STUDY
1
Dear Parents,
A
NEW SERIES OF ARTICLES
We just ran another Bible Camp for Children (18-22 June 2001). Some of the Junior
Campers were responsive to spiritual things, others were not! Some children
had good manners, others still need a lot of instruction.
The theme of the Camp was
drawn from the text from the Gospel of Luke. We have this wonderful statement
in Luke's Gospel concerning the growth of Jesus,
"And
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and men"
Luke 2:52
Each year we draw scores
of children into the Junior Camp. How we long to see these children being further
nurtured in their faith. Many good and godly servants of God owe the moulding
of their lives to the tremendous influence their parents had on them.
REASONS
FOR DOING "PARENTING BY THE BOOK"
There are many reasons why I would like to attempt to do this series of articles
for parents. Let me just single out two:-
- Some parents have written
to ask questions about Christian parenting, after they read BWSJ about the
kind of parents Elizabeth and Zacharias must have been to John the Baptiser.
They were also challenged to consider how Jesus was brought up by Mary and
Joseph. There was a request to write on the subject of Christian Parenting.
- We have a good number
of children in our church! It would be a great challenge to see them being
brought up in a good and godly Christian home environment! It would be a shame
if we fail to offer children the kind of family environment that could positively
shape their lives. Out of love for the children that the Lord has given to
us, let us do our utmost to bring them up in the fear of the Lord. The Pastoral
Team stands committed to help parents in this great task of bringing children
up in a godly manner.
THE
MAIN REFERENCE WOULD BE THE SCRIPTURES
This series
of articles would have as its main reference- the Word of God!
- We believe with all
our heart that the Scriptures contain very relevant and important truths to
teach parents how they should bring up their children.
- We observe with sadness
that not every Christian parent refers to the Word of God in the bringing
up of children.
- Many seek advice from
grandparents, friends, and books etc. when they bring up their children. While
we do not discount these sources, however we must state that these by themselves
are not sufficient. We should include the Scriptures as well.
SENT
FORTH WITH A WORD OF PRAYER
As usual, each pastoral letter is sent forth with a prayer. May the Lord bless
all who take up seriously the challenge of bringing up their children to fear
the Lord.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie