How Should Christian Children be Educated in the 21st Century?
The question of the education of children has been a question for centuries and has been answered in a variety of ways in different times and different cultures. Does it matter how our children are educated? Does God leave us any instruction?
For over a century, the modern world has used the public educational system to educate the masses. What does the Bible have to say about that? Does the Bible address the education of children? Does God care about how Christians educate their children? Let us first explore what the Bible has to say.
Deuteronomy 4:5-9 King James Version (KJV)
5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation (family) is a wise and understanding people.7 For what nation (family) is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?8 And what nation (family) is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
We parents are the ones God holds responsible to teach our children, and our grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 King James Version (KJV)
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
How can we teach them when we sit in our house, walk by the way, and lie down & rise up if they spend 8-10 hours a day away from us? The Christian life is one of discipleship and relationship.
Deuteronomy 32:45-47 King James Version (KJV)
45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:
46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
According to this verse it is the parent's responsibility to do, and teach their children, the commandments of the Lord. This is the purpose of our lives. This is what God has put us here for. Our purpose is to teach others, especially our children, of what Christ has done for us and to walk in His ways.
The Bible also tells us in Malachi 4:5-6 that
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
What does the God-sent prophet of this final age say about educating our children? He actually has some very interesting things to say, as you will see.
44 And the—the schools are so corrupt! My! I’m from Arizona. I—I was at one of the big schools, other day, and see those young ladies and men, boys, out there on that campus, wallowing around. I said, “I hope I never have to send one of my children to a place like that.”
63-0412M - The World Is Falling Apart
Rev. William Marrion Branham
And so remember now, I’ve always said, “It’s a sin to send your children to Sunday school.” Everybody knows that. Don’t never, whatever you do, don’t never send your children to Sunday school. It’s wrong. Take them. That’s right. Always take them. Just don’t send them. You go for an example too. You take them to Sunday school. You go along with them. But just don’t send them. That’s wrong. Taking them is right, ’cause you’re there with them.
62-0728 - God Has A Provided Way
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Now, if it was WRONG to send your children to Sunday School without you there to shepherd the learning of their souls, what about an anti-Christian school?
26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal.
We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it.
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Notice that Brother Branham says that "WE" got to tell him. That "WE" is the parents at home, and the pastors at church.
Through all of this, we see that God clearly holds the parents to be the responsible ones for the rearing and teaching of the children. It is not mandated to be in a particular way, but it is clearly the responsibility of the parent, not the civil government, or even the church. Education of children is under the God-given jurisdiction of the home.
Therefore, since it is the parent's responsibility to see to the education, teaching, and training of the children, we should give that responsibility the consideration that it requires and think about how it can best be accomplished, and not just blindly send our children to government schools because everyone else is doing it. How can we expect our young people to stand up against peer pressure when the parents are going along with the crowd?
In considering the education of our children, here are some points that should be considered.
Morality and the Public School:
We already know evolution is taught in schools, so is transgender and homosexual agendas. These 'alternative lifestyles' are being taught as young as preschool. One friend of ours babysits pre-school aged children and was shocked when they brought home from school a coloring page of a unicorn encouraging the children to think about which gender they wanted to be.
Here are some statistics on sexual promiscuity at schools. These stats are from 2011...seven years old.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 36.9 percent of 14-year-olds have had sex – more than one out of three. Among 12th graders, 66.4 percent have had sex
“During the past three decades, the level of sexual activity in adolescents in the United States has increased.” (Source, American Academy of Pediatrics)
Among teens each year there are about 3 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and approximately 1 million pregnancies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the sixth leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years in the United States.
(Source, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA)
Ezekiel 44:22 King James Version (KJV)
23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
There is a difference between right and wrong. The world likes to say that it is good and beautiful when someone is "Different, special, and unique".
Isaiah 5:19 King James Version (KJV)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
"Now, if the picture of a ship will impress boys to become Navy men, sailors of the sea, what ought the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ do? See? Always have the right thing before your children. “Bring up a child in the way that it should go.” See? Bring it up and teach it right. It’ll certainly, won’t depart from it."
56-1002E - Elisha The Prophet
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal. We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it."
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Safety/Protection
There are several aspects of safety to consider, including physical, spiritual and emotional. The physical risks of shootings, bullying, and the sexual harassments are common in our public schools . How can we protect our children when we are not spending time with them?
