A leader of a local church expressed concern that many teenagers appear generally disinterested and are sometimes even disruptive or unruly in church meetings. * * * We parents will most influence our children by our own example, and by informal, kind teaching at a practical level. If, when they are hurt, we regularly hug them, say, "Let's ask Jesus to help," then pray together for healing as we apply first-aid or whatever, it will make a lasting impression on young minds. If we confess our own wrongs to them, and admit that we need Jesus' forgiveness also, they will remember it later when … [Read more...]
CONCERNED ABOUT TEENAGERS (1)
A leader of a local church expressed concern that many teenagers appear generally disinterested and are sometimes even disruptive or unruly in church meetings. * * * Don't be overly discouraged about the teenagers. As I recall, when I was that age my class "chased off" several Sunday School teachers by just such behavior as you describe. The problem is not new by any means. The long-term key will be a transformation of church and family from institution to personal relationship and the transformation of spirituality from theoretical doctrine to individual involvement with the living Lord. … [Read more...]
SPANKING CHILDREN
A gracEmail subscriber writes: "As a mother of two young children, I want to parent them in a godly manner. The only scriptures I have found regarding physical discipline refer to 'blows' given with a 'rod' and leaving 'stripes' on the back. Can you comment on these scriptures (Proverbs 10:13, 13:24, 20:30, 22:15, 23:14, 26:3, 29:15). Christian parenting books and courses recommend not spanking when in anger, but I would have to be pretty angry to do the things recommended here." * * * As Christian parents, we have the awesome responsibility to train our children in godliness. Mothers can … [Read more...]
INFANT’S BAPTISM RAISES QUESTIONS (2)
A gracEmail subscriber writes that his infant grandson is soon to be baptized, although Grandpa raised the baby's mother in a church that baptizes only confessing believers. This grandfather requests more information on the subject. * * * Whether babies ought to be baptized or not, their situation clearly differs from that of adult converts to Christianity. Christians on both sides of this issue agree that believing parents bear primary responsibility to nurture their children in such a way that with God's blessing the children will grow to personal faith and consciously commit their lives … [Read more...]
INFANT’S BAPTISM RAISES QUESTIONS (1)
A gracEmail subscriber writes that his infant grandson is soon to be baptized, although Grandpa raised the baby's mother in a church that baptizes only confessing believers. This grandfather requests more information on the subject. * * * The New Testament does not specifically mention infant baptism or, for that matter, an "age of accountability" of older children. Luke does report "households" being baptized (Acts 10:24, 48; 16:15, 32). Some theologians suppose that those households contained infants; others suppose that they did not. The Book of Acts reflects a first-generation church in … [Read more...]
BAPTIZING CHILDREN (3)
"Father Paul," a gracEmail subscriber and Roman Catholic priest from Pennsylvania, tells me I am confused concerning infant baptism. Even if it is not explicitly found in the New Testament, he explains, it is "a precious apostolic tradition," part of the oral teaching which the Apostle Paul equated in authority with apostolic writings (2 Thes. 2:15). Augustine (5th century), Origen (3rd century) and Irenaeus (2nd century) all attest to the practice, and Polycarp (born 1st century) might have been baptized as a baby. "I hope you can now respect the Catholic view," Father Paul admonishes. "It is … [Read more...]
BAPTIZING CHILDREN (2)
A scholarly minister writes, "I am leading a study this summer with five other families, all having children who have expressed an interest in baptism or a desire to be baptized. The children range from seven to 13 years of age. What are your thoughts on this subject?" * * * I was discussing the topic of Christian baptism several years ago with the late Professor F. F. Bruce, whom I admired immensely and who kindly contributed forewords to two of my books. The most likely path to accord on the action of baptism, surmised the great commentator, will not be through focusing on the mode itself … [Read more...]
BAPTIZING CHILDREN (1)
A scholarly minister writes, "I am leading a study this summer with five other families, all having children who have expressed an interest in baptism or a desire to be baptized. The children range from seven to 13 years of age. What are your thoughts on this subject?" * * * On this question, gracEmail readers (like Christians for the past 16 centuries), do not all share the same understanding. I would like to call attention first to a few historical details. Although some believe they see infant baptism implied in the New Testament, it explicitly originated among early Roman Catholics who … [Read more...]
WHY A CHILD DEDICATION? (2)
After I mentioned that my congregation dedicates infants in a special service, a brother in Western Tennessee wrote to ask, "Where is your authority for this dedication? Is it not nearly the same as 'christening' babies? Why this special ceremony? Is it because of a new birth? What actually takes place during such a service?" * * * Dedicating and blessing one's child is quite different from "christening" (literally "anointing"), and people who do one generally do not do the other. Informed persons of either persuasion appreciate the fact that faith and baptism go together, and they want … [Read more...]
WHY A CHILD DEDICATION? (1)
After I mentioned that my congregation dedicates infants in a special service, a brother in Western Tennessee wrote to ask, "Where is your authority for this dedication? Is it not nearly the same as 'christening' babies? Why this special ceremony? What actually takes place during such a service?" * * * Those are reasonable questions which deserve serious, biblical answers. The custom of parents dedicating their babies to God is at least as ancient as Hannah (1 Sam. 1:27-28), and parents ever since the patriarchs have "blessed" their children in the name of the Lord (Gen. 49; see also Luke 1 … [Read more...]