Why "OMG" Is Still Offensive ~ AND Is it Ever Necessary?

This blog is a throwback to several articles I posted in 2010 and 2013.  When a message is right and supports our Christian faith - can we post it too often?  Don't we all need reminders and guideposts along the way to help us stay on track?

My 2013 post on the TimesDaily Religion Forum resulted from the atheist campaign of Richard Dawkins, leading atheist evangelist, of putting anti-God posters on city buses in England and, eventually I presume, in America.   Some of my atheist/agnostic Friends on the Religion Forum saw this campaign as a revelation from their gods.  So, I offered a rebuttal in defense of the true God.

The photo below from that anti-God campaign is shown with its instigator, Richard Dawkins.  But, please notice, his sign does not say "There Is NO God!"   Instead, it says, "There's PROBABLY No God."   In other words, his own sign shows that Richard Dawkins was not really convinced that God is not real, even though he is seen to be THE Atheist Leader.  Hmmm?  

And, in later years, in some of the "God vs No God" debates where he has participated - he has even acknowledged that God might really exist.  Could that be the Holy Spirit working?  Could that be one of those tiny Gospel seeds which has worked its way down into that fertile soil which is within the soul of all people, even though in some it may be hidden very deeply under layered years of non-belief?

In my 2013 blog titled "Why "OMG" Is Still Offensive - And Is It Ever Necessary?" I wrote: 

In a TimesDaily Religion Forum discussion begun by an atheist Friend titled "What's Wrong With Atheist Bus Ads?" - she comments, "I'd say there is nothing wrong with them, but what's your opinion?" 

And, she gives us the Wikipedia link for the article "Atheist Bus Campaign."    Another atheist Forum Friend responds, "OMG!  I feel so blonde.  LOL, I missed that entirely.  Hilarious!"
 
To this second atheist Friend, I replied:

"As a Forum Friend who believes strongly that we can debate, and even disagree, without offending one another - please do not use the name of my Lord and God as your exclamation point.  If you are going to use OMG (which virtually every person knows means 'Oh, my God!') - please let it be the beginning of a serious prayer.
 
Otherwise, you are offending the God I worship, and you are offending me and all Christian believers.  I realize you are not a believer; but we are - and, as a Forum Friend, I ask that you begin your sentence in another way.  I know that you are intelligent and can honor this request."

She tells me, "Bill, I will not have my speech censored due to your belief.  I am sorry that you took offense to it, but it was in no way directed at you or what you believe in.  I will not use it to be purposely offensive, but if the mood hits me and I feel an 'OMG' is appropriate, then you will see it again.  I am intelligent enough to see the difference in someone being offensive for effect and someone just using a term or phrase for emphasizes.  I would hope you are also."
 
My Friend, I fail to see when the use of a phrase which is considered offensive to many people - is appropriate.  And, I know that most folks, if they give it a wee bit of thought, can find an alternate phrase to use which is just as effective and not offensive to anyone.
 
I am not asking to censor your speech.  I AM asking for mutual respect.   Even though you were not purposely trying to offend me and other Christian believers - taking the name of our God, in whom we do believe, in vain - is offensive to all of us.
 
And, as I said, I KNOW that you are an intelligent person and can find other exclamations to use in lieu of that.
 
You tell me, "I am intelligent enough to see the difference in someone being offensive for effect and someone just using a term or phrase for emphasizes.  I would hope you are also."
 
I realize that you were not purposely trying to be offensive.  And, even among Christian believers, there are many who do not realize that they are offending God when they write OMG in a post, or use it in a conversation.   Many folks, especially young Christians, think they are just using a cute exclamation.
 
To be honest with you, I was not aware of the many ways we had been taking God's name in vain until about 20 years ago when our senior pastor, Pastor Sam Lacanienta, used a Sunday School class to explain it to us.  I had often heard, and probably been guilty of doing it myself, the use of words like "Geez" - which is just a shortened form of Jesus - or "Gosh!" which is just a disguised form of God, i.e., "Oh, my gosh!" - as exclamation points.

