Topical Bible: Children: should be Brought Early to the House of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The practice of bringing children to the house of God from an early age is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and is seen as an essential aspect of nurturing their spiritual development. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of introducing children to the worship and teachings of the Lord.

Biblical Precedents

1. Hannah and Samuel: One of the most poignant examples is found in the account of Hannah and her son Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Hannah fulfills her vow to the Lord by bringing young Samuel to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. She dedicates him to the Lord's service, saying, "For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to Him. So now I give him to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD." This act of dedication highlights the importance of introducing children to God's presence and service from a young age.

2. Jesus in the Temple: The New Testament also provides an example in the life of Jesus. In Luke 2:41-49, we read about Jesus being taken to the temple in Jerusalem by His parents for the Feast of the Passover. At the age of twelve, Jesus is found in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions. This passage illustrates the significance of bringing children to the house of God to learn and grow in wisdom and understanding.

Teachings and Instructions

1. Proverbs and Instruction: The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of early instruction in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and guardians to guide children in their spiritual journey, beginning with regular exposure to the teachings and community of faith found in the house of God.

2. Jesus' Welcome of Children: Jesus Himself demonstrated the value of children in the kingdom of God. In Mark 10:13-16, when the disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus rebuked them, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He then took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. This passage highlights the openness and welcome that should be extended to children in the house of God.

Role of the Church Community

The church community plays a vital role in supporting the spiritual growth of children. By providing a nurturing environment where children can learn about God, participate in worship, and engage with the faith community, the church helps lay a strong foundation for their lifelong spiritual journey. Programs such as Sunday school, children's ministry, and family worship services are instrumental in fostering a love for God and His Word from an early age.

Parental Responsibility

Parents are encouraged to prioritize bringing their children to the house of God, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of their spiritual upbringing. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the continuous and intentional effort required to instill a love for God and His commandments in the hearts of children.

In summary, the biblical mandate to bring children early to the house of God is clear and compelling. Through the examples of faithful individuals and the teachings of Scripture, it is evident that introducing children to the worship and teachings of the Lord is a vital component of their spiritual formation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 1:24
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ and the Little Children
... would follow to those who were early brought to him ... do you want here?" And if the
children should say, "Please ... was her answer:""While my children were infants ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/christ and the little children.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... 3] in the city where I lived, in which children like myself were brought up, though ...
as my sister was married, it was not fitting I should remain alone ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm

Childhood and Early Impressions. The Blessing of Pious Parents. ...
... myself to her; and at last she has brought me back ... were said to be many; and, when
I should have given ... del Peso y Henao, and had three children"one daughter ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter i childhood and early.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... Therefore were they brought into public view, and made the ... I have spoken unto you,
rising early and speaking ... of a good man, that his children should mind the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Early Training.
... What if a bear should some that morning ... she believed in keeping the confidence of
her children and in ... the stories of Jonah and King Saul she brought forth some ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter iii early training.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... Moreover, religion in children suggests encouragement to those of ... of Elijah, and
if these should prove too ... Obadiah's fear of the Lord brought forth precious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth ... was renewing His covenant that His
Spirit should remain among ... has a purpose in sending trial to His children. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... him again, and told him that he should be the ... worshipped idols, and sometimes killed
their own children as a ... Abraham brought the best of his lambs and cattle ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... must, therefore, be so illustrated, simplified, and brought down to ... for you to convince
the children that you ... But prayer should be frequent, and mingled with ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... For what else could have brought this thought to their minds? A Christian has nothing
that is his own. ... Or, should we suffer the children to grow up ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm