Addressing The Issues

Several Sundays ago, in the adult auditorium class, we briefly discussed the subject of teaching our children the “issues” that are not directly addressed in the Bible.  We need to teach our children directly from the Bible, but we need to understand that only a few issues are addressed in the manner of “Thou shall not… or Thou shall…”  We have the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:7-17 and the two commandments in Matt. 22:37-39 as an example of what we are trying to say.

As members if the body of Christ, we assemble on the first day of the week to sing, pray, give of our means, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and hear his Word proclaimed through evangelism.  These acts are not “Thou shall…” commands.  They are indirect commands (if you will) given to us by Holy inspired writers of the Bible; who recorded the examples set forth for us to follow by the early Churches.

Even today “issues” divide the Lord’s Church.  These basically consist of partaking of meals in the place of worship, instrumental music in worship, contributing to orphan homes with church money and contributing church funds to benevolent societies.

There are many “issues” that set the Lord’s church apart from the denominational world.  Some have women preachers, elders and deacons.  Some believe in sprinkling as an alternative, while many believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation.  Many are convinced that “once you are saved; you are always saved.”  Many churches have big, complete kitchens available for parties, etc.  Our children need to be taught that even giving our small children snacks – cookies, crackers, etc. in their Bible classes, is the wrong thing to do.

Our young people today are confronted by Satan on a daily basis.  Peer pressures are very strong. They need to fully understand why the “issues” of smoking, drinking, dancing, and gambling (lotto tickets) are the wrong thing to do.

The “issue” of modesty and what it is, should always be a concern to every parent.  A child should never be given the opportunity to wear immodest clothing by a Christian parent.  Our children need to understand that dressing immodestly can apply to boys as well as girls.