In thinking about their spiritual safety, would it make sense for a Jewish family to send their child to a Muslim school? Would they do that? Why not? What about a Christian family sending their child to a Muslim school? What about a Message Christian sending their child to be trained by a Catholic school? Then what about a secular, humanistic and pagan school?
Matthew 18:6 says
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
That word translated "Offend" in the Greek means " to entrap that is trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin apostasy or displeasure". With all of the immorality, bad association, and false teachings going on in the schools, I would certainly feel that sending my child to public school would trip them up, or entice them to sin. Therefore, it would be better for me to be drowned in the sea than to send my children there. It is our responsibility to protect our children.
When sending your child to school means endangering their souls, risking their purity, wondering if their school will end up the target of terrorism...when will we decide there has to be a better option?
Teaching
What is a Christian young person to be taught? Is it okay if they are taught evolution, gender confusion, situational ethics, humanism, and the other anti-Biblical agendas that are cultured in public schools? When do they receive instruction in Biblical studies, family economy and finances, proper gender roles and functions, Christian character and responsibility, hard work, and Christian ethics? It does matter what our young people are taught!
Association
Another consideration that warrants our attention is the association factor at school. What manner of association is your child going to have? What does the Bible say about association?
Psalm 101 King James Version (KJV)
101 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.
From this chapter, we learn that we should seek association for ourselves and our children of people who display "perfect" behavior. That means that they "walk within their house with a perfect heart", meaning that when they are by themselves, when no one is looking, they behave honorably. They are to "set no wicked thing before their eyes". What do most school kids watch on the internet, TV, movie screen, and the books they read? And the list goes on. At the end of this article, you may find a checklist that we have made from this scripture for our family in thinking through the kind of friends we want to both be and have.
What kind of association is in the typical public school classroom? How about the classroom your child would attend? Would you choose to hang out with their teacher or students' parents?
Biblical Considerations
Ps. 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
What kind of counsel is being given in the public school near you? Is it Godly counsel? I assert not, for Bible reading and prayer have been officially outlawed from the public school. If your child attends the public school, would they be standing in the way of sinners? If so, it won't be long before they will be seated with the scornful, having contempt and distain for the Word of God.
Ps. 11:3
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If school teaching destroys the foundation of our home teaching, what can we do? How can we overcome it?
Ps. 144:11-12
11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
How can our sons be as "plants grown up" and our daughters "as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace" if they are delivered to instead of being delivered from the strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity and falsehood?
Exodus 18:19-20 King James Version (KJV)
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Not only do we need to teach them, but to show them the living word in our lives.
Prov. 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Psalm 101 tells us about what kind of association we should have. This would be hard to find in a public school. The Proverbs are also full of association verses.
Psalm 127 tells us of the blessing of children. We should cherish our time with them.
Psalm 133 talks of family unity. (Which is difficult to achieve when everyone is going a separate direction)
We have never seen times like people are living in today where the internet, selfishness, evil, and travel are such driving influences on society*.
* 2 Timothy 3 King James Version (KJV)3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
We want our children to be instructed in truth in their learning! The Bible has warned us that these perilous times would come. It tells us how to identify when they are here. Should we send our children out to be instructed the world during these times?
Timothy continues further in the chapter with
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
During these perilous times, is it not imperative that our children be instructed in the Holy Scriptures? It is the most important part of their education!
Additional Quotes
"Now, if the picture of a ship will impress boys to become Navy men, sailors of the sea, what ought the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ do? See? Always have the right thing before your children. “Bring up a child in the way that it should go.” See? Bring it up and teach it right. It’ll certainly, won’t depart from it."
56-1002E - Elisha The Prophet
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal. We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it."
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"42 There’s a burning bush here tonight to answer every brother away from a call of God. Think on your ways. The Holy Ghost is here to heal the sick, showing signs and wonders and miracles. Many of you people has wanted to be a Christian. Many of you has wanted to do something for God. And you’ve neglected it for the washtub, for a job out yonder in a factory somewhere. Some of you women that ought to be home with your kids, reading the Bible to them. You got a job out yonder to make a extra dollar. Shame on you. God gave you a job; that’s raise them children. Teach them the things of God. It’s the truth. Think on your ways, woman. What will them dollars do? They’ll ring like Judas Iscariot’s did. Think on your ways and turn your foot to His testimonies, unto His Blood, unto His grace, unto His offer."
