Children's Ministry matters! Sharing the gospel with kids matters! We have a huge opportunity this week during Day Camp to share the gospel with the kids of our community. 63% of Christians surveyed say that they accepted Christ between the ages of 4 and 14. 40-50% of youth that attend youth group walk away from the church as adults, but those that were actively involved in children's ministries don't fall into this statistic.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
I. They are precious in his sight
Matt.18:1-5 (ESV) "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven, Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,'"
Matt. 18:10 (ESV) "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."
Jesus loves the little children. The are humble and pure in heart. Children instinctively know that God loves them and hears their prayers.
Matt. 10:16 (ESV) "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Romans 16:19 (ESV) "For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil."
II. God has especially entrusted a few children to you
1 Tim. 5:8 (ESV) "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
God loves children and has a special place in his heart for them. God entrusts them to us...they are so precious to him. He has given them to us to raise, to encourage, to train and to discipline.
III. Children are a gift
Psalms 127:3 (ESV) "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."
Parenting and Grandparenting is the greatest children's ministry.
IV. Children learn from observation
Children become like their parents....gossips, busy bodies, complainers, gentle, kind, courageous.
John 13:14-15 (ESV) "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Children will learn by watching you. Jesus was teaching the disciples that if you love me you then will serve one another. He taught by His actions as well as His words.
V. Someone will disciple your children
Don't let others have them and disciple them and train them. Children are the future. Lets not give them away to influencers ton Tik Tok, Youtube and all other social media. Disney would be happy to diciple your children. Do you want those types of people guiding your children?
VI We've got to guard them and teach them to keep their guard up
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
It is important to train their head and heart. Instruct and discipline them. There is a real enemy out there trying to devour them.
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
If Jesus loves the children then the devil will try to devour them. Satan wants the children. Some day our children will have to make their own decisions. We must teach them now when they are young.
VII We have got to discipline them
Proverbs 13:24 (ESV) "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
Proverbs 29:17 (ESV) "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart."
If you really love your children you will not be their best friend. You will not let them do whatever the want to do.
VIII. Children can make a huge difference
Proverbs 20:11 (ESV) "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright."
Proverbs 15:20 (ESV) "A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother."
Kids can be a good example. No one can please their parents like a child can.
IX. Obeying your parents is demonstrating your love for God
Colossians 3:20 (ESV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
No one can hurt a parent more than their child.
X Challenges
Pray for Day Camp (especially your own children)
Pray for the spiritual needs of your children.
Listen to your children
Have a date with your child. Psalms 39: 4-5 (ESV) "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleet I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"
Time is fleeting don't waste it!
Praise your children
Implement family worship
For kids
Listen to your parents
Give your parents time and attention
Praise your parents
No comments:
Post a Comment