WEBVTT
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Our modern world has a strange perspective on children.
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For most of human history, they have been considered a blessing.
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The arrival of children was accompanied by great joy.
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They meant security for
parents in old age.
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Lots of children were
a sign of a healthy
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and growing population.
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They meant the promise of
a productive workforce and
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the creation of wealth.
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In short, children
were a blessing.
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But something has changed
in the last few decades.
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A different perspective
has taken over, mostly
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in the Western world.
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Unwanted pregnancies are now often seen as an obstacle
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to the happy life.
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Especially for those having
sex outside of marriage,
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pregnancy can just be seen
as a complication, not a joy.
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But even for those who want children, who love their
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children, what starts out as
a series of coos and smiles
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and snuggles, someday, somehow can turn into a series of
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overwhelming burdens.
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Raising children
is a challenge.
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Children can frustrate
you and disappoint you.
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Even with the best intentions, some parents can wonder,
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where did I go wrong?
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Where is all this
conflict coming from?
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How did this blessing
become a curse?
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These are important questions and worth pursuing.
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How can the arrival of
children go from being one
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of the greatest blessings
of life to a curse?
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Or, at least what
feels like a curse?
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We'll seek to answer
those questions today
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on Tomorrow's World.
01:30.323 --> 01:33.326
But first, get ready to note down a phone number or address,
01:33.393 --> 01:36.095
because in a few moments I'll give you an opportunity to
01:36.162 --> 01:38.431
order the free study guide
we're offering today,
01:38.498 --> 01:41.501
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
01:41.568 --> 01:45.638
So--Are Children A
Blessing Or a Curse?
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I'll be right back
with the answer.
01:47.974 --> 01:54.481
♪
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Welcome to Tomorrow's World, where we help you make sense
01:57.450 --> 02:00.186
of your world, through
the pages of the Bible.
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For millennia, having
children meant the hope
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of prosperity and security.
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But something's different today.
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Something has changed.
02:08.561 --> 02:12.398
In our affluent world, children are often considered a hassle.
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They get in the way of
personal aspirations.
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They're sometimes seen as a hindrance to people's desire
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for sexual freedom without
the burdens of family life.
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Abortion is the ultimate
expression of this view.
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And many countries around the world allow abortion by law.
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But abortion is murder,
no matter what any
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government of man says.
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Frankly, laws allowing abortion are a sign of the times.
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As the Psalmist said
in Psalm 94:20...
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"Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
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have fellowship with You?
02:47.934 --> 02:50.803
They gather together against
the life of the righteous,
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and condemn innocent blood."
02:53.439 --> 02:56.309
How appropriate this
verse is for our day.
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In the U.S., 37 states
allow abortion by law.
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That's actually more
restrictive than it was
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just a few years ago.
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In 2022, the United States
Supreme Court overturned
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the Roe vs. Wade
decision of 1973.
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Even so, since 1973,
about 63 million babies
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have been killed in
the United States.
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In the last few decades, one estimate is that 20 to 25%
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of the youngest generation
has been lost to abortion.
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In any other context,
this would be considered
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a crime against humanity.
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Around the world, abortion
goes on at an even more
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shocking rate.
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According to the globalcitizenssolutions.com
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website, almost 90% of countries have laws allowing abortion.
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And that comes to about
73 million abortions
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taking place every year.
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Children who never had
the chance to run, play,
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see the sun or take in
a breath of fresh air.
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And that's more than the
entire population of France
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or the United Kingdom.
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Truly, our advanced,
enlightened world,
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is at war with children.
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Now, understand.
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If you've had an abortion,
you can be forgiven.
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Like so many other areas of life, if we've made mistakes,
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if we're sorry and repentant
and express that in prayer
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to our Heavenly Father,
He will forgive.
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But we must ask for it.
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And we must be
heartfelt and sincere.
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Children are our future.
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We can see this not only
in a moral sense, but also
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in economic terms.
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A country's national
prosperity depends on
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a healthy birthrate.
04:42.415 --> 04:45.785
Evangelist Stuart Wachowicz
is our colleague and fellow
04:45.852 --> 04:48.721
presenter in the Canadian version of Tomorrow's World.
04:48.788 --> 04:52.392
Back in 2022, he recorded
a program entitled,
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"Fewer Babies:
Population in Decline."
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You can find it at
TomorrowsWorld.org.
04:58.698 --> 05:03.736
Referring to a 2019 Financial Post article by Joe Chidley,
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he said this:
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"Chidley points out that in
the 1960s, growth in the West
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was in excess of 5%.
