It is hard to believe Rally Day is almost here. Sunday School and Adult Bible Study will resume. Most people will agree that education is important and that religious education is equally important.

One national poll showed that 92% of Americans who go to church and even 68% of those who do not go to church want their children to receive religious instruction.

It is always a blessing to see a couple return to church after years of inactivity once a child comes along. They stand before God and the congregation at the child's dedication, promise to raise their little one in the faith, then bring that young life to church and Sunday School because they want the spiritual values they learned as children to be passed on.

God bless them! They understand the importance of keeping the Christian story alive.

Israel understood the importance of religious instruction, too. It was regarded as a guarantee that the people would never forget God’s standard for right living and that their ancient faith would never die.

According to Deuteronomy 6:1-25, one of the most sacred duties the people of God have is that of passing on the faith from one generation to the next. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children..."

The early church understood the same thing. Paul wrote his son in the faith ,Timothy: "If you point these things out to the brothers [and sisters]"...if you instruct them..."you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus."

Yes, Rally Day is upon us. And you are invited to be part of that long tradition that passes on the tenets of our faith by encouraging others, both young and old, to our Back to Church Sunday. Hope to see you there!