Godly Parents: Zachariah and Elizabeth:

Luke 1:5-25

L/W—Introduced the Gospel of Luke, the author, the themes, and the focus. We also unpacked verses 1-4 of Chapter 1 and learned of the intentionality behind Luke’s writing of his gospel

T/W—We begin Luke’s autopsy-style recording of all things centered on Jesus Christ. We begin with Luke’s record of Jesus’ earthly cousin, JTB (John the Baptist), specifically that of JTB’s parents.

(READ LUKE 1:5-25)

Jesus, in Matthew 11:11, says this about John the Baptist, ““Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.

In context, John was counted “greater” because he saw with his own eyes and “personally participated in the fulfillment of what O/T prophets merely prophesied about.”

John the Baptist was the man the gospel writers penned

As the man, “preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins..”

As the “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness...”

As the one who instructed man to, “Prepare the way of the Lord...” and “…make His paths straight

As the man who spoke against false religion and Pharisitical living

As the man bearing witness to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior:

Who would baptize by the Holy Spirit and fire, and

As, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world...”

How did JTB get here? How did he come to the point where he was living in the wilderness, eating locusts, dressed unlike anyone else—yet preaching a gospel of repentance of sin, preaching and preparing the way for Jesus Christ?

While we know—ultimately—it was the work of God’s sovereignty and providence. God called him, and through the Holy Spirit, He drew John to Himself—b/c this is what Scripture teaches how ANY person comes to know God. Yet through the lens of Scripture, God drew John to Himself through godly parents!

Today’s message—though it lends to the knowledge of JTB, has its focus on dynamic examples of what/who parents should be.

From a broad-stroke perspective, both Zacharias and Elizabeth were parents contrary to the culture and world around them:

They served the Lord while living under a violent and tyrannical king, King Herod

They served the Lord amidst a perverse, violent, and oppressive culture

They served the Lord amidst the negative stigma of their own culture (barren, infertile, and elderly)

They served the Lord amidst a world where their religion (at least their religious leaders) was hard to distinguish from the culture

They served the Lord amidst their own brokenness and problems

They served the Lord amidst God’s chastening of their lives (Zacharias specifically)

(A NOTE BEFORE WE GET STARTED)

For those here--whether you are empty-nesters, whether a family is living amongst the pains of infertility or some other brokenness, or whether you are young or single and are desiring/praying for a family of your own one day, there are foundational truths and disciplines for each all of you today—so that each of you can learn to grow in your devotion to Jesus Christ.

I. (v.5) Zacharias and Elizabeth

Luke 1:5 “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”

(CONTEXT)

John’s dad was Zacharias or Zecharias, which means “remembered of Jehovah”

Zacharias was from the country, a mountainous or hilly section of the country

Zacharias was of “the course of Abia (or Abijah)”; simply put—a division of the priests (a descendent of Aaron)

At this time there were 20,000 priests and only one (1) temple (1 Chr 24:1-6)

Zacharias served in the 8th group or division

John’s mother was Elisabeth, or—which means “One whose oath is to God”

Elizabeth was the daughter of a priest

Elizabeth was a pure woman—meaning a virgin at her marriage (requirement for a priest; see Le 21:14)

John the Baptist grew up as—what some refer to today as, a “PK” (Pastor’s Kid), that he “grew up in the ministry.”

He would grow up around Zacharias’ responsibilities as a priest

Around the temple

Around the synagogue

He would grow Elizabeth’s responsibilities as both a daughter of a priest and a wife of a priest

Around his mom’s devotion to serve the Lord and serve her husband

He would grow up witnessing the devoutness of his parents’ faith, despite the tyranny that lurked outside

Zacharias and Elizabeth served the Lord in a culture of evil and perversion, in a society of depravity, idolatry, and immorality—all under the reign of a wicked king, King Herod

Herod the Great was

A bloody tyrant, who according to secular history, murdered many of his own family to include his “favored wife,” (he had 10), her grandfather, her brother, and some of his own children

An evil man who on another occasion murdered the whole of the Sanhedrin—the ruling body of the Jewish gov’t

A man possessed by evil, who was suspicious, savage, and warped who was so threatened by a child—despite the fact he wouldn’t be around when a child king would inherit the throne, he not only had all the children killed in Bethlehem, but in “all the coasts thereof” (Matthew 2:16)

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)—Our application comes from Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (Please turn and read)

Zacharias and Elizabeth were by all accounts devout followers of God, righteous in God’s sight. And from what know of them, their culture, and the lens of the Old Testament, they more than likely lived out God’s commandments found in Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and instilled in John these truths:

The primary charge of God given to families is to teach our children, our grandchildren, and future generations to fear the Lord—to walk with the Lord in a deep sense of honor and worship; to follow Him with reverence and devotion.

