Instructions Included: Learning from the Example of Children

Text: Matthew 21:1-16

As followers of Jesus, we should have genuine care and concern for all children. To those who are a part of the Church we have a calling to pray for them, minister to them, and model Jesus to them. To those children who are not in the Church we ought to look out for their wellbeing and find ways to point them to Jesus. Throughout this series we've seen several specific instructions that are active steps we should take regarding children: We should dedicate them to the Lord, bring them to the Lord, and build them up in the Lord. This fourth instruction may come as a surprise and seem contradictory to our logic. However, God shows us that there is much we must learn from children, and this message is a good way to begin.

Instructions Included: Building Up Children in the Lord

Text: Matthew 18:1-10

Many in our culture are focused on living their lives for themselves, according to their wants, desires, and pleasures. Sadly, even in the Church many live focused on their own personal “liberties” in Christ. However, God shows us in His Word that the purpose of this liberty in Christ is to free us so that we might live for the glory of God and the good of others. In this message, we learn the importance of living our life in such a way that it brings glory to God and good to others, especially those younger believers and even children in our lives who are following our footsteps. Our lives can provide stepping stones for their growth or stumbling blocks that hinder them. The choice is up to us. We pray that you will listen to this message and choose carefully the type of stone your life is becoming for others.

Instructions Included: Leading Children to the Lord

Text: Mark 10:13-16

Children are a great gift from God, but with these gifts come great responsibility. While we are all called to care for them and lead them, we often struggle with leading them in the things that matter most. We might focus on their physical growth and development, their academic success and growth in knowledge, their increased athletic ability, their vast creativity, and a host of other wonderful things. However, who is focused on their soul? Who is concerned about their relationship with Jesus? This message shows us a great failure of the disciples and the clear resolution of Christ. We invite you to listen today so that you can avoid this failure and can faithfully lead others, including children, to Jesus.

Instructions Included: Dedicating Children to the Lord

Text: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:2

In many cultures children may be looked down upon because of their lack of education or expertise. Some view them as a liability, a burden, and a nuisance. Sadly, because we live in a fallen world and evil is real, there are also some who exploit children and use them for their own purposes. However, it is amazing to discover how God views children. Throughout His Word He shows many truths about His perspective of children and gives clear instructions and examples of how we should care for them today. We invite you to listen today to discover God’s role in providing us with children, and our role in caring for them well.