59-0814 - As I Thought On My Ways
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Questions & Answers
Q: Brother Branham himself sent his kids to school. Why shouldn't I?
A: The fact is that public schools are many times worse than they were in the 60s. The immorality alone should be enough. It was illegal to homeschool in the sixties. People ignore that when stating that Brother Branham sent his children to public school. And most who use that reasoning, get offended when you point out this fact, which appears to show the real Spirit behind sending their children to public school. It appears the parents are choosing convenience or financial choices, over the physical, emotional and spiritual welfare of their children. It seems harsh to think that these choices seem to be rooted in selfishness or financial reasons rather than scripture and what the prophet said, but we must be vigilant in examining our attitudes toward obedience to God's Word.
Q: I don't have the time (or education, patience, desire, money, experience, etc) to homeschool. What about my unique situation?
A: Brother, Sister, we understand each situation is different. Some parents struggle with unusual physical or mental disabilities. Some families are struggling financially. We know that God is faithful. Pray about your situation. God wants to show Himself strong in our weaknesses and He never gives us a job to do without equipping us to do it. If God is convicting your heart to educate your child at home, He will find a way. There are many curriculum choices that fit a vast range of abilities and situations. Abraham Lincoln and many other famous men were educated without a lot of resources. You can do this.
Q: My spouse (or child) isn't on board with the idea. What do I do?
A: Pray! Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." If God can turn the heart of the king, he can turn the heart of your spouse. Make sure you have the right spirit about you and God will work for you. If the objection is coming from a child, it may be that the world has his/her heart more than you do. If you don't make changes, the heart issue won't change either. Pray, talk to your child. Why are they resisting? It may be that they need more time with you now than ever.
Q: Our schools are top rated. I don't believe that I can give my children as good of an education as the school can. Won't my child miss out?
A: Our top priority as Christians is to obey the Word of the Lord. He created us and knows what is best for us. If we truly trust God, we know that He always provides the best, but our thoughts are not His thoughts. Is a "top rated" education more important to you than the spiritual well being of your child's soul? Is this school drawing your child closer to God or further from Him?
Q: I don't want to say this out loud, but honestly, I like my time. When will I have time to kneel down and pray when it's quiet if my kids are always home? When will I get "my time"? Besides, we'll drive each other crazy! In the summer, I can't wait for school to start and my kids to go back to school. We need our apart time. I'm a better mother when I have my quiet time. It is better for me to be a more patient, loving mom in the evening, than to blow up at them every day, don't you think?
A: Sister, listen to yourself. You do need to get some alone time with God and work this out with Him. Seriously. Laodicea is all about me. Does Laodicea have you, or does God have you? A Christian life is about living for others, but remember, when we're all living for others, we've got a house full of people living for us! :)
From a home educated 15 year old's perspective:
May I introduce you to... Homeschooling!! Yep, I can already hear it, "I don't even know where to start! How do I do this? I don't have the time!" These are things that will most likely pass through every parent's mind. I have thought about homeschooling my own children some day and have had those same thoughts. "How am I going to homeschool my kids in the future? I'm a horrible teacher of anything, and I can hardly pass my own school right now, let alone teach someone else! It won't be easy." But that's okay. The more I see of public school, the association, and the more perverted it gets, the more and more I am convinced that I will one day, if the Lord tarries, homeschool my own children, even when it's tough. Why? Is it only because of the association, etc.? Let me give a scripture and a demonstration to better make myself clear.
Psalm 127:3 KJV
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
The word "heritage" means: an inheritance, and something valued. Now let me draw a picture for a moment. God has blessed you with a perfect little baby, who's got the cutest chubby cheeks, pudgy little fingers, and the most adorable smile. As that child begins to grow, they form a personality, bringing joy and humor to your life. Now, your little one is five years old and ready to start learning school. Why would you just simply hand over your precious little gift, your inheritance, to a public school where little Billy, your darling's schoolmate, decides he now wants to become a little Sussie, and not only that, but at five to six years old, they (the school and parents of the boy) grant that child's request of becoming a girl. What's going to go through your little one's mind then?
