The fundamental responsibility of Christian parents is to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" using "all the means of God's appointment." If we don't attempt this with diligence and persistence, we have failed as parents. If we do it, we have done for our children the most important thing we can do.There are some practical lessons that grow out of the biblical commandment:

J. Gresham Machen, one of the 20th century's great Christian heroes, was dying of pneumonia in a Bismarck, N.D., hospital on the first day of the new year, 1937. He was 54. Unconscious during most of that last day, during one of his lucid moments he dictated a telegram that turned out to be his last words: "I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it."

In ancient Israel watchmen were posted in towers on the walls of the city. The watchman reported what he saw from his special vantage point-the approach of a messenger, the progress of a battle, the advance of an enemy. The Lord appointed his prophets as spiritual watchmen in Israel. Today, pastors and elders fulfill a similar role in the life of the church. I want to point to three trends which I believe threaten the health and vitality of Christianity and Christ's church.

A husband and wife told me about their new church. They had moved to a new location but had maintained their denominational affiliation (the same as mine). However, they had found it necessary to adjust. "We had been used to believer's worship," they said, "but the church we attend now has a seeker service."

Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in perplexity, for he thinketh he hath not yet seen thy salvation, and if this be it, he thinketh he cannot adjust."

Bill Clinton kept himself focused during the 1992 election by constantly reminding himself of the central issue: "It's the economy, stupid." Today the roaring economy is the favorite conservative explanation for the president's soaring approval ratings. "People vote their pocketbooks" is conventional wisdom's answer to the question: "How can you believe he engaged in such despicable sexual conduct and then lied under oath and yet want him to stay in office?"