Do our young people get it? Have they figured it out yet?  They have a tremendous advantage but fail to capitalize on it.  Godly parents… Training in the Word of God…Christian friends… Support from a local church… but do they count this as a blessing?  Do they ever take personal ownership of their relationship with Jesus Christ?  Sure, church kids face challenges but they also have many wonderful privileges.

I recently read through a book entitled, “Growing Up Christian” by Karl Graustein with Mark Jacobsen.  Both of these authors were unfamiliar to me, but the book had endorsements from Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye)  and Tedd Tripp (Shepherding a Child’s Heart) so I thought let’s give it a try.  I was amazed, these guys nailed it!  I would recommend parents or students to read this book, or possibly together.

Consider this excerpt from the book, “So would you say that you are a church kid?  If yes, please understand the favor God has shown in allowing you to grow up in a Christian environment, and know that you do face some unique challenges.  You have benefited greatly from godly parents who deeply love you and desire that you love and obey God.  Yet your life and faith are different from those of your parents and others who became Christians as adults.  This book is designed to help you become aware of these differences.  It will help you understand your tendencies so that you can accurately know your heart and live in a way that truly pleases God.” (page 24-25)

Here are the chapter headings…

• Chapter #1    The Dynamics of Growing Up Christian
• Chapter #2    The Danger of False Assurance
• Chapter #3    The Danger of Taking the Grace of God for Granted
• Chapter #4    The Danger of Loving the World
• Chapter #5    Cultivating a Humble Heart
• Chapter #6    Developing Personal Biblical Convictions
• Chapter #7    Growing in Gratefulness for Blessings from God
• Chapter #8    Loving the Truths of Scripture
• Chapter #9    Learning to Trust God
• Chapter #10   The Fight of Your Life
• Chapter #11   Spiritual Push-ups
• Chapter #12   Making the Most of It

Pick up your copy today from: http://www.godseternalmasterpiece.com/

Growing Up Christian

Concerned for families,

Pastor Derek Phillips