"How long till this education money that I'm paying pays off for us?"
It's a question that some parents ask out load, and some inside their mind only. Here is one
answer.
Dear Parents,
There are five segments in the education process, through which each of us must pass.
We have our sowing time, growing time, weeding time, irrigation time, and finally the harvest. As parents, and educators, we wish that sowing time and harvest time would occur the same day in every learning situation. But most often there is much time between these stages. "When can I reap he benefits of what I have sown today?" Well, sometimes not for many years. That is why it is so important that in teaching we are consistent in our "sowing," always teaching the right things.
J.A. St. John said it this way, "The principals and ideas he (the student) puts into his mind in youth lie there, it may be, for many years apparently unprolific. But nothing dies. There is a process going on unseen, and by the touch of circumstances, the man springs forth into strength, he knows not how, as if by miracle. But after all, he only reaps as he had sown."
We are teaching for immediate results, and in 90% of our academic and spiritual areas—receiving them. Yet, some of what we teach is spiritual sowing, or weeding, or watering that must wait for a special harvest day. It is teaching that will spring forth when needed the most.
This is one of the most powerful things about Christian education—that it effects the life forever.
Joe Tarr,
Principal
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
An "Elementary" Education...2nd Edition
Dear Parents,
Did you ever wonder why we call it "elementary" school? I guess we could come up with some other kind of classification for the youngest classes in school other than the word "elementary." Though the true origin of the word is unsure, the meaning is very fitting.
The dictionary says that "elementary" means "of the first principles or fundamentals."
That sure is what we are focusing on here at JCA...the first principles and the fundamentals. There are two main areas in which we do this in order to give an education that is solid and strong in the most important elements of life.
First, academically, we are able to achieve goals and standards one to two years ahead of regular schools, and the main reason is that we are focusing on the basic principles upon which all education is built. So it is elementary in the sense that the elements of greatness are built into our children from the start and then continually reviewed each year. We want to be great at the most important parts of education. I am so glad to have my three children getting an expert knowledge of the basics, so we can build on that the following year and so on and so on.
Second, spiritually, the elements of a Christian life are taught here at JCA. Basic values are given in the Bible on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is elementary in the sense that without these basic elements being taught, a student is destined to fail, in some degree, in the spiritual side of life. Proverbs 29:15, "…but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
In a spiritual context, junior high and high school should be genuine "elementary" schools, also—teaching the "elements’ that make up a Christian life.
Imagine a school without the right academic and spiritual basics!! Well, you could say, "It’s not even an ‘elementary’ school."
I think of this when it’s time to consider the financial expenditure of a Christian school. Is it worth it? You better believe it! And time will tell it.
Did you ever wonder why we call it "elementary" school? I guess we could come up with some other kind of classification for the youngest classes in school other than the word "elementary." Though the true origin of the word is unsure, the meaning is very fitting.
The dictionary says that "elementary" means "of the first principles or fundamentals."
That sure is what we are focusing on here at JCA...the first principles and the fundamentals. There are two main areas in which we do this in order to give an education that is solid and strong in the most important elements of life.
First, academically, we are able to achieve goals and standards one to two years ahead of regular schools, and the main reason is that we are focusing on the basic principles upon which all education is built. So it is elementary in the sense that the elements of greatness are built into our children from the start and then continually reviewed each year. We want to be great at the most important parts of education. I am so glad to have my three children getting an expert knowledge of the basics, so we can build on that the following year and so on and so on.
Second, spiritually, the elements of a Christian life are taught here at JCA. Basic values are given in the Bible on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is elementary in the sense that without these basic elements being taught, a student is destined to fail, in some degree, in the spiritual side of life. Proverbs 29:15, "…but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
In a spiritual context, junior high and high school should be genuine "elementary" schools, also—teaching the "elements’ that make up a Christian life.
Imagine a school without the right academic and spiritual basics!! Well, you could say, "It’s not even an ‘elementary’ school."
I think of this when it’s time to consider the financial expenditure of a Christian school. Is it worth it? You better believe it! And time will tell it.
Monday, April 2, 2007
The True Christian
THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN
1 John 5:1 Morning Meditation 12/16/2006 by Earl White..
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every onethat loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."I want us to look at some of the marks of a true child of God that are namedin this short epistle.
