Christian History – Dr. Brenda MacMenamin

2021.03.12 Recording our Learning

We’ve been discussing the way that the colonists learned and how they taught their children. Instead of the 3 R’s, they used the 4 R’s:

Research
Reason
Relate
Record

Today we are talking about recording. (See previous posts for the first three.) This would usually mean having the students write essays, instead of giving them short answer tests such as T/F, fill-in-the-blanks or matching. These types of tests are certainly easier for the teacher to grade, but they do not require the students to think through what they have been taught and what they have learned.

After teaching students how to research using original and first source documents, how to reason through what they are researching and how to relate this information to the subject/project at hand, we then teach our students how to record this information. You can read references to “blank books” or notebooks from George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Nathaniel Bowditch among so many others.

But it does not always have to be in essay form, and this is where learning can be a LOT of fun! “Recording” can be debates, spelling bees, History or Science Fairs, on-the-job training or apprenticing, plays or skits. You can see that the variety is limited only by the teachers’ and classes’ imagination.

Think of all the inspiring autobiographies or biographies that you have read. Can you imagine if no one took the time to record that for you!

I was enjoying a letter from John Quincy Adams in the “Education of John Quincy Adams” this week:

“When our fathers abjured the name of Britons, and ‘assumed among the nations of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitled them,’ they tacitly contracted the engagement for themselves, and above all for their posterity, to contribute, in their corporate and national capacity, their full share, ay, and more than their full share, of the virtues that elevate and of the graces that adorn the character of civilized man. They announced themselves as reformers of the institution of civil society. They spoke of the laws of nature, and in the name of nature’s God; and by that sacred adjuration they pledged us, their children, to labor with united and concerted energy, from the cradle to the grave, to purge the earth of all slavery; to restore the race of man to the full enjoyment of those rights which the God of nature had bestowed upon him at his birth; to disenthrall his limbs from chains, to break the fetters from his feet and the manacles from his hands, and set him free for the use of all his physical powers for the improvement of his own condition. The God in whose name they spoke had taught them, in the revelation of the Gospel, that the only way in which man can discharge his duty to Him is by loving his neighbor as himself, and doing with him as he would be done by; respecting his rights while enjoying his own, and applying all his emancipated powers of body and of mind to self-improvement and the improvement of his race.”

Doesn’t this refute the accusation that our Founders were racist? And what a treasure to share with our children to encourage them to “labor with united and concerted energy, from the cradle to the grave, to purge the earth of all slavery.” (or abortion!)

In Joshua 4 we read that the Lord had the leaders of Israel leave stones from the bottom of the Jordan in a heap so that their children would ask what they mean. Isn’t this what we are doing, when we record what God has done in our lives? Then, we can too can say,

“He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” ( Joshua 4:24)

And that, my friend is what we want to instill into our children, above all. As it says in Psalm 78: 4-7:

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders. For He issued His laws to Jacob; He gave His instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them
— even the children not yet born—
and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.
Psalm 78:4-7

Renewing our minds is a transforming process which begins right at our commitment to Christ’s salvation and Lordship of our lives. We receive His Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We then begin this wonderful journey to know Him and the power of His resurrection. We grow as we read His Word, begin to understand, know and practice it. What an adventure!

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

2021.03.05 Relating the Word of God to Life and Living…

Can we relate the Bible to real life and living? Where do you get direction for your marriage, parenting, finances, etc.? Does the Bible have anything to say about these most critical topics?

My husband and I were saved about the same time. We had a pastor who spent a lot of time and money to teach us Biblical principles concerning our marriage. He would have special speakers in to teach and train us. Then there was a season where we focused on our finances. They actually taught us how to set up a budget. They had other people come in to teach us about child training from a Biblical perspective. What a difference it made to our young family to have this foundation in the Word of God. No wonder my husband and I have been so blessed. We were taught how to relate Biblical principles to life and living.

Could we do the same with everything that we want to embark on? If we can research and reason from the Word, can we then relate what we learn to the task at hand?

From the 1828 Dictionary: RELA’TE, v.i. To have reference or respect; to regard.

Do we even have respect for the Word of God, if we do not relate it to our lives?

What is beautiful is that God Almighty has so many promises and blessings for us as we seek His Word, His Will and His Way. As it says in Jeremiah 6:16,

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.’

