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Where do I begin with my kids?

I appreciate everyone's insight. I should give more info. We all go to church: Sunday school, Wednesday services, etc. I serve in the choir and my wife helps with the welcome desk in the kid's area. The kids are both new believers and I'm just trying to nurture their growth.
I think the very best way is to be an admirable model for them.
 
My kids (7 and 9) have both recently discovered Jesus and Christianity. So, for the believers on the forum, where do I start reading in the bible with them?
This will be sure to lift their spirits!

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things[e] yet to be among those who come after.

FYI, "bible" is a generic term (Jared Goff is well versed in the Lions bible or play book.). "Bible" (always capitalized) is a reference the Christian Holy Book regardless of which version.
 
My wife is Catholic, I am not. My kids attended the Catholic Church quite regularly (as did I as their father) and I had no problem exposing them to their teachings. They all attended so called catechism classes and participated in their first communion. They were a little confused on why Dad (me) didn't accept communion but after a while they understood (non-Catholics don't participate in communion unlike say Episcopalians). My oldest at about the age of nine had a traumatic experience. During the new school year (and new year of catechism classes) after about the third week his catechism teacher died. She was about 10 years younger than my wife and I (early 30s) and her aorta burst, due to an aneurysm, in her sleep one night causing her to die from internal bleeding. It was totally unexpected. Anyway, I took him to his first visitation just to offer condolences to her son (who was in his class) - it was his first experience with death. That was a Friday night. I watched him closely and the experienced didn't seem to trouble him that night or Saturday. Then on Sunday when we were getting ready to attend Church/mass, my wife kind of got on his case (my boys and I always tend to run late which infuriates her) and he came to me and promptly said he won't be attending. He obviously struggled with the proverbial question of "why do bad things happen to good people" issue. In his eyes here was the perfect Christian, a loving mother and teacher and she was struck dead for no apparent reason in his eyes. Why would a loving God let that happen? He didn't quite use these words but in nine year-old language essentially told me "it's (Christian religion) all a crock of shit." All I could really say is I didn't quite understand it either. He was the typical first born - always trying to please his parents, not a rebellious bone in his body, a favorite of adults (teachers, Scout leaders, coaches, etc.).

He's in his mid 30s now and a very grounded, compassionate, kind, charitable, moral, loving kid but at this stage in his life, he's about as far away from believing in God/Christ as one can be. I'm at peace with that.
 
I think the best evangelism is being an example. This is very good for children. If you live the life they will gravitate toward it.

They will be rebellious in their teens so if try not to push too much.
 
I think the best evangelism is being an example.
And you like Trump? That's hilarious. Please tell me you hide that from your children.
 
Where do I move to after the Gospels? Finish off the New Testament?

I'd finish all the New Testament.
I've been reading the Bible over and over again - even for just a paragraph or two everyday.

I'm sorry - I just realized you're referring to children.
There are Bibles written for children.
It would be great if you can also do the children Bible Study with them.








 
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Where do I move to after the Gospels? Finish off the New Testament?


The OLD Testament is important, because it gives the reason why the world needed a Messiah.
You'll just have to be prepared with tough questions they're going to ask, especially about the violence depicted in the OLD Testament.

Some of the tough questions you may face, are here:






Furthermore......

Contrary to what many non-religious people say - the GENESIS CREATION narrative, is not in conflict with science!
It's important to deal with that right away...............or be prepared for when the time comes that your children will bring home some challenging questions.
Just speak in simple language which children will understand.

There are some Bible-based youtube channels that do this for children.



Here are some resources that may be of help someday.







#1,279 (page 52) RECAP

 
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"Need" is a relative term.
:)

For a mind bending twist on the theme:

MV5BNDYwOThiMDgtMjMyNC00ODY2LTkwNDMtZjJlNWJiN2IyNDliXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg
Ever heard of the film Jurassic Park? Do you think that some little kids had night terrors for years afterward? (The answer is yes.) Do you realize that a 7-year old barely understands the concept of death and is highly unlikely to understand The Omen?
 
