QUESTION: "WILL BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN BE TAKEN IN THE RAPTURE?"

Answer: The Bible does not specifically say what will happen to babies, infants, and children when the rapture occurs. This causes many Christians to worry that they will be taken in the rapture, and their young children will be left behind to face the terrible tribulation. Is this possible? No, we do not believe it is. As we explain our viewpoint, please understand that this is, at best, informed speculation. Again, the Bible does not specifically address this issue.

As a background, please read our article on the "age of accountability." It is our view that children who are under the age of accountability will be taken in the rapture. If a child has not reached the point that he/she can make a decision for or against Christ, we would hold that if he/she dies, he/she will be granted entrance into heaven. We also hold that this principle, based entirely on God's mercy, applies to the rapture. Some propose that only the children of believers will be raptured. We disagree. If a child's salvation while under the age of accountability is not based on the faith-status of his/her parents, neither is the child's participation in the deliverance of the rapture. It is our belief, albeit not explicitly taught in Scripture, that all those under the age of accountability will be taken in the rapture.

Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and The Rapture: Who Will Face the Tribulation by Tim LaHaye.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

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Related Topics:

What are the seventy sevens in Daniel 9:24-27?

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?

Where do I find the age of accountability in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about household salvation?

Will there be a partial rapture?

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/rapture-children.html#ixzz2Tq9pRkZB

QUESTION: "DO MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE GO TO HEAVEN? DOES GOD SHOW MERCY TO THOSE WHO ARE MENTALLY RETARDED, CHALLENGED, DISABLED AND HANDICAPPED?"

Answer: The Bible does not specifically say whether or not mentally ill people go to heaven. However, there is some biblical evidence that anyone who is not able to make a decision for salvation is covered by Christ’s death. This is similar to how it is commonly believed that children are automatically taken to heaven when they die until they reach the point in which they are able to make a decision for or against Christ. David had a child die, and he comforted himself with the thought, “Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). David knew that he would see his child in heaven one day. From that statement, we can assume that babies and young children were, by God's grace, covered for salvation by Christ’s death.

We can postulate from this that mentally retarded people are covered by this principle as well. The Word of God does not specifically say this, however. Knowing the love, grace, and mercy of God, this would seem consistent with His character. Any person who is mentally challenged to the extent that he could not be aware of his sinful state and believe in Christ for salvation, is in the same category as a child and it is not unreasonable to assume that person is saved by the grace and mercy of the same God who saves babies and small children.

As in everything, however, we must be careful not to be dogmatic about any issue the Bible does not specifically address. We do know that Jesus receives as His own all that the Father has given to Him and He will lose none of them along the way (John 6:39). Jesus said of these “And I give to them eternal life, and they shall never ever perish, and not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28). We can take comfort in knowing that our God’s plan is always perfect, He always does what is right and just, and His love and mercy are infinite and everlasting.

Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Safe in the Arms of God: Words from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John MacArthur.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/mentally-challenged.html#ixzz2Tq7KJwmN

QUESTION: "WHERE DO I FIND THE AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE BIBLE? WHAT HAPPENS TO BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN THEY DIE?"

Answer: The concept of the "age of accountability" is that children are not held accountable by God for their sins until they reach a certain age, and that if a child dies before reaching the "age of accountability,' that child will, by the grace and mercy of God, be granted entrance into Heaven. Is the concept of an age of accountability biblical? Is there such a thing as an "age of innocence"?

Frequently lost in the discussion regarding the age of accountability is the fact that children, no matter how young, are not “innocent” in the sense of being sinless. The Bible tells us that even if an infant or child has not committed personal sin, all people, including infants and children, are guilty before God because of inherited and imputed sin. Inherited sin is that which is passed on from our parents. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” David recognized that even at conception, he was a sinner. The very sad fact that infants sometimes die demonstrates that even infants are impacted by Adam’s sin, since physical and spiritual death were the results of Adam's original sin.

Each person, infant or adult, stands guilty before God; each person has offended the holiness of God. The only way God can be just and at the same time declare a person righteous is for that person to have received forgiveness by faith in Christ. Christ is the only way. John 14:6 records what Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, except through Me.” Also, Peter states in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Salvation is an individual choice.

What about babies and young children who never reach the ability to make this individual choice? The age of accountability is a concept that teaches those who die before reaching the age of accountability are automatically saved, by God’s grace and mercy. The age of accountability is a belief that God saves all those who die before reaching the ability to make a decision for or against Christ. Thirteen is the most common number given for the age of accountability, based on the Jewish custom that a child becomes an adult at the age of 13. However, the Bible gives no direct support to the age of 13 always being the age of accountability. It likely varies from child to child. A child has passed the age of accountability once he or she is capable of making a faith decision for or against Christ.