But, since that Sunday, I have been very aware of the different forms of taking God's name in vain.  And, it sincerely does bother me to hear others do it so blatantly, even when it is not done purposely to offend another.

Because, at one time I was not aware of the offense - now, when another person does it, I realize that they, too, may not be aware that what they are saying is offensive to most Christians.  So, as a Christian Friend, I will point it out to that person and let him/her know that I find it offensive.  If that person then continues to do it; I realize they are intentionally trying to offend me.
 
As I said, even many Christians do not realize what they are doing when they write or say this.  That is why, last September 2010, I posted this Note on my Facebook Notes page:

USING "OMG" AND THE "F" WORD ON PUBLIC FORUMS:   In the past few weeks, my heart has been burdened.  I am seeing a proliferation of people, mostly young, but some not so young, whom I know to be Christian and whom I know come from good Christian families - flagrantly posting two very offensive words/phrases on Facebook.
 
What are these words that I find so offensive?  First, is the initials "OMG" and the second is the "F" word.
 
Why are these so offensive to me?  Well, the "F" word is self-explanatory.  So, we will proceed to "OMG," a texting shorthand for "Oh, my God!" - which IS taking God's name in vain.  God takes His name and His glory very serious.  That is why He wrote in the Bible, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, . . ." (Exodus 20:7).  Just because it is abbreviated makes it no less offensive - to God and to all Christian believers.
 
Creating slang versions of His name is the same, i.e., writing, or saying, "Geez" or"Jeezus" - is just as bad as using "Oh, Jesus!" as an exclamation.

Most of the people I have seen writing or saying this have a relatively good education - and I am sure, if that person tries just a little, he/she can find a more appropriate word or phrase to use in venting frustration, to highlight a point, or to make an exclamation.
 
What does surprise me the most is that 95% of the people I have seen recently using these offensive words and phrases on public forums - are female.  No, this is not meant to be a slam against our ladies.  As Sgt. Joe Friday (old Dragnet TV series) use to say, "Just the facts, ma'am.  Just the facts!"
 
When we, as Christian believers, post on public forums such as Facebook - we are representing all Christian believers; and we are representing our Lord.  We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
 
When I read this Scripture verse, I am reminded of a story my good Friend and mentor, Pastor Sam Lacanienta, told us many years ago.  When Pastor Sam was a young pastor in the Philippines, one Sunday a relative, who also was the Philippine Ambassador to England, came to their worship service.  After the service, Pastor Sam asked him what it meant to be an ambassador for his country.  He told Pastor Sam,"My main job as an ambassador to England - is to not embarrass my nation while doing my job."
 
As Christian ambassadors for Christ, when we write on public forums, and even in private discussions - we should be very aware of not embarrassing our Lord.
 
For my young Friends, when you post such words on Facebook and other networking channels - keep in mind that you are representing, first, our Lord - then, yourself - and, very importantly, you are representing YOUR FAMILY, your mom, your dad, your siblings - all your family.

So, please, I know that you do not purposely want to be offensive.  And, I know you do not want to offend God, nor do you want to embarrass your family or yourself.  Therefore, when you write on Facebook or other networking channels - write your message as though you are writing it to your mother.  Write messages you would not be ashamed to have your mother, father, and Lord read.   Write messages which will glorify our Lord.
 
And, to my non-believing Friends, while you may or may not find these words offensive; keep in mind when you post on any Forum or network channel - that those things ARE offensive to we Christians.  So, as a courtesy to us, please try to find other words or phrases to use.  For that, we thank you.

 
To my Religion Forum Friend, you can see that it is not just you, nor is it just other Religion Forum Friends, who sometimes make this faux pas.   Many Christians innocently make the same mistake.  This is why I will ask them and will ask all my Religion Forum Friends: Please, if you are going to begin a sentence with the words, "Oh, my God" - make sure it is followed by a sincere prayer.  Then, we can all be blessed.
 
So, one might ask, "Bill, why are you resurrecting an old article?  You wrote it in 2010; so, why post it again?"
 
The reason is simple.  As long as I see Friends, many whom I know are Christian, some even in leadership positions - writing posts on Facebook and other venues using "OMG" as an exclamation point as though they were merely saying, "Check this out!" or "This should get your attention!" - I will keep posting such articles, over and over again.
 
