Monthly Archives: February 2015

New Easter Resource for Families

Jill Nelson - February 25, 2015

Mission Accomplished book

Just released—Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional by Scott James.

Here is Sally Michael’s endorsement:

Scott James has provided families with an easy-to-use, yet spiritually enriching Easter devotional. Starting with the events leading to the cross through the ascension of Jesus, families are encouraged to read the corresponding Scripture, discuss the passage, and make application through questioning and activities. In addition, many selections include a rich hymn to use in family worship. This little book is a great tool for focusing the hearts of your family members on the reality of Jesus s redemptive mission.

Here is a more detailed description from the publisher:

Teaching Theology

Grasping Sin in Order to Grasp the Gospel

February 24, 2015

One thing I always look for in reviewing Gospel resources for children—whether books, tracts, music, video, or curricula—is to see how the resource deals with sin, because if it doesn’t get sin “right,” it will probably have a distorted view of the Gospel. Overstatement? Here are some sobering words from D. A. Carson:

There can be no agreement as to what salvation is unless there is agreement as to that from which salvation rescues us. The problem and the solution hang together: the one explicates the other. It is impossible to gain a deep grasp of what the cross achieves without plunging into a deep grasp of what sin is; conversely, to augment one’s understanding of the cross is to augment one’s understanding of sin.

To put the matter another way, sin establishes the plotline of the Bible…

Sin “offends God not

Teaching Vision Parenting

Teaching with Understanding

February 23, 2015

One of the most encouraging things we hear from teachers and small group leaders who use our curriculum is how much they are learning as they study the lessons. It may be that some biblical truth is being explored for the first time or in a different way. But more often, I think it’s a certain truth being explained in a way that is more easily grasped. I know this is true for me. For example, appropriate visuals and illustrations used for teaching children help me to more fully comprehend abstract or difficult concepts. Careful, accurate, yet simple definitions and explanations lead me to a deeper understanding of the text. When I understand something more fully, it helps me communicate to the children I lead. It also guards me from being simplistic in my teaching. Consider these words by R. C. Sproul:

A great teacher can simplify without distortion. This is the supreme test of understanding. If I truly understand something, I ought to

Teaching Parenting Theology

Resources for Lent

February 18, 2015

Do you desire your children and students to celebrate this coming Easter in a more significant manner, exploring the deep meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Here are a few resources you might want to take a look at: Devotional Materials

Why Easter? by Barbara Reaoch Great for families—four weeks of daily devotional material geared toward children

Lenten Lights: Eight Biblical Devotions to Prepare for Easter by Noel Piper (free resource)

Books

Teaching Vision Parenting Theology

The Doctrine of God for Toddlers

February 11, 2015

I believe that it’s never too early to expose children to systematic theology. And what better place to begin than teaching children the doctrine of God? Even toddlers can be introduced to God’s attributes, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, etc. Here are six simple board books by Carine Mackenzie to help you get started in your own home or in the Sunday school toddler room:

Teaching Vision Parenting

Prodigal Children and Students

February 10, 2015

Know any unbelieving children and teens? Does one of them live in your own home? Is there any greater sorrow for a Christian parent than having a child who rejects the Gospel? Here is an important article by Burk Parsons, “Hope for Prodigal Children.” This article is not just for parents. It is also important for teachers. One of the most dangerous things we can do concerning prodigal children and students is to deny their unbelief and pretend that everything is okay. As teachers, it may be that we are prone to assume belief in our students—especially children from “good Christian homes,” or children who seem to know all the “right answers” during the Bible lesson. Whether our own children or the students we teach, consider these words from Pastor Parsons: My greatest concern, however, is for those parents who are not burdened for the souls of their

Teaching Vision Worship Parenting

Generations Worshiping Together

February 09, 2015

Looking back through the past two decades, I am so thankful to God for a church family and pastoral leadership that encouraged families to worship together in the corporate church setting. One of the things that helped both old and young to be “comfortable” together was wise worship leaders who had the foresight to point us beyond musical styles. Consider these thoughtful words from Bob Kauflin in his article, “The Legacy of Asaph—Learning to Sing in the Same Room”:

How many of our thoughts about music and worship revolve around what we like, what we prefer, what interests us, and what we find appealing? And how often is that attitude passed on to the next generation, who then focus on what appeals to them?

I suspect this may be one of the reasons churches develop separate meetings

Teaching Encouragement Parenting Theology

What I Learned from a 3-year-old

February 04, 2015

One of the great benefits of ministering to children is the way God uses them to minister us—for example, their wonderful excitement over simple gifts of God, gifts like blowing bubbles. Oh, that we might express that much excitement and give thanks to God for every good gift! There are also times that children are like “mirrors of the heart,” showing us things we, as sophisticated adults, have learned to cover up with proper and respectable outward behavior. This hit home the other day as I observed my 3-year-old grandson. He had been over for a visit when his mother informed him it was time to put on his jacket and get ready to go home. He didn’t want to, and he proceeded to have a “melt-down,” evidenced with all the characteristic actions of a child who wants his own way. When his mother reminded him of Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (ESV) David’s response was to

Teaching Vision Parenting Theology

Is a Biblical Worldview Enough?

February 03, 2015

I am an enthusiastic proponent of giving our children and students a biblical worldview. They should know how the Bible is relevant to all of life. They should be taught to think biblically about everything: education, government, music, technology, sports, culture, other religions, etc. I am all for using solid resources that train and equip our children in this endeavor. But here is a really good reminder from Stephen Altrogge:

…the older I get, the more I realize that it’s not enough to give my children a biblical worldview. I’ve seen too many of my childhood friends grow up to reject the biblical worldview that was so furiously drummed into them as children. I’ve seen too many people make choices that they know are in direct contradiction to the worldview they embraced for so many years. I’ve seen too many train wrecks to think that worldview alone is enough.

Worldview

Teaching Parenting Theology

Gospel Truth: God’s Creator Rights

February 02, 2015

Here is a book I highly recommend for every parent and teacher: What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert. As I read it, I gave up putting Post-it® Notes on pages to mark memorable quotes—too many! Pastor Gilbert carefully explains the essence and “essentials” of the Gospel. In doing so, he also reveals some important “blind-spots” in how the Gospel is sometimes understood and communicated. In my experience, many of these blind-spots are often found in children’s resources. For example, he highlights the necessity of communicating the truth of God’s Creator rights from the beginning:

None of us is autonomous, and understanding that fact is key to understanding the gospel. Despite our constant talk of rights and liberty, we