Now let's jump to ten years later. Your blessing is now a teenager, being pushed heavily by peer pressure. All of his/her friends are going bowling this weekend, going to see a movie in theaters, all their friends are reading, seeing, and saying ungodly things. Don't think that your teenager will not be driven by these things. Without the Holy Ghost, and even with It, some of these things will be great temptations to them. "Why can't I go? What's so bad about just going bowling?" These will be passing through their naïve minds.
Five years later, a broken mother and father cry out to God for their wayward son or daughter, wondering where they ever went wrong. They grew up in church, their family played the tapes, prayed before every meal together, but what has happened? You have failed to fulfill Proverbs 22:6.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." There was no family economy. When you did happen to get together for dinner, you ate and went to your rooms; instead of talking to his parents about his problems, they talk to their "best friend" who leads them astray. Instead of fellowshiping with family/church family, they go to their friend's worldly birthday party, that, as they get older turn into very worldly parties. Your son/daughter is now out of fellowship with Jesus Christ and His people, wondering if he even has any purpose in life.
Now let's look at the other perspective of not sending them to school and actually homeschooling. Rewind... Okay. Your little blessing is now five years old and ready to begin school. You sit down at the table, pray over your first day of school, (Creating a Godly atmosphere, and teaching them to put God first, also training them to take their problems to God.) and begin your lessons. Their little eyes watch you as you make dot-to-dot letters for them to write, and they examine closely as you carefully bring out the finger paint. Every little thing your little one is watching you do, they are learning from you, and that's the way God created things to be. To train them when you 'walk by the way'.
After school, they get to play with their siblings, who, later in life will be some of their best friends in the world. You have now created a family economy for your little gifts to dwell in. A protected environment for them to be raised in. Congratulations! Your blessing from the Lord has been getting the Word of God installed into his mind, and one day he will use that to glorify God! He will have a purpose in life!
I know some of this may be exaggerated a little, but if God gave you a jewel in your crown to take care of, I don't believe that is something to take lightly. He has entrusted you to raise this child in the right way of God. May God give us all strength and wisdom in knowing what to do, and how to do it correctly!
For over a century, the modern world has used the public educational system to educate the masses. What does the Bible have to say about that? Does the Bible address the education of children? Does God care about how Christians educate their children? Let us first explore what the Bible has to say.
Deuteronomy 4:5-9 King James Version (KJV)
5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation (family) is a wise and understanding people.7 For what nation (family) is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?8 And what nation (family) is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
We parents are the ones God holds responsible to teach our children, and our grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 King James Version (KJV)
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
How can we teach them when we sit in our house, walk by the way, and lie down & rise up if they spend 8-10 hours a day away from us? The Christian life is one of discipleship and relationship.
Deuteronomy 32:45-47 King James Version (KJV)
45 And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:
46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
According to this verse it is the parent's responsibility to do, and teach their children, the commandments of the Lord. This is the purpose of our lives. This is what God has put us here for. Our purpose is to teach others, especially our children, of what Christ has done for us and to walk in His ways.
The Bible also tells us in Malachi 4:5-6 that
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
What does the God-sent prophet of this final age say about educating our children? He actually has some very interesting things to say, as you will see.
44 And the—the schools are so corrupt! My! I’m from Arizona. I—I was at one of the big schools, other day, and see those young ladies and men, boys, out there on that campus, wallowing around. I said, “I hope I never have to send one of my children to a place like that.”
63-0412M - The World Is Falling Apart
Rev. William Marrion Branham
And so remember now, I’ve always said, “It’s a sin to send your children to Sunday school.” Everybody knows that. Don’t never, whatever you do, don’t never send your children to Sunday school. It’s wrong. Take them. That’s right. Always take them. Just don’t send them. You go for an example too. You take them to Sunday school. You go along with them. But just don’t send them. That’s wrong. Taking them is right, ’cause you’re there with them.
62-0728 - God Has A Provided Way
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Now, if it was WRONG to send your children to Sunday School without you there to shepherd the learning of their souls, what about an anti-Christian school?
26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal.
We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it.
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Notice that Brother Branham says that "WE" got to tell him. That "WE" is the parents at home, and the pastors at church.
Through all of this, we see that God clearly holds the parents to be the responsible ones for the rearing and teaching of the children. It is not mandated to be in a particular way, but it is clearly the responsibility of the parent, not the civil government, or even the church. Education of children is under the God-given jurisdiction of the home.
