Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters Avise endum Today I have a special guest, a friend of mine. He and his wife recently started attending Calvary Church. And he's an intriguing individual. His name is Stan Rawls and Stan tell us a little bit about yourself and your background because you've written a book that we need to hear about.
Well, now I've written two books. The first one we're going to talk about today, I brought in my lovely wife, Donna, my bride of 45 years. And we're here to talk about our first book. We lost our son in 2022. Actually, it was September the 24th, 2022.
We got the dreaded phone call that all parents Dread getting that our son was killed, our only son was killed in a skydiving accident.
So the first book. Um the purpose of it was to talk to parents, helping parents. with the most important conversation that they can have with their children. about God. His love for us.
His Son Jesus Christ, and His free gift of eternal life.
So this was written. Out of a dark time in your life, I can identify that. As you know, our son died during the COVID period. And uh the loss is incredible. Uh the shock of it all And yeah, out of that, um The Lord has done something wonderful in your life so that.
Not only have you written a book, but you have this desire. uh that each parent would tell their children uh about Christ.
So tell us a little bit about the book, Stan. I appreciate you very much writing it. Mm.
Well, the book is easy to read. conversation that my son and I had back and forth. When I told my son about God's love for us, starting in Genesis, and it walks all the way through the steps that go all the way to getting your child baptized. Like I said before, it's very conversational, very easy to read. And I think the photographs in the book are well done.
And people say, why is this conversation so important?
Well, your child's eternal home depends on it. What? of the conversation is more important than that.
Well, that's right, and we all expect to die before our children. But in some cases, like we've experienced that, that isn't the case. And so rather than having to deal with the regret Of not having told the gospel to our children. You're urging us. To have that conversation.
The title of the book, Stan, is A Father's Guide to God's Promise of Heaven. I think it's a wonderful title. And then in the subtitle, you've got the most important conversation a parent can have with their child is about heaven and how to get there.
So, what reaction have you had to the book, Stan? I know you would like people to read it. We have it in our wardroom down at Calvary, and I would encourage parents to get a copy. But what reaction have you had?
Well, a lot of people ask me why this conversation is so important.
So I am glad to tell them. As we said before, your child's eternal home depends on it. And so the reaction has been really, really good. I've done some research before I wrote the book, and if you don't have a conversation with your children before the age of 13, it's really hard. Because by then, at the age of 13, and it's just a number, they've started to form their own morals, their own thoughts.
So I believe having this conversation at an early age is what we In our case was I'm so glad we'd had that conversation with Kelly because You know, he died at an early age. I think you're absolutely right, Stan. I mean, the scripture says, Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy. From a child, you've known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
So there is biblical. Um precedent. And commands stand for what you're saying: that Timothy, from his mother and grandmother. Learn the holy scriptures which can lead us to salvation.
So, in a sense, there's no early time to start. We pray for our children. And as they grow up, in an age-appropriate way, we explain to them the stories of the Bible, which all point to Jesus Christ. Sand, again, the title of the book is A Father's Guide to God's Promise of Heaven. Any concluding thoughts?
Yes, one, Dr. Monroe, is, you know, looking back, we're so thankful we took the time to help Kelly, our son, make the most important decision of his life. Because of that, we have a hope. and we have a future. That we'll see Kelly soon again in Paradise.
I would hate. to have lost my child. And no. That we have not had that conversation with him about heaven because of God and his promises, we now have. a chance to see him again in heaven.
Thanks, Diane. I know there's people listening who themselves have not placed their faith in Christ. The Bible says that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life.
So if you're listening, Place your faith in Jesus Christ, and then if you're a parent, Have this wonderful conversation with your children. And I think this book, A Father's Guide to God's Promise of Heaven by Stan Rawls, will be a great blessing to you. Avizando. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
