Jesus took a special interest in the children, and every Bible instructor should also " be interested in them. She must know how to guide parents in their training of youth, and be able to advise when the question of baptism is presented. Children who do not have the background of a Christian education in Seventh-day Adventist schools present an entirely different need from that of those who have been carefully instructed over a period of years. As workers we must be well informed on God's plans for the children in our midst. At the proper time they should be encouraged to go forward in baptism, but not before an experience on their part is apparent. The Christian experience of childhood will naturally unfold with the development of a growing child, not that of an adult.
Bible instructors should be thoroughly acquainted with divine counsel on this question. Too often church officers hesitate to take children into the church merely because they fear increased financial goals. This must never be the deciding factor. Rather, the child's personal experience should be weighed in the light of the Word of God and His special instruction to the church.
Spirit of Prophecy Counsel "FEED MY LAMBS." "The charge given to Peter by Christ just before His ascension was, 'Feed my lambs'; and this charge is given to every minister. . . . Very much has been lost to the cause of truth by a lack of attention to the spiritual needs of the young. . . . "Why should not labor for the youth in our borders be regarded as missionary work of the highest kind? It requires the most delicate tact, the most watchful consideration, the most earnest prayer for heavenly wisdom. The youth are the objects of Satan's special attacks; but kindness, courtesy, and the sympathy which flows from a heart filled with love to Jesus, will gain their confidence, and save them from many a snare of the enemy." Gospel Workers, p. 207.
OUR FIRST WORK. "Altogether too little attention has been given our children and youth. . . . The work that lies nearest to our church members is to become interested in our youth. . . .
"The lambs of the flock must be fed, and the Lord of heaven is looking on to see who is doing the work He desires to have done for the children and youth." Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 196, 197. "Only the power of God can save our children from being swept away by the tide of evil. The responsibility resting upon parents, teachers, and church members, to do their part in co-operation with God, is greater than words can express." Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 166.
OBJECTIVES OF WORK FOR CHILDREN. "In our work for the children the object should be not merely to educate and entertain them, but to work for their conversion." Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 105. "Let the church carry a burden for the lambs of the flock. Let the children be educated and trained to do service for God; for they are the Lord's heritage." Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 177.
JESUS' ATTITUDE TOWARD CHILDREN. "He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldlywise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish under standing. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life." The Desire of Ages (1952 ed.), p. 515.
CHILDREN MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO GOSPEL. "It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years." —Ibid., p. 515.
EARLY LESSONS AND CHARACTER BUILDING. "The lessons that the child learns during the first seven years of its life have more to do with the formation of character than all that it learns in future years." MRS. E. G. WHITE in Signs of the Times, April 8, 1903. "Religious instruction should be given to children from their earliest years. It should be given, not in a condemnatory spirit, but in a cheerful, happy spirit." Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 93. "From a child, Timothy knew the Scriptures, and his knowledge was a safeguard to him against the evil influences surrounding him and the temptation to choose pleasure and selfish gratification before duty. Such a safeguard all our children need, and it should be a part of the work of parents and of Christ's ambassadors to see that the children are properly instructed in the word of God." Ibid., vol. 4, p. 398.
PROPER AGE FOR CONVERSION AND BAPTISM. "Children of eight, ten, or twelve years are old enough to be addressed on the subject of personal religion. ... If properly instructed, very young children may have correct views of their state as sinners and of the way of salvation through Christ." Ibid., vol. 1, p. 400.
VIOLENT EMOTION NOT ESSENTIAL. "In working for the conversion of our children, we should not look for violent emotion as the essential evidence of conviction of sin. Nor is it necessary to know the exact time when they are converted. We should teach them to bring their sins to Jesus, asking His forgiveness, and believing that He pardons and receives them as He received the children when He was personally on earth." The Desire of Ages, p. 515.
BAPTISM OF CHILDREN AND RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS. "Baptism is a most sacred and important ordinance, and there should be a thorough under standing as to its meaning. It means repentance for sin, and the entrance upon a new life in Christ Jesus. There should be no undue haste to receive the ordinance. Let both parents and children count the cost. . . . "When the happiest period of their life has come, and they in their hearts love Jesus and wish to be baptized, then deal faithfully with them. Before they receive the ordinance, ask them if it is to be their first purpose in life to work for God. Then tell them how to begin. It is the first lessons that mean so much. In simplicity teach them how to do their first service for God. Make the work as easy to be understood as possible. Explain what it means to give lip self to the Lord, to do just as His word directs, under the counsel of Christian parents. "After faithful labor, if you are satisfied that your children understand the meaning of conversion and baptism, and are truly converted, let them be baptized." Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 93, 94.
Youth Problems for Bible Instructor
1. Conversion of children in evangelism.
2. Present opportunities for child evangelism.
3. Urgency for early conversions.
4. Proper age of baptism.
5. Preparing children for baptism.
6. Responsibility of parents at time of children's baptism.
7. Results to expect in these younger converts.
8. Holding youth in the church.