Therefore, since it is the parent's responsibility to see to the education, teaching, and training of the children, we should give that responsibility the consideration that it requires and think about how it can best be accomplished, and not just blindly send our children to government schools because everyone else is doing it. How can we expect our young people to stand up against peer pressure when the parents are going along with the crowd?
In considering the education of our children, here are some points that should be considered.
Morality and the Public School:
We already know evolution is taught in schools, so is transgender and homosexual agendas. These 'alternative lifestyles' are being taught as young as preschool. One friend of ours babysits pre-school aged children and was shocked when they brought home from school a coloring page of a unicorn encouraging the children to think about which gender they wanted to be.
Here are some statistics on sexual promiscuity at schools. These stats are from 2011...seven years old.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 36.9 percent of 14-year-olds have had sex – more than one out of three. Among 12th graders, 66.4 percent have had sex
“During the past three decades, the level of sexual activity in adolescents in the United States has increased.” (Source, American Academy of Pediatrics)
Among teens each year there are about 3 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and approximately 1 million pregnancies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the sixth leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years in the United States.
(Source, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA)
Ezekiel 44:22 King James Version (KJV)
23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
There is a difference between right and wrong. The world likes to say that it is good and beautiful when someone is "Different, special, and unique".
Isaiah 5:19 King James Version (KJV)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
"Now, if the picture of a ship will impress boys to become Navy men, sailors of the sea, what ought the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ do? See? Always have the right thing before your children. “Bring up a child in the way that it should go.” See? Bring it up and teach it right. It’ll certainly, won’t depart from it."
56-1002E - Elisha The Prophet
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal. We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it."
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Safety/Protection
There are several aspects of safety to consider, including physical, spiritual and emotional. The physical risks of shootings, bullying, and the sexual harassments are common in our public schools . How can we protect our children when we are not spending time with them?
In thinking about their spiritual safety, would it make sense for a Jewish family to send their child to a Muslim school? Would they do that? Why not? What about a Christian family sending their child to a Muslim school? What about a Message Christian sending their child to be trained by a Catholic school? Then what about a secular, humanistic and pagan school?
Matthew 18:6 says
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
That word translated "Offend" in the Greek means " to entrap that is trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin apostasy or displeasure". With all of the immorality, bad association, and false teachings going on in the schools, I would certainly feel that sending my child to public school would trip them up, or entice them to sin. Therefore, it would be better for me to be drowned in the sea than to send my children there. It is our responsibility to protect our children.
When sending your child to school means endangering their souls, risking their purity, wondering if their school will end up the target of terrorism...when will we decide there has to be a better option?
Teaching
What is a Christian young person to be taught? Is it okay if they are taught evolution, gender confusion, situational ethics, humanism, and the other anti-Biblical agendas that are cultured in public schools? When do they receive instruction in Biblical studies, family economy and finances, proper gender roles and functions, Christian character and responsibility, hard work, and Christian ethics? It does matter what our young people are taught!
Association
Another consideration that warrants our attention is the association factor at school. What manner of association is your child going to have? What does the Bible say about association?
Psalm 101 King James Version (KJV)
101 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.
From this chapter, we learn that we should seek association for ourselves and our children of people who display "perfect" behavior. That means that they "walk within their house with a perfect heart", meaning that when they are by themselves, when no one is looking, they behave honorably. They are to "set no wicked thing before their eyes". What do most school kids watch on the internet, TV, movie screen, and the books they read? And the list goes on. At the end of this article, you may find a checklist that we have made from this scripture for our family in thinking through the kind of friends we want to both be and have.
What kind of association is in the typical public school classroom? How about the classroom your child would attend? Would you choose to hang out with their teacher or students' parents?
Biblical Considerations
Ps. 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
What kind of counsel is being given in the public school near you? Is it Godly counsel? I assert not, for Bible reading and prayer have been officially outlawed from the public school. If your child attends the public school, would they be standing in the way of sinners? If so, it won't be long before they will be seated with the scornful, having contempt and distain for the Word of God.
Ps. 11:3
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If school teaching destroys the foundation of our home teaching, what can we do? How can we overcome it?
Ps. 144:11-12
11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
How can our sons be as "plants grown up" and our daughters "as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace" if they are delivered to instead of being delivered from the strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity and falsehood?
Exodus 18:19-20 King James Version (KJV)
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Not only do we need to teach them, but to show them the living word in our lives.