With the above in mind, also consider this: Christ's death is presented as sufficient for all of mankind. First John 2:2 says Jesus is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” This verse is clear that Jesus' death was sufficient for all sins, not just the sins of those who specifically have come to Him in faith. The fact that Christ's death was sufficient for all sin would allow the possibility of God’s applying that payment to those who were never capable of believing.

The one passage that seems to identify with this topic more than any other is 2 Samuel 12:21-23. The context of these verses is that King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, with a resulting pregnancy. The prophet Nathan was sent by the Lord to inform David that because of his sin, the Lord would take the child in death. David responded to this by grieving, mourning, and praying for the child. But once the child was taken, David's mourning ended. David's servants were surprised to hear this. They said to King David, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” David's response was, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” David's response indicates that those who cannot believe are safe in the Lord. David said that he could go to the child, but that he could not bring the child back to him. Also, and just as important, David seemed to be comforted over this. In other words, David seemed to be saying that he would see the child (in heaven), though he could not bring him back.

Although it is possible that God applies Christ's payment for sin to those who cannot believe, the Bible does not specifically say that He does this. Therefore, this is a subject about which we should not be adamant or dogmatic. God’s applying Christ’s death to those who cannot believe would seem consistent with His love and mercy. It is our position that God applies Christ's payment for sin to young children and those who are mentally handicapped, since they were not mentally capable of understanding their sinful state and their need for the Savior, but again we cannot be dogmatic. Of this we are certain: God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. Whatever He does is always right and good.

Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Safe in the Arms of God: Words from Heaven About the Death of a Child by John MacArthur.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/age-of-accountability.html#ixzz2Tq6O9YfE

QUESTION: "HOW CAN WE PREVENT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM LOSING FAITH?"

Answer:This question highlights an unfortunate trend. As numerous recent books and studies have revealed, a large number of today’s youth are becoming disenchanted with the church. As a result, they are either leaving the church altogether or exploring other avenues to satisfy their spiritual appetites. And, contrary to what some may believe, more young people leave the church during their middle and high school years than will leave during their college years. Over 60 percent of young adults who attended church in their teens will ultimately become spiritually disengaged at some point during their twenties (The Barna Group).

Although the reasons behind this youthful exodus are many and varied, the answer to this epidemic is really quite simple. Our children need to fully understand that Scripture alone can give life and bring sanctification to a sinful soul, and only Scripture can equip us to discern truth from error. Yet, as the Apostle Paul aptly pointed out, how can they believe when they’ve not heard? (Romans 10:14). In a world in which there is a growing tide of hostility towards Christianity, we need to teach our children the Word of God and how to defend it (1 Peter 3:15). There are three places our children ultimately learn and develop their worldview and belief system: school, church, and home.

Beginning around age five, kids will spend the better part of two decades becoming educated. And public school systems, along with the colleges and universities they attend, continue to indoctrinate kids with the religious beliefs of humanists. Half a century ago, the United States Supreme Court recognized humanism as a religion. So, when the Bible and prayer were tossed out of public schools, they did not throw out religion. They simply replaced the Christian worldview with an atheistic one. As a result, practically everything a child learns in school about science and history has nothing to do with God. Everything is explained without any reference to our Creator. On the other hand, while kids are in school they are taught and expected to tolerate all beliefs, points of view, and different behavioral preferences. A sign at one college epitomizes this expected tolerance: “It is OK for you to think you are right. It is NOT OK for you to think someone else is wrong.” It should come as no surprise, then, that over 70 percent of young adults under the age 25 think all beliefs are equally valid.

Let’s look at the church, as this is certainly a place where the truth of God’s Word should be vigorously defended. Unfortunately, however, more and more churches are deviating from scriptural truth. The Apostle Paul warned us this would happen (2 Timothy 4:3). Discussing the church’s diminishing adherence to the hard truths of God’s Word, Charles Spurgeon had this to say: “There will come another generation, and another, and all these generations will be tainted and injured if we are not faithful to God and to His truth today…how is the world to be saved if the church is false to her Lord?” One theologian aptly commented in response: “We who love the Lord and His church must not sit by while the church gains momentum on the down-grade of worldliness and compromise. Men and women before us have paid with their blood to deliver the faith intact to us. Now, it is our turn to guard the truth. It is a task that calls for courage, not compromise. And it is a responsibility that demands unwavering devotion to a very narrow purpose.”

The development of a Christian foundation, then, must begin at home with the parents. Yet the truth is that, by the time the average child leaves for college at age 18, he or she will have never read the entire Bible (which can be read cover to cover in about 80 hours), and many will never have opened a Bible. Yet they will have watched roughly 21,000 – 30,000 hours of television, which will most definitely have played a significant role in developing their worldview.

