Research and experience both support the truth that parents are the single most important factor in determining a child’s view of God and whether or not faith will become a cornerstone of his or her adult life. Although it is a great responsibility, moms and dads need not panic at the daunting thought.

In Pass It On: Building a Legacy of Faith for Your Children through Practical and Memorable Experiences (David C Cook), HomeWord president Jim Burns and  founder Jeremy Lee give parents a year-by-year plan for sharing rites of passage that will set the foundation for their child’s faith.

Q: Why is it important for parents to create a spiritual legacy for their children?

Burns: We have a phrase at HomeWord: “One of the major opportunities of the church is to mentor parents; parents mentor their children, and the legacy of faith of continues from generation to generation.” Authorities tell us that the greatest influence in a young person’s life is mom and then dad. It’s time for parents to get serious about being intentional with spiritual legacy.

Lee: Parents are the greatest spiritual influence in the life of their child. In short, their words weigh more than anyone else’s words. If they’re willing to have faith-based conversations and model their faith, they have a great chance of passing that faith on to their child.

Q: Explain what you mean when you ask parents to think “generationally.”

Lee: Parents are not just parents. They are the spiritual patriarchs or matriarchs for the next three-to-four generations, meaning what they do today doesn’t just matter for their kids, but for their grandkids, great-grandkids and beyond. When you think about it from that perspective, you see that passing on your faith as a parent is not something to be afraid of, but an occasion to rise to.

Burns: Several times in the Old Testament we learn you can “inherit the sins” of a previous generation to the third and fourth generations or at least inherit the “sin bent” of the previous generations. However, the Scripture is also clear that the love of God can influence for 1,000 years. Even for parents who come from somewhat dysfunctional families like Cathy and I did, they can make a commitment to be the “transitional generation.” We had to make a decision early in our marriage and parenting to either “repeat or recover” from those past generational sins. When a parent chooses to recover, part of the recovery is passing on a healthy faith to the next generation. Passing on key topics, celebrations and traditions like we have in the book, becomes an easy way to make that happen.

Q: The thought of orchestrating a spiritual legacy for your family can seem daunting. How does Pass It On help simplify and clarify the task?

Lee: The reason I love Pass It On is because it’s not just a book you read, it’s a book you use. Many Christian parents have a desire to pass their faith to their children, but they find it intimidating.  So in this book we give them a simple yet powerful way to “whet their appetite” for spiritual leadership in their home. Each rite of passage is a path toward an easy “win” in the battle to share our faith. My desire is that it will start to ease parents’ fears about creating a spiritual legacy and inspire their creativity so they’ll keep at it and not give up.

Burns: Pass It On is a road map to help parents develop faith conversations in the home. It’s easy to follow, and the experiences are powerful memories and milestones.

Q: What is a rite of passage, and how does it help a child internalize a truth or lesson?

Burns: It’s simply celebrating a milestone in the life of a child and family. Sometimes a rite of passage is very spiritual, and other times a rite of passage is getting a driver’s license or learning to tell time. By celebrating rites of passages along the way, it keeps faith present in the basic aspects of life.

Lee: A rite of passage is an invitation to something greater than yourself. It’s crucial for all cultures to extend an invitation to things such as family and faith. In my opinion, it’s one of the reasons our culture is struggling. The most common rites of passage in our culture are a “sweet 16” birthday party and/or the loss of virginity. Those aren’t invitations to something greater than themselves; those are invitations to themselves. When parents invite their kids to faith through rites of passage they are helping their child connect to God’s greater story.

Q: Would you describe one of the rites of passages Pass It On encourages parents to experience with their kids?