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
 
Bill

Special Opportunity To Help A Great Evangelistic Ministry

Pastor Joe de la Peña, a long time Christian brother, retired 8 years ago after serving 24 years in the ministry with Dr. Harold Sala's Guidelines International organization.  He has continued as a “Guidelines Associate,” which gives him the opportunity to serve the Lord however and wherever He leads, under Guidelines International.  

God led Pastor Joe to serve with the Church on the Solid Rock (COTSR), an Asian-American church (majority are Filipinos) in Lake Forest, (south Orange County), California.  He committed to the church that he would be available as long as they need him and as long as he is able.  Pastor Joe had been with COTSR for 11 years.

Pastor Joe's wife, Ardith, an accomplished pianist, has been serving alongside him at COTSR and throughout the many years of his ministry.

I am requesting prayer in Pastor Joe's name for:

1.     Keep "Church on the Solid Rock" in your prayers.  They are reaching many Filipinos and other ethnic groups.   Pray that new believers will grow in their faith and that COTSR leaders will be given divine wisdom to disciple them.  Pastor Joe shares a sermon every third and fourth Sundays and Pastor Fernando Cinco takes care of the other Sundays.

2.     Pray for the health and well being of Pastor Joe and Ardith, that they can continue serving Him actively.  Praise the Lord for touching Ardith, who has had health problems, in such a miraculous way.  She continues to do well although not as strong as before.  She has been playing the keyboard almost every Sunday at COTSR!

3.     Pastor Joe recently had back surgery, which is healing well.  The therapist said that it normally takes three months and he had surgery on August 25th.  Please pray for his full healing - and for sustained healing for Ardith.

4.     A really BIG opportunity for ministry has been presented to Pastor Joe.  During his many years at Guidelines International, Pastor Joe recorded the Gospel in Tagalog for radio broadcast in the Philippines.   His nephew in the Philippines, Nimrod, suggested making all his radio programs, which he did in Tagalog for many years, available online, possibly through Facebook.  

 
Pastor Joe still meets people who have told how they grew in their faith through his radio programs.  He sent his nephew all his master tapes (broadcast for 15 year, seven days/week).  But they have to be digitized or converted to CD - and that’s a lot of tapes.  Plus Nimrod is having to use a borrowed laptop.

So I have decided to let Friends know about this need and this wonderful Gospel sharing opportunity.  Should the Lord lead you to help in even a small way financially - it will be put to good use.  Please consider partnering with Pastor Joe, Ardith, and his nephew, Nimrod.  Pastor Joe and Ardith will be using some of their savings to help with this need - but could use help from anyone who feels called to help support this great evangelistic opportunity.

The Lord continues to show us that He is not done with Pastor Joe and Ardith yet.  Pastor Joe's recorded programs will be available long after many of us are gone.   I am reminded of the daily radio broadcasts of Dr. J. Vernon McGee (1908-1988), pastor of a non-denominational church in Los Angeles, Bible teacher, theologian, and radio minister.  Even though he went home to be with the Lord in 1988 - his "Through the Bible" recorded teachings are still being heard today - and are still leading people to the Lord. 

I have no doubt that Pastor Joe de la Peña's recordings will be equally effective in sharing God's Word and leading folks to the Lord.  That is why I ask for any support you may be able to offer - prayer and financial.

Guidelines continues to give tax-deductible receipts to donors.  Should the Lord direct you to help Pastor Joe de la Peña continue to share the Gospel, you can send contributions monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, or as one-time gift, to:

            Guidelines International Ministries
            26161 Marguerite Parkway, Suite F
            Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Be sure to designate in a separate piece of paper, “De la Peña Ministry.” (tax-deductible)

Your prayers are cherished.  Your financial support, if possible and if God is guiding you in this direction, will be used only to share His Gospel to Tagalog speaking believers and non-believers.

Thank you for your prayers and God bless,

Bill

Did You Know - That Atheists And Evolutionists Descended From Pigs?