The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). Even though we are their stewards for a relatively short time, our parental influence in their lives is significant, to say the least, and it is our responsibility to pass along our faith and values to them. In the Old Testament, Moses stressed to his people the importance of teaching children about the LORD and His commands, decrees, and laws: “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:19-20). And in the New Testament, parents are taught to raise their children in the “training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), as all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, training, and correcting (2 Timothy 3:16). Parents need to instill in their children a thoroughly Christian worldview so they understand that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). This requires studying the Bible and a lot of hard work. For our children to be able to defend the Word of God (1 Peter 3:15), they need to know it well. The importance of teaching our children the truth of Scripture at an early age is put into perspective by this sobering statistic from Barna: only about 6 percent of people who are not Christians by age 18 will become Christians later in life. That frightening thought should reverberate deeply in the hearts of parents who aspire to have their children attain the eternal life that Jesus Christ died to give us.

Jesus Christ said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall as it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25). It is clear that the forces of our increasingly secular world will bring torrents of “rain” and “wind” into our children’s lives so as to turn their ears away from the truth. Christians are not surprised by this, as the Bible tells us this is going to happen to a greater degree as we draw closer to Christ’s return. The wise Solomon taught us to train our children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6). Quite simply, it is imperative that we construct a Christian paradigm in our children’s hearts at a tender age.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandYou Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church... and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman.

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Related Topics:

Why does unbelief appear to be increasing in the world today?

How important is Christian conduct to how the unbelieving world sees Christ?

Is faith in God a crutch?

Why do so many preachers' kids walk away from the faith?

What is presuppositional apologetics?

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/losing-faith.html#ixzz2QyVMOLy6

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN ~ MATTHEW 18:1-6, 19:13-15 ~

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14 KJV).

On January 20 we will observe Sanctity of Human Life Day. Each year we choose the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. That decision matters because at least 50 million babies have been legally aborted in the last forty years.

50 million is a lot of people. Here’s a way to think about it.

Take the population of Georgia,
Plus the population of Michigan,
Add the population of Virginia,
Plus the population of Nebraska,
Add the population of Nevada,
Include the population of Iowa,
Add the population of South Dakota,
Then add the population of Rhode Island,
Take the population of Arizona,
Plus the population of Oregon,
Add the population of Kansas,
Include the population of Vermont,
Plus the population of Mississippi,
Then add the population of Alaska.

That would total approximately 50 million people.
That’s 14 states wiped out.
Gone. Vanished.
Legally killed.

That’s what we’ve done in America since 1973.
That’s what we’re still doing. 

In 2009 41% of all viable pregnancies in New York City ended in abortion.
It’s hard to know what to do with a number like that. 

Forty years after Roe v. Wade, abortion remains a divisive issue in American politics. In one hopeful note, the Gallup Poll on Abortion shows that support for the pro-life position has been slowing rising since 1996. In 2012 50% of those surveyed called themselves pro-life while 41% self-identified as pro-choice. 

Because this is a sensitive issue, many people prefer not to think about it. In any congregation you will find a spectrum of opinions and a spectrum of experiences.

Some are angry.
Some are brokenhearted.
Some are guilty.
Some are chained to the past.
Some are frustrated.
Some are unsure where they stand.
Some want to change the subject.

It’s almost impossible to find anyone who is truly neutral.

How should we approach this issue? I wonder what Jesus would say about abortion. How would he feel about it? What if he were walking among us today? Is there any way to be sure about what he would say?

We can begin with one obvious fact. Jesus never directly addressed this issue, mostly because abortion was not commonly practiced in Israel. It was considered a pagan practice. Because the Jews in Jesus’ day did not kill their unborn, there was no reason to address the issue (See The Early Church on Abortion and Abortion in the Bible and Church History).

So if we ask, “What would Jesus do today?” we’re not asking the right question. We ought to ask, “What did Jesus do and what did he say?" 

The gospels leave us with many important clues, none more important than this. How did the Lord Jesus treat children? 

Jesus dealt with children on two separate occasions. The first is recorded in Matthew 18 and Mark 9. The second is mentioned in Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18. All say substantially the same thing. 

The Basic Principle

Let’s begin with a statement of the basic principle from an incident recorded in Matthew 19:13-15.

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

This has been called “the Magna Carta of Children.” These are some of the simplest words Jesus ever spoke. Only hard hearts would not be moved by them. 

