The basis of this book is built

There are many reasons why we should focus our attention on our children, most being documented even by the secular world…

“The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values and behaviors, particularly in children,” reads a joint statement by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.” “Its effects are measurable and long lasting. Moreover, prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life,” continues the statement, which was the centerpiece of a public health summit Wednesday on entertainment violence.” “The four groups discovered that watching violence could emotionally desensitize a child towards violence in real life. “It can decrease the likelihood that one will take action on behalf of a victim when violence occurs.””[i] “One entertainment violence-monitoring group, The Lion & Lamb Project in nearby Bethesda, Md., cheered the statement. “Right now, the message we’re sending children in the media is that violence is OK…that it’s a part of life, and sometimes it’s even funny,” executive director Daphne White said. “We’re even using violence for humor now.””[ii]

A 1997 survey completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1998; 47:1-89) stated the following:

“The study found that witnessing or experiencing violence in 1994 was significantly related, 2 years later, to “internalizing” symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and somatization, as well as “externalizing” behavior, such as sensation seeking and willingness to fight. This temporal relationship was strongest for the youngest children…”[iii] (Somatic: of or relating to the body; more specifically, area-centralized pain.)

“Prosecutors have charged an 11-year-old boy with raping an 8-year-old girl in a relative’s apartment. The middle school student was charged Friday with first-degree sexual assault of a child.”[iv]

“A judge today spared a 13-year-old murderer from spending the rest of his life in prison, ordering Nathaniel Abraham to be held in juvenile detention until age 21, when he will be released.” “Nathaniel was 11 years old when he shot Ronnie Green, Jr. on October 29, 1997…” “Robin Adams, Greene’s mother, said she hopes Nathaniel learned from his crime. “I hope he realizes what he did was wrong. He took a life,” she said. “I think he needs to put God in his life.””[v]

“Research has shown that the strongest single factor contributing to violent behavior is previous exposure to violence…Virtual violence that is realistic, portrayed without pain and suffering, and experienced in the context of good feelings is most likely to be emulated…Video games, by virtue of being immersive, interactive, and enhanced with sensorimotor activity, represent a distinctly different medium, and may have an even more powerful influence on violent attitudes and behaviors.” Children “are moving through a virtual world…weapon extended …racking up points for wasting as many others” as possible.”[vi]

““One in eight middle school students uses tobacco in some form, U.S. health officials said on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the first nationally represented survey of students in grades six through eight found that 12.8 percent of them use tobacco.”[vii]

“Most divorced mothers appear to confide in their adolescent daughters about such sensitive topics as finances and their negative feelings toward their ex-husbands, according to results of a study. These conversations may leave daughters feeling anxious and depressed, the study authors report in the journal Family Relations.” “Mothers said they discussed finances because they wanted to expose their daughters to adult issues.” “Daughters, however, expressed frustration that they were unable to help their mothers with the family finances. Many said they tried to provide emotional support to their mothers.”[viii]

“The percentage of American adolescents who are sexually active has increased significantly in recent years. Approximately ¼ of youth report first intercourse by 15 years of age.”[ix]

“Pediatricians with a specialty in adolescent medicine are keenly aware of how crucial music is to” an “identity and how it helps them define important social and subcultural boundaries.” “…Music lyrics have become increasingly explicit--particularly with reference to drugs, sex, violence and even of greater concern, sexual violence.” “…We can all acknowledge the overall effect music has on people, including adolescents and children.” “From infancy to adulthood, it is an integral part of our lives.””[x]

Because of the influences in our world, our children are becoming desensitized to sin and affected in two important areas of their lives: the heart and mind. Filmmakers will make every effort to influence your children with films that intrigue their imagination. Writers will continue to author books that will draw your children into a world of fantasy that affects their psyche. Secular musical artists will write songs that gratify your child’s inner carnal emotions and feelings. Teachers will question their beliefs in the classroom, causing extreme public discomfort. Peers will ridicule them because they are “different”. Unsaved parents will contradict and discredit the teachings of a child’s church and pastor. All of these will have either a positive or negative effect on the children you come in contact with. They will either be incredibly strong, standing up for what they believe no matter the cost, or, more commonly, they will surrender. This suppresses that which God has placed in their heart and the person whom He intended them to be.

