Bible Line & Mothering From The Heart

Could you recommend some middle school girls small group materials?

Now that our third child (10 months old) is getting older and needing more focused attention from me, I am having a hard time figuring out how to balance time with him and time with my older two. As long as the baby is napping, I can get great time with my other children, but when he is awake, I feel like I should be spending more time playing with him, reading to him, etc. Sometimes the older children like to play with the baby, too, which makes it easy. But how do you figure out the times when the older children need "big kid" playtime with mommy or just a focused, listening ear from mommy (which seems to be all day, every day, lately with my other two!)

Hello, My wife and I are having a disagreement. She sold a truck that she owned before we were married but she sold it to my brother after we were married. He has been making payments and all has been well...until now. My wife is now saying that this payment will only be used for what she has deemed acceptable options. She has named 2 items that the money will go towards. I explained that we each equal 50% of the decision making process but she says she disagrees because it's her money. I explained that we are one flesh now and that any money coming in has to be handled together as husband and wife. She still disagrees. Can you help us?

I know that Carl has a Catholic background, right? I’ve been praying for a long time for boldness in sharing my faith. I have a Catholic friend who, just recently called me up out of the blue and said these words, “I’m just tired of trying. I can’t make myself holy and I want my kids to be saved. I can’t keep up. There has to be something easier. I feel like I’m going to hell if I don’t make it to confession.” What can I say to her? Any tools to help me? I’m afraid I will mess it all up.

We are planning to homeschool our son next year. He will be in second grade. I’m taking this one year at a time because I have never desired to do this nor do I feel equipped for it but both my husband and I, due to some bad experiences at his school, sense that God wants us to do this., Anyway, when you have time, could you give me some thoughts. Gotta go – my toddler is sitting on the coffee table while I’m writing this –

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [01:00:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (76)

After Sunday's sermon I asked Carl if he was familiar with Ann Voskamp. He said you knew more about her than he did. I've read one blog post by her and something seems amiss, but it seems that I am the only one who isn't in love with her writing. So I have really two questions, 1- what is the deal with her? 2- should I say something to my dear sisters in Christ who seem to read her every word? I'm not talking about women that I don't know well, but my dear friends. I realize that you're busy but would love to hear your wisdom on this.

My grown daughter has a four-month-old baby and I’ve observed that when we are together she is always giving the baby to her husband to change, feed, and put to bed. Now I know that fathers are a lot more involved with their babies today than they were when I was having my children but it how involved should they be? It just seems right to me that the mother should be the one changing and feeding an infant. Any thoughts?

I am in distress. I have three children, two of which are twins, the oldest is 6 and we are expecting #4 in September. I feel so very frustrated, like I have no time for myself. I try for my twins to take a nap but they keep getting up (we have just moved them to toddler beds and btw, they are almost 2). I want to be a good mother. I just feel so exhausted.

I don’t know how to put this, but I struggle greatly with the desire to play with my children. I feel just a little overwhelmed due to the fact that I have so much to get done, and the children wanting my attention. I mentally know that I need to prioritize my children first over housework, but honestly, I struggle with the desire sometimes. Have you ever experienced this? What is the world is wrong with me?

Hi Audrey! I attended your mfth Bible study in the past and loved it so much. I have a question on home daycares. I currently own one, and wondered what your personal opinion about them is. Also, I am struggling so hard to have patience at the end of the workday with my own children, who are ages 5,4, and 2 months. A typical work day is 6:45 am -6 pm. Should I quit the daycare for the sake of my won children? Financially, we could do without although I feel my husband would not support me not having an income. Is there a solution for this also?