I am touched by several things in this passage:

1. The spontaneous desire of parents to bring their children to Jesus. When Luke tells this story, he uses the Greek word for “babies.” It’s the same word he used for John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:44). 2. The disciples’ reluctance to let the children come near. How typical this is, how very modern. We get so task-oriented and so busy saving the world that we don’t want the children to bother the Savior. How strange, how sad, and yet how often this happens. The disciples were like the president’s bodyguards, keeping well-wishers at a distance. To the disciples, the children were just a bother, one more interruption in an already-busy day.  3. Jesus’ indignation at those who would keep children away from him. In Mark’s version of this incident (Mark 10:13-16), he uses a word that means Jesus was upset by what his disciples did. Many translations say he became angry. The ERV says it this way: “He did not like his followers telling the children not to come.” The Message says, “But Jesus was irate and let them know it."  4. Only those who are like children can come at all. Look at what Jesus said in Mark 10:15 (HCSB), “I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." That must have shocked those big-shot disciples. Ironically, at that moment the little children were closer to Jesus than the disciples who tried to keep them away.  5. Jesus’ willingness to embrace children and bless them. According to Mark 10:16, “He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." No wonder parents loved him. If you show kindness to my children, it means more than if you had shown kindness to me. Little children are smarter than we think. They know when they are loved, and they respond with love to those who love them. No wonder children flocked to him.

Think of it . . . the parents wanted their children to come to Jesus . . . the boys and girls were not afraid of him . . . and he picked them up in his arms . . . then he put his hands on them and blessed them. “Their innocent helplessness appealed to the King.” (Charles Erdman) 

Should we do any less? Is there any work greater than caring for children? Should we not also bring our children to him? And if we do, will he turn them away? No, he will not. He will embrace our children just as he embraced these children so long ago.

It is Christ-like to love children, to care for them, to welcome them, and to embrace them. It is like Jesus to become indignant at those who would mistreat them. 

Is it not like Jesus to save the babies the world would kill?

Jesus is the little child’s best friend. His blessing has brought its benediction wherever his name has been heard. Christianity has always been the religion that safeguarded the rights of children. 

Wherever the gospel goes . . . it honors families . . . it ennobles motherhood . . . it protects and preserves the place of children.

Where Christ is known and trusted and followed, and where his example is the model, there infancy is sacred and children are safe. 

The Solemn Warning

Lest we miss the seriousness of all this, Matthew 18 includes another story that starts as a question the disciples asked.

“Lord, who is the greatest in the kingdom?” (v. 1)

Strange that Jesus’ handpicked men would ask a question like that. You would think that having followed the Master for many months, all thought of human competition would have vanished. 

But you cannot cancel human nature.

So Jesus took a child and had him stand in their midst (v. 2).  As the disciples looked at the young boy, they wondered what Jesus meant to say. The answer was simple and clear:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).

Then the direct answer to their question:

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v. 4).

Then comes the heart of the message for us today. In the next few verses Jesus tells us why children matter so much to him and why they should matter to us. 

Here are three principles we need to consider:

1. When we welcome a child in Jesus’ name, we are welcoming Jesus himself.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (v. 5). This statement has enormous implications:

1. How we feel about having children. 2. How we respond to cultural pressure from radical feminism. 3. How we react to the burden of childrearing.

Why does he say that to welcome a little child is to welcome him? Because Jesus himself was once a baby! 

The reverse is also true. When we reject our children, we are rejecting Christ himself. The words of Paul Vitz (Psychology as Religion, p. 66) come to mind: 

Recall that the young Mary was pregnant under circumstances that today routinely terminate in abortion. In the important theological context of Christmas, the killing of an unborn child is a symbolic killing of the Christ child.

2. When we deliberately harm a child, we face an unspeakable judgment.

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (v 6).

Literally the warning is against those who cause little children to stumble. What does Jesus mean by this? It means to lead them into sin, to tempt to evil, to hurt the children, to abuse them, to neglect them, to ignore them, to expose them to danger, and ultimately to harm them physically or spiritually. 

It’s anything we do that causes harm to come to our children. 

Note that Jesus applies this to “these little ones who believe in me,” thus teaching us a vital truth. Sometimes we wonder, “Can a child truly believe in Jesus?" Yes, indeed, and if we have raised our children in the truth of God, we ought to expect them to believe. 

Let us pray to that end and work to that end.
Let us ask God to save our children at an early age. 

Some people mock the faith of a child. That is a terrible thing to do. Some cast doubt and make jokes as if only adults can believe in Jesus. How sad, how tragic, how truly evil that we should make fun of God’s little children. Here is Charles Spurgeon’s comment in Do Not Hinder the Children:

People occasionally say of such a one, “He is only fit to teach children: he is no preacher.” I tell you, in God’s sight he is no preacher who does not care for the children.

John Piper (Let the Children Come to Me) offers this warning to those who belittle reaching children for Christ:

If you are receiving the kingdom yourself like a little child, then you will not do anything to hinder little children from coming to Jesus. But if you are trying to enter the kingdom some other way than by receiving it like a child, then you will probably be a hindrance to children. If you are not childlike toward God, children will probably be beneath you and not worth your time.

