When Hannah left her son Samuel (Mother's Day message) with Eli, it would appear that she had left him around good examples. NOT SO!

Eli's sons were terrible. So who do we blame? Them? Eli? God? Our city? Our schools? Just as Eli's sons were involved in terrible, sinful things we see the world involved that way today. Not just the world but the church has their share of misfits too.

So what is the answer for us? Do we just ignore the sins of our children, or do we stand up for what is right? CAN WE BE REAL FATHERS FOR THEM?????

I. Children have been taught to abhor the offering of God. 11-17

A. Lack of respect for God's ways have been permitted.
B. The priesthood had become corrupt.

A. Waiting too long to tell them lessens our impact.
B. We often don't take time to deal with them properly.

Family-life specialists Delmer W. Holbrook and his wife have been lecturing and conducting surveys across America. In a survey of hundreds of children, the Holbrooks came up with three things fathers say most in responding to their kids.

"I'm too tired" took first place.
"We don't have enough money" was second.
"Keep quiet" was third. Cited in Christianity Today, August 27, 1976.

III. Humanistic ideals of today parallel Eli's of yesteryear. 27-29

A. Children have become the most important thing in our lives.
B. When we put anything before God it conveys the message to our kids that God is not that important.
C. "Will God really punish us?" is the prevailing attitude of today.

A. It is required that a servant be faithful.
B. A faithful servant will be a blessing to those around them

(giving of bread is an example)
 
 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist - 061696am