Lee: I think my favorite one is the manhood/womanhood ceremony in the 12th grade. It’s actually the one that inspired everything. I was invited by a dad to his son’s manhood ceremony. His son was turning 18, and the dad had invited a group of men to come and teach him what a man of God looks like. The dad then asked his son to kneel down as he went to the closet, got a Braveheart sword he had ordered off the Internet and laid it on his son’s shoulder. Then he said, “Son, I have friends who are 30 and 40 years old who act like boys because no one ever told them they are men. I’m telling you tonight that based on the authority given to me by God as your dad, you knelt down as a boy, but you will rise as a man.” Can you imagine what that son must have felt in that moment? He was unleashed into the world with his father’s full blessing and a clear understanding of what a man of God looks like.

Burns: My favorite is the purity code in middle school. Kids are making major decisions that affect the rest of their life at a young age. We now know without a doubt that the more positive, healthy sex education kids receive from home, the less promiscuous they will be. It’s a really cool celebration that gives parents and their kids the opportunity to talk about a really important decision in their life. We ask kids to commit to the purity code, which says, “In honor of God, my family and my future spouse, I commit to sexual purity.” They learn how to:

• Honor God with their bodies
• Renew their minds for good
• Turn their eyes from worthless things
• Guard their hearts

Q: What about families who are getting a late start? Is it too late to build a legacy if your kids are in their teens already?

Lee: It’s never too late. It’s always better to do something rather than nothing. I tell parents to begin right where you are. For some parents you may have to begin with an apology and a promise that your spiritual involvement will increase in your child’s life.

Also we encourage parents to feel free to change the order of the rites of passage or adjust the whole thing as needed for their family. The whole purpose of this book is to inspire parents to lead their children spiritually. If they feel inspired to do something differently or better, then we have done our jobs.

Burns: It’s never too late and never too early to begin. Pass It On works at any age. Begin the process wherever you want, and grandparents can always lead the way by doing this with their grandkids. {eoa}

For more information about Jim Burns, visit  or follow him on Facebook (Homeword) and Twitter(@drjimburns). To keep up with Jeremy Lee, visit   or follow him on Facebook (yojeremylee) and Twitter (@yojeremylee). 

Some candidates promise miraculous results. Mike Huckabee is joking that he delivers.

In a humorous new campaign video, he says “We are hearing some amazing reports” from people who put his presidential bumper sticker on their car.

“All over the country people are reporting to us that, as a result of that sticker, they’re getting better gas mileage than they’ve ever had,” he said.

“I can’t guarantee results. I do suggest you leave it on your car for several months,” he said with a smile.

Whatever opportunities he has for future accomplishments, one of Huckabee’s greatest services is acting as living proof that following Christ doesn’t have to mean you have no sense of humor.

Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson praised God for His protection after a car accident earlier this month.  

“I walked away with just a swollen knee and a sore neck. the other person is fine as well. the Lord protected me & I will praise His name for that♥️,” the starlet posted on Instagram.  

Fans responded in droves. The post garnered 146,000 likes and nearly 1,200 comments.  

The comments show insight into how Robertson’s life and words inspire many to prayer.  

Many posted variations of “Praise the Lord!” while others wrote out prayers and encouraging thoughts. Others still mentioned how Robertson is continually a bright light in a dark world. 

President Barack Obama made clear where he stands on religious conscience rights: he believes the “right” to gay “marriage” is more important. He told a Democratic National Committee LGBT fundraiser in New York City on Sunday that when there is a contest between these two competing “rights,” he believed an individual’s had to give way.

“We affirm that we cherish our religious freedom and are profoundly respectful of religious traditions,” Obama said. “But we also have to say clearly that our religious freedom doesn’t grant us the freedom to deny our fellow Americans their constitutional rights. And that even as we are respectful and accommodating genuine concerns and interests of religious institutions, we need to reject politicians who are supporting new forms of discrimination as a way to scare up votes.”

“That’s not how we move America forward,” he said.

His opponents, like Gov. Mike Huckabee, don’t rightly respect the Constitution, he said. 

Proponents of religious liberty say the Constitution contains no right to gay “marriage,” but the First Amendment clearly protects the “freedom of religion.” 

For the past two years, millions of people worldwide have been fascinated by blood moons from four successive lunar eclipses called a tetrad. Many seen them as a sign God Himself has placed in the heavens.