In my notes I found the following quote, which has no attribution. So I will share it not knowing who said it and simply make a follow-up comment. 

Children will come to Jesus if we do not hinder it.

Our responsibility is not so much to bring them to Christ as to get things out of the way that hinder them coming to Jesus. Then I found this written in my notes:

Children naturally love Jesus!

That statement strikes me as true if by it we mean something like this: “Just as the children of Jesus’ day knew that he was their friend, even so children today love to hear about him.” If we will but tell the story of Jesus, our children will be drawn to him by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

But then we must face the judgment of Matthew 18:6. In the ancient world, the farmers would take freshly-harvested grain and grind it between two heavy stones. The “millstone” was a huge stone so heavy that it was pulled by a donkey. The “depth of the sea” represents the deepest, darkest, most turbulent spot. If you hang a millstone around a man’s neck and drop him in the depth of the sea, he will most certainly drown. The millstone makes his death doubly sure. It speaks of a terrible, agonizing death. 

Jesus said the judgment of those who harm his children is much worse than that!

And so I must ask the question. What does Jesus say about those who make their living by killing babies? What of those who make millions in the evil abortion industry? What of the cowardly politicians who vote for it? 

I would not want to be in their shoes when Judgment Day comes.

Pope John Paul II cast the matter in a larger context with these words:

“Whoever attempts to destroy human life in the womb of the mother not only violates the sacredness of a living, growing and developing human being, and thus opposes God, but also attacks society by undermining respect for all human life."

President Ronald Reagan put it very simply: “Everybody who’s for abortion has already been born." 

3. When we protect a child from harm, we are only doing what God has already done.

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (v. 10).

Check out that phrase: “their angels in heaven.” Is this a reference to what we commonly call “guardian angels"? Perhaps. Certainly it means that the angels of God watch over little children. What do they do? They protect them, they care for them, they watch over them. 

I think I’ve learned something about this ever since our grandchildren started arriving several years ago. Whenever a new picture of Knox or Eli pops up on Facebook, Marlene makes sure I see it. A few weeks ago Josh posted a video of Knox standing in front of a snowman in Vermont. With a little prompting from Josh and Leah, Knox (who is 2 ½) sang “Frosty the Snowman." We played that video over and over again. Then Mark posted a video of Eli doing some Gangham-style dancing, if that’s what you call it when a little boy who is not yet two waves his arms to the music, dips this way and that way, claps his hands at the end, and then looks at the camera with a smile, as if to say, “I did a good job, didn’t I?" It was terrific, and we watched it over and over, examining every move he made. We never grow tired of it. 

Last June Josh and Leah made a Smilebox video of Knox wishing me Happy Father’s Day. He couldn’t quite get it all out, so he said, “Happy day,” and smiled. At the end he said, “Bye-bye, G-Pa.” I saved it on my computer desktop so I could watch it any time I like. I’ve seen it at least 35 or 40 times. And it does something to my heart every time I see it. 

I am captivated by my grandsons. Or perhaps I should say, “They have captured my heart,” and they did it without even trying. 

I will do whatever I can to help them. They don’t have to ask me. I should say in passing that it’s different even than when Josh, Mark and Nick were growing up. After thinking about it, I can’t explain exactly what the difference is, but it is there. 

So I think about my sons and now about my grandsons. They are never from my mind, and no one has to remind me to think about them. Even as I write these words, there is something inside that I feel, a kind of love and concern and fear and joy all mixed up together. 

But if I, a very imperfect father and grandfather, feel that way about my children and grandchildren, how much more does God love them.

How much more will God take care of them.
How much more will he watch out for them.
How much more will he reward their trusting hearts. 

If my children are precious to me, if my grandchildren mean so much to me, do they mean any less to God? They are far more precious, for he sends his angels to watch them while they sleep. Sometimes when I’m busy, I don’t think about them. But the Lord never forgets. 

But how does he remember them all? He never gets their names mixed up.

At this point I will interject something from my notes, written almost 30 years ago when the boys were still at home and very young:

“One of the angels leans over and says, ‘Joshua is the one who looks like his father. Mark is the one covered with paint. Nick is the one swallowing pennies.’”

Honestly, I can’t remember what that means because I wrote it a long time ago. But I’m sure it’s quite true, at least the larger point that God knows our children by name, individually and personally, and he knows which is which and never gets them mixed up.

The angels who watch over my sons and grandsons are in the presence of God.Nothing they need ever goes unnoticed. 

Doing the Work of Jesus

Our God sees and knows all the little children of the world. Every time we move with love and compassion on behalf of the children, born and unborn, we are doing that which is dear to the heart of God.

I will declare to you what I believe. The Lord Jesus is on the side of those who love little children. And we are on his side when we stand up for them. 

