Hard truths for Children

The last two weeks we have had some challenging lessons (God tests Abraham & God chooses Jacob over Esau).  These challenging lessons contain hard truths.  

Recently I sent the following video to the teachers...

http://tinyurl.com/teachingdifficultdoctrines

I want to encourage you to watch this video.

Here are two quotes to consider...

"We give children big truths they will grow into rather than light explanations they will grow out of."   Tedd Tripp from Shepherding a Child's Heart

"Pack in truth while your children are little and trust the Lord to unpack it in his time"  Matt and Elizabeth Schmucker

Below are the main points Sally presents in the seminar.

REASONS FOR TEACHING THE BIG AND DIFFICULT DOCTRINES

1. So that children have an accurate view of God and the message of the Bible
2. So that children can embrace the gospel
3. Children are not hindered in their acceptance of hard truths by past experiences, emotions, or prejudices
4. Children’s hearts are typically tender toward truth and therefore it is critical to teach truth to them before their hearts are hardened.
5. Know the Word is the foundation for fearing God and protection from sin
6. The truth is learned precept upon precept
7. Gives children a Biblical framework from which to interpret all of life
8. Being taught the whole counsel of God helps prevent wrong thinking that must be undone later in life.
9. So they become mature in their faith
10. Discernment is trained through constant practice
11. Children can only see themselves accurately as they look into the Word of God

HOW TO TEACH THE DIFFICULT DOCTRINE

1. Introduce basic concepts early and then build on them (start at the level the child understands)
2. Use concrete illustrations and explanations
3. As you teach the doctrine help children look at life through the lens of this doctrine – relate the Biblical doctrine to real life
4. Teach the hard doctrines in the context of the other doctrines of the Bible

God Chooses Jacob over Esau

Today's lesson focuses on the sovereignty of God.
Tomorrow (01.28) there will be information on this blog about teaching difficult doctrines and truths like this to children.  I want to encourage you to check it out tomorrow.

For entire winter guide click here.

Date:  01.27

Title:  God Chooses Jacob over Esau

Passage:  Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29

Principle:  God sovereignly chooses whomever He wants to accomplish His purposes.

Praise:  “God Will Take Care of You”

Prompt: Ask your child these questions:

· What were the names of the twins born to Isaac and Rebekah?

· Which brother did God choose to receive the birthright?

· How did Jacob steal the inheritance?

· How was God gracious to Jacob?

Practice:  Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:

· By patiently waiting for God’s timing.

· By not committing one sin to make up for another sin.

Memory verse: 

2 year olds through kindergarten:  Ephesians 2:8a

For by grace you have been saved through faith

1^st through 5^th grade:  Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Missionary: The Mayo family in Australia

Ministry:  Jamaica Mission Trip

Activity: Enjoy a hearty soup or stew for dinner and talk about this week’s Bible lesson.

Next week: Genesis 32

Prayer requests for the Luce family...

http://www.emmanuelbaptistprayer.blogspot.com/

Principles from this week's lesson

Here are some principles to talk about from this week's lesson.

1. We must remember that adversity came into the world as a result of Adam’s sin. God did not invent it, but He does use it to cleanse and strengthen the lives of His people.
2. We can handle tests and trials if our relationship with God is open and trusting.  Only then can we discern the pattern of His will amid the turmoil of adversity.
3. The Lord is one God, but He manifests the totality of His nature in various ways (as powerful, faithful Ruler; as a personal Ruler; and as Savior, for example).  Simplistic notions about Him being merely “the man upstairs” mask the truth and deceive people.
4. When we are tempted to question God by asking how He could allow His people to suffer, we must remember that He loves us and does what is best for us, and that He permits testing to strengthen our faith. Despite appearances, God’s love for His own is unchanging.
5. We can never allow our love for God’s blessings (such as home, family, and vocational success) to surpass our love for Him or our desire to know Him more intimately. The greater our knowledge of God, the easier it will be to trust His loving nature.
6. Only one response is appropriate when our faith is tested: immediate, trusting obedience. We should say, “Here I am, Lord, at your service.”  When our faith is tested, we must not attempt to escape the trial or alleviate our

God tests Abraham

For entire winter guide click here.

Date:  01.20

Title:  God Tests Abraham

Passage:  Genesis 22:1–19; Hebrews 11:17–19

Principle:  God calls Christians to trust Him completely and above all else.

Praise:  “Trust and Obey”

Prompt:  Ask your child these questions:

· How did God test Abraham’s faith?

· Did Abraham trust God to provide the sacrifice?

· Did Abraham love God more than he loved Isaac?

Practice:  Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:

· By obeying God’s Word, no matter what the cost.

· By trusting God to help him obey.

· By praying for God’s help in times of testing.

Next Week:  Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29

Memory verse: 

2 year olds through kindergarten:  1 John 5:3a

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.

1^st through 5^th grade:  1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.  And his commandments are not burdensome

 

Missionary: The Luce family in Australia

Ministry:  Jamaica Mission Trip

Activity: Talk about times you have trusted God.

Next Week: Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29