Training up a child refers to the overall total process of forming, shaping and molding a child's life. The word train as you have mentioned does not connote the idea of teaching or even disciplining a child (even though that is part of it). The word train comes from the Hebrew word chanak implying to "Put into one's Mouth", and suggest the thought of conditioning the palate. Simply put, we should help our children develop a taste for the things of God. Balancing Love and Discipline. When he is old refers to the maturation process of child, which is different for everyone.

 

I want to throw this in and make it clear. I AM NOT against church, Sunday School, Bible Study. I am there. My father has been a Minister for over 40 years. He took us to church every time the doors were open. I once remember a revival in 70's in Argillite, KY. that my dad and another minister was holding...it lasted over 6 weeks and more than 100 people were saved and baptized during that time, btw..I went every night. I do the same to my children...they go every time the doors are open. I am all for the Local Church Building and us gathering to learn and worship God.

 

But the truth of it is this. I learned more about God from my father at our home then I did while at church. I watched him give when we didnt have it, and him tell us kids to sit back and watch God work and God did, I seen him carry burdens for others and go out back in the woods and fall on his knees in prayer, I seen him literally do physical work with and for his neighbors that he didnt have to do but he did anyway, never have I seen anything un-christian about him, no he is not perfect (Mom can tell you that) My point is that so many people fail to live the good chrisitan life in front of their children and they rely upon the church to teach their kids. Thank goodness that there are numerous churches that do reach out and lead children to salvation but that responsibility is laid first at the feet of the parents not the church.

IMO, this also is a Millstone point.

 

What this verse stresses is that Godly principles and Biblical practices and Education does in the home is that it forms a man for the rest of his life. When I was growing up my hero was my dad because of his relationship to the Lord and his love for others. Not even church is a substitute for what children can learn in the home.

 

Because of what my parents taught me in the home. I have been a student of God's Word for over 35 years and I am still studying, we never arrive down here. I learn something new everyday. I raise my children in church. But I just feel we put so much emphasis on attending church that sometimes we miss the point. Out of seven churches that Jesus addressed in Revelation, only two of them were on the right track, the other five were...lets just say not in good standing with the General Superintendent.

 

BTW, this is off the top of my head a little side notes. It takes me so long because I am a horrible typist. 15 words a minute if I am lucky.

 

Sounds like your dad is a great example of what I like to call a "living witness"...far more effective than just telling people about God, is showing them by how you live. As the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

 

I heard a great testimony the other night from a preacher who told about a man who got saved and was one of the biggest reasons he ended up getting saved. He said he watched the guy for two years waiting for him to slip up so he could throw it in his face, but he never did. Somebody is always watching you, so in that sense, we never stop being a witness. :thumb:

Do you Posters even realize what is going on?

To really study and rightfully divide God's Word, you must and I do not like using that word, but it really is a must...to study and learn the ORIGINAL Hebrew and Greek meanings of the text.

 

There are things that have been translated that when studying the original Hebrew and Greek it just gives you a whole different meaning.

 

I'm an amateur when it comes to word studies, but I try. Of course, I really only started doing it within the past 6 months I'd say, so what else should I expect?

Do you Posters even realize what is going on?

 

I know one thing that's going on, but I have a feeling you have a different idea...

 

...fill me in.

I know one thing that's going on, but I have a feeling you have a different idea...

 

...fill me in.

 

We are studying God's Word right now, we are fellowshipping one with another..right now.... we are encouraging one another...right now are we in a church?

I am going to go way out on a limb and say what I believe the next big wave is going to be that God is going to use...and I dont know how to ride it or how to surf it yet. But I read recently in a George Barna survey, that it is estimated that out of the 18 million teens in the US today that only 4% will become saved. This should light a fire in the hearts of every Believer. I believe that over the next 2 to 3 years that God is going to use I-Pods to reach children. Look how God has used this BGP's to strenghten us in our beliefs and be open to hard passages of His Word that is sometimes difficult to interpret.

We are studying God's Word right now, we are fellowshipping one with another..right now.... we are encouraging one another...right now are we in a church?

 

I was thinking the same thing a few days ago concerning this thread...:thumb:

I am going to go way out on a limb and say what I believe the next big wave is going to be that God is going to use...and I dont know how to ride it or how to surf it yet. But I read recently in a George Barna survey, that it is estimated that out of the 18 million teens in the US today that only 4% will become saved. This should light a fire in the hearts of every Believer. I believe that over the next 2 to 3 years that God is going to use I-Pods to reach children. Look how God has used this BGP's to strenghten us in our beliefs and be open to hard passages of His Word that is sometimes difficult to interpret.

 

4%...wow? Did you read that online, and if so, do you have a link to it?

