All Children need to Know Jesus !!

[Guest Thomas I believe]

My Brothers and Sisters, Greetings on this Monday morning to all of you. I have often pondered this question of witnessing to children, whos responsibility is it. Some one say it falls with the parents, some would say it falls with youth ministers, pastors. There truly is a fine line in ministering to children and the age of the child would determine what approach to take. If it is beyond there capacity to understand what we are saying to them then harmful it would be. This weighs so heavy on my heart this issue. It is so difficult to witness to children of unsaved parents. I have seen this first hand as we all have. For example the townhouses community where I reside has roughly 48 familys here. Out of those 48 familys probally 4 attend church. Most of these children here have never seen a church or even know what a church is. There parents shelter them in the real world with all the confusion that the real world brings instead of the sheltering , the protection that comes from God. I have asked myself what can I do here to make a differance. I have witnessed to a few adults here and I have found the casual approach works the best. I make my self available to talk to the adults that reside here. By the Lord reflecting himself through me hopefully some will come to know Jesus. In this day and age any adult needs to be careful the way they handle themselves around children. Many of the kids here look up to me and I give them the time of day something a lot of people don't do. But to outright witness to a child here is difficult so the approach I think needs to be to there parents ! Does'nt it ? I believe that we can do things though for the children. Invites to church activities etc. A simple flyer posted on a community bulletin board can make a big differance. It will get looked at and if one family comes to the church activity then its a sucess. Any seed that can be planted can bear fruit as we all know. Some churchs have buses and vans for transporting people and a notice can be posted to let people know that church is available. What else can we do to minister to those children that do not Know Jesus? Your Comments ? Children who learn young about Jesus can be saved from the torment of this world and the enemy who stands by readily to crush those young innocent spirits housed within our children. The children of this world need to know the Lord just as we do and its our responsiblity to do whatever we can to share the hope and good news of Jesus Christ with them.

And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

In His Peace, Michael

Edited November 1, 2004 by Thomas I beleive

[ellie]

I will respond by sharing a true story with you. My husband and I had to stop by a church on a Monday afternoon and pick up some equipment. My husband is a Pastor but not the Pastor of this particular church. When we arrived there were several neighborhood children age six and under playing in the church parking lot. On one of our trips out to the car I said Hi to them and asked them how they were doing. They said fine and asked me if we were bad people because they were not allowed to talk to us if that were the case. This made me smile, so I went in and told my husband, he asked how many kids were out there, I said four boys. He went to the pop machine and got them each a pop. We went outside and he gave them each a pop and introduced him and I to them. They said thanks for the pop, that is nice of you. I told them that we loved Jesus and Jesus loved them so we were nice to all people. Then I told them that not everyone who tries to be nice to you is necessarily good. They said they knew that, I asked them if they knew about Jesus, they said yes and that Jesus lived in their hearts. I said, Oh did your mom and dad tell you that, they said no they heard it on TV, I invited them to church and told them about the youth group at that particular church, they said that they would ask if they could come. It thrilled me to no end that of all the things they were hearing on television that at least they had heard about Jesus. So I think you would be surprised to know what kids are learning today. Praise God.

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Ellie, That is an awesome testimony, and yes there are so many ways to witness to children. Just a simple gesture as you did giving them a pop and showing them that you cared enough to talk to them means alot. So many children feel alone in this world. Broken families, divorces, custody battles damage a childs heart and spirit. Love and compassion and understanding go a long way with kids in this turbulent world we live in.

In His Peace, Michael

Edited November 1, 2004 by Thomas I beleive

[ellie]

Amen Michael, I couldn't agree more. Keep on walking the walk brother, and God bless you. Love in Christ, Mary (ellie)

[Az_]

I am curious about what you believe should be done about parents that do not believe. Would you suggest to their children that they should not honor their parents beliefs? I know the bible speaks of not being able to come to Jesus if you don't hate your parents. But doesn't this create a bit of a dilema with the commandments?