In today’s world, many families need multiple incomes, resulting in less parental involvement. As the Church, it is our responsibility to equip our children with the power of knowledge, and to reinforce their spiritual lives on a consistent basis. We do not suggest that you attempt to replace the parental role. Rather, you must enforce and reinforce that which they are being taught in the home. We have found that although many children regularly attend, not all receive the continual spiritual reinforcement at home that they so desperately need. In addition, understand that not every child in your church will come from an apostolic background. There will be situations, as described in the previous articles, which you will face. Divorce is rampant. Morality is at an all-time low. Molestation is widespread. Violence is an every-day occurrence. Outside influences are not closely watched, and they can severely impact the home. You must know how to love, teach, and guide all of the children in your assembly.

In our research, we discovered that child specialists and psychologists have experimentally determined the peak of learning to be between the ages of 3 and 10. As this is the case, this period is the most critical and advantageous opportunity in their life to educate them in the areas of spirituality: growth in a relationship with Him, inward holiness, in addition to many other important facets of Apostolic Christianity.

In John 21:15-17, we read of an occasion where Jesus and Peter are having a discussion. In each verse, Jesus is asking Peter, “Do you love me?” Then, He says an interesting thing. “Feed my lambs.” “Feed my sheep.” If you read of this account in Matthew Henry’s commentary, he speaks of it in this fashion: “Those whom Christ committed to Peter’s care were his lambs and his sheep. The church of Christ is his flock, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and he is the chief shepherd of it. In this flock some are lambs, young and tender and weak, others are sheep, grown to some strength and maturity. The Shepherd here takes care of both, and of the lambs first, for upon all occasions He showed a particular tenderness for them. He gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in his bosom. Isa. 40:11. He then says, “It is the duty of all Christ’s ministers to feed his lambs and sheep." Feed them, that is teach them; for the doctrine of the gospel is spiritual food. Feed them, that is, "Lead them to the green pastures …feed those with it that are willful and will not, or weak and cannot feed themselves.’’

Our lambs are weak and tender, and we need to feed them spiritual food so that they will grow up to be strong sheep in His flock. The world works very hard at teaching our children it’s ways – why should we do any less?

[i] E! Online, July 26, 2000, “Watching Violence: Bad for the Kiddies”.

[ii] Associated Press, July 25, 2000, “Group Link Media to Child Violence."

[iii] JAMA Vol. 282, No. 20, November 24, 1999, “Child Psychiatrists Address Problem of Youth Violence”.

[iv] Associated Press, January 8, 2000, “Boy, 11, Charged with Raping Girl”.

[v] Associated Press, January 13, 2000, “Convicted Killer, 13, Sentenced”.

[vi] American Academy of Pediatrics, October 30, 2000, “Violent Video Games Testimony”, Michael Rich, MD, MPH, FAAP, November 6, 1997.

[vii] Reuters, January 27, 2000, Federal Agency: “1 in 8 in Middle School Use Tobacco”.

[viii] Reuters Health, August 25, 2000, “Divorced Mothers May Reveal Too Much to Daughters”.

[ix] American Academy of Pediatrics, Volume 103, No. 2., February 1999, “Adolescent Pregnancy – Current Trends and Issues: 1998” (RE928).

[x] American Academy of Pediatrics: “Testimony: The Social Impact of Music Violence”, Frank Palumbo, M.D., FAAP, November 6, 1997.