But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

I say, “Father! Help us walk in Your Way! We want to know Your Word and apply it to our lives. We want to find these ‘old paths, where the good way is…’”

From The “Eliot Tracts” – John Elliot was known as the “Apostle to the Indians.” (From Teaching and Learning available at face.net.)

Here we see this desire in the first Americans, in their dedication of their first college, Harvard. Their second rule and precept to be observed in the college was:

Let every Student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the maine end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore to lay Christ in the bottome, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and Learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisedome, Let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seeke it of him (Prov. 2:3).

And there in the wilderness of a new land God forged a covenant people who sought His Word for Truth, for how to start teaching their little ones. They dedicated this nation to the Lord and forged governmental documents upon His Word that gave us Liberty for hundreds of years.

Return us, O God, to the covenant that our Fathers made with You when they dedicated themselves and their little ones to You. Help us to dedicate ourselves and our little ones to You once again!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

2021.02.26 Giving a Reason for the Hope that is in you…

Last week we talked about the “4R’s” of education that the Founders used to Learn and to Teach that produced brilliant thinker and writers. They are:

Research
Reason
Relate
Record

We covered how important it is to start every project and learning endeavor in the Word of God and how the Bible is up to the task to give wisdom and to make us prosper.

The second R is Reason. I actually thought that reasoning was opposed to faith when I first got saved and so I was under the impression that we were NOT supposed to reason. But the Bible says:

Isaiah 1:18, “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”

Acts 17:2, “Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,”

Acts 24:25, “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’”

I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

When we search the Word for the Lord’s Will and Way and then reason with Him how to walk this out in our lives, a wonderful blessing comes upon us. As the Lord promises Joshua in Joshua 1:8&9,

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What a wonderful blessing! Do our children deserve less? Is it worth taking time to renew our minds so that we can pass such a wonderful heritage to our children!

Look at Psalm 78:4, 6, 7 GNV:

“We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done… That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments…”

If there were any time that we needed to reason with our children to know the character of God and to urge them to trust Him in our current circumstances, isn’t it now? If we cannot reason from scripture, why read it? Conversely, maybe people aren’t reading the Bible because they are not hearing Christians that do reason from His precious Word.

Let’s be the people who do. Let’s ask God Almighty to help us so that we can help others, much like Jesus asked His Father to glorify Him so that He could glorify the Father! (John 17:1)

May we be like the nation of Israel when they found the Law after not following it for years. This is Nehemiah 8:8-10

“So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.’ For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”

Father, will You open the Heavens for us? Will You give us revelation? Will You help us to read Your Word afresh and anew. Help us to receive fresh manna from You. We need You so desperately, so we ask in faith, believing that You hear our prayer and will not give us a stone, but the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Abba Father!

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

2021.02.20 The “4R’s” of Education

Rosalie Slater, author of “Teaching and Learning America’s Christian History” studied the way that the Founders learned and taught and sums up their method with 4R’s: Research, Reason, Relate and Record. This is supported and taught by face.net as the Principle Approach where every subject begins in the Bible and is recorded in notebooks instead of taking short answer tests.

This “new” system is actually a renewing of our minds to use the Bible as the foundation of all learning and is a fascinating concept. For those of us who believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, it opens the door for us to know Him deeper and welcomes us into His world. Are you ready?

Let’s study a few scriptures that encourage us that the Bible is actually up to the task to enlighten us in all aspects of life and living! We can start our research in the Word of God.

Research–

2 Tim 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Tim. 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

If there were ever a time when parents needed a place to be equipped for “every good work” it is now. Here is our guide, the very Word of God Almighty.

With all the misinformation swirling about us, it is time, especially for those of us who love Christ, to come to Him afresh, let go of our old thinking and learn how to rightly divide this word of truth.

Research would also include original sources documents such as history written before the 1900’s when our history was re-written by progressives. This true history from biographies, autobiographies and documents contemporary with events studied brings His Story alive and is a fascinating way to teach and learn! America is a rich treasure of heroes and patriots who stood for Truth and believed God Almighty to bless them through courageous stands for Convictions, Conscience, and Virtue- words that need to be revived today to help our young adults navigate successfully through the swamp as it is being drained.