We are studying God's Word right now, we are fellowshipping one with another..right now.... we are encouraging one another...right now are we in a church?

That's it. I'm leaving. I don't do church.

That's it. I'm leaving. I don't do church.

 

Turn or burn...:sssh:

That's it. I'm leaving. I don't do church.

Thats funny.:devil:

4%...wow? Did you read that online, and if so, do you have a link to it?

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/us/06evangelical.html?ex=1176609600&en=b29752956653649f&ei=5087&excamp=mkt_at3

 

It is still being investigated about the reputability of the survey. I thought is was reputable when I read it but who knows. It was not a George Barna survey like I thought it was.

I am not at all afraid to admitt that I am very religiously confused at this point in my life, so my comments may differ from many others on this thread. Going to church makes me feel less religious. Every time I attend a service I somehow come out feeling like I shouldnt have gone, I spend more time contradicting everything the preacher and other people say throughout the service than actually trying to learn from it. For example: People say we are living in hell right now, and they cant wait to meet Jesus, but in the same testament they will put in a prayer request for one of their friends who is dying of cancer or some other disease. If we are living in such hell, why wouldnt we just want to go ahead and die so we didnt have to live through such "hell"? Personally at this point in my life, I feel like many people attend church to look good or be seen, not all, but many. I dont feel like attending church is necessary.

I am not at all afraid to admitt that I am very religiously confused at this point in my life, so my comments may differ from many others on this thread. Going to church makes me feel less religious. Every time I attend a service I somehow come out feeling like I shouldnt have gone, I spend more time contradicting everything the preacher and other people say throughout the service than actually trying to learn from it. For example: People say we are living in hell right now, and they cant wait to meet Jesus, but in the same testament they will put in a prayer request for one of their friends who is dying of cancer or some other disease. If we are living in such hell, why wouldnt we just want to go ahead and die so we didnt have to live through such "hell"? Personally at this point in my life, I feel like many people attend church to look good or be seen, not all, but many. I dont feel like attending church is necessary.

 

What you are describing are believers that are living below their privileges of being called a Christian. A Chrisitan should be the happiest of all people. Not that we never have trouble or turmoil or trials but we should have real Joy and it is sad to say that many do not and it leaves a bad impression upon an unbelieving world. Jesus came to give us life now and for us to have it more abundantly. I love life, He wants us to love life. Too many Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. What you are going through is what many people go through. People need to expereince God in a brand new way, a fresh way. I do not speak for all churches nor do I speak for all Ministries staff when I say this...but I felt many times that I have been short changed by going to church, that is to say that the music or the message was not really prayed about or prepared. My Father once told me that a good Sunday School Teacher start preparation on a Sunday night for the following Sunday Morning, and He also cautioned with this perplexing statement, he told me never to read my Bible for a sermon message. I thought he was crazy. He went on to explain that many ministers that he knew didnt even start preparing their message until late Saturday night, he said if you stay in God's Word and study for yourself then God would give the message to you to preach. Bottom line is that too many Christians (all believers) give a half hearted effort in our service to HIM. God gave His best to us why shouldnt we give our best to HIM. I know I veered from the topic, sorry about that.

 

You place your trust in Him, read your Bible and He will lead you in all areas of your life.

What you are describing are believers that are living below their privileges of being called a Christian. A Chrisitan should be the happiest of all people. Not that we never have trouble or turmoil or trials but we should have real Joy and it is sad to say that many do not and it leaves a bad impression upon an unbelieving world. Jesus came to give us life now and for us to have it more abundantly. I love life, He wants us to love life. Too many Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. What you are going through is what many people go through. People need to expereince God in a brand new way, a fresh way. I do not speak for all churches nor do I speak for all Ministries staff when I say this...but I felt many times that I have been short changed by going to church, that is to say that the music or the message was not really prayed about or prepared. My Father once told me that a good Sunday School Teacher start preparation on a Sunday night for the following Sunday Morning, and He also cautioned with this perplexing statement, he told me never to read my Bible for a sermon message. I thought he was crazy. He went on to explain that many ministers that he knew didnt even start preparing their message until late Saturday night, he said if you stay in God's Word and study for yourself then God would give the message to you to preach. Bottom line is that too many Christians (all believers) give a half hearted effort in our service to HIM. God gave His best to us why shouldnt we give our best to HIM. I know I veered from the topic, sorry about that.

 

You place your trust in Him, read your Bible and He will lead you in all areas of your life.

 

You seem to be very strong in your faith Bubba, thats a wonderful thing. I wish I could say the same for myself. I am absolutely fascinated with religion and love talking to anyone who is open minded enough to speak with me and not judge me.