Let me ask you this also. How would you feel about an atheist or pagan or some other such individual advising your children about their beliefs without your permission. Its the same going the other way.

[ellie]

Children are exposed to atheistic and pagan beliefs daily either by way of television or simply being in the company of adults that espouse those beliefs. As to whether or not a child should follow Jesus or his parents, it would be the same answer if one were an adult who accepted Jesus. Jesus taught respect for parents, but when it comes to choosing, an adult or child believer would choose Jesus. In Foreign countries it is not uncommon for children who believe to be put out of the house into the streets by atheistic parents or by parents who do not accept the Christian faith. There is no commandment about hating one's parents there is a commandment about honoring your father and mother, which is the fifth commandment and the first with a promise. You can still respect non-believers without accepting their atheistic or pagan beliefs. So there would not be any dilemma, I am curious where you get your information from, if are you reading the Bible, it seems there is something you were not understanding. Since both adults and children have been created with a free will, I would treat children and adults alike by telling them about Jesus. As a Christian that is part of what I do, whether it seems logical to you or not. When Jesus said if we did not hate father, mother, sister, brother to follow Him, He was simply saying choose me above all. Which in essence includes all things of this earth. As Christians we believe that this world is passing away and all things in it. We are pilgrims here, this world is not our home. So we view all things in the light of eternity and weigh our decisions accordingly. Hope that explanation helps. In His Love, Mary(ellie)

Edited November 1, 2004 by ellie

[Guest Thomas I believe]

This truly is a an area where much conflict could occur between child and parent. I can vouch for this is as I was brought up in the catholic church. Even as an altar boy I had no clue who Jesus was. As years went by and having a desloute life with failure after failure, a drug addiction out of control and many more bad things I won't get into, through someone witnessing to me on several occasions and making a couple retreats I met Jesus finally after 20 years of agony and feeling lost. I had found God! My parents especially my dad are still bitter about my decision to leave the catholic church. But I can't change that for them! I respect my parents but i needed Jesus and He drew me to Him at age 20. Jesus told us we must witness to all ends of the Earth and that would mean everyone including children. Yes we need to respect the parents of children who are not saved. We surely would'nt want to do anything to upset the balance of a family. But we must witness to all. Children need God as much as they need there parents and they do understand. I have seen many a child that are very close to Jesus. They know the scripture better than many adults. A receptive pure heart and spirit is all it takes. God will do the rest !! In the unsaved family I agree we must make an approach to the parents to witness. I just believe that a lot of desparity and broken hearts in our children can be avoided if they know Jesus..

In His Peace, Michael

Edited November 1, 2004 by Thomas I beleive

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Oh one more thing. I feel that all children should have the opportunity to hear the gospel of our Lord. For them to have to wait until there 20 years old or never is a very sad thing. I understand and realize that not all will be reached, and that many will Reject Jesus. But should'nt everyone be given that chance to hear the Good news. If Jesus was in more childrens lives and there parents lives would'nt we hear less about the violence that happens in our schools, the hatred that is portrayed through children even at a young age would be less etc... I just feel so strongly about this. We must reach the children somehow.

In His Peace, Michael

[ellie]

Michael what a beautiful testimony to God's wonderful love. Our Redeemer lives. I was raised a Catholic too, but my childhood was anything but happy, read my testimony here: http://www.worthyboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15436. I just wish someone had told me about Jesus way back then. Religion is one thing, relationship is quite another. Religions have hurt many people, but a relationship with Jesus is worth more than Gold. Thanks for sharing that testimony I was really blessed by it. Love in Christ, Mary (ellie)

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[ellie]

Here is what Jesus thought of little children coming to Him.

But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. 15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. 16And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them. Mark 10:14

Jesus was in favor of children coming to Him, and was indignant if others tried to prevent them.

Edited November 1, 2004 by ellie