Video - Be Your Brother's Keeper

This video is a little offbeat. IT is trying to say something about Proverbs 27:17, "ESV Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." But it turns out to be a little dumb and very funny.

How to raise God-centered kids

Your kids are in trouble. This world is determined to destroy their souls. They live in a culture that promises happiness but delivers only death. Idolatry was never more alive than today. Your children are walking in a marketplace with hawkers selling false gods on every side. I’m afraid – and you should be too.

How can you raise God-centered kids? How can you help them survive in a world of unbelievers? What will it take to raise your kids in a culture that loves everything except God?

God is not silent on these questions. He has given you concrete and specific directions. He knows your kids better than you know them yourself. He loves your children even more than you love them. God himself is passionate that none of your little ones would be lost.

Consider the greatest commandment. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This is God’s kind and loving direction to you. They are a rescue line that draws us back to our creator. They are practical for every minute of your day. But the blessing of God’s instruction is not for you to keep only to yourself. Immediately, God gives us concrete ways to pass this treasure on to our children. His instructions move beyond the immediate context and describe His whole plan for God-centered families. The kind of families that can raise God-centered kids even in a world that is at war with their souls. How can you raise kids who take God as their greatest treasure?

1. Focus first on your relationship with God. You cannot pass on what you don’t have for yourself. Before you can teach you must know. You must love God with all your heart, soul and strength. God wants you to live a radically God centered life. Your life must show that God is bigger and worth more than anything the world is offering.
2. Be diligent in teaching your kids. Your children will not be God-centered if you instruction is half-hearted. You must be intentional and determined. You must pay the price. The time and effort you invest will benefit you children for all eternity.
3. Use everyday situations. Your child’s life is full of teachable moments. While sitting at home. On the way to the grocery. At bedtime. In the morning. Show your kids the joy of loving God in everyday life.
4. Use simple visual reminders. Post fighter verses on the fridge. Write on your hand. Help your kids to make posters of Bible promises. Find ways to remember and think about God’s word. Clutter your home with scripture.
   

This list is from Deuteronomy 6:4-9. But don’t stop there. God has taught us well in His Word. Remember what is at stake. I’ll be praying for your kids.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
(4) "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (5) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (6) And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (8) You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (9) You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Albert Mohler on Youth Ministry

Time Magazine surprised both Al Mohler and I by posting an article about Youth Ministry and the fact that evangelicals are focusing more and biblical centered Youth Ministry and doctrinal youth ministry.

A Great Radio program on Friday from Al Mohler discusses youth ministry that focuses on the Word of God and the gospel.

Growing Up Christian Book Abstract

Justin Childers (God-centered Student Minister) has outlined the 12 chapters of Growing Up Christian by Karl Graustein. Here is a link summary. There is also a Growing Up Christian blog by the author.

• Growing Up Christian: Some Concluding Observations
• Growing Up Christian #12: Making the Most of It
• Growing Up Christian #11: Spiritual Push-Ups
• Growing Up Christian #10: The Fight of Your Life
• Growing Up Christian #9: Banking on God
• Growing Up Christian #8: Building A Firm Foundation
• Growing Up Christian #7: Familiar Yet Thankful
• Growing Up Christian #6: More than Mimicking Mom and Dad
• Growing Up Christian #5: Biblical Greatness
• Growing Up Christian #4: The Cost of Compromise
• Growing Up Christian #3: Un-Amazing Grace
• Growing Up Christian #2: In or Out?
• Growing Up Christian #1: "Church Kids"

Will The Next Generation Treasure Christ? is a dialog on reforming children’s ministry and equipping parents - for the glory of Christ and the joy of our children.