Impart Truth; Encourage Faith; Lead to Active Participation

"...from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ...that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" 2 Tim. 3:15, 16b

The Process of Educating Children at Brea
"...from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings"

I. Impart the Truth

1. Acquaint children with the whole Bible
   All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16)
2. Present the Bible as a revelation of the character and work (purposes) of God.
   Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. (Isa. 46:9-11)
3. Encourage children to develop a Biblical mindset and a Christian worldview.
   Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
   "...from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

II. Encourage Faith

1. Encourage children to trust in the character and promises of God.
   Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. (Deut. 7:9)
2. Lead children to recognize their sinful state and to respond in repentance and faith in God.
   This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. (Isaiah 66:2b)
3. Cultivate a love for the Word and a habit of interacting and responding in faith and obedience to the Word.
   When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. (Jer. 15:16)
   I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)
   Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
   "...from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ...that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" II Tim. 3:15, 16b

III. Lead Children to Actively Participate in the Purposes of God

1. Help children to see the hand of God at work in this world.
   Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Dan. 2:20-21)
2. Encourage children to recognize and use their spiritual gifts for the good of the body and the world.
   Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (I Cor. 15:58)