Comments for Reformed Family

Comment on Family Devotions by Gary Bisaga

Gary Bisaga — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:28:05 +0000

Me too! I really want to get started with regular devotions, but I want material that is solid, meatier than typical “family devotion” books, yet still accessible to younger kids.

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Michael

Michael — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:11:47 +0000

Brent – I don’t think anyone is saying that there is no place for education of covenant children on their own level. The question is, what is the church’s role? When we read the apostolic writings, it is clear that the letters of the apostles were intended to be read to the entire church. In them, children are addressed in the same breath as parents. Their presence is presupposed. That follows the pattern in the OT of “all the congregation” joining together. Cornelius summoned his entire household (Acts 10) for all to hear the Word of the Lord. The same thing with the Philippian jailer. When Jesus spoke, parents clearly had brought their children, or he could not have called a little one to his lap when he gave his famous illustration on receiving the Kingdom as a little child.

Of course they don’t understand everything. That’s not expected.

But that’s where catechism comes in, in which the leadership of the church interacts dialogically with each of the members, young and old, to ascertain their precise level of understanding of the form of sound words, and are taught accordingly.

Further, I think our Reformed forbears would also want to say, what about family worship? Heads of households have a solemn responsibility to “command their children after them” (Gen. 19) and to talk of the words of God in their private family setting (Deut. 6). Then there’s the right and healthy use of the Lord’s day, under loving Christian parents.

The children in our church sit through sermons and catechism in the presence of “all the congregation.” I would have to say that our children are miles and miles ahead of where I was at their age because most of what I got was flannel board drivel in Sunday school, instead of rich, expository sermons adapted for all ages, rigorous and stimulating catechesis, and **daily** family worship, reading and talking through the Scriptures.

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Brent

Brent — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:35:17 +0000

You can’t tell me that a two year old can understand the inner teachings from the pastor better than he/she could from a teaching at their own level. thats absurd. Why do we have kindergarten, first grade, second grade and so on. Why not just throw all kids in college if thats the case. let them learn on an “adult level”. I believe they need to learn on their level and grow in Christ. not just be thrown into the mix and expect to “sink or swim”

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Baus

Baus — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:57:32 +0000

Yes, down with “children’s church”.

Here’s some good stuff on Covenant Nurture:
http://honest2blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/sin-shall-have-no-dominion-how-does.html
See “3rd” part And The God Of Thy Seed

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Michael

Michael — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:38:23 +0000

Well said.

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Kristi

Kristi — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:58:11 +0000

Thanks for this great and informative article!

Comment on Raising Children as Members of the Covenant Community by Bill Snodgrass

Bill Snodgrass — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:25:35 +0000

I agree !! The means of grace for all of the covenant community !! It is so increasingly uncommon that it is now cutting edge !!

Comment on Reformation Heroes by C T Hall

C T Hall — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:51:45 +0000

I got this for my son (then 15 mo.) last Nativity. He does not yet appreciate the book (but sometimes he’ll stay still long enough to look at a few illustrations), but I enjoy it immensely. The authors include a great bibliography which by itself is worth the price of the book.

Comment on Family Devotions by Norlan De Groot

Norlan De Groot — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:47:55 +0000

I came across this site while looking for Reformed devotional resources for my family. I would love to hear what others are doing with their family devotions and what resources they are using.

Comment on Children at the Lord’s Table? by Luke Welch

Luke Welch — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:00:15 +0000

I know you probably didn’t mean to imply this, but to be clear, paedocommunionists do not believe that non-communicant members should be communicated. Their children are faithfilled covenant members and are therefore communicant.The explanation given here would be like a baptist saying that paedobaptism is the practice of admitting non-covenant members to baptism. Presbyterians believe the children ARE covenant members and would be upset to hear that someone thought they were letting non-christians be baptized.