Hey Camp Family! Janna Kelsey, Camp Store Manager, shares the importance of equipping our kids with the ability to explain why they believe what they believe.

Scripture

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

1 Peter 3:15

Video

Transcript

Hello, my name is Janna Kelsey and I work at the Camp Store.  As a parent of 4 young adult children it was my desire to equip them with a world view based on the message of the good news of Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection.

As parents we need to provide our kids a foundation of some sort of apologetics…reasonable ways to justify their faith. This does not mean they know all the answers, but it does mean if the need arises for an answer they will know where to go or who they could ask.  Teaching them to study scripture to find those answers on their own is a great tool to have.

Our homes need to be a safe place for kids to ask hard questions and have meaningful conversations.  Having these conversations before they are confronted with world views that come against Christianity is important.  As parents we want to grow our kids up and see them become men and women who are strong in their faith and relationship with God.   We should not be afraid for our kids to wrestle with God and develop a deep faith that is their own.  We want our kids to know with confidence that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life that no one comes to the Father except by Him.

Some basic questions they need to be able to answer in today’s culture are:

• How do we know God exists?
• Is there absolute Truth?
• Is the Bible trustworthy?
• Is Jesus who He claimed to be?
• Is the resurrection real?

Maybe as a parent you do not feel equipped yourself to answer some of these questions.  Don’t be discouraged!  There are countless resources out there to equip us.  Look for books, YouTube videos or even conferences to attend.  Ask your local pastor to offer a class or a Sunday school.  Sean McDowell’s website is a great place to start.

We do not study apologetics to win an argument. On the contrary we use apologetics when sharing our faith to give others HOPE.  1 Peter 3:15 “… always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”  There is a lost and dying world out there and we have the only answer…Jesus Christ.

Reflect

We have the amazing privilege of having faith in a God who withstands scrutiny, doubts, and questioning.  Let’s be a safe place and a resource for our kids to explore why Christ-followers believe what we believe.

Camper Corner

Have you had the opportunity to explain to someone why you choose to follow Jesus?  Chances are you have felt like you don’t have enough answers.  You’re not alone!  Be brave enough to ask your parents for help…y’all can learn together.