We are on the side of the angels when we do everything in our power to stop the killing of the unborn. 

We’re doing what Jesus would do.
We’re doing what he did when he took the children in his arms and blessed them. 

In its widest embrace, this principle involves all those who love little children. It includes an army of doctors and nurses who treat infants and young boys and girls. It includes those who teach our children. It certainly includes those who rescue children from brutality, abuse, slavery and sexual exploitation. 

God bless every Sunday School teacher who comes week after week to teach the children in her class.
God bless the Vacation Bible School volunteers.
God bless the Awana workers.
God bless the children’s choir leaders.
God bless those who lead backyard Bible clubs.
God bless those who take in foster children.
God bless those who adopt children.
God bless those who care for children with special needs.
God bless those who lead Children’s Church and give the Children’s Sermon on Sunday morning.
God bless those who write good books for children and design safe toys for them and sing to them and pray with them and for them. 

But there is more that needs to be said as we think about the tragedy of abortion.

When we give our money to those who help unwed mothers, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we give our time to counsel the confused, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we urge our leaders to protect the unborn, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we volunteer at our local crisis pregnancy center, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we risk misunderstanding and embarrassment to save lives, we are doing the work of Jesus.

As the old chorus says, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” We need only to add that he loves those little children even before they come out of the womb.

Let me summarize my message this way: There are many reasons why we oppose abortion, and chief among them is this. We are for Jesus . . . and Jesus is for children.

That’s why he said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

What Our Children Teach Us

Our children can teach us so much. Dr. Thomas Elkins writes poignantly from his own personal experience:

“We look at our own child, Ginny, who has Down syndrome, and see our own limitedness. She shows us love even when we, at first, were not totally accepting of her. These kids love us until we begin to love them back. And by loving them, we learn a whole new definition of love-something very akin to grace.”

Our children teach us that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Love is deeper than that. You don’t have to have a spotless record. You can be the world’s biggest failure, and still you are loved. That’s grace!

And we learn it from our children.

Which leads me to ask this personal question. Do you want to go to heaven? It’s very simple, really. Just become like a little child. That’s all.

            –Come to Jesus and say, “I need you.”
            –Come to Jesus and say, “I’ve blown it.”
            –Come to Jesus and say, “I’m trusting in you.”

That’s like a child. . . . Humility . . . Total dependence . . . Complete honesty . . . No cover-ups . . . No games . . . No pride . . . No conditions . . . No deals.

As you come to Jesus, keep the words of this familiar children’s hymn in mind:

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.

This verse tells how Jesus saves us:

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

And the chorus is a wonderful affirmation of faith:

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Perhaps you should stop right now and sing those words and make them your own.

Heaven is for people who aren’t ashamed to become like children. That’s the only way anyone ever gets in. 

You aren’t perfect . . . That’s the truth.
But Jesus still loves you . . . That’s grace. 

You can enter the Kingdom of Heaven if you want to. The door is open to those who are not ashamed to come as little children.

THE DIARY OF AN ARMAGEDDON SURVIVOR

This is not fantasy, this is what we were taught to expect when we were Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Michael Pendley

DAY 1
Well, the Big A is over and I survived. I made my way down to the Kingdom Hall this morning. By the end of the day most of the congregation had gathered at the Hall. Some brothers and sisters are still missing, Ed Thorn, our presiding overseer, told us that those who were missing should have spent more time in field service.

DAY 2
Brother Thorn called a special meeting this morning. He announced that he and the other elders would now be assuming full authority over our new community until contact was reestablished with headquarters. All decisions regarding community regulations, living arrangements, work assignments, and other matters would be at the sole discretion of the elders.
Sam Greene objected to this dictatorial policy until Thorn pulled out a letter from the Society dated several months ago which stated that, after Armageddon, the local body of elders would be responsible for all decisions until otherwise directed by the Society. Sam voiced no further objections. The rest of us also accepted the new arrangement.
The first new rule was not long in coming - all brothers and sisters were required to report to the Kingdom Hall at 8:00 every morning to receive work assignments and other instructions.

DAY 3
Brother Thorn has assigned me lo the burial detail. It seems that most of us single brothers have been assigned this unpleasant duty. The dead bodies are already starting to get to me. It sickens me to watch the birds and other animals scavenge the corpses. I actually saw a raven pluck out an eyeball today. Disgusting! Rob Johnson got a bulldozer running and has begun to dig a large common grave. My job is to go around collecting bodies and load them into the back of a pickup truck.

DAY 4
We had our first judicial hearing today. Larry and Sue Winters had moved into the McRae mansion in what was once the exclusive Cypress Oaks subdivision. The problem was that Sister Thorn had already had her eye on the place and, as wife of the presiding overseer; she figured that she should have first choice. Brother Thorn told Brother and Sister Winter that they had no right to claim anything without approval of the elders. They were ordered to get out of the house by nightfall. The Winters were very disappointed but they agreed to move out.

