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