I think you have said before that women should teach women (and ok to teach young boys), but should not teach men. I have been asked to teach a parenting class at my church an it would be men and women (husband and wives and probably some single parents.) I’m not in favor of teaching men. Could you direct me to the scripture (or is there one) that states women should not teach men?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:59:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (104)

The Bible Line feed burner/blog has moved. It is now part of Search the Scriptures and can be found here: feed://www.searchthescriptures.org/podcasts/search-the-scriptures.rss In iTunes under podcasts do a search for "Search the Scriptures Broggi" and subscribe to the podcast with the cool STS logo! Thanks for listening, and look for more improvements down the road!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:54:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (108)

I have a question for you regarding our six-year-old daughter. For a few years now she has really struggled with lack of self-confidence. First she was worried that people would make fun of her curly hair. We told her how special she is and that we love her curly hair because God chose her to have curly hair. Besides, lots of people pay money to make their hair look like hers. Then last year she got glasses and she sobbed for 2 days straight because one little boy made a rude comment about them. Now it's little things like she doesn't want her hair in a bun for dance class b/c she thinks she looks silly; she doesn't want to wear even a tiny bit of makeup for her dance recital because she thinks she looks silly; she doesn't want to wear pants that come down to her shoes (like normal pants should!) because she thinks she looks silly. So she cries and pitches a fit about it. My husband and I try to encourage her often- both for her character traits (her heart) and her outward appearance, but whenever we say anything positive about her outward appearance (even in the privacy of our home), she rolls her eyes and gets frustrated or embarrassed. Lately it has become such an issue that she is causing our family to be late to school, church, and other functions because she sobs and pitches a fit about "looking silly." We are at a loss for how to balance encouraging her, disciplining her, and building her up to have confidence in Christ. Help!

I have a question regarding when or when not to let your child “cry it out.” My son is 8 months old and he often wakes up in the middle of the night and will not go back to sleep. I feed him and make sure all of his needs are taken care of, but he does not want to go back to sleep. My pediatrician told me to just close the door and let him cry it out. I have tried to do this, but my son will not stop crying. He cries to the point of throwing up. I’m just not sure what to do. My husband and I have to get sleep at night and his crying keeps us both awake. Do I continue to let my son just “cry it out” and work himself into a hysterical fit for over an hour or do I let him have his way and let him play in the middle of the night?

How do you handle Christian parents who are continually critical of your parenting and the decisions that you make as husband and wife?

A caller says that her 13 year old daughter and her friend often talk about how they want to move out of their homes because they don't want their parents telling them what to do. First, is this normal for 13 year olds and second, should the mother allow this friendship to continue? Both girls are in Christian homes and this mom believes her daughter is saved but is not sure about the other girl. What should she do?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:59:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (64)

How can I encourage my husband in his walk with Christ? He was Falsely accused several years ago of doing something that was proven HE DID NOT do. It has greatly affected the way he "participates" with our church family. Please help me with scripture so that I may be a "light" to his heart.

How and when did you know GraceAnna and the rest of the “graduated Broggis” were spiritually ready to go off to college? Did you just go by the fact that they had graduated h.s. and college was next or what?

A certain mom knows her daughter is being physically abused by her husband. Both her daughter and her daughter's husband are professing Christians so this young wife feels it is her duty to stay with her husband despite the abuse. Would Audrey please give Scripture that would explain that a woman is not to stay in a physically abusive home. They do not yet have children.

Facebook has become such a phenomenon and I was wondering your thoughts about it? I mean in terms of how we should use it.

What do you think about mothers who bring their babies into the worship services? I put my baby in the nursery at 2 weeks old but some of my friends bring theirs in and I find it very distracting. What is appropriate?

My daughter doesn’t seem to have a strong motherly instinct. She thinks nothing of leaving her baby for hours at a time. Could you comment on this?

How much should I talk to my grown daughter now turned mother about issues as it relates to her being a mother? Titus 2 principle for my own daughter?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:59:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (98)

Pastor Broggi discusses the biblical justification for war and for taking a life in war.

I am interested in possibly having some sort of Bible study to possibly introduce the Gospel to some of my neighbors. I have been hearing a lot about a program that is being used worldwide and now locally to do just such a thing. It is called the Alpha Program. When I began looking into this program, I became alarmed and concerned that some of my Christian friends are a part of this. I wondered if you knew anything about it. How should I respond when asked about it? Also, do you have any suggestions for a short introductory program to the gospel that would be easy to invite neighborhood women to. I want to reach out to show them the great love and devotion our church has for Jesus… and that it is well-grounded in Bible truths.

