Where is your child at in his or her relationship with Jesus Christ?
Key text: 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Question #1 = Does your child understand salvation?
Mark 10:15 -“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Although this text is addressed to adults, it references the genuine faith a child can posses.
Romans 10 - 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
A child should:
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Understand Godʼs plan of salvation at an age appropriate level.
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Understand that Godʼs plan of salvation is meant for them personally.
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Be able to articulate their personal “faith statement” at an age appropriate level.
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Begin to understand Godʼs purpose for them in the world.
Question #2 = What are some indicators your childʼs faith walk is developing?
This could be called the “faith walk,” and can only occur after personally understanding Godʼs plan of salvation. Luke 9:23 states: Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” As Christians, Jesus calls us all too personally follow Him. This is the process of discipleship. What does this entail?
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Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 This is the process of discipleship, of becoming a disciple of Jesus and beginning the process of walking through life with Him.
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Here a child should grow in his or her knowledge of Jesus Christ through scripture teaching that clearly explains the Gospel and correct doctrinal understanding of the teachings God has revealed in the Bible.
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Fruit of the spirit begins to be demonstrated in behavior and life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
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Scripture memory should support this knowledge.
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Development of spiritual disciplines: personal Bible reading, prayer and giving
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Worship of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
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Service: An attitude of service to God cultivated through projects etc.
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Giving: Personal giving can happen through school activities and projects.
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The continual development of a Biblical worldview can only happen if the above are happening for each student in a personal way. To grow the childʼs world view:
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All subjects are taught from a Biblical and distinctly Christian point of view.
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A Biblical worldview begins with an understanding of how God created the heavens and the earth, and that we are his handiwork. The concept of stewardship of Godʼs world and what he has given us to manage are to be developed.
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The concept of a Biblical world view builds in all the grade levels and eventually moves into concepts of Godʼs call for each person to kingdom service. In essence we are learning our place in Godʼs creation and exploring Godʼs personal call to serve Him in our lives.
Question #3 = What are some indicators your child is walking by faith, not by sight?
“The Christian walk” is the culmination of a personal faith and an age appropriate Biblical worldview, which guides daily living, behavior and life choices.
This is where we begin to train children to walk “not by sight, but by faith.” What then is “sight?” It is “what seems right in our own eyes.” Judges 16:7, Proverbs 12:15 How then do we train students in this aspect of their personal faith walk so they live authentic lives based on Biblical principles, “not by sight?”
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Teaching that affirms the origin and inspiration of the Bible.
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A Biblical understanding of the origin of all things.
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Teaching Biblical norms, standards and guidelines for living in obedience to God.
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Age appropriate exploration of the fallacies of secularism with affirmation of the wisdom of Godʼs plan for mankind.
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Age appropriate defense of oneʼs faith and oneʼs Biblical worldview.
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A clear understanding that all of creation belongs to God and that all aspects of my life are service to Him. No part of my life is truly secular.