Tag Archive: Children


Parents: Simply Sign Posts

Filed under: Truth — Leave a comment
May 10, 2015

truth-sign-300x238Raising children can seem like such a daunting task, one that’s often filled with worry and doubt. “What if I make a mistake?” “What if I don’t teach them correctly?”  “What if…”

Although there are some helpful resources from people who have gone before us, may we never forget that our most important job is to be a sign post, pointing our children to Jesus.

The flesh so often wants to compare itself with others, allowing condemnation, frustration, and even pride to enter in when we don’t think we’re measuring up. Of course, there’s definitely something to be said for diligence and growing in our skills as parents, however it’s easy to get off course when we fix our eyes on men.  Being a sign post means we need to know where to point our children.  We must choose to keep our eyes on Jesus and His Word so we can point them in the right direction.

Perhaps there are things you wish you could go back and redo, but the truth is yesterday’s gone and tomorrow’s not here yet, so let’s focus on the Lord and serve Him faithfully by yielding to the Holy Spirit and His Word, letting Him work mightily in and through us today. Let the love and joy and truth of Jesus fill us to overflowing, spilling into the hearts and minds of our children. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life and this techno-revolution before us, may we take time to enjoy a blessed meal of God’s Word as a family today. May we remind our children that there is nothing more meaningful than Jesus and His wonderful Word.

When it’s all said and done, at the end of the day, when your children are grown up and out of the house, will they be able to see you simply as a sign post of Jesus?  Take time each and everyday enjoying the goodness of God, feasting on His Word, and pointing your children to Jesus and Him alone.  There’s no greater privilege or pursuit in being a parent or in being a Christian.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

 

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Planting Summer Seeds

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
May 24, 2014

IMG_12017981708482GOOD EVANGELISM HABITS: Over the summer, it’s easy for children to forget they still have the exciting privilege of sharing God’s Word with others. Sharing is oftentimes a scary thing to think about for children (and even many adults). I mean, walking up to complete strangers and asking them if they believe in Jesus… how unnatural to our flesh!  That’s why it’s so important for children to learn good evangelism habits early on. Once they see that it’s really not that scary and that many people will at least respectfully listen, they’ll grow that much more lovingly bold at an early age. Never forget, we have the truth and the Lord on our side so we really have nothing to fear!    

Because talking to others doesn’t always come easily, comprehensive, biblical tracts can be a nice way to break the ice. With that in mind, I’ve put together a simple, black and white Bible tract that parents can print and children can cut, fold, and color.  (Reminder: Carefully read through tracts before purchasing or printing. Not all tracts are biblical. Sadly, many focus on man, not God.)

Click “HERE” to go to the Kid’s Tract PDF. Simply download it and print.20140524_183434

A SUMMER FAMILY PROJECT: Let evangelism be a fun summer family project. First, look up a few Bible verses on evangelism such as Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, and Romans 1:15-16 during your family devotional time. Then pray about making a certain day each week designated as an evangelism day. Start out by going to familiar areas such as your neighborhood houses and grocery stores. It goes without says, but please, please, please… Safety First. Perhaps also bring a small notebook to write down names and prayer requests from people you talk with. Then consider designating another day each week to pray specifically as a family for those you’ve shared with.  Follow-up is always another great option.  Again, please us godly wisdom when following up. Some situations may warrant going with another adult instead and then sharing the story with your children later.

EVANGELISM AS A LIFESTYLE: It’s definitely beneficial to designate specific times to focus on outreach and evangelism, but it’s as much of a blessing to share the good news of Jesus as part of our daily worship unto Him. We so often have our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. Sometimes the Lord’s plans might be interwoven. For example, we all go to the grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Why not use those day-to-day trips as opportunities to tell others about Jesus? I personally make a habit of asking waiters and waitresses if they have any prayer requests. Many are happy to share a little about their children, schooling, etc. Often, it opens a door for further conversation which hopefully leads to the truth about the Lord.

These daily demonstrations of our love for the Lord and others is key, not only for our own growth, but the growth of our children. Kids are so keen to recognize hypocrisy. If we simply go to church on Sunday mornings and have no other avenues demonstrating our Christian walk, they will quickly see the dichotomy in our lives. When our daily walk is so shallow, whether we mean to or not, what we’re really telling them is that Jesus is only a microcosm of our lives. Yes, He died for our sins. Yes, He rose from the grave. And although we’re happy to have Him as our Savior, we really resist letting Him be our All in All. We often are sending the very clear message that Jesus is important, but not really that important compared to everything and everyone else.