The basis of this book is built upon the Junior Bible Study that we began 4 years ago with the children in our assembly. God then placed upon us a desire to provide this material to others who also have a like burden for children. The ‘whole reason’ behind the book and lessons is contained in the following… Chapter 1 – Growing with God Why is a Junior Bible Study so Important?
	There are many reasons why we should focus our attention on our children, most being documented even by the secular world… “The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values and behaviors, particularly in children,” reads a joint statement by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.” “Its effects are measurable and long lasting. Moreover, prolonged viewing of media violence can lead to emotional desensitization toward violence in real life,” continues the statement, which was the centerpiece of a public health summit Wednesday on entertainment violence.” “The four groups discovered that watching violence could emotionally desensitize a child towards violence in real life. “It can decrease the likelihood that one will take action on behalf of a victim when violence occurs.””[i] “One entertainment violence-monitoring group, The Lion & Lamb Project in nearby Bethesda, Md., cheered the statement. “Right now, the message we’re sending children in the media is that violence is OK…that it’s a part of life, and sometimes it’s even funny,” executive director Daphne White said. “We’re even using violence for humor now.””[ii] A 1997 survey completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1998; 47:1-89) stated the following: “The study found that witnessing or experiencing violence in 1994 was significantly related, 2 years later, to “internalizing” symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and somatization, as well as “externalizing” behavior, such as sensation seeking and willingness to fight. This temporal relationship was strongest for the youngest children…”[iii] (Somatic: of or relating to the body; more specifically, area-centralized pain.) “Prosecutors have charged an 11-year-old boy with raping an 8-year-old girl in a relative’s apartment. The middle school student was charged Friday with first-degree sexual assault of a child.”[iv] “A judge today spared a 13-year-old murderer from spending the rest of his life in prison, ordering Nathaniel Abraham to be held in juvenile detention until age 21, when he will be released.” “Nathaniel was 11 years old when he shot Ronnie Green, Jr. on October 29, 1997…” “Robin Adams, Greene’s mother, said she hopes Nathaniel learned from his crime. “I hope he realizes what he did was wrong. He took a life,” she said. “I think he needs to put God in his life.””[v] “Research has shown that the strongest single factor contributing to violent behavior is previous exposure to violence…Virtual violence that is realistic, portrayed without pain and suffering, and experienced in the context of good feelings is most likely to be emulated…Video games, by virtue of being immersive, interactive, and enhanced with sensorimotor activity, represent a distinctly different medium, and may have an even more powerful influence on violent attitudes and behaviors.” Children “are moving through a virtual world…weapon extended …racking up points for wasting as many others” as possible.”[vi] ““One in eight middle school students uses tobacco in some form, U.S. health officials said on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the first nationally represented survey of students in grades six through eight found that 12.8 percent of them use tobacco.”[vii] “Most divorced mothers appear to confide in their adolescent daughters about such sensitive topics as finances and their negative feelings toward their ex-husbands, according to results of a study. These conversations may leave daughters feeling anxious and depressed, the study authors report in the journal Family Relations.” “Mothers said they discussed finances because they wanted to expose their daughters to adult issues.” “Daughters, however, expressed frustration that they were unable to help their mothers with the family finances. Many said they tried to provide emotional support to their mothers.”[viii] “The percentage of American adolescents who are sexually active has increased significantly in recent years. Approximately ¼ of youth report first intercourse by 15 years of age.”[ix] “Pediatricians with a specialty in adolescent medicine are keenly aware of how crucial music is to” an “identity and how it helps them define important social and subcultural boundaries.” “…Music lyrics have become increasingly explicit--particularly with reference to drugs, sex, violence and even of greater concern, sexual violence.” “…We can all acknowledge the overall effect music has on people, including adolescents and children.” “From infancy to adulthood, it is an integral part of our lives.””