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Through the 1970s,
it hovered about 4%.
05:14.914 --> 05:19.886
But by 2019, nations
struggled to hit 2% or less.
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Why?
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'The decline in demand growth has coincided with a sharp
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increase in the proportion
of the elderly in developed
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economies--in the Group of Seven, it has doubled since
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the early '60s.
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It has also coincided with a decline in fertility rates,
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from an OECD average of 3.2 children per woman in 1961
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to 1.7 children per
woman in 2017.'"
05:46.045 --> 05:51.217
The OECD is an organization comprising 38 of the more open,
05:51.284 --> 05:54.620
democratic, free-market
nations around the world.
05:54.687 --> 05:58.191
Mr. Wachowicz then explains
this economic slide is
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not surprising, given the
drop in birth-rate over
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the last few decades:
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"Many demographers and economists have predicted
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this as the result of
a major cultural change
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in Western nations.
06:10.603 --> 06:14.040
For a population to replace itself, there must be an
06:14.107 --> 06:18.010
average birthrate of at
least 2.1 babies per woman.
06:18.077 --> 06:20.947
Yet in many nations,
this is no longer the case."
06:21.013 --> 06:24.283
So, are children a
blessing or a curse?
06:24.350 --> 06:27.754
Aside from the moral
implications of abortion,
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killing future children is
disastrous for a nation.
06:31.824 --> 06:35.762
In the long term, it destroys the very economic prosperity
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people are trying to preserve.
06:37.764 --> 06:39.866
But what does God say?
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From the beginning of time, God intended marriages and expanding
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families to be a blessing,
a part of His general plan.
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In Genesis 1:27, we read of how God worked with Adam and Eve...
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"So God created man in His
own image; in the image
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of God He created him; male
and female He created them.
06:59.652 --> 07:02.588
Then God blessed them,
and God said to them,
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'Be fruitful and multiply;
[and] fill the earth.'"
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God wanted a large
population on the earth.
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It was His desire that they would fill the world with
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a vibrant, functioning
and productive society.
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In speaking of His promised blessings to Abraham,
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He told him,
in Genesis 17:6...
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"I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make
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nations of you..."
07:26.979 --> 07:29.916
God's blessings to Abraham
meant he would have many
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descendants, expanding
into powerful tribes
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which would become nations.
07:35.121 --> 07:40.293
Solomon echoed the same
idea in Psalm 127:3...
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"Behold, children are a
heritage from the Lord,
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the fruit of the
womb is a reward.
07:45.898 --> 07:49.035
Like arrows in the hand
of a warrior, so are the
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children of one's youth.
07:50.736 --> 07:54.540
Happy is the man who has
his quiver full of them..."
07:54.607 --> 07:58.611
Yes, happy is the man who
is blessed with children.
07:58.678 --> 08:01.480
Even today we see that
children and grandchildren
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can provide security and comfort to those in their sunset years.
08:06.085 --> 08:09.889
And many elderly do lean on
the support and encouragement
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of their extended family.
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They are blessed because
of their children.
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No, God never intended
family-life to be a curse,
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but rather a mechanism to
produce positive benefits
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throughout life.
08:22.702 --> 08:25.404
And yet, so many well-
intentioned fathers and
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mothers who do love their children and want their
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children to thrive, still
become frustrated by the
08:31.711 --> 08:36.115
daily grind of raising these children in an evil world--
08:36.182 --> 08:39.385
in an age when you get very little support on how to
08:39.452 --> 08:41.120
live a godly life.
08:41.187 --> 08:45.091
So how can you face raising children not with frustration,
08:45.157 --> 08:47.627
but with faith and confidence?
08:47.693 --> 08:50.429
I'll address that
in a few moments.
08:50.496 --> 08:53.032
At this point, let me pause
to mention the free study
08:53.099 --> 08:57.770
guide we're offering today, Successful Parenting: God's Way.
08:57.837 --> 09:00.907
Written by long-time pastor, father and grandfather,
09:00.973 --> 09:04.543
Jeffrey Fall, it explains
the purpose of marriage and
09:04.610 --> 09:06.279
family in the first place.
09:06.345 --> 09:09.882
What is the purpose of this repeating cycle of life?
09:09.949 --> 09:12.652
If you have children--
or are just concerned
09:12.718 --> 09:15.221
about the next generation--
you need this booklet.