So take courage my friends. I will talk about the second R next week. Stay tuned and sign up for the email to make sure that you do not miss the second part in this series.

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

As a Hen Gathers Her Chicks…

Teaching Techniques of Jesus by Herman Harrell Horne is a life changing book for me. I never thought of reading the Bible in terms of studying how Jesus taught. This book makes me want to start in the New Testament and leisurely read from Matthew to Revelation with this idea in mind!

The chapter on “His Attitude Toward Children” should be required reading for every parent and educator, especially those in the Kingdom of God. I agree with his statement, “… the attitude of Jesus toward children is the best we know in education today.” He brought out these scriptures in this chapter:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” ~ Matthew 23:37

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” ~ Luke 13:34

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” ~ Mark 9:42

“Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” ~ Mark 9:37

“Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” ~ Mat 18:14

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” ~ Mat 18:10

I’ve always loved how Jesus treats children, in direct opposition to his disciples who remind me of how easy it is to be “Type A” in the Lord’s work and ignore His very heart.

Indeed we see that nurturing and training the next generation is the very essence of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Yet our culture has convinced parents across our nation that they are not “qualified” or anointed for this work. They believe that it takes experts and a Village instead the heart and blessing of Almighty God.

He says in the chapter, “Jesus in Educational History” that “the place of Jesus in educational history is central and greatest, on the basis not of personal loyalty, but objective fact because… He taught the highest moral and spiritual truths: God is father, man is brother, the will is free, the soul is immortal, the ideal social order is to come on earth, women and children are to be honored, the life of sacrificial love is supreme.”

Herman Harrell Horne asks us, in closing one chapter, “In what respects do we commonly fail to exemplify love, truth and freedom in our attitude toward our children?”

I would offer that the way that we would fail the most is to send them to a place where they are separated from His love, truth and freedom, that is, in the public/government schools.

May God Almighty continue to anoint us to rescue parents and children from indoctrination away from Him. Then we can seek Him as to how to restore America’s Biblical heritage. Parents and children can sit at His feet together and say, as His followers of old did, “We know that Thou art a teacher come from God” and “Thou hast the words of eternal life!”

Learning, in Him,

Bren

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

What is Truth in Education?

Pilgrims onshore at Plymouth, from “Of Plymouth Plantation”

If you knew that our history has been re-written in the early 1900’s would it matter to you? Does Truth Matter?

Recently a friend mentioned that the Pilgrims tried communism and that it failed for them. This is true, but what some do not realize is that this communal life was forced upon them. They had sold all that they had in Holland to venture to America. As the Pilgrims were closing their deal with the Virginia Company, Robert Cushman changed the original agreement, whose terms were broad and vague but were understood to be free enterprise. Among the “new conditions” were:

#3 said that “all profits and benefits… shall remain in the common stock until division.”
#5 “… the capital and profits… shall be equally divided…”
#10 “That all such persons as are of this colony, are to have their food, drink, clothing, and all provisions, out of the common stock and goods of the said colony.”

The Pilgrims appealed to the Virginia Company. They sent back letters stating their concern about the new conditions, “which all are against.” But at this point, they had nothing to go back to and had the vision to go to America.

“… having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia…” ~ Mayflower Compact

Of course we know that having lost valuable time and resources in waiting for the Virginia Company to finally send them, they arrived late in winter. Half of them passed away within 3 months from inadequate food, sickness and harsh weather. The Lord did send the miracle of Samoset and Squanto (which is another delightful story!)

But they could not prosper living under the communism forced on them by the Virginia company. Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation” shares his perspective:

All this whille no supply was heard of, neither knew they when they might expecte any. So they begane to thinke how they might raise as much corne as they could, and obtaine a beter crope then they had done, that they might not still thus languish in miserie. At length, after much debate of things, the Govr (with ye advise of ye cheefest amongest them) gave way that they should set corne every man for his owne perticuler, and in that regard trust to them selves; in all other things to goe on in ye generall way as before. And so assigned to every family a parcell of land, according to the proportion of their number for that end, only for present use (but made no devission for inheritance), and ranged all boys & youth under some familie. This had very good success; for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corne was planted then other waise would have bene by any means ye Govr or any other could use, and saved him a great deall of trouble, and gave farr better contente. The women now wente willingly into ye feild, and tooke their litle-ons with them to set corne, which before would aledg weaknes, and inabilitie; whom to have compelled would have bene thought great tiranie and oppression.

