Matthew 22:37 ~ Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
In most cultures and religions, people place great value and importance on teaching the next generation. It is no different at our church. Teachers at Faith Baptist Church do a lot of preparation and prayer for the Sunday School lessons for the children of our church. It is very important to us to teach the children about God’s truth, given to us in scripture. We take so much care in preparing these lessons to make sure that we do not create a false impression about who God is and what Christ did for us on the cross. We make sure that the children know that they are in need of a saviour and that they should love God with all their hearts, souls and minds (Matthew 22:37). We take great care of the responsibility God gave us in teaching children about Him. Sunday school is a great place for children to learn about God, or to learn more about God.
Who Should Teach Children About God?
Does the Bible teach that children are to learn about God at Sunday School? No, it does not. The Bible teaches that parents are to teach their children about God. An example of this would be from Deuteronomy 6:5-7 ~ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
The Way They Should Go
At the moment in our church, most of the children in Sunday School are children of believers who attend our church, but this was not always the case, we had many children in our Sunday School whose parents did not attend church. Sunday School teachers notices who are taught about God at home and who come to church for their only lesson about God for the week. It makes such a big difference when parents teach their children as God expect them to do. God’s instructions through King Solomon reads in Proverbs 22:6 ~ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. But what is this way in which he should go? John 14:6 says it clearly: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus is the way we should go, and how can children know if we do not teach them? Parents are to teach their children about God, about the Gospel message of salvation, just as we are to tell others (Matthew 28:19-20)
Where to start?
Here are some practical tips if you are a parent and the spirit leads you to teach your child about God:
Pray (Pray also with your Children)
Many examples and instructions in the Bible tell us to pray. Spending time with the Lord in prayer is important in any aspect of a relationship with Him. It is also very important to pray for your children and with your children.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without Ceasing”
Read your Bible (Read also with your children)
The best way to learn more about God and to teach others about God is by reading the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we get to know Him more by spending time with him in His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…
Join a Bible-believing church, with your children
I good Bible-believing church can teach you, and your children so much about God and His love for us, not only through the Pastor’s sermons but also through fellowship. When we surround ourselves with believers, we learn from each other, bless each other, and become like a loving family who all seeks to do the will of God. The church can also help you with information and material that will help you to teach your children about God.
It is never too late to start teaching your children about God. Seek him in prayer and scripture and, He will guide your way.