Tuesday, 30 August 2016

You and Heaven

You and Heaven
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.  
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.  
This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous  and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50.
Will you get to heaven?
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Can you live a life good enough to stand faultless before a Holy God? I personally don’t think so.
C. S. Lewis stated,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
Christians believe God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. For doing things that were contrary to what he wants us to do. The apostle Paul states,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” Romans 5:6-11.
In order to get to heaven Christians believe the individual must accept by faith the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross for their sins.
Each individual must confess their sins directly to God. The apostle John stating,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
We Christians believe you can know hear and now that you are going to be in heaven with God. It is an act of faith. The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.
It is the faith aspect I believe most people who look at Christianity have the problem with. It takes a lot of courage for lack of a better way to say it, to believe in someone or something you cannot see.
I believe God knows this which is why he asks us to have faith in Him.
God also knows that those who truly believe in something. Who truly have faith in something are the true followers. Individuals who will not waver in their beliefs.
Question, Do you believe Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. The Saviour of Mankind?
Another question: Are you sure you will go to heaven?
Please think about it.

Monday, 29 August 2016

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord
Praise the LORD. 
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 
praise him with the harp and lyre, 
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
 praise him with the strings and flute, 
praise him with the clash of cymbals, 
praise him with resounding cymbals. 
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 
Praise the LORD. 
Psalm 150
If you claim to be a Christian. When was the last time you sat down on your own and praised the Lord?
I don’t mean listen to praise music. I mean you on your own in word or in song praising the Lord.
Sadly all too many Christians do not praise the Lord enough. They listen to praise music because it sounds good. It even makes them feel good. However they don’t praise the Lord themselves.
I think it’s important whenever we get a chance, to praise the Lord. Yes you can put on praise music and sing along with it. But mean what you are singing. Put your mind and soul into your words.
Give glory to God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Magnify his name for he is worthy of your praise.
Here’s a simple task for you. Take a few minutes now to sit back in a chair, or stand or praying on your knees and praise God either in word or in song.
Perhaps even write words of praise to God. If you play an instrument use it to praise God. Don’t be afraid to give God the glory He is due.
Please think about it.

Sunday, 28 August 2016

The Christian Life

The Christian life.
“If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.” Thomas Aquinas.
Jesus said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. 
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
All too often living here in North America I hear non-Christians saying Christianity is a bunch of do’s and do not’s. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Christianity is as much a lifestyle as it is a faith. It is living by a set of moral values set down by God in the Bible.
Following the moral rules for Christian living is no different than if you are playing a football game.
In a football match one needs to follow the rules in order to have good honest and fair game for all participating.
So it with Christian living. God lays out a set of moral rules for us to live by so that all can have a good life.
The call of Jesus is to Love God, your neighbour, your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Making things even simpler Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
This is what Christian living is all about.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
This is what it is to live a Christian life.
Please think about it.

Saturday, 27 August 2016

Christians Remember

Christians Remember
Christians remember,
 the word of the Apostle Paul
 who said,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
 Romans 5:8.
Christian remember
The words of the apostle John,
who said,
“We love because he first loved us.” 
1 John 4:19.
Christian remember
 what true Love is,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, 
it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 
But the greatest of these is love.”  
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Christian remember 
the words of Jesus who said,
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart 
and with all your soul 
and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it:
 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
Matthew 22:36-40.
Christians remember
 Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies 
and pray for those who persecute you...” 
Matthew 5:43,44
Christians remember,
 Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, 
you will be judged, 
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
 Matthew 7:1,2.
Christians remember,
 the words of the apostle Paul, 
who said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? 
Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. 
“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians remember
 the incident recorded in Matthews gospel,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and
 “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, 
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 
But go and learn what this means: 
‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ 
For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 
Matthew 9:10-13.
Christians remember 
the words of Jesus who said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said,
 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
Christians remember
 the words of the writer of Hebrews 
who said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; 
without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
 Hebrews 12:14
Christians also remember
 the words of Jesus 
who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, 
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
 Matthew 7:12.
All of the above are things Christians should remember, think about, and put into practise daily.
Finally Christian remember
 the words of Francis of Assisi 
who said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon
 some persons will hear today” 
Francis of Assisi.
Please think about it.