DAY 5
At the morning meeting, the Thorns announced that they would be moving into the McRae place. The Winters were livid, but they didn't say anything. It was also announced that the surrounding estate homes had been assigned to the other elders. Position has privilege, even in the New World .
Some of the brothers have started calling the area "Elder Hill." It was also announced that anyone wanting to appropriate a home must first file a request with the elders. I have decided to stay in my own house. It doesn't seem right to move into someone else's home, even if they were worldly. It makes me sad when I go into someone's house and see the family pictures and personal belongings. Most of the others don't feel this way, it doesn't bother them to loot the dead.

DAY 8
The elders announced a new meeting schedule at the morning meeting. On Sunday, we will still have the public talk followed by a study of old Watchtower articles until we get new magazines. On Tuesday night, we will have a congregational book study. The Service Meeting has been canceled (no need for it anymore) along with the Ministry School . They have been replaced by an instructional session to be held on Friday night. This new meeting will instruct us on how to conduct ourselves in the New World Society. The best thing, of course is no more field service!

DAY 10
This burial work is taking a heavy toll on me. I can't help but feel saddened at the waste of so much human life. Why couldn't Jehovah have found a way to save more people? The children are the worst, I can't stand to see their little bodies anymore. I don't think I'll report for work tomorrow.

DAY 11
I didn't go to work today. Ed Thorn came by later in the morning and asked me why I wasn't at work. I told him I didn't feel well. He told me to get to work, that everyone feels well all the time in the New World . He also told me that depression, and mental anxiety were things of the past. Of course, he doesn't have to bury the bodies.

DAY 14
It's been two weeks now. I really miss things like electricity and running water. I wonder if we'll ever get those things working again. Rob Johnson and I borrowed a generator from the Hall last night and hooked it up to my television and VCR. We had a great time watching some "Star Trek" videos and a tape of last year's Super bowl. I really miss television.

DAY 15
At the morning meeting, Brother Thorn publicly reprimanded Rob and I for watching television. The elders have decided that, henceforth, watching videos is prohibited since we do not want our new paradise to be contaminated by the old world. Thorn speculated that one day we might have "theocratic television" from the Society. The Watchtower Channel? Spare me.

DAY 20
Still no word from the Society. We have spoken to representatives from surrounding congregations but the elders are not allowing anyone to travel. Carol Woods wanted to visit her sister in the next county to see if she made it through okay, but Brother Thorn told her to stay put and be patient. After all, she would have plenty of time to see her sister later. I think that was a cruel thing to say.

DAY 30
We finally finished most other the burial work. I am so relieved. The scavenger birds are still hanging around. I have grown to hate the sight of the fat, disgusting creatures. One of the things attacked me today. I guess they have acquired a taste for human flesh.

DAY 45
Many other brothers and sisters are getting sick of being bossed around by the elders. They run things like an old South plantation, we are the slaves, and they are the overseers. I have been reassigned to work on the communal farm. It is hard work, but it beats the burial detail. Sam Greene is organizing a committee to speak to the elders about some of the complaints that we all have.

DAY 47
The elders found out about Sam Green's attempted "rebellion." At the morning meeting, he was publicly reprimanded and told to pray for a humble spirit. No one is to speak to him until he has shown proper repentance. I can't believe that we are dis-fellowshipping people in the New World

DAY 51
Today a messenger finally arrived from the Society. Wade Peters, a young Bethelite, arrived on horseback. He told us that the Society has moved all headquarters staff to Patterson after the destruction of New York City . We also received the first post-Armageddon Watchtower (now issued quarterly).
Many of us had hoped that it would contain information allowing us more personal freedom but we were disappointed to read that we were to keep following the instructions of the local elders until further notice. He also gave the elders a copy of a new procedure manual (titled ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD) but none of us were allowed to see it.

DAY 69
My best friend got married today in a shotgun wedding! Rob and Sally Kennedy were discovered together while engaged in a heavy kissing session. After a judicial meeting, Brother Thorn announced that they were now married, without a ceremony or anything! Rob objected strenuously, explaining that he and Sally had not had sex. Brother Thorn, however, declared that the decision was in keeping with the new elder procedure manual. Sally seems happy enough but Rob is in a state of shock. I remember he once told me that he thought that she was as dumb as a box of rocks. Now he is married to her forever. I'll have to remember to keep my hands in my pockets when I date any sisters.

DAY 80
The newlyweds are not getting along. There has been a lot of gossip about their horrible spats. Rob confided to me today that he went to the elders in an attempt to get the marriage annulled. They told him that according to the Society's new procedure manual, no divorces or annulments would be allowed for any reason. In addition, all marriages now have to be approved by the local body of elders.

