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Preface from “Growing With God” |
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We are told that it is important to teach our children many things from the Bible: Creation, the good and bad works of man, the life of Jesus on earth, salvation…and the list continues. There’s just one problem! As young children, once they choose to pursue Christ and follow the apostolic plan of salvation (repentance, baptism in Jesus’ Name, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost) that we have so ably taught them, then what? How do we teach our children to ‘grow in God’? How do we aid their understanding of prayer and the power they now have in their life through God’s Spirit? How do we help them realize their potential in the Kingdom as one of His children? Are we to set them aside, thinking that ‘they can learn those things when they get a little older’? The answer to this question is, unequivocally, no! Our world is ever growing more corrupt and violent, and we must train our children to live as an Apostolic Christian now.
Our concern rests not in the basic instructive biblical teachings in which our children are taught -- this provides the necessary beginning foundation. However, the in-depth foundational teachings are too often neglected. These are the principles that equip our children with the tools to utilize their gifts. Our Sunday School leadership, of which Sis. Glenda is a part, has consistently focused on having crusades and revivals for this age group. Currently, we have approximately 10 children between the ages of 5-12 (out of a group of about 40) that have not yet received the Holy Ghost! And, due to the evangelistic, outreaching nature of Sunday school, it is challenging to develop a curriculum that gives our children essential sound doctrine. Do not misunderstand: Sunday school is vital. However, just as adults, children need substance. A mid-week Bible Study provides this.
Following Pastor William Sciscoe’s approval, we began to organize and teach a Junior Bible Study in our church. We began searching for apostolic, doctrinal-based research materials and bible study guides for children aged 5-12. Unfortunately, we could not locate any doctrinal resources geared specifically to that age group. There were wonderful Sunday school curriculums and superchurch programs…but no Bible Study could we find that was created for children. It is said that children of those ages aren’t really interested, they don’t have the attention span, they won’t understand, etc. Upon the inception of Junior Bible Study, we found an undeniable hunger in our children. They hungered to learn about the gift that God had given them! We began teaching lessons starting “at the beginning”, explaining sin and its consequences, but soon found that they wanted to go farther and dig deeper than we had ever imagined! Bro. Mark co-teaches the older group. On the first night of Junior Bible Study, Bro. Alphin asked the older class what they wanted to learn. Their answers shocked him! His students wanted to learn about Heaven and hell, and end-time prophecy! Somehow, in some way, we will learn how to teach them everything they want to know. They are hungry - hungry for growth, hungry for knowledge.
It is our hope that this book will guide and assist you in developing a Junior Bible Study within your assembly. The lessons that are included have been developed from God-given thoughts and ideas. We do not claim to be “master story-tellers” or “expert lesson-makers”; we only have the burden and desire to provide for all children what they need to grow in Him. Our children require and deserve the foundation that will enable them to stay faithful and strong in the midst of adversity, peer pressure, and the other situations that are common in our world today.
May God bless you as you bless the children of your church. May you teach them to “grow up” in Him, showing them how to live an overcoming life in the many years before them, should our Lord tarry. It’s been said that if you bring an elderly person to Christ, they will be ready for eternity. But, if you save a child, you save a life.
Mark and Glenda Alphin (Written in February 2003) |
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Recommendations for "Growing with God" Foreword from "Growing with God" Lesson List from "Growing with God" "Growing with God" Chapter One: Why is a Junior Bible Study so Important? Who is using "Growing with God"? How can I use it? Preview upcoming lesson list for "Growing with God 2"
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