Friday, 26 August 2016

A Royal Priesthood

A Royal Priesthood
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Here is something I think Christians need to meditate on. According to the Apostle Peter we are a “Royal Priesthood”.
That we are “to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
That we should,   “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Question. If you are a Christian is this the kind of life you are living?
 Are you abstaining from sinful desires?
Sinful desires come in all forms not just the obvious. Sinful desires are anything that is not pleasing to God. God tells us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. Do you?
Do you judge those you disagree with?
Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Are you following these commands?
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Are you doing this? If not are you not sinning? For sinning is falling short of God’s ideals for your life. Falling short of what God wants you to do.
Take a few moments to look at your life and see if you are truly following the word of God. Read the New Testament for yourself and ask God to show you where you fall short of following the life God wants you to live.
Please think about it.

Thursday, 25 August 2016

Would you be invited?

Would you be invited?
Matthew’s gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Question. If you consider yourself a Christian would you be invited to sit as a guest of non-Christians? Someone the bible deems sinners?
I see and hear a lot of people claiming to be Christians particularly in the United States, protesting against people they label as sinners. People they disagree with. Would these people who claim to be Christians be invited to dinner with those they call sinners? I think not. Which is a shame because the apostle Paul writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,...” Romans 3:23.
That all means Christians and non-Christians. The difference being, a true Christian has had their sins forgiven. The apostle John telling us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
The only way a non-Christian will ever hear about the saving grace of Jesus is if a Christian points it out to them.
If Christians are not invited to sit down with non-Christians and have an open dialogue with them they will not hear the teachings of Jesus.
Sadly many who claim to be Christians particularly so called “evangelical Christians”, in the United State and Canada, are like the Pharisees they are quick to point out who’s a sinner and will not have anything to do with them. That or they protest against them.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
That’s what all who consider themselves to be Christians should be doing.
The apostle Paul made things very clear when writing to the Corinthians he said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Jesus gave Christians explicit instructions when He said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
He did not tell Christians to judge anyone or protest against anyone. He simply said go and make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything He had commended the apostles to do.
This is what we as Christians in 2016 should be doing.
Please think about it.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Faith in God

Faith in God
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5,6.
As simple as this statement looks on the surface it can be very hard to do. It requires a lot of faith to put your trust in someone you cannot see, feel or touch. Yet that is what God wants.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1.
Later in the chapter the writer points out,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.
Someone who truly has faith in something or someone generally is very loyal and very passionate. This is what God wants in those who follow Him.
He wants people who will live for Him in word and in deed.
The Psalmist states,
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm,1:1,2.
This is what it is to be a true believer in God. A true follower of Christ.
Are you such a follower?
Take a look at your life and ask yourself, Is my life truly acceptable to God? Are People seeing Christ in me both inside Church and outside?
Please think about it.

Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Christian Living

Christian Living
The apostle Peter wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
Here is from the pen of the apostle Peter is what Christians should do.
He reminds us we are “aliens and strangers in the world” that we are to abstain from sinful desires.
That we are to live such good lives among those who are around us “that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us”.
Are you abstaining from sin? Think carefully about that.
 Sin comes in many forms. Sin is doing what God does not want you to do. We all know the obvious, do not kill, do not steal, do not give false witness, do not commit adultery and such. But what about the other things Jesus and the apostles told us not to do.
What about judging others?
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Do you judge people, especially those outside the church? The apostle Paul tells us not to. If we do is it not sin?
How many Christian organisations expel those who are teaching things contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles?
Is it not a sin if the organization fails to expel those who teach contrary to the word of God?
Here’s something else to consider. Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Are you treating people the same way you would like to be treated? Jesus told us to treat people the way we would like to be treated. Not to do so is to go against the teaching of Jesus.
Would you want your rights and freedoms restricted especially if you live in a democracy? Do you like to be demonstrated against?
Many Christians today demonstrate against other groups they disagree with. They try to have the rights of those they disagree with restricted. Rights granted to them by a democratically elected government.
Remember what the apostle Paul said,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  Romans 13:1,2.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Do you endeavour to live at peace with those around you? Are you endeavouring to live a holy life?
Please think about it.

Monday, 22 August 2016

The Way

The Way
The Apostle John states,
“Yet to all who received him, (Jesus)to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12,13.
 Christians believe that by accepting Jesus by faith into our lives we have the right to be called children of God.
The apostle Paul writes,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”  Romans 10: 9,10.
Christians believe Jesus is the way to heaven. Jesus said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 
Christians do not believe we can live a life holy enough to stand before a holy God.
Christians believe that is why God reached down to mankind offering us eternal life if we’d only have faith in Him, the apostle Paul writing.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
Christians believe what the writer of Hebrews said,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
Christians believe the words of the apostle Paul who speaking to the Athenians said,
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17: 30,31.
We believe the words of Ecclesiastes who wrote,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Christians also realize what the apostle John wrote is true when he said,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”  1John 1:9-10.
The question is do you believe this?
Please think about it.

