When I was a girl here in the Washington Conference, we drove an hour to get to church each Sabbath. We wanted to attend church on my mom’s reservation, Lummi, located just outside of Bellingham, Washington. Lummi Seventh-day Adventist Company didn’t have many in attendance each week, but this was the church where I learned about who God is, how much He loves me and how He changes lives. It was also the church I decided to be baptized in when I was 14. With regular church attendance and regular family worship, my parents built a solid foundation for me to learn about and know who Jesus is.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1)
Now, my husband is overseeing outreach efforts for about 100 churches here in western Washington. He speaks at different churches in the Washington Conference often. Instead of bringing my kids to various churches each week, where they don’t know the teachers or kids, we attend our local home church, where there is an active children’s ministry.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Cor. 3:17)
Laying the foundation of regular church attendance, with a quality children's ministry program, and family worship, gives our children the chance to accept Jesus into their hearts. In fact, the most current Barna Group research study indicates “that nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%), and that two out of three born again Christians (64%) made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday.” The time is now, parents, to introduce your child(ren) to Jesus.
As we focus on religious liberty this month, let’s not forget true freedom can only be found in Christ. As parents, we have the amazing honor of leading our own children to Christ. We are all pastors in our own homes with our children. We can help our children accept Jesus by bringing them to church, having worship at home, playing Christian music, reading Christian books together, watching quality Christian programming and so much more! Make Christian living attractive, and always look for opportunities to point our child(ren) to Jesus. When Jesus’ love overflows out of our hearts to theirs, it is life-changing. Believe me, I know from my own personal experience.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
Teach your children to accept this free gift of salvation. Break it down for them so it’s easy to understand:
The ABCs of Salvation for Children
- Admit your sins and ask for forgiveness.
- Believe in Jesus and that He died for your sins.
- Choose to follow Jesus the rest of your life.
Salvation is simple enough for your children to understand. Lead them to Christ, won’t you?
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