I have been serving the Lord for over twenty years. The last two years have been a struggle with my marriage, my children that need the Lord, my health. I have noticed that these hardships have affected my love and tenderness with Jesus. Is this normal? and what can I do to get back where I was? I know the fruit of the Spirit includes joy and peace....and the Bible says God gives a peace that passes understanding, but why do I struggle with so many fears and worries? I have often questioned my salvation because I haven't experienced the peace God promised. Could you give me some advice?

Name: Barry from Buckhannon, WV: I am continuing to have an issue with one of the elders of my fellowship in the area of biblical stewardship. I believe tithing is a Biblical teaching I also realize that there is almost no New Testament chapter and verse on this subject. God says it is all his and I realize that to be absolutely true. I have always been taught and practiced tithing as a starting point concerning the issue of giving money to the local church and the ministries clearly communicating the message of Christ to the world. How do I confront this teaching without being argumentive or devisive? I The last two times he has preached at our church he has made this emphatic starement about tithing and how there is no biblical directive concerning tithing.He preached freedom in Christ and that the teaching of tithing is not biblical and is just one of the many legalistic rules the church has placed on the church. He is a good man and I respect his knowledge of the word but this one area is becoming a real concern for me. Looking for some solid teaching or advice from someone of your knowledge and experience. I looked for some teaching on the website but could not locate it or just couldnt find it.

Jude from Douala, Cameroon - : Please Sir, i will like to know .What does the Bible say about drinking wine and getting drunk with wine?

A listener's mother is attending a good church that practices speaking in tongues. She is uncomfortable about this 'gift' and the listener is wondering whether this should be a "deal-breaker" for his mom.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:54:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (108)

“I feel housewives should get out of the house completely for a one day a week, doing something for their enjoyment. This seems more important to the happiness of the home than buying new drapes or a power saw for Dad.” From “What wives wish Husbands knew about Women” by Dr. James Dobson. This was the first time I was surprised at his "encouragement" for "housewives." I don't completely disagree that our time spent without the demands of children, housework, etc, can recharge us, but I really feel like your teaching on "Biblical Rest," was a much better "encouragement" tool for workers at home. Just curious on your thoughts.

We recently found out we are expecting a little girl. For myself I am thrilled- I have always wanted a daughter and I know all children are a blessing. But at the same time, I always pictured giving my husband a son, and my dad a grandson (I come from family of all daughters). Neither my husband nor dad have expressed disappointment, but I still feel very sad – I had no idea I had placed these pressures on myself to produce a son until now. I know we can have more children, but I would like to sort through this now, because God may give us all girls, who knows. Any words of wisdom?

My husband and I just spent the holidays together with his family. I love his family and they have embraced me with open arms. One of the first qualities about my husband that I noticed and admired was and is his strong bond with his mother. His father died when he was younger, and he will tell you that he was the only sibling truly there for his mom during this tragedy, thus, my husband’s mom will share things with him before sharing them with her new husband or other members of the family, and he is by her side almost always during family get-togethers. At our last visit, I experienced myself struggling with their relationship for the first time. They went on a walk just the two of them, and I was surprised when I felt hurt that I wasn't invited. Then the last day, my husband’s mom told to me to drive in the other car and that she would drive with my husband to the restaurant. I don't have any relationships in my family that compare to what my husband has with his mom, so I worry if I'm having these feelings because I do not truly understand. I have been praying for wisdom and would like to know if you have any advice regarding how I should handle my feelings.

My 14 year old daughter just returned from Xtreme Winter in TN. It is a gathering of Christian bands and speakers geared to youth. I am not a fan of such music but she loves it (at least most of it). Bands such as: tobyMac, skillet, Red, the David Crowder Band...) Is this a matter of taste and generation? Or do I have reason to be concerned? She is a very good piano student and now aspires to play keyboard in a "Christian rock" band. I'm not excited about that at all. Please share your thoughts.

Audrey, I would love to hear your thoughts on young single women. How should they be spending their time in order to cultivate and prepare themselves for marriage? (I’m specifically thinking of after high school). Should they be spending their time solely learning domestic skills or furthering their education?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:59:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (103)

Darryl from Richmond Hill, Ga: Do you know anything about the Vineyard Church? What would be some fundamental beliefs they hold?

What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit?