The experience that was had in this com̅one course and condition, tried sundrie years, and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanitie of that conceite of Platos & other ancients, applauded by some of later times;—that ye taking away of propertie, and bringing in com̅unitie into a comone wealth, would make them happy and florishing; as if they were wiser then God. For this comunitie (so farr as it was) was found to breed much confusion & discontent, and retard much imploymēt that would have been to their benefite and comforte. For ye yong-men that were most able and fitte for labour & service did repine that they should spend their time & streingth to worke for other mens wives and children, with out any recompence. The strong, or man of parts, had no more in devission of victails & cloaths, then he that was weake and not able to doe a quarter ye other could; this was thought injuestice. The aged and graver men to be ranked and equalised in labours, and victails, cloaths, &c., with ye meaner & yonger sorte, thought it some indignite & disrespect unto them. And for mens wives to be commanded to doe servise for other men, as dresing their meate, washing their cloaths, &c., they deemd it a kind of slaverie, neither could many husbands well brooke it. Upon ye poynte all being to have alike, and all to doe alike, they thought them selves in ye like condition, and one as good as another; and so, if it did not cut of those [164]relations that God hath set amongest men, yet it did at least much diminish and take of ye mutuall respects that should be preserved amongst them. And would have bene worse if they had been men of another condition. Let none objecte this is men's corruption, and nothing to ye course it selfe. I answer, seeing all men have this corruption in them, God in his wisdome saw another course fiter for them.”  (Emphasis mine)

Well this was obviously before the Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary! But you can see, that they were suffering under communism. They did not choose it but they had signed an agreement and were trying to honor that agreement. If communism could have worked, wouldn’t it have worked for this hardworking, God-fearing people? But Bradford says that as soon as they required each man to work “for his owne particular”, that “it made all hands very industrious… whom to have compelled would have bene thought great tiranie and oppression.”

Bradford asserts that the Virginia Company thought, “ye taking away of propertie, and bringing in com̅unitie into a comone wealth, would make them happy and florishing; as if they were wiser then God.”

Translated this means:

…the taking away of property, and bringing in community into a common wealth (communism), would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser then God.

WOW!!

He then closes this section with this glorious and instructive phrase:

I answer, seeing all men have this corruption in them, God in his wisdome saw another course fiter for them.”

Is this what we learned in high school? Probably not, although there have been some teachers teaching from original documents in every season. But very few are learning this now. Doesn’t learning this way bring His Story alive!

Will you be intentional in your child’s education? Will you determine now before God Almighty to learn and teach this way? Let’s ask for His help!

Father, we cry out to You, help us educate our little ones. Anoint us to teach the “Mighty Deeds of God” (Ps 78) to the next generation. Lead us by Your Spirit. You are our Waymaker. We thank You in advance for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ glorious Name we pray… Amen!

Would you like to join me in this quest to Renew Your Mind? I am hosting an online “Renewing Your Mind” that starts this Monday! Please join us.

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

2021.01.29 Reclaiming Our Christian Culture

Can we reclaim our culture by reclaiming our language? Doesn’t that sound wonderfully simple? Think of a few words that we have lost:

Marriage
Education
History
Business
Government
Politics

If this concept of reclaiming words is unfamiliar to you, take a bit of time and compare and contrast these words by looking them up at dictionary.com vs the 1828 Dictionary. I love the 1828 Dictionary because Noah Webster produced this gem of a resource at the height of when America enjoyed a Christian culture. This was the fruit of the Great Awakening.

Let’s take the word “politics” for example. In dictionary.com, we read:

Politics [ pol-i-tiks ] noun (used with a singular or plural verb)

the science or art of political government.
the practice or profession of conducting political affairs.
political affairs: The advocated reforms have become embroiled in politics
political methods or maneuvers: We could not approve of his politics in winning passage of the bill.
political principles or opinions: We avoided discussion of religion and politics. His politics are his own affair.
use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.