For many years I have been receiving The Berean Call newsletter.  This is a Christian apologetic organization founded by the late Dave Hunt and now under the leadership of Tom McMahon, Dave's partner in the ministry for many years.  Each month when I receive my snail-mail copy of the newsletter, the first place I turn to is the Q&A section.  I love discussions about Biblical issues - and the Q&A discussions in this newsletter can be very enlightening.

In the September issue, the first Question really got my attention.  Atheists and Evolutionists are adamant that the universe and all life was created by the Big Bang followed over billions of years by chance developments -  and they tell us that eventually some simple cell floating in a primordial swamp evolved into living, breathing human beings.  And, of course, from that simple little cell floating in some primordial swamp (wonder who or what created the cell and the swamp?) - chance eventually worked some miracle, causing that simple lifeless cell to become a living cell, and over billions of years - it became first an ape or a chimp - and then over more billions of years - actually developed, by chance, into a living, breathing human being.

Their proof of this is that the chimp DNA and the human DNA (our genes) have great similarities.  But, according to this latest report from The Berean Call - it is not the chimp that atheists and evolutionists seem to have evolved from - but, in reality, it was from PIGS.  Yes, that is right.  Human DNA is more similar to pig DNA than to chimp DNA.

So, our atheist and evolutionist Friends have a choice.  They can finally admit that God created them ~ OR ~ they must accept that their early ancestors were PIGS!  Bad enough that they had to accept being related to chimps.  But, can they accept being descended from PIGS?

We will leave them to ponder that - while I will introduce you to the entertaining The Berean Call Q&A post about the Pig Ancestors Of Atheists:

THE BEREAN CALL NEWSLETTER

Questions & Answers, September 1, 2016

Question:  Do you know anything about groups called “gene-testing services?”  Apparently they have convinced many to believe they come from monkeys.

Response:  It has been well documented that man actually is closer “genetically” to pigs.  That’s why we have for decades used biological parts that have been grown in pigs.  As a scientific publication notes, “Pigs share a number of surprising comparable traits with humans. For instance, we both have [relatively] hairless skin, a thick layer of subcutaneous fat, light-colored eyes, protruding noses and heavy eyelashes. Pig skin tissues and heart valves can be used in medicine because of their compatibility with the human body.  Medical students often practice suturing on pig’s feet.”

We have not thoroughly researched “customer gene-testing services” and consequently cannot respond with specific details to your question. Nevertheless, there is one point of particular interest:  “Apologists” for the theory of evolution point to a similarity between man and chimpanzees of up to 96 percent, leaving only a 4 percent difference in DNA.  But even evolutionists point out that, although humans and chimps are judged to have many identical genes, the biological functions are often used in different ways.

Going further, another scientific writer notes, “The sheer fact that pigs and humans are mammals means that we share some genes.  But it is simplistic to put an actual figure on the amount of genetic material we have in common,” says animal geneticist Professor Chris Moran from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

“‘Making broad comparisons by saying…98 percent of  [human] genes are similar to a chimpanzee or whatever else…tend to be a little bit misleading,’ says Moran.  The amount of genetic material we share with other species depends upon what you compare.  All living organisms have genetic information encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), divided into units called genes. 

Information is transferred from the genes via a chemical called ribonucleic acid (RNA).  Some RNA is translated into chains of amino-acid that make up proteins, the building blocks of every living cell.  Scientists have discovered about 20,000 mammalian genes that encode proteins with similar basic functions.  So if you compare the protein-encoding portion of our DNA we have a lot in common with a lot of mammals.

“‘Mammals have most of the same genes for similar biochemical and physiological functions.  If you look at the details of the genes…there’ll be differences between them, but they’ll still be doing the same kind of function,’” says Moran (http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/05/03/2887206.htm).

As Dave Hunt wrote in the February 1997 newsletter, “In his book, The Blind Watchmaker, Oxford University zoologist Richard Dawkins, a leading evolutionist, calls biology ‘the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose’ (Richard Dawkins, The Blind Watchmaker (England: Longman 1986, 1).  