09:15.288 --> 09:18.991
It will answer so many questions that perplex even the experts
09:19.058 --> 09:20.760
on this vital topic.
09:20.826 --> 09:22.328
So, order yours right away.
09:22.395 --> 09:24.830
Call, click or order by mail.
09:24.897 --> 09:25.998
Order now.
09:26.065 --> 09:26.866
♪
09:26.933 --> 09:33.572
For today's free
offer call...
09:33.639 --> 09:39.178
Or go to...
09:39.245 --> 09:41.948
This clear and straight-
forward resource will
09:42.014 --> 09:44.317
help you understand
this vital truth--
09:44.383 --> 09:47.286
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
09:47.353 --> 09:49.522
If you're calling
for the first time,
09:49.588 --> 09:52.525
you will also receive a
free annual subscription to
09:52.591 --> 09:54.493
Tomorrow's World magazine.
09:54.560 --> 09:58.130
Six inspiring issues
discussing news, science,
09:58.197 --> 10:00.900
and modern culture will
help you make sense of
10:00.967 --> 10:04.437
your world from a
biblical perspective.
10:04.503 --> 10:07.740
Call today and join
millions around the world
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who are turning to
Tomorrow's World for
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truth, prophecy, and hope
in these confusing times.
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Call now!
10:16.983 --> 10:20.720
Or go to...
10:20.786 --> 10:26.158
♪
10:26.225 --> 10:29.061
In the last segment of our
program, we saw that we're
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living in an evil age filled with unspeakable brutality.
10:33.766 --> 10:35.901
What does it say about
our society today, when,
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potentially, the most
dangerous place to be for
10:39.338 --> 10:42.742
a child is in the womb
of its own mother.
10:42.808 --> 10:45.878
But even for parents who
want to have children,
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what do you do when taking
care of that little bundle of
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joy turns into a daily grind?
10:52.151 --> 10:53.953
It can feel overwhelming.
10:54.020 --> 10:56.722
And then as children grow,
the challenges just get
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more complicated.
10:58.290 --> 11:01.894
Navigating through choices
of dress, music, friends,
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games, and the inevitable battles about screen-time,
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it can be discouraging.
11:07.400 --> 11:09.835
Especially when
there's conflict.
11:09.902 --> 11:13.572
The idyllic moment when that precious life came to be,
11:13.639 --> 11:16.809
can become just a vague
and distant memory.
11:16.876 --> 11:18.110
But don't worry.
11:18.177 --> 11:19.612
Keep the big picture.
11:19.678 --> 11:22.248
You can navigate the
inevitable lows that
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all parents experience.
11:24.150 --> 11:26.419
You see, children are precious.
11:26.485 --> 11:27.820
But why?
11:27.887 --> 11:30.289
That's a vital
question to answer.
11:30.356 --> 11:34.093
They're precious because they're made in the image of God.
11:34.160 --> 11:37.930
That is repeated
in Genesis 5:1...
11:37.997 --> 11:41.100
"This is the book of
the genealogy of Adam.
11:41.167 --> 11:43.969
In the day that God
created man, He made him
11:44.036 --> 11:45.971
in the likeness of God.
11:46.038 --> 11:48.707
He created them male and
female, and blessed them
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and called them Mankind in
the day they were created.
11:53.212 --> 11:56.515
And Adam lived one hundred
and thirty years, and begot a
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son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth."
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Seth was made in his parents' image and likeness.
12:05.124 --> 12:07.093
Many people, even
professing Christians,
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read right over this
and miss the point.
12:09.361 --> 12:10.563
But it's significant.
12:10.629 --> 12:14.200
You see, Adam and Eve's
son, Seth looked just
12:14.266 --> 12:15.234
like his parents.
12:15.301 --> 12:18.404
He had eyes, ears, a
head, hands and feet.
12:18.471 --> 12:21.874
The same description is
used of Adam and Eve being
12:21.941 --> 12:23.809
made in God's image.
12:23.876 --> 12:27.546
In other words,
we look like God.
12:27.613 --> 12:31.117
And we all--including our children--have the potential
12:31.183 --> 12:35.287
to be born into His literal family forever as His sons
12:35.354 --> 12:36.589
and daughters.
12:36.655 --> 12:40.526
And that's why our children
are so precious--they are made
12:40.593 --> 12:42.194
in the image of God.
12:42.261 --> 12:46.232
God wants us to highly
value our children.
12:46.298 --> 12:48.801
Jesus illustrated that
when He was on this earth.
