continued to carry the banner of the Cross, through the difficult days of the founding of America and beyond, by obediently passing their faith on to succeeding generations This is what is referred to as multi-generational faithfulness, and it starts with men, as traditional family leaders, who refuse to compromise with the voices of tolerance, egalitarianism and ecumenism around them, regardless of the personal cost. And make no mistake…there will be costs.

The Christian homeschooling community is on the front lines of this great cultural battle, and they are effectively taking it to the church and into the very seat of government at every level by way of the voting booth, to restore our country to it's original foundations as a Christian nation.

Finally, I believe that a careful study of Christian history can give us hope that despite the encroaching darkness around us, God and His people will prevail. So believer, rejoice, for the events which we are witnessing, disturbing as they may appear, at times, will, if we are faithful to persevere, lead us into a New Reformation, for the Glory of God the Father, as we await the return of King Jesus in power and great glory.

The purpose of this commentary, is to give a pastoral endorsement of the recent offering by No Greater Joy Ministries "Created To Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. As a conservative pastor/elder, and ardent believer in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, I feel compelled to comment on the urgent necessity for material of this type in our day and time. In fact, my wife, Rebecca, and I were so impressed by the content of this book, as well as the opinions of others who had already read it, that we purchased copies, as Christmas gifts, for our married daughter, and our three daughters-in-law, as well. 

I personally find the teaching and advice, including the contributions by Michael Pearl, to be Biblically sound and well grounded, especially knowing they adhere to the King James Bible. I am aware, of course, that there has been some negative PR in relation to the book, and yet, personally, believe what Jesus said when He said "...he who has ears to hear, let him hear." But let me explain what I mean.

First of all, changes within our society over the last several decades, along with the influence of radical feminism in the church, has resulted in a distortion of proper biblical gender roles in both the home and marriage, even amongst believers, and, frankly, many do not wish to hear what the Word has to say in the matter. However, God's standards, like the living Word, are the same " yesterday, today and forever" and we must continually turn to the Scriptures alone for clarity. Much of what I've encountered in regard to criticism of Mrs.Pearl's book, has been the usual diatribe concerning the perceived dangers of the wife's submissive attitude, and the possibility of abuse of authority by husbands'.

Let me say right now that this is, in 99% of cases, a truly mute issue. Our all knowing God was well aware of every possible problem that could arise in regard to a wife's submission and obedience to an imperfect man. Yet, He, nevertheless, established the principle of authority and submission in the marriage relationship for the purpose of order and protection in the home and family. Naturally, of course, if one wishes to circumvent the Lord's express commands, they will create every excuse imaginable to avoid obedience.

The problems and objections which arise against simply following the omnipotent wisdom of God in the matter are the result of human nature, which rebels against the very idea of authority in general, especially in American society!

Historically, in Christian patriarchal societies, wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, have held a unique place of honor and protection. And the same is true today when Biblical instruction is followed without question. As for the possible exceptions which may arise from time to time, the Word also addresses these in various places. And I believe that Michael Pearl also dealt with that and other questions properly and for the most part without rendering advice which would ultimately involve the usurption of authority already granted by the Lord and apostolic doctrine.

This said, the question we must ask ourselves is this: Do we believe in the infallibility of God's inspired Word, regardless of the current practices and opinions of the world around us? Or, are we willing to compromise rather than be labeled different?

Unfortunately, compromise has led the church to the place where she is today. And the blame for the sorry conditions within the Christian home and society may be laid at the doorstep of professing Christian men who have abandoned their God-given mantle as family rulers and replaced it with a weak egalitarianism for fear of criticism, confrontation, and ridicule.

Fortunately, there are signs of a return to true Biblical patriarchy within the homeschool community today, and not a moment too soon! Likewise, God is raising up a remnant in our time which includes ministries which are not afraid to articulate loud and clear His laws and precepts for those who will hear. I believe that Michael and Debi Pearls Ministry, No Greater Joy, is one of those ministries, and that Debi's book "Created to be His Help Meet" can safely be recommended as must reading for those who wish God's best by following His way.

In the middle of the night, it occured to me, like a flash out of the blue, the seriousness of the task to which we've been called, as Christian men. Especially, in the area of the homeschool home. We are to set the stage for the educational endeavors of our children, and encourage our wives as well. Learning should be fun and not put in boxes as it often is in public educational institutions. It should also be a continual search for the truth, particularly, where American History is concerned, for so much has been written of late, which bears little or no resemblence to the original facts. This, of course, is the result of revisionist history, designed to twist reality to suit current norms and trends, or even more sinisterly, to
distort Biblical principles for political and/or financial gain.

Unfortunately, we can not always trust Christian publishers and curriculum providers to present a Biblical worldview consistant with the preserved scriptures. Therefore, we must become treasure hunters, as such, for the purpose of ferreting out the truth, regardless of whether it clashes with popular modern concepts in our society or
even the church. One way we can do that, is to become students ourselves, utilizing the vast array of original works and historical documents available to us on the internet, and also seeking out periodicals and other publications which are truly ultr-conservitive, in more than name only.

For you homeschooling husbands and fathers out there, I recommend the Christian Statesman, a free quarterly magazine of The National Reform
Association. It has been in continuous publication since 1864, and deals primarily with American government and constitutional issues. If you're serious about the future of our nation, for your children and grandchildren, this is a must have.

In addition, we must become more than simply spectators, in the political process of this country, if we are to preserve the
blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, provided the Lord tarries. Day and night, subtle and not so subtle attacks are
being mounted against our freedoms, including homeschooling, and we must be alert and vigilent. Here in Missouri, our home state, a serious attack against homeschool families was just deflected, and we can be sure that more are on the way, at both the state and federal levels. So, lift up your prayers and petitions before the Lord today,
for if God is for us, who can be against us?

Have a great day, rejoice and be glad in it!

For His Crown and Glory,
-Bro John Knox