Having daily Bible study, prayers, discussions, application, biblical consequences in discipline, biblical education, outreach, and evangelism are all excellent tools in growing in the grace of God. They are also such a blessing to everyone around us.

“I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of Your righteousness, even of Your’s only. O God, You have taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Your wondrous works.” Psalm 71:16-17

“The living, the living, he shall praise You, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known Your truth.” Isaiah 38:19

ICE BREAKERS: Often we struggle with how to make that first connection. Here are some thoughts on helping break the ice:

  • Be genuine. Remember the person you’re talking with is a lost and eternal soul.  Most people will at least listen when they see you really care. One good quote to remember, “Evangelism is a conversations, not a presentation.” Take time to listen and care, but also be sure to take time to then swing the conversation to Jesus.
  • Handing someone a tract is a great ice breaker, but if you’re able, take the time to share the truth found in the tract.
  • Ask questions.  Ask questions. Ask questions. Many times, asking good questions helps open the door to good conversations.  Here are a few: “Could I ask you a quick question?”  “What are your thoughts about eternity?”  “Do you think the Bible is an important book?”  “We like to pray to Jesus. Do you have anything we could pray for?” Remember, if you’re going to ask questions, be ready to listen.
  • Don’t forget to pray for the Lord to direct your steps and conversations. We always want to be led by the Spirit! After all, God knows best.
  • Never forget to let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Although sharing is sometimes intimidating, it shouldn’t be daunting. Let the love of your Savior shine through. After all, He’s promised to never leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
  • The more we share, the easier it gets.
  • Don’t listen to your flesh. Although there will be times you just can’t stop and talk, we often make excuses that shouldn’t be listened to. Your flesh will stir up all kinds of fear and doubt, but take those steps of faith with confidence. Open your mouth and speak. The Lord will do the rest. (Matthew 5:2, Acts 8:35, Acts 10:34)
  • People are often willing to share their opinions about everything, so why not share in return?
  • When in doubt, share the Gospel. You will never be able to answer every question. If you get stuck, there’s nothing wrong with simply going back to what you believe and why you believe it.
  • Keep studying the Word. Although you’re not going to have all the answers, you want to keep studying the Word to prepare your heart and mind. It can also be helpful to do some research and watch others share with others. I often find helpful questions and answers by listening to other evangelizing. (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15)

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings  glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

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Intentional Opportunities — (Resurrection Day Activities for the Whole Family)

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
April 18, 2014

Boy Reading the holy bible“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 

As parents and teachers, we have so many balls in the air at any given time, losing track of what’s most important can happen quickly. With all the business of our days, it’s easy to let too many opportunities slip by. With the eternal destinies of this next generation at stake, it’s this author’s opinion that we, as Christians, should not only make good use of the many teachable moments, but we should also be THE most intentional in actually making opportunities to biblically train those we’ve been entrusted with by the Lord.  Before entering their land, the Lord through Joshua commanded the priests to set up stones. Why? These stones would be used as an opportunity to generate discussion and training for the next generation of Israel. “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?” Joshua 4:6.  If the Lord can use stones to remind Israel’s children and fathers of His greatness and glory, how much more so His Word!

With this in mind and Resurrection Sunday literally right around the corner, there are several activity ideas included below that might serve as intentional and biblical teaching opportunities for years to come. Perhaps some of these family ideas could even replace those traditional “Easter” children’s activities, too many of which have really nothing to do with Resurrection Day.

1. Clue Hunt- Choose several key Resurrection prophecies, print them out, fold and place them in little plastic tupperware containers and hide them around the house or yard. Have children search for them, then put the verses in Bible book order. Later look them up and even find the New Testament fulfillment verses. Talk about why true clues (prophecies) are so important in trusting God’s Word.

The following link serves as a great resource containing many of Jesus’ Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment — https://unityinthetruth.com/2017/04/22/old-testament-prophecies-of-jesus-christ-prophecy-as-proof/.

