Help please, for the kids?

[Guest Christopher]

How would any of you handle certain parts of the Bible when dealing with your children.  Here are a few examples, but there are many more:

2 Samuel 11:1-5

Ezekiel 23:1-20

I have a son who is 7 years old and a daughter who is 5.  I often read to them at night, chapter by chapter, and my son loves to read everything he can get his hands on.

Do I let him read the more explicit and violent parts?  Even when my daughter is a teenager, I'm not sure I'll want her to read this.  I'm not even sure my wife could read it without turning red.  Any suggestions?

Thank you.

[CWJ]

Give the children milk, until they have the teeth for the meat.

[Guest]

Dear Christofer,

When reading passages concerning peoples sins it is important to remember the context and purpose of the passages. For example in II Samuel it tell how David sinned with Bathsheeba. It also tells that David repented of his sin and asked the Lord to forgive him, and cleanse him. This sinful but CLEANCED man, was later to be called "a man after Gods own heart". I can think of no more wonderful way to teach a boy, or girl, about the wonderful grace of God and how he will forgive even the worst sins like murder and adultery providing that we SINCERELY REPENT (turn away from our sin, and don't repeat it).

In Ezikiel 23, we are talking about a parable, a story intended to teach a lesson.

The two sisters were whores and they did what whores do.

They did NOT repent and sufferd the consequenses of Gods wrath. Not a pretty picture I must admit, but again emphasis must be put on the purpose of story. God does not like adultery or whoredom, and will punish those found guilty. In the parable of the sisters, it was Judah and Israel, who sinned and was not faithfull to the Lord, but the principle is the same, whether an individual or a nation.

When readin with you children, you may not want to read all details, of their sins, but at least be sure that they understand that sin has consequenses that must be paid. If they repent and ask forgivenes, Jesus has allready paid the price for them. If they don't repent, they are on their own, not a pretty picture.

May God bless you, for taking time to teach your children out of the good book.

Swede Alfie

[Guest Christopher]

Thanks for the replies.

[Teri Mc]

Christopher

Welcome to the boards. I really don't think you need to share those stories just yet. I liked the advice of feed them the milk until they can handle the meat. There are so many stories in the Bible that can be brought to a childs level without going into the violence. As a child I knew about Jonah, David and Goliath, Cain and Able. But I remember no one ever telling me the violent or sexual parts. Later on in life when I sought Christ and started to study I found I had a foundation and connection to these people and places already layed. The main thing to pass on to our children is the faith in Christ and they will search out the rest as adults. I seriously believe as the Bible tells us that God knew us since the womb. Children have a natural faith because I believe they have already experienced God. As the world creeps in we lose are connection to our creator and have to find it again. As a child I remember having an undying love for Christ and nobody had to explain it or prove it to me. I just simply knew He was there with me. Keep them on the milk and don't expect them to understand things of this world before they need to.

Love in Christ

Teri

[Guest]

Hello Christopher

And yes, welcome to the boards.

I would say you found very sound advice so far, so amen, feed the children that which is convenient for them.

Peace