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“Family Worship? What’s that?” (Jason Helopoulos)

In the new issue of Credo Magazine, “Let the Children Come to Jesus,” Jason Helopoulos has contributed an article called, “Family Worship? What’s that?” Jason Helopoulos (ThM., Dallas Theological Seminary) is ordained in the PCA and is Associate Pastor at University Reformed Church, East Lansing, MI. He is the author of A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home and The New Pastor’s Handbook: Help and Encouragement for the First Years of Ministry.

A1EW5k0DTkL._UX250_Here is the start of Jason’s article:

“Daddy, if I am in heaven, will I see Christ’s glory?” My six-year-old son uttered those words and a two-day conversation ensued.

My two children (Ethan, who is six, and Gracen, who is nine), my wife, and I were sitting on the couch following dinner. We had just read through Matthew 17 and the account of Christ’s transfiguration. Our discussion ranged to contemplating the wonderful vision which awaits the Christian in heaven, where we will gaze upon the glory of God in the person of Christ forever. As we imagined this beautiful promise, my son asked, “Daddy, if I am in heaven, will I see Christ’s glory?” One small, two-letter word in his question grabbed my attention. I asked, “What do you mean by if, Son?” He paused for a few seconds and then looked into my eyes and said, “I don’t know if I will be in heaven. I have such bad thoughts.” He had never expressed this sin or fear before. I asked, “What do you mean, Son?” He replied, “I have such mad thoughts about other people. I get mad at them and think bad things.” My six-year-old son was opening his heart, revealing his personal struggles with sin and his own doubts about salvation. I seized the opportunity and replied with tears in my eyes, “Oh, Son, please know that Christ’s death is sufficient for all your bad and mad thoughts. His shed blood is enough to cover over any and every bad thought you have ever had or ever will have. You only need to trust in Him as your Savior.”

In one sense, this was a unique night. In another sense, it was quite routine. The question was different, but the circumstances were the same. Most evenings we attempt to follow dinner by engaging in family worship. We are not the first to do so. In fact, family worship has a long and fruitful history among the people of God. Christians long considered it essential to a life lived unto Christ. The Westminster Assembly considered it a disciplinable offense if a father was not leading his family in daily worship. Why? Because worship is the central act of the Christian’s life. …

Read the rest of this article today!

Click here to view the magazine as a PDF

contentsMinistry is complex. Business meetings, sermons, youth group, small groups, counseling sessions—the list is endless. In the midst of these many important ministries, sometimes churches can neglect one of the most important ministries of all. That’s right, children’s ministry. This is a dangerous thing to neglect. After all, the children filling our churches will carry on the torch long after we are gone. Therefore, whether or not they are being taught sound doctrine should never be underestimated.

But where does this teaching really begin? It begins in the home, when mom and dad take time out of their busy schedule to sit down with their little ones and tell them about Jesus and the great things he has done for our salvation. If you’re anything like me, this is much easier said than done. Home life can be just as busy as church life. Yet, could there be a more important 15 minutes in the day than when dad and mom read the Bible, sing songs, and pray with their children? I think not. Ironically, in my experience it’s not just my kids who are spiritually nurtured during this family worship time, it’s me too!

Having in mind the importance of teaching our children the core doctrines of the faith, this issue of Credo Magazine brings together some outstanding contributors to teach both parents and those in ministry alike how to better approach children so that they know God in a saving way. Perhaps the words of Jesus should hang as a banner over this issue of the magazine: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).

Contributors include: Nancy Guthrie, Sally Michael, Simonetta Carr, Jason Helopoulos, Starr Meade, Jessalyn Hutto, Bobby Jamieson, and many others.

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