Course correction advice for parent who failed to raise kid(s) in Christ

I am looking for apologetics for a rising 8th grader. A little background - he was raised in public school until 6th grade and knows way more about the world than I wish he did at his age. 

He was baptized several years ago, but hates going to church. We have to force him to attend with us and go to youth group. He says he is a christian, but his music choices and friend choices make me question if he truly has a relationship with God.

 

I was looking for a Apologetics resource in particular about sexuality. Or finding a good book for his age, who may already know what all of the issues are with gender and sex? I am also looking for something to teach general apologetics to help him have a strong foundation for his faith, as he is almost 14 and time feels limited to work on this 😬.

A: I see a lot of potential here in your parenting that young one! 😊

If you use good resources you could have him point out what is biblically wrong with things he sees in the world, and that makes for great conversations anywhere anytime. It gives you a chance to instill godly counsel too and take him to the Scriptures. It is our guide in life and ultimate authority. 

Have a sit down to discuss his faith. 

In a quiet room, at the table maybe, with both parents... bring up your concern about his faith. That his life doesnt seem to be showing growth of a believer but more like someone living of the world. Note that it could be you have failed as parents in many ways to teach him rightly about Christianity. 

Ask if he an idolatrous moralist or Christian? Help him understand the difference. Reiterate the Gospel again and see if he is embracing righteousness in Christ or still chained to satan and sin. This brief video presentation will help. He may have been a false convert. Jesus warns what will happen to those on judgment day. Have him read out loud.  * and explain Believers desire to submit to God and live it out. Not just claiming it but proof of it is shown by their life lived out from thoughts, wirds, actions and behaviors, and what they desire and do. 

Church

Also, your house your rules. Its good 💪🎉you stuck to this, (as it further educates when you dont & helps show Christianity to him).  Heres helps regarding why Christians go to church. Write/Pull out bullet points and have him read it. And discuss, help him understand.

Music

The things we put in our mind, guide our life. There should be a family deep spring cleaning of all unholy entertainment [everywhere] and replacement with godly content. To rightly guide our lives, heart and minds in righteousness.

Friends

This is an area you will have to guide. My parents cut out bad friends from my life and their influence. Even a family that drunk beer (prevented me going bad path) and a grandma (unsaved, smoker, drinker and horoscope lover ; whom I reached out for Christ in my 20s b4 she died). Def do it and block them on his socials if you allow sns. And cut them out of his life. Replace with guys from youth group whom the teacher/leader believes are maturing solid believers. Invite them over and help foster their friendships, along with the young men in the church (also...see if the church can start a mentoring young mens group for the 13-16 year olds; fellowship & accountability, with a focused continual study touching on important areas for young men. And setting expectations they are there every week. Could be at their homes. Plus some outings together [under the leadership of the group]). Its good to show Christians living as Christians in this world. And enjoying what God has given us, [but rightly].

Schooling

Not clear if he is in private school or is homeschooling. If private he needs a total change to get away from those kids. Go for homeschooling for fuller control of his day & other activities. 

Do whatever sacrifices you need to do to fully focus on correct his course NOW, so you dont lose him to Satan. You may have failed at godly parenting till now but you can reverse it if you are sticking to your guns and boldly going for it. It is only for a few years, thats not long to sacrifice for his soul (battle).

College

Consider also only putting him in a solid Christian college [not liberalized]. Even if its done from home and he lives with you and has family bible hour with you too. Give him freedom but have rules under your roof. And on bday "at 18" have a signed notorized move out date [if your in a state that gives tenant rights/eviction issues] within 60 days of graduating from BA degree, or 10 days if he shirks college. And fee penalties for every day he remains until evicted. Something so you arent legally stuck with a squatter. Notaries can come to you. Only needs his signature on it. 

*AiG has a list of reputable colleges. You can call or take him to the expo to look for one as a family

Sexuality 

Teaching on purity and importance of abstinence and on avoidance of lust is a must. This page has an area for young men. There's sexual purity books in there to help. And repetitively teach him on self control. Perhaps have him read these various ones daily too in quiet reading time in living room. [*remove devices or limit internet to 20 min & under your supervision at living room computer]. 

Heres helps on general identity education

And resources here for you to address and educate on lgbt+ topics (explain it at his level of grasping).

*Section 2 has faq so dont skip that. 

Building his faith.

Here are some free videos essential for him for this area. And will help him remain in the faith when professors 

Also share the essentials of Christianity, before the gospel video, to make sure he is clear on it. 

And understanding who God is, plus this includes helps for righteous living. 

Also explain suffering is in the world due to the Fall and sinners, so make sure he knows that. And that the believer strives to live rightly (and can only because God dwells in them). If he doesnt grasp this he will miss important fundamentals related to Christianity... and wil likely start resenting God by wrongly thinking its all his fault.

Yes time is limited but having a daily family faith hour is important. You can institute it today. And require it for all family at home perpetually while living there. 

Bookmark this page to actively use these resources, and 💪put in solid effort to educate & redirect his life (before he goes off into the world and embraces wickedness at increasing levels...and you lose him). 

God be with you