Duane Sheriff Ministries - Feed

God loves you unconditionally and has forgiven all your sins. So, does that mean sin doesn't matter? Does God ignore sin? Duane Sheriff teaches that Christ's eternal sacrifice covers our past, present, and future sins. However, this does not mean we can ignore sin, as God desires and expects His children to pursue holiness. God's chastening and correction are expressions of His love, not His wrath, aimed at helping believers partake in His holiness. Instead, we are loved, forgiven, and invited into a life of holiness. Examining the parallels of the Israelites' journey from Egypt as an analogy for the Christian journey, Duane connects God's unconditional love with His desire for our sanctification. Holiness is not about earning God's love but becoming more like His image. 

In the tenth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff concludes his series by focusing on the final five principles necessary to lay a strong foundation. Parents should teach children about God's love, the importance of developing a healthy work ethic and understanding financial stewardship. He also emphasizes helping children develop a strong identity in Christ.The parallels between child-rearing and archery highlight the intentionality and precision required to guide children into adulthood. Among his many compelling points, Duane encourages parents to make prayer simple and engaging by suggesting short, faith-filled prayers that connect children with God's heart and learn to say, "I'm sorry." Extending grace to others is essential for healthy relationships and personal growth.

In the ninth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff discusses the importance of teaching foundational Christian principles to their children before they leave home. These foundational truths include God's love, His support, the fear of the Lord, the authority of Scripture, and a healthy self-esteem rooted in understanding their identity in Christ.Our role as spiritual mentors is to communicate God's love, help our children understand their need for salvation, and guide them in embracing Jesus as Lord. Knowing God is for them, not against them, will dramatically impact how they view challenges and setbacks in life (Romans 8:31).

In the eighth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff discusses the important role parents play in guiding their children's friendships and social interactions. He emphasizes the dangers of peer pressure and the necessity of parents to actively monitor and guide their children's social circles, particularly during their formative years.According to 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Bad company corrupts good character." Children are highly susceptible to peer pressure, which can lead to destructive paths. Parents have a responsibility to monitor their children's social interactions, especially social media. Teach children to be friendly while helping them discern between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Reinforce their relationship with God and family remains constant even when friendships change.

In the seventh episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff discusses the challenges of raising children in today's sexualized culture, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about sexuality within the context of God's design for marriage. In the teaching stage, we must help our children understand their identity in Christ and that God loves and accepts them. This foundation will help them resist constant peer pressure. As we prepare our children to be "arrows" launched into a dark world, it can be challenging to protect their moral innocence. 

In the sixth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff explains the teaching stage from ages 8 to 20. This stage equips children with essential life skills and establishes God's Word. Hosea 4:6 warns that God's people perish for lack of knowledge. This applies to parents and mentors, not just to our children. We must instill a strong sense of God's love and acceptance, enabling our children to withstand rejection and maintain their faith and integrity despite peer and societal pressures.Love isn't a fleeting emotion but a constant, defined by God's nature, according to Titus 2. By understanding and teaching our children divine love, we prepare our children to face life's challenges with strength, wisdom, and the confidence to seek God's approval rather than man's.

Psalm 127 likens our children to arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior. In the fifth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff explains how parents are responsible for teaching their children about boundaries and consequences while avoiding provoking their children to anger. Our children are not our own but a heritage from the Lord. We are called to be watchmen, diligently shaping and guiding these precious gifts from God. We should view parenting as a divine calling rather than a mere duty. As we nurture our children, we're not just equipping them for success in life, marriage, and careers but equipping them to be a spiritual warrior. Are we aiming them toward their destiny and God's purposes?

In the fourth episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff discusses the biblical approach to disciplining children, emphasizing the importance of using " the rod" of correction with love and wisdom. According to the book of Proverbs, discipline is an act of love, not hate, essential for a child's growth and future success. Discipline is not punishment, but when applied with love and consistency, it is a crucial act of care that shapes a child's character and future. Proverbs 22:15 reminds us that "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away."

In the third episode of "Children As Arrows," Duane Sheriff teaches that parents have a role in training, teaching, and transitioning children into adulthood. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "train up a child in the way he should go."  In this episode, Duane highlights the stages of development. Stressing the importance of consistent training, especially in the early years, and the need to understand God's timeline for accountability and adulthood. The training stage is from birth to 10. The teaching stage is from the age of 10 to 20 years of age. When a child is older than 20, it is the time to release them to God's direct guidance. By understanding these stages, parents can nurture their children's spiritual growth and shape them into God's "arrows."