DAY 81
Sam Greene was reinstated today. He is still unhappy, but keeps his thoughts to himself now.

DAY 89
We are all in a state of shock! Rob committed suicide today. I guess the idea of spending eternity with Sally was not acceptable to him. The elders refused to let us hold a funeral service. I volunteered to bury my friend. Brother Thorn instructed me to bury him in the common grave where we had put the worldly persons. No one came to the grave side, not even his widow. I said a prayer for my friend. I will miss Rob greatly.

DAY 100
Life is becoming miserable for many of us. The elders keep placing new rules on us every day. We are told we must lead holy lives of service and submission. No dissent or discussion is allowed. It seems like we had more freedom before Armageddon. I never though I would be nostalgic about the old world.

DAY 111
I can't take it here anymore. I am going to travel to my brother's place, about a hundred miles from here. Traveling on foot I think I can make it in about five days. I wish I could get gasoline for my car. I'll have to sneak out since the elders still aren't giving anyone permission to travel. I have stored some food and plan to leave tonight after the curfew. I hope my brother is still alive, maybe he will know if Mom and Dad are okay.

DAY 112
I made it out of town today. I wonder if they miss me yet? The destruction in the countryside is incredible. How will we ever rebuild everything? I've seen quite a few skeletons already. I guess there is still a lot of burial work to do before we build a paradise.

DAY 113
I ran into a group of brothers from Westview congregation. I was detained at gunpoint! Brother Thorn had gotten word to them to be on the outlook for me. I am furious. Why can't I visit my brother?

DAY 114
Ed Thorn and two ministerial servants arrived today to escort me back "home." They were all carrying guns.

DAY 115
After my attempted escape and several other disciplinary problems involving other brothers, the elders have now set up a gun-toting police force. I was, of course, dis-fellowshipped at the morning meeting. I have been assigned to latrine duty.

DAY 116
I was instructed to report to the Kingdom Hall after work for "additional instruction." I saw Sam Greene and a couple of other "troublemaker's" there. We were subjected to an hour of "re-indoctrination," mostly the usual crap about maintaining a servants spirit and not to think too much of ourselves. We were told to come back next week for more of the same.

DAY 123
I blew up today at the re-indoctrination meeting. I told Ed Thorn that I was sick of him acting like a theocratic Hitler. I also told him that I was leaving the community and that he better not try to slop me. My mistake. Thorn called his police force in and had me arrested. I am being detained under armed guard in a makeshift jail cell in the Kingdom Hall basement.

DAY 124
My judicial hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Sam Greene came by to see me. When the guards were out of ear shot, he told me that his efforts to contact the Society about the local elders had done no good. He had been told by the Society to keep quiet and obey the elders without question. Sam is very depressed about this and about my situation.

DAY 125
My judicial hearing was held today. Ed Thorn acted as lead prosecutor. I, of course had no defense counsel and could call no witnesses. After the hearing which was held in secret, I was judged guilty of being an unrepentant apostate. I was solemnly informed that according to the Society's instructions (as contained in "ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD") the punishment for apostasy is death by stoning. My execution is scheduled for tomorrow.

DAY 126
Well, this is the end. Later today, I will be led out for my execution by stoning. I would rather be shot in the back of the head, but the Society obviously feels that stoning provides a better object lesson. If I get a chance I will throw one of the rocks back at Ed Thorn. The funny thing is that I don't really feel so bad about my impending demise. This New World Society is not my idea of a paradise and I don't want to live with these people for all eternity. From paradise lost to paradise regained to paradise lost again.

EPILOGUE
Everyone turned out for my stoning, even the kids. Ed Thorn solemnly pronounced my death sentence and then quoted scripture telling everyone to "not to let their eye feel sorry." No one did. My only regret is that they tied my hands behind my back so that I couldn't return any of their rocks with interest. Not very sporting. The last thing I saw before the lights went out was a sickening smirk on Thorn's face. Then I woke up. In Heaven. And there was St. Peter. "Welcome to Paradise , my child" he said as he gently took my hand. Confused, I said "But I thought paradise was back on Earth with the Witnesses." "No," explained St. Peter, "That was Hell."

WHAT IS BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT ?

By John MacArthur


In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.
First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer-it is required.
The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one's ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all manner of false teaching. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living-a certain recipe for compromise.
Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God's Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day.
Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God's Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). You see, it is through the "true knowledge of Him," that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world. And how else do we have true knowledge of God but through the pages of His Word, the Bible? In fact, Peter goes on to say that such knowledge comes through God's granting "to us His precious and magnificent promises" (2 Peter 1:4).
Discernment -- the ability to think biblically about all areas of life -- is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being "tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).