First of all-HE BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST
This is a universal truth. By universal, I mean that it is something that istrue of all believers. John says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is theChrist is born of God." The "is" is a continuous action verb. It means that he continually believes.He cannot be persuaded differently. He is set in concrete on this subject;the "whosoever" refers to any and all believers. John says that this is adoctrine that is inherent in the gospel. Faith in Christ embraces the wholetruth about Christ. It does not mean he understands it all. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said to me on one occasion, "when I was saved I did notknow anything about the virgin birth; but the moment I heard that Jesus wasborn of a virgin, I believed it." When we are saved we believe all of Jesus'claims, even though for us to understand the doctrine, we must be taught.
HE LOVES HIS BRETHREN
Verse 1 says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten ofhim."This is one of the marks of a true Christian. "Every one that loveth himthat begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because welove the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." John isvery uncompromising in his declaration "He that loveth not his brotherabideth in death."
HE LIVES A RIGHTEOUS LIFE
1 John 2:29, "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one thatdoeth righteousness is born of him."Living out the life of the indwelling Christ is a definite mark of the truebeliever. Living out the life of Christ is not done in the power of the willor the power of the flesh, it is being filled with the Spirit. Only Christis righteous. Philippians 3:9 says, "And be found in him, not having mineown righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faithof Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"
HE KEEPS THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS
The word "commandments" means "the saying of the Lord." For instance, thegreat commission: Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them,saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore,and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of theSon, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoeverI have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of theworld. Amen."Obedience to the Lord is only reasonable for the one who has just beenforgiven of all sin and given eternal life. Paul brings this out in Romans12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that yepresent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which isyour reasonable service."Keeping the Lord's commands is not burdensome for the Christian. 1 John 5:3says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and hiscommandments are not grievous." The word "grievous" means "burdensome."The most unreasonable thing is that a person who has received salvation as agift from God because of the death of Christ on the cross, would refuse tobe obedient.
HE IS HATED BY THE WORLD
The believer is the light of the world; Matthew 5:14-16, "Ye are the lightof the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do menlight a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and itgiveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine beforemen, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is inheaven."Light will always expose those who walk in darkness and the darkness willalways hate the light. A believer does not have to expose darkness byrailing accusations; the life that he lives will automatically expose thedarkness and will therefore bring the hatred of darkness upon him.
HE OVERCOMES SATAN
1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: becausegreater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."What a joyous thought. We are overcomers because we have the Overcomerliving within us. Christ has never lost a battle against Satan. Satan is adefeated foe. He is operating on limited time. The cross took his dominionfrom him. The believer can come against Satan in the Name of Jesus and hemust surrender. Colossians 2:14-15, "Blotting out the handwriting ofordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out ofthe way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities andpowers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." The word"spoiled" translates "apekduomai" and means "wholly put off from one's self,denoting separation from what is put off." Jesus threw Satan down from histhrone. He also did this for every one of His followers. James 4:7, "Submityourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."HE OVERCOMES THE WORLD1 John 5:4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this isthe victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."Our faith in Christ overcomes the world because He overcomes the world.Jesus becomes our Overcomer.1 Corinthians 1:30, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is madeunto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
"May the Lord bless these words to our hearts.
In Christ Bro. White
1 John 5:1 Morning Meditation 12/16/2006 by Earl White..
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every onethat loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."I want us to look at some of the marks of a true child of God that are namedin this short epistle.
First of all-HE BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST
This is a universal truth. By universal, I mean that it is something that istrue of all believers. John says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is theChrist is born of God." The "is" is a continuous action verb. It means that he continually believes.He cannot be persuaded differently. He is set in concrete on this subject;the "whosoever" refers to any and all believers. John says that this is adoctrine that is inherent in the gospel. Faith in Christ embraces the wholetruth about Christ. It does not mean he understands it all. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said to me on one occasion, "when I was saved I did notknow anything about the virgin birth; but the moment I heard that Jesus wasborn of a virgin, I believed it." When we are saved we believe all of Jesus'claims, even though for us to understand the doctrine, we must be taught.
HE LOVES HIS BRETHREN
Verse 1 says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God:and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten ofhim."This is one of the marks of a true Christian. "Every one that loveth himthat begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because welove the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." John isvery uncompromising in his declaration "He that loveth not his brotherabideth in death."