First, we must teach our children about God and about loving God (this is the greatest commandment)

(v.4) Tells us we should teach our children about who God is

Teach them His name—Yahweh/Jehovah

Teach them God is not

Distant or removed

Impersonal or uncompassionate

Far off in space, uninterested or uncaring about them

Teach them that God is:

A personal God, ever so close to us

Not distant or removed from them

Alive and active and cares/loves/and has a will for their lives (to know Him as Lord and Savior & to follow Him all the days of their lives)

Teach them His attributes & characteristics

Teach them His promises & assurances

Teach them that He’s the Creator

Teach them He’s the one and only true and living God

He’s sovereign over all things—in control of all things—higher than all things

Second, we are to teach our children about a personal relationship with God and how they must love and pursue Him—about salvation and sanctification

(SALVATION) This means teaching our children about the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We must teach them about sin—(the “road” to salvation MUST begin with the understanding we/they are sinners)

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

We must teach them about what sin causes/brings:

Romans 6:23a “For the wages of sin is death...” (SEPARATION)

We must teach them, that despite our rebellion and inability to save ourselves, God’s love was poured out on us through Jesus Christ—in the midst of our sinfulness

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23b “...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We must teach them, there is no condemnation if we/they are in Christ

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

We must teach them about confession

Romans 10:9–10 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

A note about confession: True confession MUST ALWAYS begin with repentance and true repentance MUST ALWAYS be followed by confession

(SANCTIFICATION) This means teaching our children what it means and how to follow Christ every day

With all one’s heart—this is the inner part of us/the inner man of a person

This is loving God with affection and will, not superficially or surfaced

This is loving God with focused devotion

This is loving God intently, intentionally, and imperatively

With all one’s soul—this is the seat of man’s life or being—the soul is what distinguishes man from creation—because souls have breath and consciousness

This is then, to love God with all of one’s life and being

This is then, to love God with all of one’s awareness, breath, and consciousness

With all one’s strength—this means “full strength, all the strength of a person.”

This is then to love God in such a way we use up our strength thoroughly—to the point of exhaustion

This is then to love God in such a way we pour ourselves out as a drink offering—to we “are all used up”

Thirdly, these commandments of God—both as parents and in our children must be cherished/clung to/and cradled in one’s heart (v.6)

Lastly,

As parents the commandment to love God and to follow God—and all that entails should be

Taught diligently (v.7)

Be what’s constantly taught in our homes

What we talk about in every aspect of our day (v.7)

What we meditate on each and every day (v.8)

What every aspect and avenue of our homes should reflect:

Down to what we watch & what we listen to

Down to our attitudes/conversations/interactions

In other words—the character of homes should reflect the character of Christ

The spiritual climate in which Zacharias and Elizabeth lived is not so different from our own—and there are plenty of arguments that suggest—that while there’s nothing new under the sun—our climate is just as (if not worse) perverse/evil/wicked

How are your children growing up? Are they growing up with parents who with devout faith or with parents with a lack of faith or dormant faith?

Fathers—this is one’s for us. In his book, “Disciplines of a Godly Man,” Kent Hughes states this blunt reality about the impact fathers have on their children. “The terrifying fact is, we can either grace our children or damn them with unrequited words wounds that never seem to heal.”

What language are you speaking to your children? Is it the language of the gospel or is it the language of the world?

II. (v.6) Zacharias and Elizabeth were parents who were righteous

Luke 1:6 “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

(CONTEXT) Four things to see here

They were joined together and committed to one another, each lived for God and for each other as husband and wife

They came “before God”, that they came & lived seeking to please the Lord and live as the Lord commanded

They were obedient, “walking all all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.”

They were blameless (this does not mean perfect)—meaning

They possessed a sincerity of faith

They were faithful and lived in such a way no one could charge them with open sin

They lived open and honest before God and man

John the Baptist was brought up in a home where his parents exampled a marriage that lived to honor God above all

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

Marriage first and foremost:

Is to be a marriage of equally yoked believers (one man and one woman)

In every aspect, is to be an act of worship

In every aspect, is to be a reflection of Christ and the church

Marriage, according to John Henderson from the Christian marriage counseling book, “Catching Foxes,”

“…exists in order to help us reflect and enjoy the union of Christ and His bride.”