Who wants to get involved in politics unless they are willing to:

become embroiled
use intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control
tread on an opinion that is “his own affair”

Let’s compare this to “politics” in the 1828 Dictionary:

Should we, as Christians, be involved in:

ethics?
the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity?
defense of [our] existence and rights against foreign control or conquest?
the augmentation of our strength and resources?
the protection of [our] citizens in their rights?
the preservation and improvement of their morals?

[You may purchase your copy of the 1828 Dictionary here.]

Have you ever heard these worldly statements in Christian circles:

Politics are dirty
The Church is above politics
Politics are “worldly”

Let’s contrast these misunderstandings with the reformed attitude developed by our Founders. This was developed by intense reading of their beloved Bibles yearly, the Great Awakening and a Biblical worldview which steered them to believe:

“The Church must take right ground in regards to politics… The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them.… God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground. Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God… He will bless or curse this nation, according to the course they [Christians] take.” ~ Charles Finney

“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing … than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” -George Washington

“Now, the ‘Lord’ I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever He is Lord, there is freedom.” 2 Cor. 3:17 TPT

Can you feel a shift in your spirit from asking the Lord to “save America” to being willing [by His Grace!] to shoulder His Lordship as it says in Isaiah 9:6-7:

… Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

What great victory He longs to give us once we shoulder His government. [We ARE His body.] Then we could read this and truly understand that this is our portion and our Promised Land.

No matter how murky the waters or worldly our politics have become in our absence and in the vacuum that we have left, “God so loved the world, that He sent his only Son…” (John 3:16)

Surely Jesus will anoint us to possess this Land of Education, of Politics, of Government and of Business as we seek His face, read His Word and obey Him.

Do you want to join me in the first baby step in this adventure? Do you want to learn how to instruct, enlighten and guide precious, blood-bought sheep through the murky waters of current events to God’s promised green pastures through obedience to His Word?

As Romans 12:2 NKJV says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

It is a transforming process which begins right at our commitment to Christ’s salvation and Lordship of our lives. We receive His Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We then begin this wonderful journey to know Him and the power of His resurrection. We grow as we read His Word, begin to understand, know and practice it. What an adventure!

Would you like to join me in a study to do this? This is the first baby step that we guide you into to develop your own Biblical Philosophy of Education.

I hope you join us!

2021.02.22 Beware Lest anyone Cheat You

Doesn’t Colossians 2:8 KNJV warn us so clearly, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Yet we now see a tremendous trap that has been laid on America for 200 years now that has cheated and deceived us through our government school system. It is time for a change, for a deliverance, for a reformation. Are you ready?

I love Zechariah 4:10 that urges us, “‘Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.’ (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)” Is He searching for us to step out of the shadows of all this chaos, fix our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our Faith to raise up a standard in the midst of it all?

Are our little ones worth laying aside all the darkness and confusion to blaze a new trail? Where to begin? How do we start?

I am looking for a small team that is willing to take 12 weeks to each renew our own minds, to lay a Biblical foundation in regard to education. The best resource that I have found is “Renewing the Mind” available through FACE.net. it is available as a download and as a paperback.

This may seem strange, but after reviewing my notes from having taking and having taught this class several times, I want to start with Lesson 4 that covers “The Notebook Method” of learning. It is different. It may seem hard. But once this method is mastered it is delightfully liberating not only for the student but for the teacher. It is very similar to the maxim that we hear that “It is better to teach a man to fish than to give him fish.”

When we read His Story from original documents, we read that John Quincy Adams requested blank books from his father, so that he could record what he was learning in Europe. We see that Nathaniel Bowditch recorded his learning and started a new notebook with every learning endeavor when he was indentured as a young man. Thomas Jefferson refers to his notebooks and George Washington’s notebook for Geometry reveals his amazing but then typical, handwriting of a 13 year old boy in that era:

George Washington’s Geometry Notebook at age 13,
Jared Sparks*, author of *The Life of George Washington*, 1855

It is such a delight to read the Word as if we have never read it before, to search for Biblical Principles in each and every endeavor we undertake. I pray that this is a New Beginning for us!

So if you want to join us, go shopping for a one-inch width notebook that you can add pages to as you work through this study with us. You will also need a Bible, of course.

Other books that you will find helpful and delightful, but not are not mandatory are: The Christian History of the Constitution, Teaching and Learning, the 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary. These are all available at face.net. I will give links to some great resources in class.