12:48.868 --> 12:52.471
Notice in Luke 18:15...
12:52.538 --> 12:56.609
"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them;
12:56.675 --> 13:00.279
but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them."
13:00.346 --> 13:03.015
The disciples were saying these children were just in the way.
13:03.082 --> 13:04.183
They're a hindrance.
13:04.250 --> 13:06.519
Jesus had more
important things to do.
13:06.585 --> 13:10.789
And yet Jesus said,
"No, let them come to Me."
13:10.856 --> 13:12.258
He had a different attitude.
13:12.324 --> 13:15.227
Going on, Luke 18:16...
13:15.294 --> 13:18.564
But Jesus called them
to Him and said,
13:18.631 --> 13:21.500
"Let the little children
come to Me, and do not
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forbid them; for of such
is the kingdom of God."
13:25.104 --> 13:27.306
Jesus took them up in His arms.
13:27.373 --> 13:29.708
He took the time to hold
them and bless them.
13:29.775 --> 13:32.378
He wanted His disciples
to understand, that
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He loved children.
13:34.079 --> 13:36.048
Are our children perfect?
13:36.115 --> 13:38.150
No, not by a long shot.
13:38.217 --> 13:39.151
But that's okay.
13:39.218 --> 13:42.021
Because they need
to be taught by us.
13:42.087 --> 13:45.791
And we also learn a great
deal through the process.
13:45.858 --> 13:49.094
Training children is not
for the faint of heart.
13:49.161 --> 13:51.764
It can be very
discouraging at times.
13:51.830 --> 13:53.265
They will frustrate you.
13:53.332 --> 13:55.501
They will annoy
and aggravate you.
13:55.568 --> 13:58.704
They will test your
patience to the utmost.
13:58.771 --> 14:01.674
They might even make you
think, "What's the use?"
14:01.740 --> 14:04.276
If that ever happens
to you, don't give up.
14:04.343 --> 14:06.979
You can do it, but
you need God's help.
14:07.046 --> 14:10.749
And you need the help found
in this Book, the Bible.
14:10.816 --> 14:15.254
Notice what Paul said
in Ephesians 6:1...
14:15.321 --> 14:18.757
"Children, obey your parents
in the Lord, for this is right.
14:18.824 --> 14:22.628
'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment
14:22.695 --> 14:26.198
with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may
14:26.265 --> 14:27.967
live long on the earth.'
14:28.033 --> 14:31.103
And you, fathers, do not
provoke your children to wrath,
14:31.170 --> 14:33.872
but bring them up in the training and admonition
14:33.939 --> 14:35.074
of the Lord."
14:35.140 --> 14:37.176
This is good advice for fathers.
14:37.243 --> 14:39.878
When are you tempted to
provoke your child to wrath?
14:39.945 --> 14:41.680
Well, when you're at
the end of your rope.
14:41.747 --> 14:45.017
When you're frustrated, when you're tired, or exhausted.
14:45.084 --> 14:49.255
And yet that's when you must
be in control of your emotions.
14:49.321 --> 14:51.290
You must keep your
wits about you.
14:51.357 --> 14:53.525
You've got to remember,
you're not just feeding and
14:53.592 --> 14:55.828
clothing and providing
for that child.
14:55.894 --> 14:59.231
You're training a future
potential member of
14:59.298 --> 15:00.599
God's Family.
15:00.666 --> 15:02.067
What about mothers?
15:02.134 --> 15:04.637
Notice Proverbs 31:26...
15:04.703 --> 15:07.840
"She opens her mouth with
wisdom, and on her tongue
15:07.906 --> 15:10.042
is the law of kindness...
15:10.109 --> 15:13.412
Charm is deceitful and
beauty is passing, but a
15:13.479 --> 15:17.249
woman who fears the Lord,
she shall be praised."
15:17.316 --> 15:19.718
When you're maxed out,
when you can't go on,
15:19.785 --> 15:22.721
when you have had all
you can take, it says,
15:22.788 --> 15:25.624
"Don't forget the
law of kindness."
15:25.691 --> 15:29.061
God can give you help
and strength and wisdom.
15:29.128 --> 15:31.363
Notice Proverbs 29:15...
15:31.430 --> 15:35.200
"A child left to himself
brings shame to his mother...
15:35.267 --> 15:38.470
Correct your son, and he
will give you rest;
15:38.537 --> 15:41.640
Yes, he will give
delight to your soul."
15:41.707 --> 15:43.642
Your children need you.