From Savannah, Ga - My husband was caught having inappropriate conversations with different women online. Since I caught him, he says that he has stopped. He still continues to keep these women as friends on Facebook. He has chatted with many of them and they sent him intimate pictures. I want them off of his page, I feel as though he should not even associate with these women. He says that there is nothing going on and he will not delete them. He says that he is saved. This bothers me so much, how should I approach this situation. I am fasting and praying about it. I am a believer.

What does the Bible say about women having elective cosmetic surgery especially as those that would alter appearance.

David from Worcester, MA - Does God work in the lives of unbelievers? I was having trouble thinking about this because when in Romans 1 God says he gives them over. Does God control the events (jobs, deaths, relationships, etc.) in the lives of an atheist or agnostic. Does scripture support this?

How does baptism relate differently under the Old Covenant VS the New Covenant?

Could you please explain to me I Cor. 14. This chapter of scripture has always confused me and I have found myself not wanting to read this chapter because it is so hard for me to understand.

Please elaborate on Ezekiel 28:14-16. I cannot find a cross reference that explains what the fiery stones refer to.

Please explain Deut. 32:35. How will He repay?

Ryan from Boston, MA - I am a college student looking to start studying Church History for myself. I was wondering if you heard of "The History of the Christian Church" by Phillip Schaff. That is what I am looking to study. I read some good reviews but I was wondering if you have any recommendations? Also, what is the best way to study this? Would it be to read and mark up the book or to take notes?

Chris from Summerville, Sc - Dr. Broggi, I listen to your sermons online at home and also at 830am on the radio when I have been driving to work in Beaufort the last 6 months. My question is this, who are the "other sheep" Jesus refers to in John 10:16? Could they be believers from other sects that believe in Jesus but have only a partially true doctrine such as the Mormons, etc?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:54:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (80)

I've visited several "Fundamental Independent Baptist Churches" and some Southern Baptist Churches where in addition to giving a call to see if anyone wants to be saved after every service they also ask in most services if anyone is "called to preach". They do this even in young children's classes where they not only ask if anyone wants to be saved, but also ask if anyone is being "called to preach". As a result, they are several young boys ranging from pre-teens to early teens who respond as being "called to preach". On vacation the other day a couple at a church I visited and their 13-year old boy told me their 13-year old boy had been "called to preach", and he was talking about how he was going to preach the salvation message at his birthday party. Is it Biblically sound for the Fundamental Independent Baptists (and some Southern Baptist Churches) to be asking these young boys to be "called to preach" and then when the boys respond to be saying that the boys are "called to preach"? This is not an uncommon practice. In these churches you will often hear of several boys who have been "called to preach", and these boys are encouraged by sometimes preaching to the congregation, and oftentimes publicly announced and promoted by name to the congregation as being "called to preach". This does not seem sound to me. Please advise.

Are all the judgments in Revelation for after the Tribulation or have some been fulfilled shortly after the time John was writing? Some say none have been fulfilled and some say all have been fulfilled. Could Pastor Carl explain.

My question refers to Luke 17:22-37, a reference to the second coming of Christ at the end of the great tribulation period and not the rapture. Yet when Christ tells them to be ready, that it will be like the days of Noah, they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage, until Noah entered the ark and they were destroyed..... how could people in the great tribulation be so caught off guard? How could people of the great tribulation be living a normal life as described by the Lord Jesus and be so unprepared for that coming?

Jeffrey from Savannah: I am a youth at a church near Savannah, and I discussed the role of sacrificial animal offerings in the Old Testament with a very knowledgeable man in the church, particularly in affiliation with atonement for sin. Some of the questions we pondered when trying to pin down the true Biblical meaning of animal sacrifices were..."Is the animal blood only symbolic?" "Did the animal blood atone for the sins completely for Old Testement Jews?" "Did the animal blood only atone for sins until Jesus Christ died and then his blood became the final atonement?" I know from your message entitled "Understanding God's Love Story," that animal blood is symbolic and this also is the conclusion we came to, but I wish to know some passages and ideas for Biblical foundation of this concept.

There are so many passages in the Bible that refer to answered prayer (Matt. 7:7-8, Matt. 21:22, John 14:13-14) yet we know that our prayers are not always answered (for example, healing of a loved one). How do we put these into perspective with passages that say that we are to seek God's will and knowing our prayers will not always answered?