Prov. 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Psalm 101 tells us about what kind of association we should have. This would be hard to find in a public school. The Proverbs are also full of association verses.
Psalm 127 tells us of the blessing of children. We should cherish our time with them.
Psalm 133 talks of family unity. (Which is difficult to achieve when everyone is going a separate direction)
We have never seen times like people are living in today where the internet, selfishness, evil, and travel are such driving influences on society*.
* 2 Timothy 3 King James Version (KJV)3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
We want our children to be instructed in truth in their learning! The Bible has warned us that these perilous times would come. It tells us how to identify when they are here. Should we send our children out to be instructed the world during these times?
Timothy continues further in the chapter with
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
During these perilous times, is it not imperative that our children be instructed in the Holy Scriptures? It is the most important part of their education!
Additional Quotes
"Now, if the picture of a ship will impress boys to become Navy men, sailors of the sea, what ought the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ do? See? Always have the right thing before your children. “Bring up a child in the way that it should go.” See? Bring it up and teach it right. It’ll certainly, won’t depart from it."
56-1002E - Elisha The Prophet
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"26 We don’t have no more security of the home. Send your children to school, what do they teach them out there? Many times, too many times, they teach them we come from apes. Well, we don’t believe that. No. And if a man’s no more than an animal, then eat, drink, and be merry. That’s what makes so many juvenile delinquents. That’s what makes so many crimes committed. Because if people’s no more than a animal, it makes him act like an animal. We got to tell him he’s a son of God, born for the Kingdom of God, and he is somebody. This is just a negative, a picture, negative, waiting for it to be developed someday. And death is the only thing that can develop it."
61-0429E - The Uncertain Sound
Rev. William Marrion Branham
"42 There’s a burning bush here tonight to answer every brother away from a call of God. Think on your ways. The Holy Ghost is here to heal the sick, showing signs and wonders and miracles. Many of you people has wanted to be a Christian. Many of you has wanted to do something for God. And you’ve neglected it for the washtub, for a job out yonder in a factory somewhere. Some of you women that ought to be home with your kids, reading the Bible to them. You got a job out yonder to make a extra dollar. Shame on you. God gave you a job; that’s raise them children. Teach them the things of God. It’s the truth. Think on your ways, woman. What will them dollars do? They’ll ring like Judas Iscariot’s did. Think on your ways and turn your foot to His testimonies, unto His Blood, unto His grace, unto His offer."
59-0814 - As I Thought On My Ways
Rev. William Marrion Branham
Questions & Answers
Q: Brother Branham himself sent his kids to school. Why shouldn't I?
A: The fact is that public schools are many times worse than they were in the 60s. The immorality alone should be enough. It was illegal to homeschool in the sixties. People ignore that when stating that Brother Branham sent his children to public school. And most who use that reasoning, get offended when you point out this fact, which appears to show the real Spirit behind sending their children to public school. It appears the parents are choosing convenience or financial choices, over the physical, emotional and spiritual welfare of their children. It seems harsh to think that these choices seem to be rooted in selfishness or financial reasons rather than scripture and what the prophet said, but we must be vigilant in examining our attitudes toward obedience to God's Word.
Q: I don't have the time (or education, patience, desire, money, experience, etc) to homeschool. What about my unique situation?
A: Brother, Sister, we understand each situation is different. Some parents struggle with unusual physical or mental disabilities. Some families are struggling financially. We know that God is faithful. Pray about your situation. God wants to show Himself strong in our weaknesses and He never gives us a job to do without equipping us to do it. If God is convicting your heart to educate your child at home, He will find a way. There are many curriculum choices that fit a vast range of abilities and situations. Abraham Lincoln and many other famous men were educated without a lot of resources. You can do this.
Q: My spouse (or child) isn't on board with the idea. What do I do?
A: Pray! Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." If God can turn the heart of the king, he can turn the heart of your spouse. Make sure you have the right spirit about you and God will work for you. If the objection is coming from a child, it may be that the world has his/her heart more than you do. If you don't make changes, the heart issue won't change either. Pray, talk to your child. Why are they resisting? It may be that they need more time with you now than ever.
Q: Our schools are top rated. I don't believe that I can give my children as good of an education as the school can. Won't my child miss out?