15:43.709 --> 15:46.211
But not just for
their physical needs.
15:46.278 --> 15:50.349
They need your love, they
need your instruction and yes,
15:50.416 --> 15:52.851
even your gentle correction.
15:52.918 --> 15:55.921
If you correct them, in love, you'll be blessed;
15:55.988 --> 15:58.924
in the end they will be a
"delight" to your soul.
15:58.991 --> 16:00.659
They will "give you rest."
16:00.726 --> 16:02.494
That sounds pretty good.
16:02.561 --> 16:06.198
You see, God is heavily
invested in the training
16:06.265 --> 16:08.634
of our children, and
wants to be involved.
16:08.701 --> 16:10.269
But we have to ask Him.
16:10.336 --> 16:12.971
And that makes all
the difference.
16:13.038 --> 16:15.274
At this point, again,
I'd like to pause to
16:15.341 --> 16:17.676
mention the free study guide we're offering today,
16:17.743 --> 16:20.412
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
16:20.479 --> 16:23.682
As pastor and Tomorrow's World writer Jeffrey Fall states:
16:23.749 --> 16:27.286
"If we maintain the guiding principle of rearing children
16:27.353 --> 16:31.490
"in God's image," we will have all the resources of the
16:31.557 --> 16:33.192
Creator God to draw on.
16:33.258 --> 16:36.795
If our ultimate goal as parents is to bring up our children
16:36.862 --> 16:40.632
"in God's image," it will
become our guiding light and
16:40.699 --> 16:43.902
central theme for everything
we do in our family."
16:43.969 --> 16:47.439
God wants you to succeed
in your role as a parent.
16:47.506 --> 16:50.342
Let this booklet help
guide you along the way.
16:50.409 --> 16:52.144
You need this resource.
16:52.211 --> 16:54.980
So call, write,
or order online.
16:55.047 --> 16:56.048
Order today.
16:56.115 --> 16:57.116
♪
16:57.182 --> 16:58.884
This clear and
straight-forward resource
16:58.951 --> 17:01.653
will help you understand
this vital truth--
17:01.720 --> 17:04.523
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
17:04.590 --> 17:05.324
Call now!
17:05.391 --> 17:09.395
Or go to...
17:09.461 --> 17:12.197
♪
17:12.264 --> 17:13.699
Welcome back.
17:13.766 --> 17:16.368
In the last two segments
we discussed the question,
17:16.435 --> 17:18.904
are children a
blessing or a curse?
17:18.971 --> 17:22.107
We saw that some people simply see children as a hindrance
17:22.174 --> 17:23.409
to their happiness.
17:23.475 --> 17:26.412
Their solution is to get
them out of the way.
17:26.478 --> 17:29.481
Tragically, for too many,
that means abortion.
17:29.548 --> 17:33.485
Others want children, and love them, but get worn down and
17:33.552 --> 17:37.089
discouraged by the day in and day out demands of raising them.
17:37.156 --> 17:40.793
If that's you, God will help
you if you ask for His help.
17:40.859 --> 17:43.529
But there's another
element to address.
17:43.595 --> 17:46.598
And that is the big picture
as we live in the end-times,
17:46.665 --> 17:48.700
just before Christ's return.
17:48.767 --> 17:52.237
It doesn't take much spiritual discernment to understand we're
17:52.304 --> 17:54.173
living in the last days.
17:54.239 --> 17:57.443
This is a time of
increasing hate, violence,
17:57.509 --> 18:01.313
and antagonism against the
biblical values of the Bible.
18:01.380 --> 18:05.417
As this happens, it shouldn't surprise us to see a slide in
18:05.484 --> 18:08.153
morality and conduct in general.
18:08.220 --> 18:11.857
And if that's happening in society at large, how could
18:11.924 --> 18:14.326
that not include children?
18:14.393 --> 18:19.731
Notice what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1...
18:19.798 --> 18:24.069
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
18:24.136 --> 18:27.673
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
18:27.739 --> 18:31.810
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents..."
18:31.877 --> 18:34.513
Should we be surprised
if we see an uptick in
18:34.580 --> 18:37.382
anger and rebellion
among young people?
18:37.449 --> 18:39.818
If there is a general
attitude of resistance
18:39.885 --> 18:43.055
against God and His ways,
why would there not be
18:43.121 --> 18:45.424
the same attitude among
the youth as well?
18:45.491 --> 18:48.627
Going on, 2 Timothy 3:2...