HE LIVES A RIGHTEOUS LIFE
1 John 2:29, "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one thatdoeth righteousness is born of him."Living out the life of the indwelling Christ is a definite mark of the truebeliever. Living out the life of Christ is not done in the power of the willor the power of the flesh, it is being filled with the Spirit. Only Christis righteous. Philippians 3:9 says, "And be found in him, not having mineown righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faithof Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:"
HE KEEPS THE LORD'S COMMANDMENTS
The word "commandments" means "the saying of the Lord." For instance, thegreat commission: Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them,saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore,and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of theSon, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoeverI have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of theworld. Amen."Obedience to the Lord is only reasonable for the one who has just beenforgiven of all sin and given eternal life. Paul brings this out in Romans12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that yepresent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which isyour reasonable service."Keeping the Lord's commands is not burdensome for the Christian. 1 John 5:3says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and hiscommandments are not grievous." The word "grievous" means "burdensome."The most unreasonable thing is that a person who has received salvation as agift from God because of the death of Christ on the cross, would refuse tobe obedient.
HE IS HATED BY THE WORLD
The believer is the light of the world; Matthew 5:14-16, "Ye are the lightof the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do menlight a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and itgiveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine beforemen, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is inheaven."Light will always expose those who walk in darkness and the darkness willalways hate the light. A believer does not have to expose darkness byrailing accusations; the life that he lives will automatically expose thedarkness and will therefore bring the hatred of darkness upon him.
HE OVERCOMES SATAN
1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: becausegreater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."What a joyous thought. We are overcomers because we have the Overcomerliving within us. Christ has never lost a battle against Satan. Satan is adefeated foe. He is operating on limited time. The cross took his dominionfrom him. The believer can come against Satan in the Name of Jesus and hemust surrender. Colossians 2:14-15, "Blotting out the handwriting ofordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out ofthe way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities andpowers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." The word"spoiled" translates "apekduomai" and means "wholly put off from one's self,denoting separation from what is put off." Jesus threw Satan down from histhrone. He also did this for every one of His followers. James 4:7, "Submityourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."HE OVERCOMES THE WORLD1 John 5:4, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this isthe victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."Our faith in Christ overcomes the world because He overcomes the world.Jesus becomes our Overcomer.1 Corinthians 1:30, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is madeunto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
"May the Lord bless these words to our hearts.
In Christ Bro. White
The Pickle Jar
The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom.When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar. As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty.Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled. I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window.When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck. Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me.This old mill town's not going to hold you back." Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly."These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me."We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When theclerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again." He always let me drop the first coins into theempty jar.As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. "You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes andquarters," he said. "But you'll get there. I'll see to that."The years passed, and I finished college and took a job inanother town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed. A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood.My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on thevalues of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant partthe lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.No matter how rough things got at home,Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even thesummer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar. To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me."When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening,"You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to."The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad'sarms. "She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the babyinto my parents' bedroom to diaper her.When Susan came back into the living room,there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room."Look", she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins.I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins.With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar.I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slippedquietly into the room.Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart. I know it has yours as well.Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way....----- a friend.
An "Elementary" Education
*** Watch for full text of this article tomorrow. ***
An education without the basic elements of sucessful teaching cannot even be called an "elementary" education. How many schools of so-called higher learning, then , are not even so much as an elementary school?
Basic element #1 ... Academics. Teaching the basics to the base student is why we call it an elementary school. We are supposed to train the basics of academics so well that the student has a great foundation upon which to build.
Basic element #2 ... Spirituality. Teaching the sound doctrine that is necessary to please God with our lives is basic, elementary education. Can we call it an education without the foundation laid out in the Bible. "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
...more to come...
An education without the basic elements of sucessful teaching cannot even be called an "elementary" education. How many schools of so-called higher learning, then , are not even so much as an elementary school?
Basic element #1 ... Academics. Teaching the basics to the base student is why we call it an elementary school. We are supposed to train the basics of academics so well that the student has a great foundation upon which to build.
Basic element #2 ... Spirituality. Teaching the sound doctrine that is necessary to please God with our lives is basic, elementary education. Can we call it an education without the foundation laid out in the Bible. "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
...more to come...
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