When Should You Teach Your Kids About Jesus?

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This question was asked in a forum I visited last week. A young woman wanted to know how to introduce the subject to her seven-year-old nephew who is also her godson. One person suggested teaching by example, another suggested it was not her place to do that; she should first consult with his parents. I told her what I do with my own little grand-daughter and what I did with my older grandchildren - read them Bible stories, give them coloring books with pictures of Jesus and other Biblical characters and teach them children's hymns.

I think this woman's heart is in the right place. She did not say if her nephew's parents are Christians. We don't know if the child gets any Christian teaching at home, and in today's culture he is not going to get any in school - unless he goes to a Christian school - or from the media. Jesus said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19: 14).

So, at what age should we begin teaching children about Jesus? If you are the mother, I would say, from the womb. Studies have shown that babies hear their mother's voice while they are still in the womb, therefore if you sing Christian songs to him, he will hear and pick up on that. After he is born, you continue singing and doing the other things mentioned above.  And, of course, pray with him and take him to church.

I am proud to say that the church I attend has a very strong child development center, and the children from four years and up are active in church. They sing, dance, read the Bible and participate in plays. This morning, a little girl who seemed no older than seven did the scripture reading. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old , he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22: 6). Is this what you want for your children? Then start early.

Listen to the video below of a seven-year-old girl singing Amazing Grace.

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Will Jesus Work In A Bar?

From a bar to a church

This question came to my mind as I read about a Kentucky church that started out in a bar. Gospel Light Baptist Church of Hazard, headed by Pastor Chris Fugate, will celebrate its one-year anniversary this year. Pastor Fugate, a state trooper and evangelist, oversaw a policemen's prayer group. One morning as they were praying, a non- Christian gentleman drove up and offered them his bar for a church. The interior of the building had black-painted walls, a dance floor and Budweiser signs everywhere, but the group moved in and within a year their membership had grown to 400 and they had baptized 100 people. Isn't God amazing?

The strippers go to church

I heard this story this week. A stripper from Miami was murdered by her husband. When a group of ladies from a nearby church heard of it,they took flowers to the club and offered their condolences to the manager. No, this club didn't turn into a church, but all the strippers were in church that Sunday.

A beautiful teenager

Which grandmother does not boast about her grandchildren? I am as guilty as any, but one of my co-workers has really great reasons to boast. You see, her granddaughter was born a preemie, weighed less than one pound and was not expected to live very long. My friend brought one of the diapers and a vest the family has kept to remind them of God's awesome goodness. She brought them to show another co-worker who was receiving a lot of scary news from her doctor about her pregnancy. Let me tell you, when I saw the clothing my eyes became misty. That vest and diaper would not fit an average-sized doll. The child's mother had them specially ordered from another state. Today, the child is a lovely teenager who recently celebrated her sixteenth birthday.

Will He work in a bar?

The answer is yes. Jesus will work anywhere you want him to. He will work in your heart, in your home, in the heart of your loved ones, on your job, and even in a bar. Ephesians 3 : 20 says, He is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think." Jesus Himself said, "... With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10 : 27). If you are worried, or having doubts about God answering your prayers, feast on these scriptures and see what God can do.

I'm So Thankful

In my last post, I wrote about being away in Florida with my daughter who was about to have a baby. Well, she did have that baby sixteen days ago, a cute nineteen inch, six pounds nine ounces little girl with powerful lungs. We are all so thrilled to welcome this new addition to our family.

What a wonderful God we serve. He shows us His love in so many ways. Last year around this time, I was enveloped in grief over the death of my daughter-in-law, and now one year later, I'm celebrating the birth of my granddaughter. I can't stop saying it. God is wonderful. He is loving. He is kind. His mercies are renewed morning by morning. Great is His faithfulness. Yes, I am so thankful.