Indeed! One cell, the smallest living unit, could have 100,000 molecules and 10,000 intricately interrelated chemical reactions going on at one time.  Cells couldn’t arise by chance!  Dawkins admits that every cell contains in its nucleus ‘a digitally coded database larger...than all thirty volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica put together.’   You can’t even imagine the odds against chance creating a thirty-volume encyclopedia! That’s for one cell - and there are trillions (of cells) in the human body, thousands of different kinds, working in unbelievably complex and delicately balanced relationships!”

Of course, since the Lord used the same building blocks in the creation of all life, we shouldn’t be surprised to see some similarities.  Nor do we ignore the distinctions.  And, we don’t see people rushing to admit they descended from pigs.

So, the next time that an atheist or an evolutionist insists that there is no God and that all the universe, including life, just happened by chance - introduce him/her to their newly discovered ancestor, Miss Piggy!

Then, of course, to be good Christians who do believe and practice the Great Commission, share the Gospel with your atheist or evolutionist Friend.  True, he/she may turn a cold shoulder to your sharing God's Word.   But, keep in mind that in every person, maybe down really deep, there is some good soil.  And, prayerfully, among the seeds you sow when sharing the Gospel - maybe one tiny little seed will eventually find its way into that good soil - and be nurtured into eternal life for that Friend.  What do you have to lose - sow those seeds!  One day that Friend may come to you in heaven and say, "Thank you for sharing the Gospel with me."
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

 

Family Bible Study ~ Yes or No?

It is funny how God can bring our thoughts together.   Friday night at our Bible Study/Prayer Meeting I was talking with one of our young adults, Jharen, and when the discussion came to Bible study, I shared my feelings about a Bible study being a "family affair."  And, I shared about the wonderful successes I have seen in family Bible studies over the past 29 years that I have been a believer.

Then, this evening as I was searching my archives for material to include in a new blog I am writing for my daughter, I came across a Friends Ministry eNewsletter I shared in 2007 - which speaks of the reasons I believe we should have Family Bible Studies.

And, whenever I get on the subject of the value of Family Bible Studies, there is always one family which goes to the top of my "They are a great example" list.  That family is my Christian sister, Nimfa Veneracion, and her two young daughters, Chantelle and Gabrielle.  They came faithfully, as a family, to our Bible studies in Irvine.  

The photo below shows her two beautiful young daughters, Chantelle (left) and Gabrielle (right), as they looked during those 1990s Bible studies.  Several years ago, Nimfa posted a video of Chantelle doing a recitation at church.  At that time, Chantelle was still in high school or maybe just entering Biola University - where she has now graduated.  Gabrielle is in college now studying religion.  But, Chantelle's video totally blew my mind.

In this video, Chantelle is reciting, not reading, but reciting the full chapter of Nehemiah 6.   And, she does it so well that we get the feeling that Nehemiah is actually telling us the story himself.   This is an amazing performance and I pray that you enjoy it as much as I always have - every times I have watched it.   

Nehemiah 6 @ Celebration - Chantelle Gibbs Recitation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ0yalfgBVI

My Friends, this family, and many others over my almost three decades as a believer, are perfect examples of paying it forward.   And there can be no greater example of the Great Commission - than seeing Chantelle Gibbs reciting Scripture in such an exciting and inspiring way.  This family is one of many I will always hold up as great examples of the value of having "Family Bible Studies" and including the little ones.

So, without further ado, let me share my Friends Ministry eNewsletter from 2007 which shows why I believe Bible study should be a "family affair."  

Subject:     FAMILY BIBLE STUDY
Date:     Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:50:31 -0700
From:     Bill Gray

Hi to all my Friends,

Have you ever noticed how, at times when you are wondering, "Should I write this?" or "Should I say this?" - God can get your attention in different ways, sometimes unique, sometimes funny - to give you an answer?

For quite a while I have had a burden on my heart about Bible studies.  Should they include children, or should the children just be sent to another room to play while the adults discuss the word of God?  I have a strong preference; but, I have been waiting to see if I should speak up, or just be silent and go along with what I see in many churches - no "Family" Bible Studies.

