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Identify one or two ways you can help prepare your students for attacks on their Christian faith.
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I think teaching students what God says about them gives them fortitude. The world is always pushing messages at us, telling us we need to look or behave a certain way or possess certain items to be of worth. Looking at God’s word to see how precious we are in His sight and the plans he has for us, makes us stand firmer and less afraid of what attacks may come. Teaching them their identity in Christ hopefully will also help students view others as precious too.
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1. Give students a solid understanding of the reasons for their faith in the face of problems the world may have with it, i.e. a way to explain the hope they have in Christ and defend against common arguments.
2. Provide opportunities to examine other points of view outside their faith so they are able to listen well, recognize the differences, and speak wisely about their own view point. -
Number one, by giving them reference to Scripture. They need to know that Jesus and the disciples underwent attacks for their faith too. Something I tell my own children all of the time is that if Christ went through all of that for us, we can handle some attacks for his namesake also. Additionally, I always make clear that no matter how difficult some things might be, or what our struggles are, or what trials we might go through, we will get through it. Eternity awaits those who don’t abandon their faith in Jesus.
Secondly, I would help prepare them by giving them scenarios they might face in advance. I liked Dr. Black’s suggestion to bring in a local newspaper and know what’s going on in your community. I want to be able to share the world around my students and hold those headlines or stories up against Scripture.
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One of the most important ways is to help them memorize scripture. That is the tactic Jesus used when Satan attacked him. If the Word is hidden in their hearts the Spirit will help them recall it when the time comes. We should be honest with students in all our discussion about our faith. It shouldn’t be painted as a carefree life with no troubles. We must help them build that house upon the rock, a firm foundation, so when the storms come they can withstand them. Having role playing activities where we practice how to graciously discuss our faith with others would be a practical way to work on preparing them. We could also provide a lesson and time to work on sharing our testimony with others.
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We can prepare for attacks by discussing the issues before hand so that they are prepared for the arguments and have the biblical ammunition to fight back. Jesus did not tell us to be doormats. He fought the moneylenders and disrupted their trade. We can discuss how the government has taken away the right to worship during COVID and how that was a violation of not just the constitution but the Christian faith. We should help them to stand up for their ability to worship.