Our world is very uncertain and we know the time may be short. A young mother would like Pastor Broggi to address how and/or even if she should evangelize to lost neighbors or people that may turn hostile or be unreceptive? We know we are to be bold in our witness but it just seems like we cannot always be met with a friendly curiousity or conversation and she wants to be sure she's not subjecting her children to this kind of hostility if it doesn't go well.

A listener in Richland, MO: How can I tell if my church is dying and if it's time to find a new one? Earlier this year, I retired from the Marines and have settled in the Fort Leonard Wood area. The church we have joined is named Emmanuel Chapel Bible Church. It's an IFCA church. It was small when we joined, about 5 yrs ago, about 30 people on a Sunday. Homeschool friendly with other homeschool families we've developed close relationships with. We have grown in the faith. I've taught some sunday school and occasionally filled in for the pastor. I was hoping to see it grow, but it hasn't. In fact, it's gotten smaller. Less than 10 on a Sunday including the kids. We can barely afford to keep the lights on. There's a host of Sunday School rooms downstairs with cobwebs. They weren't in use long before we started attending. I think the teaching is solid. The pastor is part time, always has been. I like him a lot. It's about an hour drive from where we live. Also, some family dynamics have changed as many of the children have gotten older, married, etc. and are gone. My own children included as my oldest started college at College of the Ozarks this year. I'm torn between being loyal, helping to grow the church (which is tough due to the drive and work), and jumping ship. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:54:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (119)

A listener asked Pastor Broggi if he anticipates anything monumental at the end of 2012.

A listener follows a particular pastor on Facebook. One of his posts had infuriated some followers. The post read: "Spanking in any case is child abuse". The pastor went on to explain that the proverb to not spare the rod is similar to the rod that is the shepherd's staff. The listener wants Pastor Broggi's opinion.

Are Matt 25:31-46, and Rev. 20:12 the same event ? If so, a simple yes will do. I believe they are, but if you do not, please explain how or why they are not. I have been studying on the White Throne Judgment and the judgment of the nations in Matt 25. In some ways I can see where it appears that these are seperate judgments but when Jesus says in Matt. 25 that those on the left hand depart into everlasting fire and the righteous into life eternal.....How could this not be the White Throne? My second question referring to the Judgment of the Nations is in vs 34-40. Are these given the Kingdom by good works, and by being kind to Israel? or are these individuals already saved being commended for their works and service?

Numerous churches of various denominations use a missions fund-raising approach called "Faith Promise Giving". The way it is presented in our church is that we are supposed to make a promise of future giving, based on future income, that we do not currently know where it will come from. We are supposed to have faith that God will honor the 'faith' pledge we make to the church to create that income somehow in the future. Families are asked to come forward during a designated part of the service to hand over their 'faith promise' at the front. This strikes me as somewhat at odds with giving as taught in the New Testament. We are admonished in Scripture to give from what we have, not what we don't have. We are taught not to make a show of giving. We are taught not to presume on the mercy and 'blessing' of God regarding our self-generated purposes and plans - financial or otherwise. Am I wrong? What is your take on this?

Regarding Romans 11:26 it says "All Israel will be saved, as it written" (referencing Isaiah 59) but elsewhere scripture refers to a 'remnant' of Israel being saved. How are we to interpret this Romans passage?

Our next caller would like Pastor Broggi to explain Rev. 21:8. Is this addressing those who lie about small things in their lives or is it addressing those who would lie about being a believer and denying Christ? If it is referring to those who tell lies about their lives other than their salvation, would this be almost a form of works based salvation? Just confused about what this really means.

Our next question is based on Jeremiah 29:11. This caller knows this was meant for the Israelites but is wondering if we should be claiming this for ourselves individually and should people use this scripture to claim for more than salvation? This caller hears people claim this scripture all the time and is just wondering about this.....

Ryan from Boston, MA: I am a college student looking to start studying Church History for myself. I was wondering if you heard of "The History of the Christian Church" by Phillip Schaff. That is what I am looking to study. I read some good reviews but I was wondering if you have any recommendations? Also, what is the best way to study this? Would it be to read and mark up the book or to take notes? I appreciate any help.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [00:54:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (134)