Then, this morning, as I sat on the end of my bed to put on my shoes - my eyes went to one of my bookshelves near the end of my bed.  The focus of my vision was one book:  How To Talk With Your Children About God, by Frances Loftiss Carroll, sponsored by Guideposts and published by Prentice-Hall, Inc.  God put my focus on that book.  God was answering my prayer of "Should I write this?"

First, let me state my position on children in Bible studies.  I believe 100%; no, make that 1000% - that children, of all ages, should be in Bible study with mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, big brother and sister, and Christian friends.  Bible study, the study of God's written Word to us, should be a focus in the life of every member of the family - starting with the toddler.

I know, I know.  Many adult Friends will be saying, "Bill, you birdbrain, don't you know that kids' attention span is too short to sit in a long Bible study.  They will get bored and start fidgeting around, disturbing everyone."

Well, first of all - if the Bible study is going too long and causing the kiddies to be fidgeting; is it possible that the Bible study is going too long?   Is it better to have a Bible study that lasts only thirty minutes and is a "Family" Bible Study - or one that goes an hour and excludes the children that Jesus so loves?  

Now, I will admit that I love discussing the Bible and could be happy with a Bible study that lasts three hours.  But given the choice of a "children included" Bible study or an "adult only" Bible study - I will always opt for the children included.  Why?  Because it is our God given responsibility to start from the day they are born to raise our children to know about Jesus, and to know Jesus.  That starts first by example; then, as they get older, by teaching.

So, this morning, feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit to open this book, I began to read.  And, I knew that this was God's response to my question.  Let me give you just a few excerpts from the book:

Preface:

Children are a precious gift from God.  Our lives are truly blessed by their presence in our homes.  The Christian parent who holds a tiny infant in his or her arms feels joy and awe.  We thank God for allowing this child to be a part of our family, and we dedicate our efforts to giving the child a good life.          

As we watch our children grow, many thoughts enter our minds.  We want the best for them, and that best includes a personal relationship with God.  As we pray for guidance and ask God to show us how to train our children concerning the values of life, there is often a feeling of inadequacy.  Many of us find that we are not really prepared to share our faith with our children, but what are we to do?

It is my hope that this book will address the questions and supply the answers you need to discuss God with your children.  I have searched the Scriptures and prayed for guidance through the Holy Spirit throughout this entire project.  .  .  In this book I have tried to focus on the basic Christian philosophy concerning life as presented in the Bible.  The book is not intended to present the view of any particular denomination.

Chapter One:  Introduction To Parents

All Christian parents want their children to know about God.  It is our desire that they gain knowledge of God; and yet where do they turn to gain information about God?  As concerned parents, we must determine what concepts to teach our children about the Christian life.  For some of us the task is simple.  For others it is seemingly impossible.

A balance is needed in discussing God with our children.  We need to share our spiritual enthusiasm and yet not to become too zestful as we share our faith.  Our task is to plant seeds of faith and watch as God allows them to grow.

Appendix:  (abbreviated by Bill Gray)

It is important that you, the parent or teacher, recognize not only the learning level of your child, but also the need level.  When you do, you will bring God's truth to work on specific needs in that child's life.

What A Child of Two and Three Can Learn:       

About God:

God loves him ~ God takes care of him (her) ~ God loves and cares for his (her) family.

About Jesus:

Jesus loves him ~ Jesus once lived on earth, but now is in heaven ~ Jesus is God's Son ~ Jesus is a Friend.

About the Bible:

The Bible tells about God ~ The Bible is a good Book ~ The Bible is a special Book ~ He (she) should love the Bible.

What a Child of Four and Five Can Learn:

About God:

God loves him and others ~ God cares for all who love Him ~ God cares for and loves families.

About Jesus:

Jesus loves him and is his (her) best Friend ~ Jesus came to be the Savior ~ Jesus is now living in heaven ~ Jesus will help him obey and share.

About the Bible:

The Bible tells about God ~ The Bible is God's Word ~ The Bible helps him know what to do ~ The Bible is a Book of true stories.

What a Child of Six and Seven Can Learn:

About God:

God loves him and his family and his friends ~ God loves all people of the world ~ God wants people to love Him too.