During a lunar eclipse, the moon turns the color of blood. It’s extremely rare to have four blood moons in a row fall during the biblical feasts commanded by the Lord.

The last of the tetrad was on display Sunday night. It’s the first one visible from Israel.

And like the previous three eclipses, it falls on the first day of a biblical feast, this time the Feast of Tabernacles.

Many who came to Israel to witness the blood moon believe it’s a sign of harvest.
 
“But we really sense that the Holy Spirit is coming with a massive harvest, a great awakening, and I believe this red moon is a harvest moon. That’s an indicator of a jubilee of jubilees for the souls of man,” Cindy Jacobs, with Generals I, told CBN News.

Previous blood moon tetrads—all falling on Jewish feast days—have coincided with major events for Israel and the Jewish people.

In 1492, the Jews were expelled from Spain and Columbus discovered America, which would become a safe haven for the Jewish people. In 1948, Israel was reborn as a modern nation. And in 1967, Israel recaptured Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.

Bob O’Dell co-authored a book about the blood moons, titled Israel First!. He believes they’re a sign of good things ahead for Israel, but perhaps troubling times for nations that come against her.

“I personally believe that in the years ahead we will begin to look at Israel in a new way, that these blood moons mark a new phase in the life of Israel,” O’Dell told CBN News. “It’s no longer about the Israel that is struggling to survive, but now it is about an Israel that is learning to thrive.”  
 
O’Dell says it will be more than 500 years before four blood moons fall again on the first days of the feasts of Passover and Tabernacles.

Pope Francis said on Monday government officials have a “human right” to refuse to discharge a duty, such as issuing marriage licenses to homosexuals, if they feel it violates their conscience. 

Speaking to reporters as he returned home from a 10-day trip to the United States and Cuba, Francis also repeated his condemnation of priests who had sexually abused children, saying the victims had been “crushed by evil”. 

Although the Argentine-born pontiff delved into some of the United States’ thorniest political debates during his visit, he never specifically referred to a controversy over same-sex marriages, which the Church firmly opposes. 

On the flight back to Rome, he was asked if he supported individuals, including government officials, who refuse to abide by some laws, such as issuing marriage licenses to gays. 

“Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right,” Francis said. 

Earlier this month a city official in the U.S. state of Kentucky, Kim Davis, went to jail because she refused to issue a marriage license to a gay couple following a Supreme Court decision to make homosexual marriage legal. 

Davis’s case has taken on national significance in the 2016 presidential campaign, with one Republican contender, Mike Huckabee, holding rallies in favor of Davis, a Apostolic Christian, who has since joined the Republican party. 

“I can’t have in mind all cases that can exist about conscientious objection but, yes, I can say that conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right,” he said, speaking in Italian. 

“And if someone does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right,” he added. 

Francis said conscientious objection had to be respected in legal structures. “Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying: ‘This right has merit, this one does not.'” 

PRIESTLY BETRAYAL 

In the hour-long, freewheeling talk that has become a trademark of his papacy, the pope returned to the problem of priestly abuse. On Sunday, he met five victims of sexual abuse and issued his most comprehensive condemnation of the crime. 

On the plane, Francis said sexual abuse was not confined to the Church but it was worse when committed by men of religion. 

“We know abuses are everywhere, in families, in the neighborhoods, in the schools, in the gyms, but when a priest abuses it is very grave because the vocation of the priest is to make that boy, that girl grow towards the love of God, toward maturity,” he said. 

“But instead (the victim) is crushed by evil and this is nearly a sacrilege because the priest has betrayed his vocation, the calling of the Lord,” the pope said. 

The pope had been fiercely criticized by abuse victims on Wednesday, after he initially addressed the scandal but did not utter the words “sexual abuse”, and praised American bishops for their handling of the crisis. 

Asked about barriers being but up in Europe to stop the influx of migrants, the pope said: “All walls collapse, today, tomorrow or after 100 years, but they will collapse. Walls are not a solution.” 