2. Find the Lamb- Purchase a small stuffed lamb or print a picture of a lamb. Look up several of the main Old Testament and New Testament verses referring to The Lamb. Starting on Palm Sunday, put the Lamb in different rooms of your house. Do not hide it. Remember, starting on what we call Palm Sunday (Nisan 10), the Jewish people were bringing lambs to Jerusalem to be observed until they were killed on the 14th. Jesus was coming not to hide, but to be observed and found sinless.Lamb on Rock

For each location you move the lamb, include one of the Lamb verses. Once someone finds the Lamb, he/she will get to read the verse at breakfast or dinner, then discuss it further as the Lord leads. (Some of the main “Lamb” verses in the Bible- John 1:36, Genesis 3:21( Possibly a lamb was killed to cloth Adam and Eve), Genesis 22:7-8, Exodus 12:5-6, Psalm 23:1-6, Isaiah 53:7, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 5:11-13, Revelation 7:10, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 19:9, Revelation 21:22-23,27, Revelation 22:3, John 3:16)

Also consider playing the following song- “You are My All in All“. It’s a great reminder of  Jesus being the Lamb of God and our All in All.

Author’s Note: When showing cartoon or live action movies portraying Bible accounts, please use wisdom and discernment. Many Bible movies claim to be about Jesus, however actors of Jesus are not Jesus. We do not know what Jesus looked like, plus He no longer looks like He did while He was here. We definitely don’t want to unintentionally put a false image in place of the true Jesus revealed to us by His Holy Spirit as we read His Word. Also, we must be careful to explain to children that there are always subjective dialog and events in Bible movies that are additions to Scripture in order to make a Bible account make sense as a film. Ultimately, make sure your children understand what is actually in God’s Word.

3. Set it Straight- Choose small sections of the last few weeks of Jesus’ life prior to His crucifixion. Print them out and cut each part, then put them in a bag. Shake the bag to mix them up and then dump out the verses. Have one person or a group put the events in order. Time each group to see how quickly they can do it.(Possible reference chapters to choose events from: Matthew 19-28, Mark 13-16, Luke 18-24, John 12, 18-21.)

4. Match ‘Em Up- To keep from getting lost we need to know our addresses. Print out several New Testament fulfillment verses and their addresses surrounding Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. See the link for Activity 1- Clue Hunt.  Print and then cut out each of the verses and addresses separately. Mix them up in a shoe box or bag. Work in groups to match up the verses and addresses. Time each person or group to see who can do it the fastest.

5. Focusing on Passover– Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was paralleled with the Jewish Passover. He entered Jerusalem on the same day as the lambs for Passover, Nisan 10. He was crucified on the same day as the sacrifices on Nisan 14. (For one audio article touching on some of this information, go to: Was Palm Sunday a Fulfillment of Prophecy?)

6. Greatest Prophecies! With older kids, take time to explore two of the Bible’s most amazing prophecies- Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9. To begin further study on these two chapters, go to- The Doctrine of Salvation in the Book of Isaiah and Daniel 9:25 Q & A

7. The Last Adam Video by: Answers in Genesis/The Creation Museum. This excellent 15 minute video focuses on Jesus being the Last Adam. It is definitely worth watching as a family.  It is both tastefully and biblically done. You may want to watch ahead of time to determine if it’s appropriate for your younger children.  Go to: The Last Adam video OldRuggedCross_B&W(15:00)

Interestingly, the children involved in these activities won’t be the only ones growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we, as adults, read through the Scriptures, prayerfully planning the activities in hopes of training young people, it is inevitable that we will grow as well.

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 


A couple other articles on biblical prophecy to encourage and bolster our own understanding: 

 

 

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Spiritual Junk Food ~Dave Hunt

Filed under: Edifying Quotes — Leave a comment
February 16, 2014

kids-watching-tv

“We are raising a generation on the spiritual junk food of religious videos, movies, youth entertainment, and comic book paraphrases of the Bible. The Word of God is being rewritten, watered down, illustrated, and dramatized in order to cater to the taste of the carnal mind. That only leads further into the wilderness of doubt and confusion.”  ~Dave Hunt

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The Gracious Gift

Filed under: Parables — Leave a comment
November 28, 2013

Castle in FallOnce there was a kingdom with a very great king.  Every year the people of the kingdom had a special celebration filled with a wonderful time of giving to the king.  On this special day everyone from the kingdom would come to the castle and present the king with amazing presents hoping he would choose their’s as the best gift for that year. Whoever the king chose as the best giver would have the privilege of sitting with him for the remainder of the celebration. Some people enjoyed being close to the king because they believed the king made them look great. Others, although a minority, loved being by the king just to be with him. They loved talking with him and seeing how he handled the kingdom. They simply loved the king.