Husbands—marriage is a life of joyful self-sacrifice which has at is aim the eternal good of his bride for the glory of His God.”

John Henderson (Catching Foxes) states: As a husband, “..you accept an assignment of serious and eternal weight. You…assume the Christ-reflecting figure in your marriage.”

This means your marriage isn’t about YOU (The two following statements are from John Henderson in his book, “Catching Foxes.”)

“God has not chosen to make you a husband so that you get the respect, honor, and approval from your wife you think you deserve. He is not providing you a wife so that she can satisfy all your sexual passions”

“Marriage does not exist to be a delivery vehicle for your appetites, if selfish desires are ruling your heart, then marriage will eat you alive, and you will never really understand why.”

This means your marriage exists in order that you might

Love you wife as Christ loved the church

Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,”

Lead your wife to look more and more like Christ every day

Ephesians 5:26–27 “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

Lead your wife to make the most of Christ and to live for the glory of God—to enjoy her relationship with Christ

This means letting go of criticism, complaining, and controlling and choosing rather to

Speaking to her in all kindness/grace/gentleness

Lovingly coming alongside her in times of grief, sorrow, and sadness

Lovingly and in all gentleness, coming alongside her in times of her own sin—and leading her to repentance and confession

This means letting go of conforming your wife to some image you’ve created, but rather help your wife live in the image she was created to bear—God’s Triune image

Understanding that loving her is both a privilege and a gift

Wives—You are called to be the “reflection of the church in your marriage…to display the affections, attitudes, and activities that the church should have towards Jesus Christ.”

Wives, you are to be subject to your husbands out of reverence for Christ, submit to your husbands, not as the husband deserves, but as Christ deserves

Wives, you aim of your attitude/words/behavior, should be to help your husband live for the glory of Christ

This means letting go of criticism, complaining, and controlling and choosing rather to

Speaking to him in all kindness/grace/gentleness

Lovingly coming alongside him in times of grief, sorrow, and sadness

Lovingly and in all gentleness, coming alongside him in times of her own sin—and leading him to repentance and confession.

This means letting go of conforming your husband to some image you’ve created, but rather help your husband live in the image he was created to bear—God’s Triune image

Parents—What’s the picture of marriage your children are seeing?

Do our sons/daughters see their fathers loving their mothers as Christ loves the church?

Do our sons/daughters see their mothers love, nurture, and Biblically submit to their fathers

Do our sons/daughters see obedience being lived out in their parents’ lives?

Do our sons/daughters see us daily seeking out the Lord, seeking to please Him, and live as He commands?

Do our sons/daughters possess a picture of a Christ-centered marriage or a worldly-centered marriage?

III. (v.7) Zacharias and Elizabeth had their problems

Luke 1:7 “But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.”

(CONTEXT):

They were childless—which was a huge weight and burden upon Zacharias and Elizabeth

In the culture of this time—this was catastrophic and a calamity

Jewish culture had the belief that a Jewish wife who could not bear children would be cut off from God

Jewish culture had the expectation a Jewish husband was to divorce his wife, remarry, and bear children

In all of this, Zacharias and Elizabeth would have felt

Disfavored and displeasing to God

They were elderly

This simply implies that all the issues that age brings about either (1) faced them or (2) would soon face them

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

No family is without their problems

For some, it is the same as Zacharias and Elizabeth—who were facing infertility

For some, it is the sadness of a wayward or lost child

For some, it is the spouse who’s stuck in addiction or another form of bondage

For some, it is the loss of a job/financial disparity

For some, it is the marriage where couples simply co-exist

Yet while verse 7 teaches us that families are sure to encounter problems, verses 8-10 teach us the disciplines we should pursue amidst the problems we face

IV. (v.8-9) Zacharias and Elizabeth were parents who worshipped despite their problems

Luke 1:8–9 “So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”

(CONTEXT)

Zacharias was chosen, called, and ordained by God to be a priest,

In the daily worship in the temple, incense was burned on the altar by a priest before the morning sacrifice and after the evening sacrifice

The offering of incense was symbolization of sacrifices being offered to God in the sweetest and most prayerful of spirits (of hearts)—the aroma was just like that of prayer

Priests considered the burning of incense to be the highest privilege of priestly functions, but due to the large number of priests—some never had the opportunity

On this particular day, Zacharias would experience one of the greatest days of his life, b/c the lot fell to him and he was chosen to offer the incense

Zacharias was faithful and steadfast to serve as priest—despite his problems (age and infertility)

Despite the more than probable temptation not to serve or serve with a bitter heart, Zacharias chose to give his life to serve the Lord and answer the call.

