My Review: Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions - Helping Them Understand - Loss, Sin, Tragedies, and other topics

In this day and age where we, even in the church, are pressured to say what people want to hear, rather than just proclaim the truths like they are revealed in the Bible, it is great to see this mother and grown daughter teamed up to put this Bible-based book together, though the majority of the speaking in this book is from Jessica (the daughter).  I also like how the book is written.  The answers are right on and pointing you to the Bible for their answers.

Some of these subjects are hard to answer especially to kids, but Jessica (and Elyse) do a real good job at providing age-appropriate answers without compromising Biblically in their answers. Sadly, too many others writing to and regarding kids often are "nice," but include little to any truth.

Some of the subjects dealt with include sin, why people die, why people divorce, what is hell, natural disasters, sexual sin, homosexuality, et cetera. Their answers are age appropriate, Biblical and not "sugar coated." Each subject has examples of answers that are appropriate to different age groups.

I like that the book is written by a mother and daughter team, and especially how they both contribute their own personal experiences and insights.

Some of their explanations for kids are equally beneficial for some adults who still have questions about these same subjects, though it is written for parents to help answer kids' tough questions.

While this is a short book (under 200 pages) and only 10 short chapters, it is very practical and real. While the authors make it clear they don't understand everything, they offer some good insight into these tough questions from their Biblical insight and experience.  I believe this book is worthy of your time and may help you and your kids have a better understanding of these tough questions.  If you are a grandparent, parent, youth pastor, pastor, or counselor get this book as I believe it will be a help to you.  It is also suitable for older kids to read themselves, too.

**I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for this review.**

Moral Decline in our Society - Isaiah 5:20

 

What has happened to our society (and the world)?  The change in our society away from Biblical guidelines has led to a sick world, and even a sick church (as the church adopts worldly thinking). We are in MORAL DECLINE!

 

What was just a few year ago considered unacceptable is now paraded as a badge of honor (especially homosexuality).  But all immorality is sin, not just homosexuality (though the Bible does call it an abomination). We're not only not ashamed of homosexuality, but we are promoting it. Today, if you call homosexuality a sin it is considered a hate crime.  That is totally ridiculous from a Christian/Biblical viewpoint.  God doesn't tell you to hate people in sin!  I see homosexuality as a moral sin, but I do not hate the people who are involved in this sin (or any other).  I minister to many in this and other sins, and I sincerely care about them!!! Do you?  You should! 

So with all this acceptance and discussion on homosexuality, it seems many have forgotten that even in the year 2013 that other moral sins still need to be dealt with. I am referring to fornication (sex outside of marriage) and adultery (sex with someone other than your spouse), which are still sins that are NOT okay. 

Some may venture to say adultery is a sin, but rarely do you hear many calling fornication sin.  Even among "church folk" it often isn't discussed as so many "church attendees" (Note: Church Attendee is not synonymous with Christian) are sleeping with each other BEFORE marriage.  It has become no big deal.  We have been saturated with IMMORALITY by all forms of media (TV being at the top).

We are to the point that we don't even flinch at immorality any more.  Truly, this has become a society of calling evil (immorality in our discussion) good and good (morality in our discussion) bad.   

It's time to get in God's Word (Bible) and pray and ask the Lord to help us not to become so desensitized to sin.   

It's surely a spiritual battle so get your spiritual armor (Eph. 6:11-18) on and let's get back to the Bible.  It is a NOW word, it is not outdated, it is for you and me to guide us into all truth.

Closing WORD:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.    Colossians 2:8

NOTE: For you who are battling with ANY addictions or counsel others with addictions, this is a must have book: "Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave" by Ed Welch (You can find it on www.ChristianBook.com  and many other bookstores).

Is the Bible relevant today!

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever".
  
We are in a society that tells us the Bible is outdated.  We need to see that the Bible is not just a history book (though it has great history), it's also not just a  scientific journal (though the Bible reveals many scientific facts), it is also a great book about the end times.  It even talks about Israel often, and it has never been wrong! But we must never forget that the Bible is the description God gave us about who He is, and what He desires and plans for humanity. 

Many even in the churches today are falling for the lie that we live in a new time and that the Bible is not relevant. This has led to a sick and weak church. The Word (Bible) is indeed relevant today. It is for you and me right NOW!  Follow the Word now and it will change your life. 

I believe the Bible is relevant today in a lot of areas - we just don't want to admit.  It's not popular to stand for the Truth (Bible). But many of the areas that we won't touch or are told "don't judge" (a future devotion, boy will you be surprised) are areas where God's Word has plainly stated this is wrong, this is sin!

For example, the Bible is very clear on the subject of the sanctity of marriage as being one man and one woman. Also, the Bible is clear on the fact that abortion is murder (forgivable, but murder all the same), that having sex outside of marriage is fornication, and the list goes on.  So let's stop using the excuse that the Bible is not relevant today.  It is totally relevant today.



This was a short devotion as we start our journey together in Christ and through the holy scriptures.


I am available for prayer or ministry through my email: WordNowbyJim@gmail.com

Have a Jesus' blessed day!


Jim