He said that while it was true that Europe was struggling in the face of a refugee crisis, the solution had to be found through dialogue. “Barriers last a short time or a long time, but the problem remains and with it, more hatred.” 

A reporter said the pope had become a “star” in the United States following his visit to Washington, New York and Philadelphia, and asked if this was good for the Church. 

“The media uses this term, but there is another truth—how many stars have we seen go out and fall. It is a fleeting thing. Instead being a ‘servant of the servants of God’ does not pass,” the pope said, referring to one of the titles of his office.

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.

Members of the International Council of the Church of God are now in session at the Leadership and Communications Center at the International Offices.

The International Council consists of leaders of various ethnic and geographic regions of the Church of God who come together every two years to discuss ministry in strategic areas of the globe.

The group consists of field directors and area representatives, as well as leaders from World Missions and the International Executive Committee.

After Scripture, prayer and introductions, the sessions begin on Sunday afternoon with a State of the Church report from General Overseer Mark L. Williams. He will be followed by David M. Griffis, first assistant general overseer, who will give a Ministerial Advocate Report.

Timothy M. Hill, director of Church of God World Missions will report on ministry conducted through that department, followed by individual reports from field directors and area representatives. Williams will conclude their agenda with a discussion around recommendations moving forward.

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 29, the International Council will conduct a joint session with the International Executive Council on the first day of their regularly scheduled meeting. In addition to Williams, Griffis and Hill, International Council participants include J. David Stephens, second assistant general overseer; Wallace J. Sibley, third assistant general overseer; Secretary General M. Thomas Propes; John D. Childers, assistant director of World Missions; Japarlin Marbun, overseer of Indonesia; Kenneth Hill, USA representative for African American; Carlos Moran, USA Representative, Hispanic; Larry Hasmatali, Canadian representative; Peter Thomas, field director for Africa; Ishmael Charles, field director for the Caribbean; David M. Ramirez, field director in Latin America; Africa-area Representative David Mills; Fred Garmon, area representative for Asia/Pacific; Donald Roberts, area representative in the Caribbean; European-Area Representative Nick Park, and Francisco Jimenez, Area Representative for Latin America. 

Blasting hard-line conservatives as “false prophets,” U.S. House Speaker John Boehner on Sunday said Congress will avoid a government shutdown this week and he will push through as much unfinished legislation as possible before leaving at the end of October. 

Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation two days after his surprise resignation, he said the House this week would pass a Senate-authored government funding bill that does not meet conservatives’ demands to cut off money for Planned Parenthood. 

Asked if passage would require Democratic votes, he responded: “I’m sure it will, but I suspect my Democratic colleagues want to keep the government open as much as I do.” 

The Ohio Republican also announced that he would convene a special committee to investigate Planned Parenthood’s abortion practices, similar to the one probing deadly attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya. 

Boehner resigned amid deep divisions among House Republicans over a range of issues including a Sept. 30 deadline to approve new funding for federal agencies. 

Conservative Republicans, some of whom have called for his ouster, have insisted on punishing Planned Parenthood by denying funds over allegations that the non-profit group improperly sold tissue harvested from aborted fetuses. 

Planned Parenthood denies any wrongdoing. 

As Republicans jockeyed for influence in the race to replace him, Boehner lashed out at the conservative groups and lawmakers who made his position untenable, including Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, calling them “false prophets” who made “unrealistic” demands. 

He said they “whip people into a frenzy believing they can accomplish things they know, they know are never going to happen.” 

Boehner said he would clear as much of Congress’ to-do-list as he could but did not name specific bills. 

Congress faces several important fiscal deadlines, including a transportation spending bill needed in October and a larger budget deal that would go beyond the 10-week extension to be passed next week. 

An increase in the federal debt ceiling also will be needed by December and lawmakers from both parties want to revive the idled U.S. Export-Import Bank, which Boehner has long supported. 