V. (v.10) They were parents who prayed despite their problems

Luke 1:10 “And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.”

(CONTEXT)

Not only did Zacharias pray while offering the incense to God—he led the people to pray while he sought the Lord on their behalf (see v.13)

Zacharias led the people to be involved in intentional, devoted, and persistent prayer—just as he was

Again, just as Zacharias served despite his problems, he maintained his prayer life despite his problems

(BIBLICAL CONNECTION—You and ME)

Prayer is to be one of the persistent and patterned disciplines of the believer’s life—even and especially amidst the problems believers and families encounter

Prayer is to be one of the defining characteristics of a believer’s life.

Prayer is that demonstrative part of our faith which displays our trust and reliance on God, His Word, and His promises

VI. (v.11-17) Zacharias and Elizabeth were greatly favored by God

Luke 1:11–17 “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.””

(CONTEXT) We see this in five ways

God met their needs in a very personal way

God sent an angle to Zacharies—who appeared on right side of the altar of incense—the very place of prayer

God sent His angel/God met Zacharias’ special need while he was praying—in an act of obedience

God answered their prayers

“…you prayer is heard...”—

Was Zacharias praying, pouring his heart out, about being childless—despite his age?

Was Zacharias praying for the redemption of Israel—for the coming of the Messiah?

What the prayer was, is not specifically mentioned, what God wanted recorded for us is

He was answering the prayers of devout and faithful believers

He was answering both of these prayers:

Elizabeth was to bear a son—the forerunner of the Messiah John--”the grace of Jehovah”

The much-awaited Messiah would be born

God stated their son—JTB—would be great

He would cause his parents to rejoice b/c of his life

He would cause many to rejoice b/c of his contribution to society

He would be great in the sight of God Himself, great b/c his faithfulness (obedience)

He would live a disciplined and controlled life

He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very first—a vessel chosen by God for a very special service

God stated that JTB would be a prophet

God stated JTB would be forerunner of the Jesus Christ—the promised Messiah

The point to see here is that God answered their prayers b/c they were faithful & obedient to Him

VII (v.18-19) Zacharias and Elizabeth found it difficult to believe the humanly impossible

Luke 1:18–19 “And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.”

Zacharias struggled to believe the message and promise of God

His question to God’s angel was one of disbelief—similar to the question asked by Abraham

Genesis 15:8 “And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?””

God’s Word and His promise(s) should have been enough to convince Zacharias—yet he asked for more assurance

A sign other than God’s Word and promise

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

VIII (v.20-22) Zacharias and Elizabeth were parents who had to be disciplined by God

Luke 1:20–22 “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.”

(CONTEXT)

Zacharias allowed his tongue to speak instead of what he knew in his heart--in asking for a sign

Therefore God gave him a sign—He stopped Zacharias’ tongue during the 9 months before John was born

Zacharias had failed to receive/accept the Word of God

Therefore, God took away his ability to share the Word to men

Zacharias had spoken words of distrust and unbelief

Therefore, God saved him from speaking any more words of distrust and unbelief

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

As believers—we know the discipline of God’s hand

There will come a time, if a person continues in disbelief and distrust when God will stop all disbelief and distrust as He did with Zacharias

The sin of disbelief and distrust has consequences—God will chasten the believer who commits these sins, the question is, how long will you test God’s patience

Numbers 32:23 “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.”

As believers—we know His discipline differs with each believer, nevertheless, we must recognize it

Hebrews 12:5–6 “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.””

As believers—we must see God’s discipline as a blessing:

Psalm 94:12 “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, And teach out of Your law,”

Proverbs 3:11–12“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

As believers—we must know what God’s discipline produces—fruits of righteousness

Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Note that these verses teach us

(1) Zacharias was in the temple longer than usual and the people became restless and curious.

