Resources by Topic: Marriage and Family

I have been married to Nanci for over 40 years, and I still am learning things about her. This is both a mystery and a delight. 

I’ve shared before my concerns over the number of college students who are abandoning their faith in Christ. This article from Tim Challies, one of my favorite bloggers, explains some of the reasons why that happens, and what Christian parents can do to address those reasons.

I've heard parents say, “But I don’t want my children to think I don’t trust them.” Trust is important, but it is never unrealistic. 

I get that life is busy and money can be tight. But make it a priority to date your spouse. Put it in your schedule and your budget!

Several years ago, a friend and I were driving through a neighborhood on a beautiful summer day and he said, “We haven’t seen a single kid outdoors. They’re all inside, watching movies, playing video games and looking at computer screens.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Needham and her husband, Christian singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham. I appreciate what Kelly has to share in this article, as she thoughtfully challenges us to be like our Savior in our attitudes toward children.

Who is God? Who is mankind? What is God like? Does God have a plan? Do even bad events serve God’s purposes? In light of the great number of young people who reject their faith, we must encourage our children to think through these questions.

In January 2016, Randy Alcorn spoke at Hope Chapel Maui in Kihei, Hawaii on the subject of Heaven. In this clip, Randy talks about marriage in Heaven. For more information, see Randy's Heaven book.

Some years ago, I sat with my daughters at a wonderful father/daughter banquet at our church. Someone at the table asked my youngest daughter, Angela, what I’d done that made the biggest impression on her. I had no idea what she would say, but of course I hoped for something spectacular. :)

Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to the needs and interests of your children (and grandchildren). The following points might be good starting places for your conversations with them.

I grew up in a non-Christian home, having a father who, most of the time, wasn't there. Yes, there is a hole that was created by his absence. Yes, that affected my attitude about the importance of fatherhood, but in a different way than you might expect. 

The world should be able to look at a husband’s love for his wife and see what the gospel means, and be drawn to the beauty and power of God’s love for His people. That’s why I love this moving story that Garrett Kell shares about a faithful, gospel-centered marriage.

This is NOT an attack piece on the divorced. It is written for the many believers who may be considering a divorce too soon because it is a cultural norm.

What qualities does God want us to develop in our children? No need to guess. Scripture tells us specifically.