3 Ways Churches Can Fight Violence Against Women

Dr. Russell Moore has just posted two articles (here and here)that address biblical male headship and violence against women. Here are three action steps he recommended for churches.

Right now, while you're reading this, there is a woman, probably in your neighborhood, who was beaten last night by her husband or, even more likely, live-in boyfriend. And this is an abomination in the sight of a holy God.

1. One crucial step in addressing violence against women would be for pastors to address the issue specifically from the pulpit, identifying abuse of whatever form as satanic and calling with the authority of Christ himself abusive men to repent.

2. Restore meaningful church discipline in our churches, including the excommunication of abusive husbands.

3. Spending some time with that little boy dropped off at Vacation Bible School, and other like him. We need to tell him Jesus loves him. We need to press the claims of the Gospel on his life.

5 Ways To Stand Against Child Abuse

Sunday, April 29, 2007 was designated as National Blue Sunday. This was a day set aside for churches to pray for the victims of child abuse. As believers it should break our hearts when children suffer. We must recognize that God values children. The Bible says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) We must affirm that little ones are God’s gift to us. Christians should be the first ones to stand against child abuse.

The love of Christ compels us to think biblically about child abuse and neglect. Our world is broken. Humanity has rejected God’s rule. Many people live only to please themselves. In such a world of sin children often become the victims. The same evil that causes child abuse lives within our hearts. Without God’s grace we might be the abusers. The only cure for the sin and evil of this world is the Gospel. Jesus alone has the power to change hearts. At his final appearing Christ will restore all things. The world will be made right and children will no longer suffer at the hands of their own parents.

As Christians we should feel great sadness about child abuse. But we should also look for ways to help. How then can you respond to child abuse? Here are some ideas:
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5 Ways To Stand Against Child Abuse

1. Educate yourself. Find information to equip yourself to recognize and prevent child abuse.
2. Be aware of at-risk kids. Become involved in the lives of children. If something seems wrong – question the parent and make a report to our local Child Protective Service.
3. Become foster or adoptive parents. There is a great need for families willing to open their homes to kids in crisis. Several families in our church have experience in this type of ministry. They would be glad to share how you can get started.
4. Train your own children. We must model and teach our children what it means to be a godly parent. Teach your boys to cherish and protect women. Encourage your girls to develop their God-given maternal nature.
5. Pray. I place this last because its importance cannot be overstated. There are times when a child’s only defender is God. Remember to prayer for the little ones. You can pray for children that you know. Pray for the children that live on your street. When you see a parent being harsh in the grocery store – ask God to convert that parent. “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
   

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