I have pushed the first class back one week to accommodate some of the students’ schedules. I will email this to you as you sign up here. The course is $120, that is only $10 per week and is much more rewarding than a secular movie or another meal out! Please sign up before 1/31 and pay $100!

If you are believing God to put food on your table, have two people to sign up and contact me for your FREE coupon.

There are two classes from you to choose from on Monday, so please let me know which is best for you. One will be from 1-3 PM; the other is 6:30-8:30 PM. We have a host for each class so both will have the option to meet in person and to meet online! (Glory to God Almighty!!) As you sign up, please let me know whether you will join in person or online and if you are joining the afternoon or evening class?

I can hardly wait to begin. I can hardly wait to meet you and to work with you and this team. I can hardly WAIT to se what God Almighty does!!! He is GLORIOUS, isn’t He!

If you are not able to take the class presently, you can still get these fantastic resources and begin the journey. I will be posting each week this whole year about education. You can comment in the section below. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!

May the Lord bless our efforts to press into Him and His Ways.

Father, we dedicate this year to You, we set our face like flint to seek You, to seek Your will, to seek Your Way. Come take us by the hand, lead us into this Promised Land. Help us take out the giants that mock us, mock You and steal our little ones. We are not afraid of them because we know that this battle is not ours, but Yours. Anoint us now Father. Let us hear from You daily and obey Your still small Voice for it is You that we Trust.

May You be glorified in all that we set our hands to do. In Jesus Mighty, Glorious, Holy Name we pray. AMEN!

In His Service,

Bren

Dr. Brenda MacMenamin

Every American Believer needs to grasp the depth of Biblical truth that was built into the foundations of our country – and then learn exactly what needs to happen to move us back toward our Biblical roots. ~ Sam Chess, Senior Pastor Grace Emmanuel Church

“Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done… that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments…” ~ Psalms 78:4,7

“Renew Your Mind” Course

Worried about the direction of Education in America?

Did you know that nearly 20% of children are now homeschooled and that number is increasing? Why? Among other things, Critical Race Theory is demoralizing our children and undermining parents’ authority. This needs to stop! Let’s develop a team so that we can work and pray together to see what God Almighty wants to do in our homes and communities.

You can get involved in two ways:

Sign up for the FREE weekly blog. I will be sharing bits each week about Biblical Worldview Education and methodology.
Sign up for the Renewing Your Mind 5 week course. Only $50 (The price of going to the movies each week but WAY better!) Classes start 7/6/2021 and will be on Tuesdays from 3-5 PM LIVE online. The Syllabus will be sent to you upon enrollment or request.

We’ll use Renewing the Mind from Foundation for American Christian Education. (This used to be “Self-Directed Study” if you happen to have that already.) This excellent resource and Bible study is available as a download and as a paperback.

Join me to develop new systems and renewed thinking based on biblical teachings and historical imperatives. We will dive into the Word of God and into the writings of Christian Educators who have sought the Lord and His Ways to educate and disciple children for His purpose and glory.

The first step toward reclaiming America’s heritage is simply for each of us to renew our minds one area at a time. Education affects all the others, doesn’t it? So it is a great place to start.

Sign up for the Renewing Your Mind 6 week course here and I will send you the link to join us online. It will be great to meet other like-minded individuals to learn and pray together to SAVE our nation.

You will learn how to develop your Biblical Philosophy of Education. I will help you to fully know, understand and apply Biblical Principles of Education to your personal life, vocation, and children’s discipleship. This is a totally different approach than what we were taught, if you attended public school. Your expectations will be lifted to new levels once you understand and begin to apply God’s reasoning process and His wisdom. If you want to walk transformed by God’s ways, this is the course for you!

Testimonial:

This course not only expanded my understanding of a Biblical worldview of education, but is transforming my soul to God’s will so that I may know Him and reveal Him to all with whom I interact.. ~ Carol Hayes, Retired, Speech-Language Pathologist

Blessings!

Dr. Brenda MacMenamin

2021.01.15 “The Renewing of Your Mind”

Are you ready to challenge the system? Let’s start with making some goals.