Sunday, 21 August 2016

Fruits

Fruits
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Dear Christian are you exhibiting to the world around you the fruits of the Spirit as the apostle Paul speaks of them in the above passage of scripture?
If you claim to be a Christian people should see these attributes in your life.
A Christian life is one of love, for God, ones neighbours, even one’s enemies. The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said of love,
“Love is patient, love is kind.
 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 
it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs. 
Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, 
always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 
But the greatest of these is love.”  
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Is this the kind of love you show to those around you or is does your love have conditions on it?
Christians must love and show love at all times. We must live a life of holiness as the writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
If you claim to be a Christian is your life a life of love and holiness? Are you someone who lives at peace with all men?
Please think about it.

Saturday, 20 August 2016

Hearts right side up

Hearts right side up
“The men who followed Him (Christ), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Billy Graham.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
Here’s something to think about when it comes to the early disciples of Jesus. They lived under emperors such as Caligula and Nero two of the worst Roman emperors who persecuted Christians terribly.
The disciples never voted in an election. They never protested, or demanded their rights. They were persecuted and even put to death for their faith yet they changed the world.
They did so because they followed closely the teachings of Jesus. Jesus who gave us several things that would help us change the world.
Jesus who when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also told us to love our enemies, saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Jesus telling us,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
They made sure they lived a life that God wanted them to live.
They followed the teaching of the Apostle Paul who said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
They expelled those who did not practice and teach the truth about Jesus.
They lived up to the words of Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Those early disciples of Jesus realized the words of Paul were true when he said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink....” Romans 12:18-20b.
They practised what the writer of Hebrews said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
All of this is what Christians today in 2016 need to be doing.
The world around us needs to be seeing the fruits of the Spirit in the lives of Christians. Fruits noted by the apostle Paul who said,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Please think about it.

Friday, 19 August 2016

He Who Teaches His Children

He who Teaches His Children
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
      As Christians we need to be teaching our children what is right and wrong. We need to be presenting our faith to them in word and in deed.
In order that our children see the truth of our faith in Christ we must live it in front of them every day.
By that I do not mean forcing the Bible down their throat. Doing so will only make them rebel.
 I have seen many children from Christian homes over the years turn away from God. They turned away because in many cases their parents either were not living their faith correctly or forcing their faith on them.
They were either parents who went to Church on Sunday but did as they liked during the week. God being far from the centre of their lives.
 The other parents are those who truly love God. Who with the best of intentions force the bible on their children. They use it constantly to correct their children. Making their faith seem like a lot of do’s and do not. Mostly do not.
Joshua Loth Libman wrote,
“Give your children unconditional love, a love that is not dependent on report cards, clean hands, or popularity.  Give your children a sense of your whole-hearted acceptance, acceptance of their human frailties as well as their abilities and virtues.  Give your children your permission to grow up to make their own lives independent of you.  Give them a sense of truth; make them aware of themselves as citizens of a universe in which there are many obstacles as well as fulfillments. 
 Bestow upon your child the blessings of your faith.  These are the laws of honouring your son and your daughter.  Out of these laws will be built the Declaration of Independence for the coming generation, a spiritual and emotional independence that, in turn, will make the world free, democratic, safe, creative.”Joshua Loth Liebman.
If we love our children we will let them have the freedom to be themselves. If we live our faith in front of them they will see that it is indeed a good thing. Something they want.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”Francis of Assisi. This applies as much to our families as the world around us.
Always remember what you teach your children will be passed on to the next generation.
The Talmud while a Jewish book and not Christian has many things that applies to Christians one is,
“Whoever teaches his son teaches not alone his son but also his son’s son, and so on to the end of generations.” The Talmud.
Do not underestimate what influence your words and deed have on your children and on their Children.
Always remember your influence on your children can go one of two ways. It will point them to God or turn them away from God.
Remember these words of Francis of Assisi,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”  Francis of Assisi.
The world is not only watching you, your children are also. Do your best to live a godly life in front of them.
Please think about it.