About Jesus:

Jesus is the Son of God ~ Jesus came to earth to die for sin ~ Jesus wants people to accept Him as their personal Savior ~ Jesus wants to help people go to God.

About the Bible:

The Bible is God's Book, for it tells about Him ~ The Bible tells us what God wants ~ The Bible tells how God worked with others ~ The Bible is a good Book to study, for it helps us.

What a Child of Eight and Nine Can Learn:

About God:

God is all powerful, all wise, and everywhere ~ God is present with him at all times ~ God loves him and wants him to love God ~ God made the universe and all in it ~ When he accepts Jesus as his Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into his life.

About Jesus:

Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior ~ Jesus died on the cross for sin ~ Jesus can give salvation to those who ask ~ Jesus can forgive sin.

About the Bible:

The Bible is an exciting Book to read ~ The Bible is a true Book, not fiction ~ The Bible is God's Word ~ The Bible should be read every day.

What a Child of Ten and Eleven Can Learn:

About God:

God is Spirit, who is everywhere, but whose home is in heaven ~ God is all powerful, but He permits evil things to happen ~ God is all wise, but He permits men to choose between Him and sin ~ God is absolutely perfect, holy, and just.

About Jesus:

Jesus took the body of man so He could do God's plan ~ Jesus shows how to live for God ~ Jesus took the sins of all people on Himself at Calvary ~ Jesus became alive again and lives in heaven.

About the Bible:

The Bible has the answers to all his everyday problems ~ The Bible tells the history of God's work among men ~ The Bible is God's Word, the authority for life ~ The Bible is God's truth for all men ~ The Bible, which is God's Word, is to be obeyed.

Now, at what point in your child's life do you want to start including him/her in learning about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible?  Should you wait until the child is older so that he/she will not be a bother to the people in Bible study?  Or should you start including your child at a very young age?

Once again, let me insert my thoughts.  A toddler cannot understand what is being discussed in a Bible study; however, that toddler can sense and know that mommy, daddy, grandma, grandpa, their older siblings, and all their friends are talking about something which is good; something which makes them all feel love for one another - and that something is God and His Word, the Bible.  That love and fellowship the toddler can feel, know, and experience.

A few years later, still at a young age, the child sees his older brother, sister, and friends - all joining mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and their friends in reading the Bible and in discussions.  The young child learns that this is something he/she wants to share.

Another few years pass, and that child now joins in the reading and discussing of the Bible.  He/she may not always understand all that is being said - but he/she is a part of it.  By now, that child knows that God's Word, the Bible, is very special and is eager to know more about God.  That is progress, that is progression, that is leading your child toward a life with God.  Are you going to set an age limit on your child?  Jesus does not.

Let me emphasize one thing:  I am not addressing this to only those who have young children.  No, this is a message for all Christians.  When you attend your Bible study - is it an "adult only" Bible study?  Is it a "men's only" Bible study?  Is it a "women's only" Bible study?  Is it a "Youth and Young Adults only" Bible study?  Is it a "seniors only" Bible study?  Is the main focus of the get together more on the social aspect - or on a serious "one size fits all" study of God's Word?

What happened to the Family Bible Study?   Are we to exclude the children; then expect them to grow up loving God - or to grow up loving us, if we do not teach them about God's love for them?

Mark 10:14-16, "But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'  Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."  And He took them (the children) in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them."

When we exclude the children from our Bible studies; do you really believe you are pleasing Jesus Christ?

True, many times a Bible study splits - adults in one room, children in another.  When that happens, who is leading the children in their Bible study, an adult or another young person?  Or are they just going into another room to play while you and your friends study God's Word? 

Even when they are in another room in their own Bible study; they still are not part of the "Family Bible Study."  Do you think this pleases Jesus Christ?  When He said, "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" - do you think He was telling us to have great theological discussions?  Or that we should look at God through the child's eye?  Just a thought.

I pray this new eNewsletter and Blog has been a blessing to you.  In this I am not trying to be dogmatic, nor am I trying to force my views upon others.  I am merely sharing why I strongly believe making Bible study a "family affair" is so important to the Christian family and to the body of Christ.


God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
     
Bill