The speaker’s resignation frees him to put legislation to House votes without fear of a move to oust him. 

“I expect that I might have a little more cooperation from some around town to get as much finished as possible,” Boehner said. “I don’t want to leave my successor a dirty barn.”

© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.

A life modeled after Jesus is hands down the greatest life one could ever live. And while a life apart from Christ may be filled with many toils and regrets, there are many things you will never regret doing when it comes to life as a believer:

1. Praying (1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer brings is closer to God, His love and His sovereignty. When we pray, we are in direct communication with the one who created us. Praying may not always be easy, but it’s something that’s always worth it.

2. Giving your life to Christ (Rom. 12:1). I cannot recall anyone who has ever regretted encountering the love, grace and almighty purpose of Jesus Christ in their life. It’s something this world cannot offer.

3. Reading your Bible (Ps. 119:105). God’s Word is a life-source for the soul. And while we read the Bible to learn more about God, His direction and our purpose in life, God’s presence within our lives will continue to grow stronger.

4. Putting others before yourself (Phil. 2:3). Humility is key. No one in their right mind has ever regretted finding a sense of humility in their life. Seeking after Jesus will continuously chip away our pride, and, in turn, teach us to put our neighbors before ourselves, as well as think of ourselves less.

5. Loving your neighbor (Mark 12:31). We love because God first loved us. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the definition of love itself, and our calling as Christ followers is to love our neighbors, no matter the circumstance. Many people have regretted ignoring their neighbors, but nobody has ever regretted loving them.

6. Extending grace (Matt. 6:15). None of us deserve God’s grace but He continues to showcase it anyway. We are broken, messed up and jacked up people, but because of grace we are free from the bondage of our past. Extending grace to others will free us just as much as we think it will bring them peace.

7. Allowing God to guide you/having faith (Prov. 3:6). You won’t regret allowing God to guide you. Why? Because God’s plan in life is for you to embrace His will, trust His promises and fulfill the calling of the Great Commission. Following God’s guidance isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely always worth it.

8. Resisting temptation (James 4:7). Temptation will lead you down a path contrary to that of God himself. As Christians we are called to flee temptation, and instead pursue the path that Jesus has laid out before us. Temptation leads to sin, and sin always leads to regret.

9. Taking refuge in the arms of God (Ps. 118:8). God is our protector, comfort and shield in times of need. The arms of God are a refuge for those who need it, and relying on his strength is something you will never regret doing. Take comfort in the arms of God, and understand that there is no safer place to be.

10. Abstaining from sexual impurity (1 Cor. 6:18). Purity paves the way to intimacy. And although our culture has turned sex and promiscuity into a hobby, God’s yearning for our lives in and out of marriage is sexual purity and abstinence from extramarital relations. Watching porn, having sex before marriage, and engaging in relationships outside of one’s marriage are all things you will regret in the long run.

Stay focused on God’s plan for your life.

Jarrid Wilson is a husband, pastor and author relentlessly sharing the love of Jesus. For the original article, visit . 

Officials at Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, are examining whether a sign on base that reads, “God bless the military, their families and the civilians who work with them,” will remain after receiving a letter demanding the sign’s removal or relocation to an area near a chapel.

The letter, issued by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, inaccurately claims that the sign is a violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause even though courts have repeatedly found such slogans to be acceptable in similar contexts.

“Only someone with a great misunderstanding of the First Amendment or an ax to grind against religion would claim that such a slogan poses a threat or is in any way unconstitutional. The real threat is posed by those who want to whitewash any reference to God from public discourse—even ones as innocuous and uplifting as this one,” said Chaplain (COL) Ron Crews, USA Retired, executive director of Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty.

“‘God bless our military’ is a slogan little different than the official national motto, ‘In God we trust,’ that appears so publicly on our money, and the courts have repeatedly upheld it. From the founding of our country, every president, including President Obama, has called on God to bless America. We hope that Col. Sean Killeen, the base commander, will stand firm and allow the sign to remain.”