Everyday Theology + Questions Kids Ask

We've probably all dealt with this question at some point in our Christian lives: "How do I KNOW I am saved?" We want a certificate or a box checked that guarantees we are secure and don't ever have to wonder, but we don't get this in Scripture. We do however, get the Holy Spirit as a down payment of what is to come. We need to know that doubt is okay, as it can help us reconfirm our commitment to the Lord, but we also CAN know for sure that we are saved because we know and trust that God's Word is true and tells us how to trust Jesus, and the result of trusting Jesus is an eternal life with Him!

All kids need to be reminded that although earthly parents may fail or be absent for one reason or another, God is the perfect parent. Lisa Harper adopted her daughter Missy four years ago, but as a single mom, she's needed to answer some questions that not all kids ask. Missy may not have a "skin" daddy, but she does have a Daddy God, and this is a great reminder for all kids.

Today's featured resource is the CSB One Story Bible. Available where books are sold.

Every parent's fear is that their kids will scream something like, "Mom, that kid looks weird." in a public location about a stranger.

Dorena Williamson joins us to discuss how to help our kids recognize the image of God in all people, including those who are differently abled from them. Dorena is honest and kind, reminding us to seek out proximity with those who are differently abled and to do all we can to love them and their families well.

Today's sponsors are: CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible bottlesodes.TV

Did you know the Bible talks about money more than 2000 times, and Jesus talks about money more than any other subject? We all know that it can be the demise of a person when they love money, and but it also is necessary for us to survive. So how do we raise kids who are generous givers and who use money the way God intends that we do?

Art Rainer discusses this and many instances in Scripture where money was the focus in today's episode.

Jason Duesing joins us to talk about hope in a world of cynicism, and how we can lead our kids to a foundation for a life of hopefulness rather than allowing them to be overwhelmed with the disappointments of this world.

The eye is the lamp of the body. We have to be skilled in directing our kids' gaze. It's a proactive thing to direct them to hopeful things.

Through remembering, praying, giving thanks through worship, and then sharing, we can help kids cultivate a cycle of hope for their days, bringing them back (and ourselves back) to the core of our hope: Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and one day return.

Jason's book Mere Hope is today's featured resource.

"Being deeply rooted in Scripture, in Bible study, in a trust of a God who loves you so much is what helped us in this situation to say God has not changed, God has not abandoned me, and why would I turn my back on the one who has taken me this far?"

Walking through tragedy is never easy, and it is even more difficult when you must explain and re-explain what has happened to your kids. Join us as we talk about helping your kids walk through tragedy in today's episode.

Featured Resource: I Will Carry You by Angie Smith https://www.marycwiley.com/podcast/miscarriage

It doesn't take long living in the world to realize that bad things happen. And they are really unavoidable. Bad things happen to all people. But why? Is God not in control? Does He care?

Bad things happen ultimately because sin has broken the world. God is still in control, although He is not the author of evil or bad things. As we see through Job, God does allow bad things to happen, though.

Listen in to hear more.

Featured Resource: Job: A Story of Unlikely Joy

God could make us obey. After all, He's God, but He doesn't. In many ways, He allows us to choose obedience or disobedience, belief or disbelief. Listen in as we answer, "Why doesn't God just make us all obey Him?"

And BONUS! Listen after the featured resource break for tips on helping your kid who is afraid of the dark.

Featured Resource: It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook

The concept of having a relationship with Jesus, or Him being our best friend as we so often describe it for kids, is so hard to grasp for concrete thinkers when they know they can't actually see Jesus. How can we help them know that Jesus is a better friend than any person we could know on earth? Emily Jensen from Risen Motherhood joins us to talk about helping our kids understand what it means to know and love Jesus, even when we can't see Him.

Emily Jensen from Risen Motherhood joins us to answer, "Why can't I see Jesus? How is Jesus my best friend?"