DiscipleBlog.com

We’ve all heard the saying “Monkey see – monkey do.” This statement describes the process by which a young child imitates the conduct of others, especially his or her parents or siblings.

Do the words we speak, the behaviors we model, and the expectations we convey shape our children’s character?

The Apostle Paul penned these inspired words to his friends in the church at Philippi, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

Jerry Bridges, author, speaker, and Navigators staff member, wrote, “The level of our obedience is most often determined by the behavior standard of other Christians around us” (The Discipline of Grace, page 116). Read the rest of this entry »

A. W. Tozer, widely regarded as one of the most perceptive writers in the 20th century, said, “The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”

God has given us amazing minds. These powerful instruments possess an almost limitless capacity to remember. Memorizing Bible verses is a skill and discipline that yields lifelong rewards (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3). Learn Bible verses together with your child. Discover the marvelous mental potential that God has given to you. Read the rest of this entry »

Ray Stedman, noted pastor and Biblical expositor said, “Forgiveness, of course, is the virtue we most enjoy, and least employ, in our Christian experience. We all love to be forgiven – we expect it, and want it. But we find it a struggle to forgive; we resist it, and refuse oftentimes to do it.”

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you.”

Forgiveness is a foundational Bible truth. Why is forgiveness important? The best answer is because Jesus commanded us to forgive others. Scripture clearly communicates that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-16). Read the rest of this entry »

Imagine having young believers who:

• Understand and embrace the Biblical basis for missions.
• Genuinely care about people everywhere who await the life-giving Gospel message.
• Are ready to follow Christ wherever He leads.

To become fully equipped disciples, young believers need consistent, clear, and systematic instruction. Children’s workers have only 1-3 hours per week to influence young hearts and minds for God’s glory. Unless churches proactively insert missions education, children miss this essential component. Read the rest of this entry »

The National Study of Youth and Religion recently released the results of an important research project. It represents one of the most ambitious and comprehensive studies of U.S. youth ever undertaken.

After reviewing the findings, we could not help but think about the connection between what is taught in the pre-teen years and how that influences teen attitudes and behaviors. As such, here are four key elements that can help your kids become devoted followers of Jesus for life. Read the rest of this entry »