Take your kids to the Zoo sometime instead of Sunday School

It would be more effective in seeking to communicate the cost of following Christ to take them to see lions eating, than sitting in a classroom.

While rereading Let the Nations Be Glad, Piper references Richard Wurmbrand in reference to how to prepare for suffering in your call to follow Christ:

"I remember my last confirmation class before I left for Romania. I took a group of ten to fifteen boys and girls on a Sunday morning, not to a church, but to the zoo. Before the cage of lions I told them, "Your forefathers in faith were thrown before such wild beasts for their faith. Know that you also will have to suffer. You will not be thrown before lions, but you will have to do with men who would be much worse than lions. Decide here and now if you wish to pledge allegiance to Christ."  They had tears in their eyes when they said yes.

Wurmbrand goes on to say...

We have to make the preparation now, before we are imprisoned. In prison you lose everything. You are undressed and given a prisoner's suit. No more nice furniture, nice carpets, or nice curtains. You do have a wife any more and you do not have your children. You do not have your library and you never see a flower. Nothing of what makes life pleasant remains. Nobody resists who has not renounced the pleasures of life beforehand.."

This is a quote from 'Let the Nations be Glad' 

Practically, Christians in Spokane could take their kids to Cat Tales (Not exactly 'Wild Beasts', but there are not a lot of other alternatives in the Spokane area) for a spiritual lesson and tell them about Daniel and his trust of God, Foxe's Book of Martyr's, and Hebrews 11, Luke 9, and a whole lot of other Scriptures.

It might be the most relevant Sunday School Lesson of their life.

"Father, I ask and pray that you would help us count the cost of following you. The cost won't be felt in the comfy church seats/pews, in church programs, or in in a 'go to' church culture, but in front of lions, in front of adversaries of the cross, in front of having to deny ourselves and what we love, for the greater treasure, Christ Himself. May I lead my children in such as way that demonstrates in the steps of my life that I treasure King Jesus over comfort, family, the niceties of this life here in the U.S., more than living to an old age, more than paying off my home mortgage, more than ANYTHING or ANYONE. You are the pearl of greatest prize, the hidden treasure worth selling all to gain, the one who had freed my soul from the domain of darkness and Satan and given me the Kingdom. O that love would compel me and others to live resolved to bring you glory by denying myself, taking up the cross, and following You."

John Piper on the Importance of the Bible

5 good questions to ask on the importance of anything. Thinking in terms of the Bible, below is a video of John Piper answering those questions. Great to listen to and apply.



John Piper @ GELF Breakfast - Lausanne 2010 from Crossway on Vimeo.

What would happen if it did not exist?

• No saving knowledge of God 

• Where the Word goes, the Holy Spirit reveals

What would you give to have it or keep it?

If you came across someone who approached you and said, 'I'll give you 500 million dollars to do with as you wish, but you'd be required to get rid of all your Bibles for a year...would you take it? Piper, 'Not on my life'.

 You know the worth of something by what you are willing to take instead of it.

 "I am groping to find a way to express the preciousness of THIS book."

 This book is Infinitely precious

What does it make possible?

It makes possible fellowship with the Living God 

 God talks to me through His Word, the Scriptures 

 He talks to me very personally, through His Words, through His Spirit.

How does it weather critics and detractors?

All hammers go against the Bible wear out and break. It outlasts them all.

How much effort should be given to spread it and preserve it?

MORE...MORE...MORE 

'His Purposes are Right and Will Stand'...especially during suffering

Below is a wonderful video a family who is spreading the love of Christ in the midst of cancer, foster care, adoption. Let this be an encouragement and know that what the Lord is teaching you in these moments of life He has purpose for His glory in them.



The Watters' Story from Children Desiring God on Vimeo.


Desiring God is hands down one of my favorite ministries. God exalting, Christ-centered, and full of great resources.

Just the Way I am

I have heard that this book is an incredible resource and would highly recommend it. Take a look at the video below and maybe consider buying a copy for yourself or a friend who might find help and hope from a resource like this.

Just the Way I Am

You can always find great resources on the Desiring God website.