Jesus is bold... so we're bold!

Hey, Bridge Family,
 
I hope your recent three-day weekend was fantastic! Have you noticed how young children are often fearless about Christ? Asking them to pray feels natural, and bedtime Bible stories bring joy. Worship songs make them want to dance and have fun. But then, suddenly, they change. Usually, boys first, then girls, by age eight, everything shifts. Does this mean they stop loving Jesus? Probably not, but maybe something else is at play. As children grow, they worry about others' opinions and fear rejection. It’s heartbreaking for us as parents, yet many of us relate and still struggle with these feelings.
 
Consider this: if we’re not bold in our faith, our children may not be either. Are our lives true examples of Jesus’ boldness? We can talk about being bold for Jesus—He’s bold!—but unless our actions match, our words are empty. James reminds us, “faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless (v. 2:17).” Let’s live our faith to inspire the next generation. LET’S BE BOLD!  
 
Okay, if this is making you a bit uneasy, I understand. Sharing my heart, especially for Christ, can at times be paralyzing for me. So, let’s start easy.
 
1. Share what your child(ren) learned at the Bridge as soon as possible after the service, and if possible, explain how you learned something similar in the adult service. 

2. Take a moment during the week to sit down with your kid(s) and go through the “Dig In @ Home” handout you received on Sunday. It’s a wonderful way to find ideas for reinforcing the lesson throughout the week.  The 'Talk About This' section can also be a great tool to help you share what you believe in a warm and meaningful way. 

3. Encourage your Kid(s) to memorize the summary verse by turning it into a game. It’s on the handout as well. Once they learn it, ask them to share it with us when you drop them off. 

4. Pray with them. Lead them in their prayers or finish up their prayers. 

5. Read the Bible with them. 

One last thought: don’t force them to be bold. Be bold for them and let the Holy Spirit manifest His boldness in them. Forcing kids risks pairing shame or embarrassment with prayer and Bible reading, undermining the desire for Christ you aim to nurture. You may need to carry the water for a while, but the reward makes it worthwhile.
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Remember, it’s never too late to engage. As long as your child is at home, you have an excellent opportunity to share the Bible and explore it together, making faith an exciting and meaningful adventure. God Bless, and hope to see your family on Sunday.
 
Pastor Bob