(2) Zacharias was supposed to lead the people in the benediction—but he was unable to speak and all he could do was motion with his hand

(3) The people noticed and could tell Zacharias had been in the presence of God and thought he had seen a vision

(4) Zacharias, despite his unbelief, still lived faithfully before God, therefore God still met him and gave His promise to Zacharias and Elizabeth

Note these verses teach/remind us a truth

Living faithfully before God doesn’t mean we will cease from sin and it doesn’t mean we will be free of chastening. Living faithfully before God does mean, that despite the times we sin—we are faithful to embrace His chastening, faithful in repentance and confession, faithful to continue serving—and faithful to remember all of this is accomplished by the strength and assurances of God’s grace.

IV (v.23-25) Zacharias and Elizabeth were parents who witnessed God fulfill His promise

Luke 1:23–25 “So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.””

(CONTEXT)—Note why God was able to bless them (2 things)

They were responsible

Despite Zacharias’ sickness (no voice) he completed and fulfilled his duties (“days of service”=one week)

He did what he could faithfully and responsibly

They withdrew into the presence of God

In completing his service, Zacharias and Elizabeth returned home

Zacharias would more than likely stay close to home—meditating/praying b/c of his experience and lack of voice

Elizabeth’s behavior should be noted here: She hid for five months

She needed time alone after being visited by Gabriel (God’s messenger angel)

She needed time to absorb all that was happening and to prepare herself to rear a child destined to be great and used by God

CLOSING/WORSHIP

Every generation needs the example of godly parents. Why? First, the Christian marriage is the blueprint which God established to be an example of Christ and the church. Second, godly parents are needed amid a generation full of perversity and lostness, inundated with temptations/indulgences/and enticements. Our children need the instruction of God and His Word (Deut 6:1-9) and God has placed the responsibility on parents to instruct them. Sadly, however, many parents refuse/neglect/ignore their divinely given responsibility, (1) because they themselves are lost, were not taught, or need discipline, and (2) because they feel it’s the church’s responsibility to raise their children to be like Christ.

Missy and I were talking about this the other day. Many in her generation were brought up with parents who surrendered their child’s upbringing to the church. And the church does bear responsibility in teaching/discipling/and equipping the saints, in fact, one of the lessons the church should be teaching parents is to instill within our children the value of the church—the value of getting involved in the local church and serving the local church and its ministries, b/c ultimately this is a service to the Lord. Still, God has placed the responsibility of teaching/discipling/and equipping children on parents

And if we as parents neglect/refuse/or shun this responsibility—not only is wayward and worldly living at risk—so is their eternity.

What this message was not:

Not a message that promises your child will be a JTB

Not a message that promises your child will “have it all together.”

Not a message that promises your child will never go wayward, never end up in jail, or in some other form of bondage

Not a message that promises your child will be the next greatest athlete to grace the stage of professional sports

Nor was this a message that promises or guarantees your child will become believers themselves,

What this message is:

Is a message that teaches the truth of godly parents. In understanding the truth of godly parenting, in a husband and wife’s dedication and devotion to the Lord—both in marriage and in their parenting—what can be promised and assured is:

The right foundation is being laid for our children

The right message is being given to our children

The right hope is being afforded to our children

The right focus is being taught to our children

**The greatest “lesson” you can ever give your children and keep giving them, is the message of Jesus Christ, the message of the Gospel—of God’s redemptive plan for their lives.***

Maybe you’re the parent here this morning who is raising their children from the wrong foundation or from a worldly perspective, rather than a godly perspective. Maybe you need to get right with God, or get some things right with God

Maybe you’re the parent(s) here this morning who’s been neglecting/forsaking this responsibility in your homes and you are reaping some unpleasant circumstances from this:

It has been stated (several times here and in other forums) that 93% of the time when the husband gets right with God, his family will follow suit

That means the more the husband/father becomes devoted to Christ—the more likely his family will become devoted to Christ

That means the more the husband/father lays down idolatry, pride, and self for the sake of the gospel—the more likely his family will lay down idolatry/pride/and self for the sake of the gospel

That means the more the husband/father allows Christ to increase in him and his home, the more likely Christ will increase in his family and in his home

That means the more the husband/father is taught God’s Word, the more he should be teaching God’s Word to his family

LISTEN. While it’s true that one day, our children will have to make a decision for Christ themselves, parents who refuse to live godly lives and teach their children how to live godly lives, aren’t providing their children a fighting chance.