Ever heard of the film Jurassic Park?
I have, and have seen it multiple times along with its sequels.

Do you think that some little kids had night terrors for years afterward? (The answer is yes.)
I'm sure some did, and others may have been awed by seeing dinosaurs portrayed in this way.

Do you realize that a 7-year old barely understands the concept of death and is highly unlikely to understand The Omen?
Most likely. You, however, failed to pick up on the humor which the OP did immediately.
 
I have, and have seen it multiple times along with its sequels.


I'm sure some did, and others may have been awed by seeing dinosaurs portrayed in this way.


Most likely. You, however, failed to pick up on the humor which the OP did immediately.
I'm pretty humorless about terrifying little kids, it's true.
 
God will guide you I’m sure. I’ll page @tosca1 and @Revelation and maybe they can provide some further suggestions for you.

there are plenty of good suggestions already.

find a Great bible church and get the kids in sunday church

christian book and amazon have zillions of good childrens bibles. same with YouTube find good christian videos and movies.

most of all, we need as parents to LOVE our children and discipline; Focus on the Family discusses this. they have an excellent audio series called 'Adventures in Oddyseey', my wife and son still buy all the new ones.




blessings

.
 
My wife is Catholic, I am not. My kids attended the Catholic Church quite regularly (as did I as their father) and I had no problem exposing them to their teachings. They all attended so called catechism classes and participated in their first communion. They were a little confused on why Dad (me) didn't accept communion but after a while they understood (non-Catholics don't participate in communion unlike say Episcopalians). My oldest at about the age of nine had a traumatic experience. During the new school year (and new year of catechism classes) after about the third week his catechism teacher died. She was about 10 years younger than my wife and I (early 30s) and her aorta burst, due to an aneurysm, in her sleep one night causing her to die from internal bleeding. It was totally unexpected. Anyway, I took him to his first visitation just to offer condolences to her son (who was in his class) - it was his first experience with death. That was a Friday night. I watched him closely and the experienced didn't seem to trouble him that night or Saturday. Then on Sunday when we were getting ready to attend Church/mass, my wife kind of got on his case (my boys and I always tend to run late which infuriates her) and he came to me and promptly said he won't be attending. He obviously struggled with the proverbial question of "why do bad things happen to good people" issue. In his eyes here was the perfect Christian, a loving mother and teacher and she was struck dead for no apparent reason in his eyes. Why would a loving God let that happen? He didn't quite use these words but in nine year-old language essentially told me "it's (Christian religion) all a crock of shit." All I could really say is I didn't quite understand it either. He was the typical first born - always trying to please his parents, not a rebellious bone in his body, a favorite of adults (teachers, Scout leaders, coaches, etc.).

He's in his mid 30s now and a very grounded, compassionate, kind, charitable, moral, loving kid but at this stage in his life, he's about as far away from believing in God/Christ as one can be. I'm at peace with that.
I had a very similar experience and, while I never stopped believing that God exists, I stayed mad at God for a long while. Then, in my second marriage, my kids started asking questions and wanted to go to church and it "relit" a fire in me.
 
My kids (7 and 9) have both recently discovered Jesus and Christianity. So, for the believers on the forum, where do I start reading in the bible with them?

First ask yourself if this a step to control them…..to limit their freedom. Is it important that our children believe exactly as we do ? Must they become JW’s….Baptists…..Catholics as we are ? Are you prepared to teach them why you are correct and everyone else is mistaken ? Will God forgive you if you withdraw your love for them if they think for themselves ?
 