This was a very special year for one little boy.  His parents had finally agreed to allow him to participate in the giving celebration.  Gregory was only seven, but it felt like he’d been waiting for an eternity.  He couldn’t contain his excitement.  He desperately desired to win the event for one simple reason. He just wanted to get to know his king. Gregory really wanted to win! He was so excited he could barely sleep that first night. He got up early to take a walk around his neighborhood.  “I’ve got to come up with a great gift,” he thought to himself.  But he had one little problem.  Even after saving his allowances for two straight years, he only had $30 to buy something. As he strolled around the familiar neighborhood circuit, he began to notice many of his neighbors had already begun working on their presents.  He saw a large giraffe in one backyard while another neighbor had purchased a beautiful fruit tree filled with ripe pomegranates. Another family had been working on building the king a marvelous flying machine. One man was hand crafting a beautiful marble sculpture in his front yard. Walking through the neighborhood, Gregory began to grow more and more discouraged.

When he arrived back home, he was almost ready to give up.  “What can I get the king for such a little amount of money,” he mumbled under his breath. Waving his hands up in surrender, he retreated to his room.  He was so sad, he even missed supper that night.  The next morning he stayed in his room, not wanting to see any more gifts he would soon be competing against. Almost a week went by with nothing but discouragement and frustration to guide his way. Then Gregory finally became so disquieted in his heart he simply started crying out to the king. He knew the king was great, but he really didn’t know if even the king would hear his faraway pleas. Then it happened.  He decided he would give it one last shot.  After all, the party was only a day away. He began pacing in his room as he tried to arrive at a winning idea.  “I have to be with the king,” he said with determination in his heart.”I just have to!” All morning he walked back and forth and back and forth almost like a soldier during marching practice.  All of a sudden, as if sent by the king himself, an idea flew into his mind.  At first he wasn’t sure, but then a big smile slowly appeared across his face.  He knew, he just knew this would be the winning idea!

Gregory sprinted over to the spare bedroom where all the boxes and wrapping paper were stored.  His parents were happy to see he was finally back on track. He spent all afternoon looking for just the right box and just the right paper.  That night he slept soundly, knowing with confidence that he would soon be sitting by his king. As the sun peered through his curtains, enlightening his room, he hopped out of bed as if a rabbit. His parents and he gathered their gifts and began the long trek to the castle.  By the time they arrived, the line was all the way out the castle doors and down the main street.  Gregory waited patiently, remaining confident even Fall Trail 1after seeing the many spectacular presents awaiting the king. He saw peacocks and plow horses, rubies and  diamonds, glistening golden vases and large lions in cages. He overheard people talking about the kinds of gifts that had won in years gone by. One year, a tremendous tiger as white as the snow had won. Another year the winner had brought a beautiful fruit tree as tall as a four story house. This tree could actually produce three different kinds of fruit.  Gregory remembered the year the tree had won. That was when he was four.

Finally, the sun was setting and Gregory had made it into castle’s throne room.  It was a large room lined with marble from floor to ceiling.  It echoed with voices as the people huddled around to see the remaining gifts.  Oohs and aahs filled the room.  Gregory had been so focused on seeing the king, he hadn’t realized until that very moment that he was actually the last person in line.  This made him a little nervous knowing if the king wasn’t pleased, there would be no one behind him to make him happy again.

There were only three people ahead of him and he could hear everyone in the huge room talking about the day’s events.  Some were even arguing over their own gifts, believing, of course, that they were the best.  His heart began to pound and knees started to shake. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” he thought to himself.  Then only one person stood between him and the king.  Gregory could now see the king’s face.  The king glanced over to the little boy and gave him a smile, as if to assure him it would be okay.  It was almost like the king had been waiting all day just for him.  That was the assurance he needed.  Finally, after waiting for almost seven hours, it was time.

The crowd grew silent, noticing the only one left was a little boy that most didn’t even know.  The people began to whisper to one another.  A few even chuckled.  “Who does this boy think he is?” a few grumbled.  “He’s wasting our time,” they complained.  They couldn’t quite make out what he had in his hand, but they all figured this would be the worst gift ever.  Gregory slowly approached the king.  This was the first time he had ever seen him this close before. The prince walked down to meet him, escorting him to his father. Gregory slowly handed the king his little gift wrapped in paper his family had saved from his birthday party the year before.  A million thoughts flew through his head.  Then the room fell silent and Gregory felt like it was just him and the king.  The king began to open his present, carefully peeling the paper. The people could not wait to see what was inside.