18:48.694 --> 18:52.231
"...unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving,
18:52.297 --> 18:55.534
slanderers, without
self-control, brutal,
18:55.601 --> 18:59.538
despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty,
18:59.605 --> 19:02.307
lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God,
19:02.374 --> 19:06.478
having a form of godliness
but denying its power."
19:06.545 --> 19:09.114
I find myself turning to
this passage more and more
19:09.181 --> 19:11.683
when thinking about the
days we're living in.
19:11.750 --> 19:14.253
This passage seems to
describe our times so
19:14.319 --> 19:17.890
well, and more with
each passing day.
19:17.956 --> 19:20.692
Now, here's a note of caution.
19:20.759 --> 19:23.529
Don't label all young
people as problems.
19:23.595 --> 19:26.632
It's so easy to judge
and condemn the current
19:26.698 --> 19:30.369
younger generation,
but who taught them?
19:30.435 --> 19:33.005
Who created the world
they were brought into?
19:33.071 --> 19:36.842
In truth, are they not
just taking the secular,
19:36.909 --> 19:40.746
anti-God values they've
inherited one step further?
19:40.812 --> 19:44.116
And, actually, there are many
in the younger generation today
19:44.182 --> 19:49.121
who are bucking the trends and seeking to do the right things.
19:49.187 --> 19:52.858
If you're older, painting
younger generations with
19:52.925 --> 19:55.827
a broad, condemning
brush isn't helpful.
19:55.894 --> 19:59.531
Instead, reach out to the
young people in your life
19:59.598 --> 20:01.500
and try to make a connection.
20:01.567 --> 20:05.304
But be careful about
unsolicited advice.
20:05.370 --> 20:08.507
From time to time, we get calls from grandparents ordering
20:08.574 --> 20:11.977
literature from us for their children or grandchildren.
20:12.044 --> 20:14.012
If they want it, that's fine.
20:14.079 --> 20:18.517
But if they're not ready for it, unwanted advice is usually
20:18.584 --> 20:20.052
not taken well.
20:20.118 --> 20:23.488
And regarding grandchildren, understand--in most cases,
20:23.555 --> 20:27.459
they're not your direct responsibility anymore.
20:27.526 --> 20:30.596
Don't tell their parents
how to raise them, unless
20:30.662 --> 20:32.598
they're asking for help.
20:32.664 --> 20:37.035
Instead, just be the best
example you can possibly be.
20:37.102 --> 20:40.672
Praying for them and having
a spirit of love and respect
20:40.739 --> 20:44.876
does more than all the lectures
and harangues put together.
20:44.943 --> 20:49.748
Even when relationships are strained, be uncompromising
20:49.815 --> 20:52.684
in your values, but
don't burn bridges.
20:52.751 --> 20:56.488
Do everything you can to
maintain a connection.
20:56.555 --> 21:00.726
As Paul wrote in Romans 12:18...
21:00.792 --> 21:04.229
"If it is possible, as
much as depends on you,
21:04.296 --> 21:06.999
live peaceably with all men."
21:07.065 --> 21:10.335
You never know when, down
the road, the bridge you
21:10.402 --> 21:14.473
don't burn might be the
path you use to reconnect.
21:14.539 --> 21:17.542
When a society descends
into an attitude of defiance
21:17.609 --> 21:21.146
against the God of Heaven,
it doesn't happen in a vacuum.
21:21.213 --> 21:22.648
It affects everything.
21:22.714 --> 21:26.251
Including family relationships, interaction between parents
21:26.318 --> 21:29.855
and children, and a general antagonism toward those
21:29.921 --> 21:30.922
in authority.
21:30.989 --> 21:33.925
Notice what Isaiah
wrote in Isaiah 3:4.
21:33.992 --> 21:37.429
He was particularly writing about the downfall of ancient
21:37.496 --> 21:41.433
Judah and Jerusalem, but the same is true in any society
21:41.500 --> 21:44.102
that is descending into chaos.
21:44.169 --> 21:47.673
Notice Isaiah 3:4...
21:47.739 --> 21:50.742
"I will give children to be their princes, and babes
21:50.809 --> 21:52.244
shall rule over them.
21:52.310 --> 21:55.814
The people will be oppressed, every one by another and
21:55.881 --> 21:59.351
every one by his neighbor;
The child will be insolent
21:59.418 --> 22:02.888
toward the elder, and the
base toward the honorable."
22:02.954 --> 22:04.756
Going down to verse 12...