A: Our top priority as Christians is to obey the Word of the Lord. He created us and knows what is best for us. If we truly trust God, we know that He always provides the best, but our thoughts are not His thoughts. Is a "top rated" education more important to you than the spiritual well being of your child's soul? Is this school drawing your child closer to God or further from Him?
Q: I don't want to say this out loud, but honestly, I like my time. When will I have time to kneel down and pray when it's quiet if my kids are always home? When will I get "my time"? Besides, we'll drive each other crazy! In the summer, I can't wait for school to start and my kids to go back to school. We need our apart time. I'm a better mother when I have my quiet time. It is better for me to be a more patient, loving mom in the evening, than to blow up at them every day, don't you think?
A: Sister, listen to yourself. You do need to get some alone time with God and work this out with Him. Seriously. Laodicea is all about me. Does Laodicea have you, or does God have you? A Christian life is about living for others, but remember, when we're all living for others, we've got a house full of people living for us! :)
From a home educated 15 year old's perspective:
May I introduce you to... Homeschooling!! Yep, I can already hear it, "I don't even know where to start! How do I do this? I don't have the time!" These are things that will most likely pass through every parent's mind. I have thought about homeschooling my own children some day and have had those same thoughts. "How am I going to homeschool my kids in the future? I'm a horrible teacher of anything, and I can hardly pass my own school right now, let alone teach someone else! It won't be easy." But that's okay. The more I see of public school, the association, and the more perverted it gets, the more and more I am convinced that I will one day, if the Lord tarries, homeschool my own children, even when it's tough. Why? Is it only because of the association, etc.? Let me give a scripture and a demonstration to better make myself clear.
Psalm 127:3 KJV
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
The word "heritage" means: an inheritance, and something valued. Now let me draw a picture for a moment. God has blessed you with a perfect little baby, who's got the cutest chubby cheeks, pudgy little fingers, and the most adorable smile. As that child begins to grow, they form a personality, bringing joy and humor to your life. Now, your little one is five years old and ready to start learning school. Why would you just simply hand over your precious little gift, your inheritance, to a public school where little Billy, your darling's schoolmate, decides he now wants to become a little Sussie, and not only that, but at five to six years old, they (the school and parents of the boy) grant that child's request of becoming a girl. What's going to go through your little one's mind then?
Now let's jump to ten years later. Your blessing is now a teenager, being pushed heavily by peer pressure. All of his/her friends are going bowling this weekend, going to see a movie in theaters, all their friends are reading, seeing, and saying ungodly things. Don't think that your teenager will not be driven by these things. Without the Holy Ghost, and even with It, some of these things will be great temptations to them. "Why can't I go? What's so bad about just going bowling?" These will be passing through their naïve minds.
Five years later, a broken mother and father cry out to God for their wayward son or daughter, wondering where they ever went wrong. They grew up in church, their family played the tapes, prayed before every meal together, but what has happened? You have failed to fulfill Proverbs 22:6.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." There was no family economy. When you did happen to get together for dinner, you ate and went to your rooms; instead of talking to his parents about his problems, they talk to their "best friend" who leads them astray. Instead of fellowshiping with family/church family, they go to their friend's worldly birthday party, that, as they get older turn into very worldly parties. Your son/daughter is now out of fellowship with Jesus Christ and His people, wondering if he even has any purpose in life.
Now let's look at the other perspective of not sending them to school and actually homeschooling. Rewind... Okay. Your little blessing is now five years old and ready to begin school. You sit down at the table, pray over your first day of school, (Creating a Godly atmosphere, and teaching them to put God first, also training them to take their problems to God.) and begin your lessons. Their little eyes watch you as you make dot-to-dot letters for them to write, and they examine closely as you carefully bring out the finger paint. Every little thing your little one is watching you do, they are learning from you, and that's the way God created things to be. To train them when you 'walk by the way'.
After school, they get to play with their siblings, who, later in life will be some of their best friends in the world. You have now created a family economy for your little gifts to dwell in. A protected environment for them to be raised in. Congratulations! Your blessing from the Lord has been getting the Word of God installed into his mind, and one day he will use that to glorify God! He will have a purpose in life!
I know some of this may be exaggerated a little, but if God gave you a jewel in your crown to take care of, I don't believe that is something to take lightly. He has entrusted you to raise this child in the right way of God. May God give us all strength and wisdom in knowing what to do, and how to do it correctly!