Comments on: A Christian Parent's Greatest Moment – Part 2

By: henryjz

henryjz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:13:39 +0000

I hear where you are coming from. Nicodemus, though, isn't the only place where we see conversion happening. We have to look at other conversion moments. Many times, conversion is simply connected to faith (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-33, etc.) There is also enough in Scripture to suggest that faith and actions are linked in such a way that one could live in such a way that is "proof" of their faith before they realize they truly do have faith… I know that is treading on very scary ground. I'm not saying that "works" lead to faith or salvation. What I am saying, though, is that it is possible for people to gradually believe and begin to live in such a way that is evidence of faith they already have. God meets each of us where we are when we earnestly seek him. I've known too many people (whether child or adult) who cannot pinpoint the exact time they "crossed the line of faith," yet they know they have… me included… to discount those experiences.

By: henryjz

henryjz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:56:37 +0000

Went over and read your blog post. Nice. Fruit as a result of transformation is better than just fruit. The challenge is in helping children make the story of the Bible their own and enter into that story. Giving them information isn't enough.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:32:37 +0000

Great post. Henry so funny I just blogged about this today and then was going through all my blogs in google reader and came across this. Couldn't agree more. Raised hands and alter calls are what we like to see, but the proof is life-transformation. We look on external results God looks at internal transformation.

Great post.

By: Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:46:33 +0000

Henry,
Thanks for the thought provoking posts. I struggle with the whole point in time decision with children. Scripture does not really speak much to 2nd generation Christians. Except for the rare instance of Timothy knowing the Scriptures from infancy, most people in the NT were adult converts.

I am in agreement with you experientially, but what about theologically. My wife was saved at 4 and I can testify to the spiritual fruit that she bears. It's a struggle, because it leads us to the question of how we counsel kids and parents about child salvation.

John 3 seems to be such a black and white disclosure that something intense and unmistakable happens when one receives the Spirit of God. A real birth is an unmistakable event in time. You are not born, and then, you are born and everything is different. Jesus compares spiritual birth to this event. Certainly children are not outside of this truth?

Thoughts???