First ask yourself if this a step to control them…..to limit their freedom. Is it important that our children believe exactly as we do ? Must they become JW’s….Baptists…..Catholics as we are ? Are you prepared to teach them why you are correct and everyone else is mistaken ? Will God forgive you if you withdraw your love for them if they think for themselves ?
I mean, first and foremost, they're 7 and 9 so, it's kinda my obligation to control them at this point. Secondly, I ask if you've ready any of the posts in this thread, which I doubt, because if you had, you'd understand that this post is irrelevant. Thirdly, I think that most people who are religious, regardless of the religion, remain ready to teach why they are right and everyone else is wrong. Lastly, God will forgive anything if you ask it of him and are truly repentant.

edited to fix grammar mistakes
 
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I mean, first and foremost, they're 7 and 9 so, it's kinda my obligation to control them at this point. Secondly, I ask if you've ready any of the posts in this thread, which I doubt, because if you had, you'd understand that this post is irrelevant. Thirdly, I think that most people how are religious, regardless of the religion remain ready to teach why they are right and everyone else is wrong. Lastly, God will forgive anything if you ask it of him and are truly repentant.
A no nonsense kinda guy...I like that...
 
I had a very similar experience and, while I never stopped believing that God exists, I stayed mad at God for a long while. Then, in my second marriage, my kids started asking questions and wanted to go to church and it "relit" a fire in me.
I can empathize not what the divorce part but I spent a good chunk of my life quite angry with God.

So it works in the most mundane of circumstances in my experience. I remember the day I stopped being angry.
 
I can empathize not what the divorce part but I spent a good chunk of my life quite angry with God.

So it works in the most mundane of circumstances in my experience. I remember the day I stopped being angry.
So do I, it's pretty heavy to be disgruntled for so long, and it was such a relief when I rid myself of the burden.
 
My kids (7 and 9) have both recently discovered Jesus and Christianity. So, for the believers on the forum, where do I start reading in the bible with them?
I would start with the gospels, acts, and James.

After that, you may want to check out Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis which is a great primer for explaining basic Christian concepts to those new to it.

After that, perhaps go into Paul which can be a bit more hard to understand without a bit of foundational knowledge.
 
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So do I, it's pretty heavy to be disgruntled for so long, and it was such a relief when I rid myself of the burden.
Well reflecting on it what I was really angry with was circumstances in my life that I had no control over. And my inability to force it to be the way I thought it should.

This is why I say a major foundation point for happiness is letting Go.

Sounds like you are faced with some circumstances that you might have been unable to change.

I don't know about you but I have reflected quite a bit on that time and while I was so angry, why I blamed God for it. She has the power to fix it with the snap of his fingers and he didn't. Is it because he hates me why does he hate me so much.

I think these are questions you have to ask you have to go through it to actually find real true faith. He didn't hate me, I was doing a task a burden at first, a cross to bear. It was not too heavy it was only heavy when I tried to pretend it was not there.

I think in metaphors I'm sorry if it seems a bit Rambling
 
I would start with the new gospels and James.

After that, you may want to check out Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis which is a great primer for explaining basic Christian concepts to those new to it.

After that, perhaps go into Paul which can be a bit more hard to understand without a bit of foundational knowledge.
I am currently reading Mere Christianity for the first time, myself. I've found it very insightful.
 
Well reflecting on it what I was really angry with was circumstances in my life that I had no control over. And my inability to force it to be the way I thought it should.

This is why I say a major foundation point for happiness is letting Go.

Sounds like you are faced with some circumstances that you might have been unable to change.

I don't know about you but I have reflected quite a bit on that time and while I was so angry, why I blamed God for it. She has the power to fix it with the snap of his fingers and he didn't. Is it because he hates me why does he hate me so much.

I think these are questions you have to ask you have to go through it to actually find real true faith. He didn't hate me, I was doing a task a burden at first, a cross to bear. It was not too heavy it was only heavy when I tried to pretend it was not there.

I think in metaphors I'm sorry if it seems a bit Rambling
It makes sense. I finally came to a place to where I started to understand that, even though my burdens felt heavy, that they were not as heavy as the burdens we, as humanity, laid on Jesus' shoulders.
 
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