Another thought, not directly related to Credo vs. Paedo baptism...some people leave Baptist churches, in part, because Baptist congregations tend to be autonomous, while Presbyterian churches provide governmental oversight. If something "goes wrong" in a Baptist church, especially among the leadership, you have very little recourse. In a Presbyterian church, you can appeal to the Presbytery. Additionally, the abandonment, or at least the disintegration of, reverent worship and liturgy in many churches, as well as the focus on the family unit as you addressed it, may contribute to this trend.
Instead of abandoning their churches, it’s time for Baptists to embrace the reality that our children are the most important disciples we will make, if the Lord wills. It’s time to stop sending kids to public schools understanding that managing their households well includes raising up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Fathers can’t outsource to the public schools, norther church. fathers mistake, responsibility for their children.
Agreed. I think there's a "sunk cost" bias with people who sent their kids to public school initially but now have good reason to pull them out, but their kids would be upset if they did. So they rationalize the decision and get angry at pastors (like me!) who push them on it.
It’s happened to me too. Many parents think their children can be a light in that environment, yet when you’re immersed in another worldview, how much of it are you taking in? Most everything in the public schools today is meant to reject the God of the universe. If the father is responsible for the education of his children, which he is, how is he overcoming an education that undermines education in the Lord?
Whoa ! This article is above my lack of seminary education or even knowledge. However I do grasp most of what is being said. How can we be salt and light in our world, unless we are actively out in the world ? Living out our faith is more important now than ever. I've noticed my wife does this at her job. I'm retired. After some time people notice there is something different about her. They have asked her what makes her tick, then, she can share Jesus makes all the difference in what she says and does. Evangelism efforts need to become more creative. Gone are the days when we could cold call on someone by knocking on their door in the evenings. This switch you speak of to a more family centered focus reminds me of how the Amish operate. Amish keep to themselves and are not evangelical. I see your point. It's kind of a first step of withdrawing from society. Upon a recent visit to Amish country I am curious why someone would to keep Jesus to themselves.
I know God is not as interested in our ability as he is our availability. We should always be seeking ways to share our faith. It's not our job to win people to Jesus. That's the Holy Spirit's job. Our only responsibility is to "go and tell" and leave the results to him. Anything I can talk you in to, someone smarter than me can talk you out of. Good thoughts Brother !
Another thought, not directly related to Credo vs. Paedo baptism...some people leave Baptist churches, in part, because Baptist congregations tend to be autonomous, while Presbyterian churches provide governmental oversight. If something "goes wrong" in a Baptist church, especially among the leadership, you have very little recourse. In a Presbyterian church, you can appeal to the Presbytery. Additionally, the abandonment, or at least the disintegration of, reverent worship and liturgy in many churches, as well as the focus on the family unit as you addressed it, may contribute to this trend.
Yes, I like that aspect of Presbyterian polity also.
Instead of abandoning their churches, it’s time for Baptists to embrace the reality that our children are the most important disciples we will make, if the Lord wills. It’s time to stop sending kids to public schools understanding that managing their households well includes raising up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Fathers can’t outsource to the public schools, norther church. fathers mistake, responsibility for their children.
Agreed. I think there's a "sunk cost" bias with people who sent their kids to public school initially but now have good reason to pull them out, but their kids would be upset if they did. So they rationalize the decision and get angry at pastors (like me!) who push them on it.
It’s happened to me too. Many parents think their children can be a light in that environment, yet when you’re immersed in another worldview, how much of it are you taking in? Most everything in the public schools today is meant to reject the God of the universe. If the father is responsible for the education of his children, which he is, how is he overcoming an education that undermines education in the Lord?
Sorry, last sentence …
Fathers can’t outsource to the public schools, nor even church leaders.
Fathers must take responsibility for their children.
Good thoughts, thank you.
Whoa ! This article is above my lack of seminary education or even knowledge. However I do grasp most of what is being said. How can we be salt and light in our world, unless we are actively out in the world ? Living out our faith is more important now than ever. I've noticed my wife does this at her job. I'm retired. After some time people notice there is something different about her. They have asked her what makes her tick, then, she can share Jesus makes all the difference in what she says and does. Evangelism efforts need to become more creative. Gone are the days when we could cold call on someone by knocking on their door in the evenings. This switch you speak of to a more family centered focus reminds me of how the Amish operate. Amish keep to themselves and are not evangelical. I see your point. It's kind of a first step of withdrawing from society. Upon a recent visit to Amish country I am curious why someone would to keep Jesus to themselves.
I know God is not as interested in our ability as he is our availability. We should always be seeking ways to share our faith. It's not our job to win people to Jesus. That's the Holy Spirit's job. Our only responsibility is to "go and tell" and leave the results to him. Anything I can talk you in to, someone smarter than me can talk you out of. Good thoughts Brother !