Testimonial (and encouragement) from an ol’ guy to Christian parents and grandparents today…
I just finished reading 2 Timothy 3:10-17 during my time of “coffee with the Lord” this morning and was reminded of my experience.
I know godly parents (and grandparents) are deeply concerned about the kind of world and culture their children will face as adults. They have every reason to be concerned! The passage I read today prophecies of “the last days”… “Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived!” (3:13) and the description of the abounding evil of “the last days” in 3:1-5 is frankly frightening! Our children and grandchildren will face a dangerous and evil culture!
But my parents did their best to prepare me for the future I would face. They prioritized keeping me in church, had daily “family altar” (i.e. devotions), insisted that I be taught the Scriptures in our church (and not be “Biblically illiterate), and personally sought to teach and prioritize the values of the Bible at home! Consequently I prayed to receive Christ as my Savior during “family altar” as a small child!
How does the passage say it? “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how FROM CHILDHOOD YOU HAVE BEEN ACQUAINTED WITH THE SACRED SCRIPTURE, WHICH IS ABLE TO MAKE YOU WISE FOR SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.” (3:14-15)
And let me tell you what my parents prioritized and practiced worked!!! I am now 77 years of age… I lived for the Lord during my teen years… was tempted (but resisted it) … faltered (but was forgiven) … persecuted for my faith (but was able to stand firm)… faced all kinds of challenges and difficulties (but God has been faithful!)
In fact I’ve proven the truth of 3:16-17… “All Scripture is ‘breathed out’ [“inspired”] by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, THAT THE MAN [OR WOMAN] OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK!”
Thank you Mom and Dad Bartel for your investment in my life! Thank you little church in Ronan, Montana! And most of all… THANK YOU GOD!!!
Coffee With The Lord 