The king then opened the little cardboard box lid.  His fingers reached inside, pulling out a small piece of paper. The people fixed their gaze on the king as he carefully unfolded it.  His eyes seemed to twinkle as he finished reading.  Gregory watched and waited for what seemed like an eternity.  Then the king rose to his feet and lifted his arm. “Thank you all!” he began. “I have received many wonderful gifts today, but as you all know, only one can be the winner.”  The people all leaned forward with anticipation.  “This year, the winner is…”  Many in the audience were sure they would be this year’s winner.  The king then reached down and picked up the 7 year old boy still standing at his feet.  “This year the winner is Gregory.”  The people could not believe it. The crowd was buzzing with amazement!

How could this little boy with his little box and little piece of paper be the winner?  It was impossible.  The king continued… “This boy has not only given me the best gift this year, but the best gift ever!”  You could hear people gasp and complain throughout the room. “He will not only be able to be with me for today, but because of his gracious gift, Gregory will be able to visit me any time he wants for his whole life.”  The people could not believe it! Everyone was excited to discover what was on that little piece of paper, but the king chose not to tell them, at least not yet.

The rest of the evening all the people of the kingdom enjoyed great food and a festival filled with games, music, and much more. But Gregory simply enjoyed being with his king.  He couldn’t believe it.  He just loved looking and listening to the king.  They talked all night long. As people walked by the king’s table they kept asking him what the boy had given him.  The king would simply smile, reassuring them to be patient.  The next morning the king sent out invitations to all the people in his kingdom, requesting their presence at noon on the first day of the following week. The invitation explained that the king would finally reveal to all Gregory’s gracious gift. The people could not wait! The following Sunday people from all around the kingdom made their way to the castle. Right at noon the king stood and explained what made Gregory’s gift so special.

“You see,” began the king. “For many years now people have brought me many wonderful gifts, but no one has ever given me a gift quite like this one.”  One person in the crowd just couldn’t wait any longer. “Please king,” he cried. “Tell us what was on the paper.”  The king smiled.  “The paper had seven simple words on it.” The people all listened carefully as the king continued. “The paper said, ‘THANK YOU MY DEAR KING, THANK YOU!'”

The people looked quite confused.  “You see,” explained the king.  “Although many wonderful gifts have been given to me over the years, I’ve never really needed any of them. After all, I already own everything in the kingdom.  What I’ve really wanted all along is you, not your things.  I want your hearts.  I want you to willingly be my people. That’s what my kingdom is all about.  Only after you truly become my people, will you finally get to know me as your personal king.  This boy’s gift is exactly what I’ve been looking for these many years.  Gregory’s gift has revealed his deep, heartfelt thanks. It has revealed his willingness to give me nothing less than his heart.”

People talked about Gregory’s gracious gift for many years to come, reminding one another that it wasn’t the objects, but their hearts that they should willingly and humbly give the king each and every day; hearts overflowing with thanksgiving to their gracious and glorious king.  This is what the king was truly searching for all along.

“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” Proverbs 23:26.  

“O Lord, open my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: You delight not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” Psalm 51:15-17.

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Occultism in Children’s Toys?

Filed under: Creation, Emergent, Truth — 3 Comments
February 19, 2012

There is a simple, consistent, yet effective formula found in the story of many of today’s (occult) toys and games for kids.  The story goes something like this: creatures, spirits, monsters, etc. from another dimension or world come to this planet.  Kids discover them and then discover they can play/fight against other kids, all the while learning how to utilize their creatures’ powers.  Usually the battles are done in an alternate dimension where the creatures’ powers can be activated to their full potential. The winner of each fight captures not only the creature that has lost, but also its power. The more creatures you catch, the more options and power you have for later rumbles.  The goal is always to win as many creatures as possible. The best case scenario would be to win every creature, thereby receiving all the power, enabling you to take over the world.  In Pokemon the theme is “Gotta catch’em all!”  The story line typically pits “good” kids against “bad” kids. However regardless of “good” or “bad”, both sides are practicing unbiblical practices which involve activating, utilizing, and collecting power through certain techniques usually accompanied by repeating particular word phrases (aka: enchantments).  Also, many of these games and toys choose to intertwine in their story line the four basic elements of creation (nature): wind, water, fire, and earth. One other interesting part of the story is the subtle and many times, not so subtle doctrine of evolution.  Most of the creatures, after winning enough battles have the potential to evolve upwards into bigger, more powerful entities, making them almost invincible. So is this just a fantasy fairy tale meant to entertain and sell products to children of this generation?

