Family Friday Links 7.10.15

Here's what we've been reading online lately.

Russell Moore wrote a post on the hot topic of the moment, talking to your kids about same-sex marriage. He ended to post this way, "Marriage isn’t ultimately about living arrangements or political structures, but about the gospel. When your children ask about the Supreme Court, be loving and winsome and honest and convictional and kind." Parents, we have to be ready for the questions that will come; and we have to be ready to start those hard conversations. This post will help.

Brian Dollar had a post about kids and listening. He says, "So many parents feel like they have more success talking to a brick wall than to their child (especially their teenager).  Part of the reason for that is the tendency for parents to “talk down” to their kids." Parents, we (and by that I'm especially including myself) can learn from this.

Joe Rigney had a post on when to baptize believing children. He makes a distinction between a credible profession of faith and a mature profession of faith. He defines them this way, "A credible profession means simply a believable profession ... A mature profession is one made by a responsible adult." The difference is critical because the responsibility is real. This is a hard issue for both parents and churches, but this post helps.

Mike Breen had a post on youth ministry, asking the question, "Is it working?" This post is an interview with Rich Atkinson about his book Target. Rich says, "The enemy that I really wanted to take on with this book is the enemy of hopelessness that means people simply give up." Hopelessness is huge, especially among those of younger generations. If you are involved in youth ministry or have teens yourself, this is a helpful read and resource.

What are you reading (or writing) online and finding helpful or encouraging? Leave us a link in the comment section and we will check it out.