About Us
James and Heather Burks have spent over 20 years bringing hope and transformation to countless lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. With unwavering dedication, they have served and ministered to senior groups, Sunday school classes, as hospital chaplains, on youth mission trips, and most recently, ministering to men and women in Malawi, Africa. In addition, James has pastored multiple churches and served as a homeless shelter chaplain. At the heart of it all has been their desire to meet people in their place of hurt and need and help them grow in Christ.
Our Story
In 2017, James and Heather Burks embarked on a transformative journey to Malawi, Africa, bringing hope and the gospel to communities in need. They connected with local pastors, elders, and youth, sharing God's word in villages and witnessing the joy of new believers coming to faith in Christ Jesus. One memorable moment was baptizing 56 individuals in Blantyre witnessing the joy of new believers coming to faith in Christ Jesus. Returning in 2019, they continued their mission, visiting relief camps and baptizing nearly 130 people. They extended their care to widows, orphans, and flood victims, providing spiritual and physical support. James and Heather's commitment to Malawi grows through One Voice Ministries Inc., bringing hope and transformation to countless lives by and through the power of God.
Meet Our Team
James 1:27
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless (orphans) and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Get Involved
Your donation creates real change, directly impacting the lives of those who need it most. When you support a family, you're helping widows who have taken in orphans despite struggling themselves. Your gift provides essentials like food, shelter, school uniforms, and medical support, giving these families stability and hope for the future.
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The ScripturesThe Holy Bible was written by divinely inspired men, serving as God's revelation of Himself to humanity. It is a perfect source of divine instruction, with God as its author and salvation as its purpose. The Bible contains truth without error, making all Scripture wholly true and trustworthy. It shows the principles by which God judges us and stands as the central foundation for Christian unity. The Bible is the ultimate standard for all human conduct, beliefs, and religious teachings. All Scripture points to Christ, who is the focus of God's divine revelation. Key Scriptures: Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
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GodThere is only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being who is the universe's Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler. God is infinitely holy and perfect in every way. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and His perfect knowledge covers everything—past, present, and future, including the choices of His free will creation. We owe Him our highest love, reverence, and obedience. God is eternally triune, revealing Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes but united in nature, essence, and being.
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God the FatherGod the Father cares for the universe and all His creation and guides human history according to His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and wise. Through faith in Jesus Christ, people become His true children. God shows fatherly care and love toward everyone. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
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God the SonChrist is the eternal Son of God. As Jesus Christ, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly showed and fulfilled God's will, becoming fully human while remaining without sin. He obeyed the divine law, and through His death on the cross, He provided redemption from sin for humanity. He rose from the dead with a glorified body. He appeared to His disciples as the same person they knew before His crucifixion. Jesus ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of God as the One Mediator, fully God and fully man, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and complete His redemptive mission. Jesus now lives in all believers as the ever-present Lord. Key Scriptures: Genesis 18:1; Psalms 2:7; 110:1; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
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God the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is fully divine. He inspired the authors of the Scriptures and helps people understand the truth. The Holy Spirit exalts Christ and convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He calls people to the Savior and brings about spiritual rebirth. When a person is born again, the Holy Spirit baptizes them into the Body of Christ. He nurtures Christian character, provides comfort to believers, and gives spiritual gifts to serve God through the church. The Holy Spirit seals believers until the day of final redemption, assuring them of their growth into the fullness of Christ. He enlightens and empowers both believers and the church in worship, evangelism, and service. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
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ManHumans are a special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them as male and female, the highest point of His creation. The gift of gender is part of God's good design. In the beginning, humans were innocent and given the freedom to choose. However, by their own choice, they sinned against God, bringing sin into the human race. Through Satan's temptation, they broke God's command and lost their original innocence. As a result, all people have an inherent tendency toward sin and live in an environment influenced by sin. They become sinners themselves once they are capable of making moral choices. Only God's grace can restore humans to fellowship with Him and enable them to fulfill His purpose. Every person has full dignity and is worthy of respect and love because they are made in God's image, and Christ died for them. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
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SalvationSalvation is the redemption of the whole person and is offered freely to anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through His blood, He obtained eternal redemption for believers. Salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. It requires personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Regeneration (or the new birth) is a work of God's grace where believers become new creations in Christ. It involves a change of heart brought by the Holy Spirit, leading to repentance and faith in Jesus. Repentance is turning away from sin, and faith is committing oneself to Christ as Lord and Savior. Justification is God's gracious act declaring all who repent and believe in Christ as righteous. This brings believers into a relationship of peace and favor with God. Sanctification begins with regeneration. It is the process by which believers are set apart for God's purposes, growing in moral and spiritual maturity through the Holy Spirit's power. This growth in grace continues throughout a believer's life. Glorification is the final stage of salvation, the ultimate state of the redeemed, where they enjoy eternal life with God. Key Scriptures: Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
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God's Purpose of GraceElection is God's gracious purpose, through which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It aligns with human free will and includes all necessary means to achieve its purpose. Election showcases God's sovereign goodness, wisdom, holiness, and unchangeable nature. It eliminates boasting and fosters humility. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit will not fall away from grace but will persevere. Believers may sin through neglect and temptation, which grieves the Spirit and brings consequences. However, they are kept by God's power through faith for salvation. Key Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
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The ChurchA New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an independent local congregation of baptized believers, united by their shared faith and commitment to the gospel. They observe Christ's two ordinances, follow His laws, use the gifts and privileges given by His Word, and strive to spread the gospel worldwide. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through a democratic process, where every member is accountable to Him. The church's scriptural leaders are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted to serve in the church, the role of pastor is reserved for men as outlined in Scripture. The New Testament also describes the church as the Body of Christ, including all believers from every tribe, language, and nation throughout history. Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
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Baptism and the Lord's SupperChristian baptism involves immersing a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This act of obedience symbolizes the believer's faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. It represents the believer's death to sin, burial of the old life, and rising to walk in a new life with Christ. It also serves as a testimony to the believer's faith in the final resurrection. As a church ordinance, baptism is required before participating in church membership and the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience in which church members partake of bread and the fruit of the vine to remember the death of Jesus and look forward to His return. Key Scriptures: Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
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The Lord's DayThe first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead. It should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Key Scriptures: Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
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The KingdomThe Kingdom of God includes His general sovereignty over the universe and His kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. The Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by a trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray, and labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The kingdom's full consummation awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
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End of TimesGod, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. In their resurrected and glorified bodies, the righteous will receive their reward and dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Key Scriptures: Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
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Evangelism and MissionsIt is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. God's Holy Spirit's new birth of man's spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. Every child of God must constantly seek to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ. Key Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
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EducationChristianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ, abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence. It should receive, along with these, the liberal support of the churches. An adequate Christian education system is necessary for a complete spiritual program for Christ's people. In Christian education, there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and the distinct purpose for which the school exists. Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
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StewardshipGod is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtor-ship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. Therefore, they are obligated to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions. They should recognize all these as being entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and to help others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth. Key Scriptures: Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
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The Christian and the Social OrderAll Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used to improve society and establish righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society under righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. To promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men of goodwill in any good cause, always being careful to act in love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. Key Scriptures: Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
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The FamilyGod has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It comprises persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He is responsible for providing for, protecting, and leading his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. Being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, she has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. Children, from conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them through consistent lifestyle examples and loving discipline so that they can make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.