Interestingly, occultism, shamanism/sorcery, and witchcraft across the world share many of the core elements mentioned above. For example, in tribes around the world, a shaman’s job is basically to transport himself spiritually into the spirit world/alternate dimension to engage and collect as many spirit ‘gods’ as possible, securing their wisdom and power to aid his tribe.  Generally speaking, shamans are warned not to capture “bad” spirits because of the trouble they will bring. Usually the theme of “good” and “bad” spirits is fundamental in a shaman’s search for power, knowledge, healing, etc. Ironically, the practices of spiritism and sorcery are not discerned to be good or bad, just the spirits one might encounter. Many times spirit guides will pretend to be under the control of the one who has captured them, but all the while they are actually taking control of the person.  This idea also is revealed in some of today’s cartoons.  One such show is called Bakugan.  In an early episode, the main character, Dan believes he is in control of his Red Dragon creature called Drago. But later the dragon reveals to Dan that it is actually the one in control. Unfortunately, the doctrines involved in sorcery, etc. can easily be transformed into cartoon plots and story lines, with very little resistance or awareness.

Another intentional similarity is the use of creation (nature). Occultism, generally speaking, teaches that power can be accessed through the four basic elements of creation: wind, water, fire, and earth.  (Many times this is known as divination.) Is it coincidental that many of the card games, such as Pokemon and YuGiOh place symbols of wind, water, fire, and earth on them to serve as categories and identification for the power they contain?  Witchcraft, sorcery and the like also highly embrace evolution as a spiritual reality.  Long before evolution was popularized ‘scientifically’ by Charles Lyell, Charles Darwin, Thomas Huxley, etc. it was widely accepted in occult practices around the world.  After all, the logical and final step in man’s evolution will be to become gods.  That is not a scientific philosophy, rather a spiritual one dating back to our original parents in the garden.  (Genesis 3:5– Satan, in the form of a serpent said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”)

Perhaps it goes without saying that today there is an increased interest and activity in the occult.  Whether in movies, TV shows, books, video and card games or toys, the themes of power and magic are ever-increasing in popularity. Popular sells and companies know it!  Sadly, these companies are making millions, if not billions spreading more than just entertaining media.  Could it be that this generation is actually learning occult techniques that were once only privy to a select few known as shamans, yogis, priests, etc.?

As Christians, may we never allow the intoxicating influences of the world to impact this next generation!  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me.”  Matthew 19:14  Too often children are handed over to the latest TV shows and video games, only to be indoctrinated by pagan doctrines from polytheistic and pantheistic cultures such as Japan and China.

Sadly, these influences have always affected mankind. Historically, Manasseh was one tragic example of how influential and destructive the doctrines of devils can be. God did not call Israel to get rid of most of the other nations’ gods.  He commanded them to utterly destroy them all! But instead of eradicating them, many Israelite kings embraced and popularized them.  Manasseh was only 20 years old when he became king.  2 Chronicles 33 records much of his awful exploits engaging in sorcery and idol worship.  In verse 6 it says, “Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.”  (Emphasis added) What was the result of this young king’s rebellious actions? Soon the people stopped listening to the Lord altogether.  And eventually Israel became even worse than the nations around them.  This is a good warning for every generation, especially the one we now live in.  There is a reason that occult practices, no matter what name they are give, no matter how fun and innocent they might seem, are absolutely and unequivocally forbidden by God.  For a few biblical references, see: Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 19:31, and Deuteronomy 18:10.

Satan’s lies are seductive and solely aimed at destroying us and our relationship with our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

May we never allow the god of this world’s doctrines to draw us away from the amazing love and truth of the One who came to set us free! 

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth…” Ecclesiastes 12:1

***FYI: A relatively new toy/game worth examining is called DaGeDar.  (For more info go to their website story line:  http://dagedar.omeletla.com/story)

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Excellent Quotable: “The Battle Over the Truth”

Filed under: Edifying Quotes — Leave a comment
August 19, 2010

“The Bible is the most exciting book there is, yet for years here in the U.S. our children have been fed a “let me entertain you” diet with only a hint of scriptural nutrition. That’s part of Satan’s “Yea, hath God said…?” strategy. The consequence is an upcoming generation that is, for the most part, spiritually anemic and ripe for the various schemes of apostasy. Deprived of the objective truths of Scripture, they are easy prey for those who would entice them through the subjective and experiential, that is, their “feelings.” Nevertheless, our marching orders involve a rescue operation as found in 2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

Pray for our young people that they would have a heart for truth, but then seek out those of their generation to whom the Lord would have you minister His love and truth.”     T.A. McMahon, “The Battle Over the Truth”, www.thebereancall.org, April 1, 2009.

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