The question need never be asked. Children should be taught from the word of God that they came from their mother's womb, after they were conceived (Gen. 30:22-24; Ruth 4:13). Children should be taught that they are a blessing to their parents, and a reward to God (Gen. 33:5; Psa. 127:3).

Many parents refuse to discuss the subject with their children. In so doing, they give the impression that all sex is dirty, vulgar, or perverted. Truly, there is such a thing as sexual perversion. Sodomites plagued God's people thousands of years ago, just as they do today (2 Kgs. 23:7). Good parents will teach their children the difference between perverted sex, and that which is good and honorable (Rom. 1:26-27; Gen. 2:18-24; Heb. 13:4).

Parents, if you fail to teach your children the beauty of sexual reproduction,'they will imbibe perverse views from the offspring of your worldly neighbors. Years ago, I had an eight-year-old friend who considered himself to be an expert on the subject of procreation. This pint-sized Dr. Ruth told me and my other friends that you could tell how many times a couple had "slept together" by how many children they had. If a couple had only one child, we were told that they had been together as man and wife only once. Two children meant twice, and so on. I'm thankful that he was not my primary source of information. Parents, teach your children. There is no reason for anyone to wonder where babies come from.

What would you think if I told you that many who were baptized into Christ years ago, still did not know where babies come from? Would you think the statement nonsense? Would you consider it untrue? Well, it is true; only not in regards to physical birth. I'm sure that all mature Christians are familiar with the biological laws of sexual reproduction. On the other hand, I'm equally sure that there are a great number of mature saints who are in the dark about the production of babes in Christ (1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:2). This throng has been lulled into thinking that just by sitting in their assigned pew three times each week, they are strong Christians. They will witness a baptism, see a babe in Christ, and wonder if the preacher found the new convert in a basket on the front porch of the meeting house.

Friends, a new babe in Christ is not a freak of nature. They don't just happen. Somebody, somewhere, planted a seed into a good and honest heart (1 Pet. 1:23; Lk. 8:15). Someone took time to water and nourish that seed. Many late hours were spent sitting at a table in a dimly lit kitchen, while a thousand questions were answered with book, chapter, and verse (1 Pet. 3; 15; 4:11). Labor was expended, God gave the increase, and one was added to the church (1 Cor. 3:6; Acts 2:47).

The church is starving for men and women who will give of themselves, brethren who are willing to spend and be spent. There is a crying need for courageous saints who will draw their sword, and use it to cut to the hearts of lost men and women (Heb. 13:4); compassionate soldiers who will whack away at bias, error, and ignorance, not sparing for feelings; dedicated disciples who will never retreat, compromise, or apologize for the strictness of God's word, realizing the only way to convert the sinner is to first convict him of his sin (Gal. 1:10; 4:16; Acts 2:22-24; 3:12-14).

How about you, will you be on the Lord's side? Will you work in the vineyard? Today, will you start laying up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)? Are you willing to spend a little time to help save a soul from hell? Make some sacrifices this week. Invite a friend over to your house for an informal Bible study. If he says he can't make it, invite someone else. Force yourself to have at least one Bible study each week with someone who is headed for destruction. I promise, your persistence and patience will pay off. One day soon you may witness that soul being cleansed (1 Cor. 6:11). When you do, don't stop there. Your ticket is still not punched. Not only do you have to continue to work with that new babe in Christ, you also have to be out looking for other good and honest hearts. That doesn't leave much time for the Cosby show, does it?

The next time you witness a baptism, don't expect to see a stork circling overhead. You look for the smile and the tears of some laboring saint who helped give birth to your new brother or sister.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 23, p. 714
December 7, 1989