The Assurance of Salvation

By Carole

I just read an excellent testimony of a woman who thought she was saved (http://www.lockwoodfamilytomexico.com/2010/10/my-testimony.html). Then I recently listened to a clip of Charo Washer, Pastor Paul Washer's wife, who also recently came to know the Lord. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_VtvHMJpiU). This leads me to ask the following questions:

Am I really saved?

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)."

Based on the fact that many Americans are professing Christians, it is easy to think that a one-time profession of faith in Christ makes a person a Christian. But this is not true. I've questioned my own faith many times. Here are some keys to self-examination that I've found helpful.

Look at your present life in Christ, not past decisions. How is your walk today?

Do you feel remorse or anguish when you sin?

Do you desire to read God's word and pray to Him often?

The thought of Christ's return fills you with which emotion: dread, indifference, or joy?

These are basic questions that I think we should all constantly ask ourselves. If you think you may not know Him, fall on you face before Him right now and pour your heart out to Him. "He who comes to me I will in no way cast out." (John 6:37) Just like Jesus turned to the thief on the cross, and said: today you will be with Me in paradise, we can have this kind of assurance of salvation. Romans 8:16 says "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."

Answering our Kids' Big Questions

By Carole

Have you ever wondered how to respond to children when they ask deep philosophical questions about God. My niece often asks tough questions about God- like who made Him? Why do bad things happen? Where does God live? I'm often confronted with frustration. I don't know how to answer her questions on her age level. She doesn't understand the abstract nature of "first cause" and "eternal". So how do we answer?

1. Teaching not debating. Remember that children are much more trusting than we are and your answers do not need to be defended as much. You're not talking with an athiest who already has a world view in tow.

Example: Mommy, who made God? Good question sweetie. No one made God, God has always been alive, he was not created. Wow! Yes, this is what we mean by "eternal"...

2. Address the question and your child. Why are they asking the questions, what made them think about these things? Like with us, there is often a "big event" or some conversation with a friend that spawns the question.

Example: Mommy, why do people get hurt? Because sin is in the world, bad things can happen to people. But God is in control of everything that happens, and He has a good reason behind everything. So even when Susie broke her arm at school, God was there.

3. If you don't know the answer, say that you don't know. Then study together with your child to find it. Honesty is very important to keeping your child's trust.

4. Do not allow yourself to be defensive. Remember the truth can be questioned, and should be. Allow your children to ask the questions so they can see the truth for themselves.

5. The Bible is key. Make sure that they see your answers are coming from scripture. Use the Bible verses with them that address the question, always teaching them from the Bible. It's so important that they know you are not making up the answers.

6. Encourage the questions. Often ask questions to your child to encourage them to think about their own questions.

Example: Do you know who made the stars? Why did God make the sun?

7. Ask God to give you wisdom. It's okay to not know all the answers, but we should be constantly seeking the Lord, and studying the scripture to learn of Him and know Him.

8. Relationship above intellectual pursuit. Make sure that the goal is not to have all the questions answered, but to come to a deep and meaningful knowledge of our Savior and God. Remember we cannot know God comprehensively but we can know Him satisfactorily.

9. Enjoy the discussion. If the talk becomes frustrating for you or your child, change the subject. Do not continue in frustration, because this can only make things worse.

10. Be Christ-like in your example. The greatest apologetic is how you live before your children. If they see you reflecting Christ and spending time with Him, they will not doubt the sincerity of your belief.