22:04.823 --> 22:08.960
"As for My people, children
are their oppressors, and
22:09.027 --> 22:10.529
women rule over them.
22:10.595 --> 22:11.763
O My people!
22:11.830 --> 22:15.267
Those who lead you cause
you to err, and destroy
22:15.333 --> 22:17.102
the way of your paths."
22:17.169 --> 22:19.204
And that's where we are today.
22:19.271 --> 22:22.174
We've come to a point where it almost feels like children--
22:22.240 --> 22:27.412
at least many children, not all,
but many--are our oppressors.
22:27.479 --> 22:31.183
Because, well, we as a
debased and corrupt society
22:31.249 --> 22:33.151
have created them.
22:33.218 --> 22:37.656
But again, if you want something different, if you want to please
22:37.723 --> 22:42.294
God and honor Him in your life in general and in working with
22:42.360 --> 22:43.695
your children, don't despair.
22:43.762 --> 22:47.199
Because even in the context
of Isaiah's description of a
22:47.265 --> 22:51.269
total breakdown of society, notice what he said,
22:51.336 --> 22:53.872
in Isaiah 3:10...
22:53.939 --> 22:57.642
"Say to the righteous that
it shall be well with them,
22:57.709 --> 23:01.113
for they shall eat the
fruit of their doings."
23:01.179 --> 23:04.249
Say to the righteous,
"It will be well with them."
23:04.316 --> 23:07.886
Do you want to follow God,
even in the midst of a
23:07.953 --> 23:10.188
perverse and evil generation?
23:10.255 --> 23:12.791
If you do, God will help you.
23:12.858 --> 23:14.860
And He will help your children.
23:14.926 --> 23:18.964
Psalm 128:1 continues
the theme...
23:19.030 --> 23:21.800
"Blessed is every one
who fears the Lord,
23:21.867 --> 23:23.568
who walks in His ways.
23:23.635 --> 23:26.872
When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy,
23:26.938 --> 23:29.341
and it shall be well with you."
23:29.407 --> 23:30.842
The same wording.
23:30.909 --> 23:34.713
If you turn your heart to God, and commit to following Him,
23:34.780 --> 23:39.050
whether in good times, or in bad, "it will be well with you."
23:39.117 --> 23:42.220
Going on, in Psalm 128:3...
23:42.287 --> 23:45.557
"Your wife shall be like a
fruitful vine in the very
23:45.624 --> 23:48.493
heart of your house, your
children like olive plants
23:48.560 --> 23:49.895
all around your table.
23:49.961 --> 23:54.533
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord."
23:54.599 --> 23:58.203
What a beautiful picture of
a happy and blessed family.
23:58.270 --> 24:02.541
And even in today's deceived
and darkening world, many
24:02.607 --> 24:06.077
still do invest in building
successful marriages,
24:06.144 --> 24:08.680
and training their
children together.
24:08.747 --> 24:12.584
To the degree they do
that, they're blessed.
24:12.651 --> 24:15.253
I recently received an
encouraging letter from
24:15.320 --> 24:18.156
a Tomorrow's World
subscriber to this effect.
24:18.223 --> 24:19.791
I'll tell you about
it when I come back.
24:19.858 --> 24:23.195
But before that, let me once again mention the free study
24:23.261 --> 24:24.563
guide we're offering today,
24:24.629 --> 24:27.632
Successful Parenting: God's Way.
24:27.699 --> 24:29.234
Dr. Fall writes:
24:29.301 --> 24:32.270
"The experience of parenting
can be one of the most
24:32.337 --> 24:36.107
challenging and difficult
tasks in a parent's life,
24:36.174 --> 24:39.711
yet it has the potential of being the most fulfilling and
24:39.778 --> 24:41.680
richest experience in life!"
24:41.746 --> 24:45.917
This booklet can revolutionize your family, and your whole
24:45.984 --> 24:47.953
approach to raising
your children.
24:48.019 --> 24:49.721
You need this booklet.
24:49.788 --> 24:52.390
It's free--we want
to send it to you.
24:52.457 --> 24:55.260
So call, write,
or order online.
24:55.327 --> 24:56.094
Order now.
24:56.161 --> 24:56.962
♪
24:57.028 --> 25:03.768
For today's free
offer call...
25:03.835 --> 25:09.074
Or go to...