[x] Because of the influences in our world, our children are becoming desensitized to sin and affected in two important areas of their lives: the heart and mind. Filmmakers will make every effort to influence your children with films that intrigue their imagination. Writers will continue to author books that will draw your children into a world of fantasy that affects their psyche. Secular musical artists will write songs that gratify your child’s inner carnal emotions and feelings. Teachers will question their beliefs in the classroom, causing extreme public discomfort. Peers will ridicule them because they are “different”. Unsaved parents will contradict and discredit the teachings of a child’s church and pastor. All of these will have either a positive or negative effect on the children you come in contact with. They will either be incredibly strong, standing up for what they believe no matter the cost, or, more commonly, they will surrender. This suppresses that which God has placed in their heart and the person whom He intended them to be. In today’s world, many families need multiple incomes, resulting in less parental involvement. As the Church, it is our responsibility to equip our children with the power of knowledge, and to reinforce their spiritual lives on a consistent basis. We do not suggest that you attempt to replace the parental role. Rather, you must enforce and reinforce that which they are being taught in the home. We have found that although many children regularly attend, not all receive the continual spiritual reinforcement at home that they so desperately need. In addition, understand that not every child in your church will come from an apostolic background. There will be situations, as described in the previous articles, which you will face. Divorce is rampant. Morality is at an all-time low. Molestation is widespread. Violence is an every-day occurrence. Outside influences are not closely watched, and they can severely impact the home. You must know how to love, teach, and guide all of the children in your assembly. In our research, we discovered that child specialists and psychologists have experimentally determined the peak of learning to be between the ages of 3 and 10. As this is the case, this period is the most critical and advantageous opportunity in their life to educate them in the areas of spirituality: growth in a relationship with Him, inward holiness, in addition to many other important facets of Apostolic Christianity. In John 21:15-17, we read of an occasion where Jesus and Peter are having a discussion. In each verse, Jesus is asking Peter, “Do you love me?” Then, He says an interesting thing. “Feed my lambs.” “Feed my sheep.” If you read of this account in Matthew Henry’s commentary, he speaks of it in this fashion: “Those whom Christ committed to Peter’s care were his lambs and his sheep. The church of Christ is his flock, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and he is the chief shepherd of it. In this flock some are lambs, young and tender and weak, others are sheep, grown to some strength and maturity. The Shepherd here takes care of both, and of the lambs first, for upon all occasions He showed a particular tenderness for them. He gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in his bosom. Isa. 40:11. He then says, “It is the duty of all Christ’s ministers to feed his lambs and sheep." Feed them, that is teach them; for the doctrine of the gospel is spiritual food. Feed them, that is, "Lead them to the green pastures …feed those with it that are willful and will not, or weak and cannot feed themselves.’’ Our lambs are weak and tender, and we need to feed them spiritual food so that they will grow up to be strong sheep in His flock. The world works very hard at teaching our children it’s ways – why should we do any less? [i] E! Online, July 26, 2000, “Watching Violence: Bad for the Kiddies”. [ii] Associated Press, July 25, 2000, “Group Link Media to Child Violence." [iii] JAMA Vol. 282, No. 20, November 24, 1999, “Child Psychiatrists Address Problem of Youth Violence”. [iv] Associated Press, January 8, 2000, “Boy, 11, Charged with Raping Girl”. [v] Associated Press, January 13, 2000, “Convicted Killer, 13, Sentenced”. [vi] American Academy of Pediatrics, October 30, 2000, “Violent Video Games Testimony”, Michael Rich, MD, MPH, FAAP, November 6, 1997. [vii] Reuters, January 27, 2000, Federal Agency: “1 in 8 in Middle School Use Tobacco”. [viii] Reuters Health, August 25, 2000, “Divorced Mothers May Reveal Too Much to Daughters”. [ix] American Academy of Pediatrics, Volume 103, No. 2., February 1999, “Adolescent Pregnancy – Current Trends and Issues: 1998” (RE928). [x] American Academy of Pediatrics: “Testimony: The Social Impact of Music Violence”, Frank Palumbo, M.D., FAAP, November 6, 1997.
	We believe that, as adults, we have the responsibility to train our children to cultivate a relationship with Him while they are still young. How will they know unless they are told? How will they know unless they have a teacher? (Romans 10:14) “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (KJV) or “But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells the Good News?” (GOD’S WORD) (Mark 10:13-16) “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (KJV) Return to Homepage Recommendations for "Growing with God" Foreword from "Growing with God" Preface from "Growing with God" Author Biography Lesson List from "Growing with God" Sample Lesson Who is using "Growing with God"? How can I use it? Order "Growing with God" Feedback Meet the Alphin Family Preview upcoming lesson list for "Growing with God 2" Spread the word...email this link to a friend! www.alphin.info