What about the Children (Lesson 3)

This lesson explores biblical principles for raising children for the kingdom of God. 

Ephesians 6:1-4 NASB

(1)  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

(2)  HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),

(3)  SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.

(4)  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

What does it mean to honor one’s parents? 

John Gil suggests in honoring our parents we include our thoughts, words and gestures.  This means we should hold our parents in high regard as the leaders of the family unit.  In doing so, Paul says it will be well with us and we will have a long life. 

Paul goes on to say that, Fathers are to train their children and not provoke them.  How might a Father provoke his child?  This could show in ridicule, abuse, lack of time or not supplying the necessities.  It can even show when parents fail to discipline their children. 

Why does God discipline us?

Hebrews 12:6-8 NASB FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.  It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?  But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

What about the Children, God expects us to raise our children in love using the example that He sets for us.

Ultimate Throw Back Thursday

Many people on Facebook post old photos on Thursdays and call it “Throw Back Thursday”.  Today is throw back Thursday for Decaf After Dark.

We are throwing things back on this special Thursday all the way to the Last Supper.

Matthew 26:26-29 NASB

(26)  While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."

(27)  And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you;

(28)  for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

(29)  "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

Today is a special day in Holy Week.  It is the day of the Last Supper.  Approximately two-thousand and some few odd years ago, Jesus gathered the twelve disciples in the upper room and took the Passover Feast.  The Passover feast was in remembrance of the deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt.  On this special night, Jesus established His new covenant with His people.

Jesus broke the bread and said take and eat this is my body.  He poured the wine and said drink this is my blood.  He then said as often as we do these things we should do in remembrance of Him.

Rules and laws mark the old covenant, which only showed us our need for a Savior.  The new covenant is with Jesus Christ our Lord.  His death, burial and Glorious Resurrection frees us from the bondage of sin and makes it possible for us to have the right relationship with God. 

Jesus took our place.  He paid the price.  By accepting Him as Lord, Christ, Savior and King we are restored to God.  God loved us so much that he provided the sacrifice to pay for our sins.

The Last Super is not the only thing that happened some 2000 years ago today.  After the supper was ended Jesus went to the garden to pray.  Remember this is where his sweat turned to drops of blood.  After he prayed the soldiers came to take Him captive.  Notice that Peter wanted to fight.  He cut off one of the soldier’s ear and Jesus picked it up and put it back.  Even in the face of crucifixion, Jesus cared about the soldier.  Jesus went willingly.

All through this Thursday night, Jesus faced trail and persecution.  He did this so we could be saved. 

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  It is the day the Jesus was crucified.  Oh, the pain and suffering Jesus bore for you and me. 

This Sunday we will celebrate Easter.  It marks the day in which Jesus rose victorious over death and the grave.

If you don’t know Him click on the tab above labeled how to be saved and read that section.         

CALL ON HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!  

What about the Children (Lesson 2)

This lesson explores biblical principles for raising children for the kingdom of God. 

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NASB

(5)  "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

(6)  "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

(7)  "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

(8)  "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.

(9)  "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Last week we talked about making disciples of our children and how it requires introducing them to Christ early. 

This week we see the child’s education is primarily the responsibility of the parents.  These verses cover three principles in the process of spiritual education.

First, we are to teach it.  This includes both formal and informal presentation of the Word.  Second, we are to talk about it.  A daily discussion of the Word as it applies to life’s situations.  Third, tie it to our actions.  We must live out the principles of the Word in deeds and thought.

Our children should have no doubt as to our belief in God and our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  We must show them Jesus in all things.

What about the Children (Lesson 1)

This lesson explores biblical principles for raising children for the Kingdom of God. 

Luke 18:15-17 NASB  And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.  (16)  But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  (17)  "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Making disciples of our children requires introducing them to Christ early.  We as parents have the utmost influence on our children and their views.  When it comes to their understanding, children believe what their parents tell them.  What about food?  They eat what they are given.  Their need for shelter, they sleep where you put them.  Their dependence and/or independence are even contingent upon them knowing their parents or caregiver is around.

So how does all this relate to raising our children for God and His Kingdom?  Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 that we are to be living sacrifices holy, acceptable unto God.  We are to be transformed from, not conformed to this world’s sinful ways and influences.  Parents model the behavior their children will have. 

Here are some things you can do early in your child’s life.  Pray with them at meals and bedtime.  Take time to read the Bible together as a family.  Talk with them about your walk with the Lord openly.  Apply biblical principles in all things.  Explain the need for salvation from an early age.  Take them to church and Sunday school.  Answer their questions about God.  Ask them questions about God.

If we don’t teach our children about God, you can rest assured the world will fill the void.