25:09.140 --> 25:12.310
This clear and straight-
forward resource will
25:12.377 --> 25:14.746
help you understand
this vital truth--
25:14.813 --> 25:17.582
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
25:17.649 --> 25:19.851
If you're calling
for the first time,
25:19.918 --> 25:22.888
you will also receive a
free annual subscription to
25:22.954 --> 25:24.823
Tomorrow's World magazine.
25:24.890 --> 25:28.560
Six inspiring issues
discussing news, science,
25:28.627 --> 25:31.263
and modern culture will
help you make sense of
25:31.329 --> 25:35.166
your world from a
biblical perspective.
25:35.233 --> 25:38.036
Call today and join
millions around the world
25:38.103 --> 25:40.505
who are turning to
Tomorrow's World for
25:40.572 --> 25:45.744
truth, prophecy, and hope
in these confusing times.
25:45.810 --> 25:47.145
Call now!
25:47.212 --> 25:51.049
Or go to...
25:51.116 --> 25:56.354
♪
25:56.421 --> 25:58.890
In today's program we've
asked the question,
25:58.957 --> 26:01.893
"Are Children a Blessing
Or a Curse?"
26:01.960 --> 26:05.030
I recently got a letter
from a Tomorrow's World
26:05.096 --> 26:07.599
subscriber, responding to
an article of mine.
26:07.666 --> 26:11.136
He wrote to tell me about how the principles of family and
26:11.202 --> 26:14.940
child-rearing we teach in this Work, are consistent with
26:15.006 --> 26:18.376
what he learned over 45 years ago, from our predecessor,
26:18.443 --> 26:20.779
Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.
26:20.845 --> 26:25.283
This gentleman spoke fondly
of his wife of over 62 years;
26:25.350 --> 26:29.354
his son and his daughter,
and his six grandchildren.
26:29.421 --> 26:33.124
He even sent me a picture of
his son, and his son's four sons
26:33.191 --> 26:34.492
and their wives.
26:34.559 --> 26:39.030
He mentioned this scripture in Psalm 128 and how it compares
26:39.097 --> 26:41.132
children to olive plants.
26:41.199 --> 26:43.902
There are many fascinating
aspects of the olive plant
26:43.969 --> 26:45.403
used in the Bible.
26:45.470 --> 26:48.773
But one he pointed out to me
was how valuable olive oil
26:48.840 --> 26:50.542
was in ancient times.
26:50.608 --> 26:52.444
I didn't know this
before his letter.
26:52.510 --> 26:55.647
But olive oil, in times past, was actually used as a
26:55.714 --> 26:59.250
currency exchange, because
of its high value.
26:59.317 --> 27:03.688
No wonder the Psalmist
compares our children to
27:03.755 --> 27:05.623
those same olive plants.
27:05.690 --> 27:08.560
You see, children
are not appendages.
27:08.626 --> 27:11.596
They are not just clumps
of tissue to be cut off if
27:11.663 --> 27:13.732
they cause inconvenience.
27:13.798 --> 27:15.834
And they're not just
annoyances to pacify
27:15.900 --> 27:18.536
with an iPhone or a tablet.
27:18.603 --> 27:22.607
They are invaluable,
precious and priceless.
27:22.674 --> 27:26.378
They are potential members
of God's eternal family.
27:26.444 --> 27:29.347
And He has given us a great privilege to participate in
27:29.414 --> 27:32.851
the process of preparing
them for that destiny.
27:32.917 --> 27:36.888
What an awesome and blessed
plan our loving Father has
27:36.955 --> 27:38.990
for us and our children.
27:39.057 --> 27:40.625
Thank you for watching.
27:40.692 --> 27:43.061
And don't forget to
order your free copy of
27:43.128 --> 27:45.630
Successful Parenting:
God's Way.
27:45.697 --> 27:48.700
And be sure to join us next time, as Gerald Weston,
27:48.767 --> 27:53.104
Wallace Smith, and I explain the Good news of Tomorrow's World,
27:53.171 --> 27:56.941
and the truth, comfort and
hope it can bring to you
27:57.008 --> 27:58.076
and your family.
27:58.143 --> 27:59.144
♪
27:59.210 --> 28:06.117
For today's free
offer call...
28:06.184 --> 28:10.522
Or go to...
28:10.588 --> 28:13.758
Call today and join millions around the world who are
28:13.825 --> 28:18.329
turning to Tomorrow's World
for truth, prophecy, and hope
28:18.396 --> 28:20.698
in these confusing times.
28:20.765 --> 28:23.168
The preceding program
is produced by the
28:23.234 --> 28:24.736
Living Church of God.