Raising Godly Children Archive

Teach and Tend Young Hearts

Just as seeds develop differently in various soil types, children respond differently to God’s Word. Some initially embrace the message, others eventually give up on God, some become captivated by the world, and still others produce a bountiful crop (see Mark 4:1-20). Six environments shape your child’s understanding of reality. Each one can cultivate health and growth, or disease and death. These environments have the …

Mercy and Grace: What Kids Need to Know

Children love fairness—but the Lord’s grace and mercy are certainly not based on “fairness.” As you help your children grasp God’s mercy and live out God’s grace, their lives will never be the same. How Kids Think Kids sometimes wonder, “Do I deserve this?” They feel wronged after receiving “unjust” or “unfair” treatment. On the other hand, children have trouble processing special favor that is …

What Kids REALLY Need

Where are today’s Christian kids? Once upon a time, Christian parents asked their children after church, “What did you learn about God?” Today, the question is often, “Did you have fun?” Not too long ago, churches offered Bible training for all ages—wanting to fully equip children to serve Christ. Today, many churches offer high-energy, entertainment-based programs—wanting to keep kids happy and to make recruiting easy. …

Teach Children the Real Meaning of Christmas

As we turn our attention to the Lord Jesus this Christmas, the following story will help kids and parents remember the Real Meaning of Christmas. Practical Idea: download your copy of the “Real Meaning of Christmas” below, read the story to your children, or email the download to your parents suggesting that they read it to their families this Christmas season. Children ask, “What is …

How a Biblical Worldview Shapes the Way We Teach Our Children

In this article, Timothy Paul Jones reminds us that our children are far more than our children. — To have a biblical worldview is to interpret every aspect of our lives—including our relationships with children—within the framework of God’s story. At the center of God’s story stands this singular act: In Jesus Christ, God personally intersected human history and redeemed humanity at a particular time in …

Great Parents Walk with God

“I can’t take one more ‘why’ question,” Lela lamented to Martin, her husband. Lela’s day had been fraught with frustration. She and the kids had been locked out of the house for an hour; a neighbor finally called Martin who let them back in. Throughout the day, each time Lela had asked her daughter to clean up, to help her brother, or to eat her …

Balance Your Growth by Mark Steiner

First Century Parenting Just for fun, put yourself in the sandals of Joseph or Mary, Jesus’ earthly parents. What unique challenges did they face raising a child who never lied, never talked back, never undermined their authority, and always obeyed? A solitary verse summarizes Joseph and Mary’s parenting efforts: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). …