What is the goal of education? That is a loaded question, isn’t it? Do you agree with this statement by Dr. Merrill that I found in Teaching Techniques of Jesus:

“His aim, as the Great Teacher of men, was, and ever is, not to relieve the reason and conscience of mankind, not to lighten the burden of thought and study, but rather to increase that burden, to make men more conscientious, more eager, more active in mind and moral sense.

“That is to say, He came not to answer questions, but to ask them; not to settle men’s souls, but to provoke them; not to save men from problems, but to save them from their indolence; not to make life easier, but to make it more educative. We are quite in error when we think of Christ as coming to give us a key to life’s difficult textbook. He came to give us a finer textbook, calling for keener study, and deeper devotion, and more intelligent and persistent reasoning.”

Are we being challenged to let go of our present education system to embrace something better, more Christ-like and far superior to what is familiar and comfortable to us? Do you sense a call to come up higher with the Holy Spirit and seek for what is “more educative”?

“Educative” is an adjective, according to dictionary.com which means:

“serving to educate” such as “educative knowledge.” It is “pertaining to or productive of education.” So let’s look more at the word “Education”

What does “Education” mean to you? Through out the ages, we have seen men use education for greedy, selfish reasons:

“Education is a weapon whose effects depend on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.” ~ Joseph Stalin

“Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” ~ Vladimir Lenin

“The education of all children, from the moment that they can get along without a mother’s care, shall be in state institutions.” ~ Karl Marx

“He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” ~ Adolf Hitler

But our Founding Fathers called us to steward education faithfully:

“Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age, by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, of inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity and universal philanthropy, and, in subordination to these great principles, the love of their country; of instructing them in the art of Self-Government, without which they never can act a wise part the government of societies, great or small; in short, of leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” ~ Samuel Adams

“A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Let’s look at the definition of Education at the height of when America enjoyed a Biblical worldview in education.This was when there was a full flowering of Christianity and the beautiful peaceful fruit of righteousness that obedience allows. Yet it was also just as the progressives were beginning to infiltrate our systems. (You can buy Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary here.)

1828 Noah Webster Dictionary’s Definition of Education

What does he mean, that “an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.” We’ve all seen good parents who train their children well and parents who do not faithfully train their children. But when a whole generation of older people are complaining about the younger generation, maybe we need to look at whether we understand what our parental duties are. I went into parental responsibilities from scripture last week, that it is the responsibility of parents to not only educate but disciple their own children. Are we carrying these duties well or are we maybe neglecting some things?

Would God deal with us for our neglect? What is more important, would we respond to His correction? Will we rise up to the clear call that the Spirit is saying to the Ekklesia and begin to educate ourselves, in the way that we should have been educated, so that we can be a “good man” and leave an inheritance to our children’s children? (Proverbs 13:22) I love this scripture because as much as I tried to give my children an heritage in the Word of God, the truth is, that I was learning with them. I pray that I at least imparted a love for the Word so that they can pass that heritage to their children while I encourage them as a grandparent.

I’m convinced that the most important inheritance that we should give to our children is one of knowing Truth (literally Jesus) as He relates to everything that we do. As 3 John 4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Would you like to join me to seek the Lord to develop new systems and thinking in education? I would like to really dive into the Word of God and into the writings of people who have been willing to seek the Lord and His Ways to educate and disciple our children for His purpose and glory. I would love to develop a team so that we can work and pray together to see what God Almighty wants to do in our homes and communities.

If this this sounds fun, you can get involved in two ways:

Sign up for the Renewing Your Mind 12 week course. $120 or $100 until 1/18. It will be on Mondays from 1-3 PM online. The syllabus is here.

We’ll use Renewing the Mind from face.net (This used to be “Self-Directed Study” if you happen to have that already.) This excellent resource and Bible study is available as a pdf download or a paperback.

We will learn how to develop our Biblical philosophy of Education. I will help you through the difficult parts as I have taught this course several times – I see definite places that most people need help getting through. This is the first step toward reclaiming America’s heritage is simply for each of us to renew our minds one subject at a time. Education affects all the others, doesn’t it? So it is a great place to start.

The course will be $120 or $100 until Monday, January 18th. Hope you join us!

Join us here!

Your link to join will be sent to you upon payment within 24 hours.

Blessings!

Dr. Brenda MacMenamin