Establishing & Ordering A Biblical Family By Puritan William Perkins [Christian Audiobook] | International Christian Classics

"A Short Survey of the Right Manner of Erecting and Ordering a Family According to the Scriptures" by Puritan William Perkins provides a concise guide to establishing and organizing a Christian household based on biblical principles. Here's a summary of its key points: Biblical Foundation: Perkins emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the ultimate authority for establishing family life. He underscores the need for families to align their practices with the teachings of the Bible. Headship and Authority: Perkins discusses the roles and responsibilities of family members within the household. He emphasizes the husband's role as the head of the household, responsible for providing spiritual leadership and guidance to his wife and children. Marriage and Relationships: The book explores the biblical principles of marriage and the mutual obligations of spouses toward one another. Perkins stresses the importance of love, mutual respect, and submission within the marital relationship. Parenting and Child Rearing: Perkins provides guidance on the responsibilities of parents in raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, instruction in the Scriptures, and nurturing a godly character in children. Daily Family Worship: Perkins encourages the practice of regular family worship, including prayer, Scripture reading, and instruction in the faith. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a habit of devotion and spiritual growth within the family. Discipline and Correction: The book addresses the biblical principles of discipline and correction within the family context. Perkins emphasizes the importance of discipline done in love and with the goal of restoring the individual to a right relationship with God and others. Community Engagement: Perkins emphasizes the role of the family within the broader community of believers. He encourages families to participate in the life of the church and to be a source of encouragement and support to fellow believers. Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Ultimately, Perkins underscores the importance of the family as a context for spiritual growth and transformation. He encourages families to cultivate a deep relationship with God and to reflect His character in their relationships and interactions with others. In summary, "A Short Survey of the Right Manner of Erecting and Ordering a Family According to the Scriptures" provides practical guidance for establishing a godly household based on biblical principles. WILLIAM PERKINS William Perkins (1558-1602) was a prominent English Puritan preacher and theologian. He was born in Marston Jabbett, Warwickshire and studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, Perkins was deeply influenced by the teachings of John Calvin and Theodore Beza, and he became a leading advocate of the Reformed theology in England. Perkins was known for his passionate preaching style and his ability to communicate complex theological ideas in a way that was clear and accessible to his audiences. He was also an influential writer, and his works were widely read and studied by Puritan preachers and theologians in England and America. Some of Perkins' most important works include "The Art of Prophesying," "A Golden Chaine," and "The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience." These books provide practical advice on preaching and teaching the Bible, as well as guidance on living a godly life and dealing with moral and ethical dilemmas. Perkins was also involved in the controversy surrounding the Church of England and its relationship with the Puritan movement. He was a vocal critic of the church's liturgy and hierarchy, and he advocated for greater religious freedom and a more democratic church structure. Perkins died in 1602 at the age of 44, but his legacy lived on in the Puritan movement and in the works of later theologians and preachers who were influenced by his writings and teachings.