I see is virtually everywhere I preach, both at 9th Avenue as well as in various guest speaking opportunities. It is a trend that is disheartening to me, not just as a preacher of the Gospel, but also just one who loves the hearts of children and who wants to see them grow to love God and His Word. It is kids playing video games during worship.

They bring their iPad, tablet, or phone and while many of us are singing "I Surrender All," they are striving for a high score. While we are praying to God, they are playing baseball. While we are mining the depths of God's Word, they are on Minecraft. Parents, may I just ask: what are we teaching our children about worship? It's boring. It's only for adults. It can't compete with electronics. It's something you do if you can't find something more interesting.

Those lessons, spoken or unspoken, are what your children are picking up when you allow them to play games during worship. And I know that there are plenty of Bible apps and websites that are also being used by some. That said, I have randomly asked children at places I have spoken about what they were doing on their iPad (or other device) during worship. Never–not a single time–has it had something to do with the sermon. It has always–every single time–been about playing a game or watching videos. (Yes, I've seen kids with headphones hooked up to their tablet during worship. Not a good way to show that they are paying attention to the worship service!) Is this what we want for our children? As we are gathering around God's throne to praise His holy name, do we want our kids to be off in virtual game land? If I may say so, I want my children right in God's throne room with me as I praise Him!

Excuses, More Excuses

"They can't sit still through a whole sermon." "They pick up quite a bit as it is." "They don't understand what's going on." "It helps me worship because they are still and quiet, at least." I've heard all the excuses. They just don't fly. Worship is something that children must be trained in, and it starts when they are very little. What's more, if they are trained how to act during worship when they are younger, children will most likely come to enjoy worship as they grow up. Of course, children will be restless during worship (especially the sermon). That's part of it, and it is understandable. But putting Temple Run in front of their face is not the answer. All that teaches our kids is that they can act up in worship, and they are rewarded for it!

What Can I Do?

I am not saying that children–especially smaller children–need to sit perfectly still during a worship service with just a King James Bible open to the text for the sermon.

But there are far better things to do, or even to give your children, than a video game (or social media access, for the older ones).

When they are really small, give them Bible pictures, Bible story "board-books," or even small stuffed animals (and whisper in their ear, "God made the dog on day 6," or "God made the birdie on day 5"). That way, though they have something in their hands, or that they are looking at, it is teaching them to focus on their wonderful Lord during these few minutes. As they grow a little older, Bible story books are a good idea. Also, make sure they are at least trying to sing and that they are

still during the prayers. They can do this much! Another idea is to have little worship worksheets that they can draw and write on. (Note: We offer these for free in our "Training for Worship" pdf that's in our store. Again, it's free!) These sheets let them write the names of the songs or something we prayed about. Have your children draw a picture of something the preacher talked about on the sheets, or write down the verses he used in his sermon.

It's Not Easy, but It's Worth It

I know that all this means that you may struggle to worship at times. During those younger years, those children are forming such valuable thoughts in their little minds. Wouldn't you rather struggle a little bit and have them grow up loving to worship and understanding what is going on? Then please, not for the sake of the preacher, but for the sake of the souls of your children, nix the video games.

Replace Minecraft with Matthew. Replace Temple Run with Titus. Replace sports games with singing with grace. God is worthy of your effort. It will be a fight for a while, but the eternal destiny of your child is in the balance. It's worth every effort.

Our meeting with Brother King is now at hand. This will be his second time to be with us in such a work. He is held in high esteem for his love for the Truth and his ability to proclaim it. Brother King is a good Bible student and we will profit from his preaching and teaching. We are confident he will come prepared to do his work.

Here are just a few things for us to consider in this meeting:

Invite people: Part of the purpose of the meeting is to introduce people to the gospel. Let us invite friends, coworkers, and former members to the meeting.

Be kind and courteous to our visitors: Do not Insult them with some remark that might send them away, never to return. This has been done so many times. Just a little thought and consideration should keep us from acting in such a manner. Remember they are visiting with us, I have been to visit with other churches and someone would come up and say, "Why haven't you been here before?" I - was just a visitor, and I did not go to get told off about not being there before, Let’s remember to be kind and courteous to our visitors and let them know we do appreciate them coming.

Be present: Make your plans to be present. Be on time. This Is our meeting and we ought to support it with our presence. In too many places the members do not support a gospel meeting. Let It not be said of our members There Is nothing to inspire a preacher more than to preach to a full house.

Sing out: We are here to worship, so sing from the heart praises to God. Good singing has a lot to do with a good meeting.

Let us not cease from praying. Pray that some will respond to the invitation of our Lord. This was the prayer of Paul (Rom. 10: 1 - 3). This Is our prayer.

(MDR)

I WAS SO IMPRESSED

Robert Jackson

This seems to be a very familiar saying of our day. Brethren will often make this statement after attending services at another-place. It is truly good that they were impressed that is, if they were impressed by the right things. So often people are impressed by things that are not in, harmony with the will of God.

I-IMPRESSED WITH THE INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC. Many make the argument that 'instrumental music is right because it sounds so good. "I was so impressed with the mood of the people as the sound of the organ came forth." Such impressions have been made upon people, and they have left the faith. One might say, "What is wrong with instrumental music?" There is only one thing wrong for its use in the worship--There is no authority given by Christ for it. if so, where is it?

II. IMPRESSED BY THE SERVICE. Many say after attending some church that the service impressed me. Just what impressed them about the service? Well, they say, "There was no formality to it." What do they mean by this? No order? No wonder they would be impressed. Imagine people doing things, without order, one sings. another prays. But is the impression made by Truth?

III. LOVE FEAST. Some of the churches of Christ in this area now have their love feast. You just get up and shake a hand or greet them in some way. This has really gone over big, and impresses some, After the greeting, do they hear the Truth? Oh, they were so impressed, they can't tell you what, the preacher said.

It is our plea at Riverside Dr. to impress people when they attend our service. But we want them to impressed with people who serve God with spirit and truth. Let's put forth every effort' to impress people in right ways.

((The preceding article was written by Robert Jackson in 1972. Consider how far things have slid since that time. Once the anchor is lifted the drifting is endless. It is the plea of the Eastside congregation that we impress people with the right things). MDR