“Teach God’s Word and Be Happy”
Let us, dear brethren, keep teaching the old gospel which has been sound and solid from the day God gave it to us and lost souls will be saved.
Don’t try to add men and women to the church, God will do this if the gospel is taught correctly and our Christian example is true to God’s Word. I fear there are many in the church “so to speak” that God didn’t place there because our goal may have been just numbers. Let us be careful how we build the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 3:6).
We should not have to beg people. Once you begin this way, when you have ceased begging, they may possibly go away because they think you don’t care anymore. Don’t try to force someone to become a Christian. Many times their heart will become hardened to the point that they will never obey God’s Word. Don’t just pull folks into the church by baptizing them before they have been taught enough to understand God’s Word. We should make sure they understand the whole truth. Our goal should be to help them become grounded enough afterward so they will not backslide into the world.
Parents should be careful when a very young child ask to be baptized. Many times the child wants to be baptized because other children have been baptized. How old should a child be before we as parents allow them to be baptized? That has to be answered by the parent. Just as anyone, a child has to not only know God’s Word, but also understand God’s Word. By that I mean, just knowing the plan of salvation is not enough. The child, or adult for that matter, should be able to understand what the Bible teaches about being a Christian and living for Christ. New Christians must grow and learn.
As parents we need to let our children know these things before they are baptized. We do not want them to just be dipped in water. Children, when older, should never have to question their spiritual position with God. Just remember the parable of the farmer when he went out to sow the seed and what happen to the seed as he was sowing. (Matthew 13:3-8)
Be the best Christian example you can be. Be faithful, loving, kind hearted, and teach the only way, God’s way. An honest, open heart taught the truth will obey.
Teach the gospel and be happy. Never quit!
By Gary Culbreath