This week is Children's Sabbath. Our young people are already integrated into our weekly worship, helping out with music, taking up the offering, working in the audio/visual booth and more. This Sabbath, however, they will be doing it all and we will be thinking about how much God has blessed our church with the young people we have than usual. See you there!
"But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 1:7-8)
We are never too young to walk in obedience. Jeremiah was concerned that his age would be a barrier for him, but it was no barrier at all for God's message. No matter our age we are charged with the responsibility of sharing the word of God with the world. Jeremiah did that, even in the face of incredible opposition. We are called to do it too as we proclaim the good news of God's Son, Jesus Christ, to all who will hear.
"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:9-11)
Obedience to God's decrees keeps all of us on the path of purity, young or old. What puts us on the path of purity, however, is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Having been saved by grace through faith we are called to faithful obedience. We are called to walk in such a way that we remain on the path of purity. As we seek God with all our hearts He helps and equips us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We should also encourage one another in that, especially our children or the young people we mentor, that they might not stray from His commands.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
The young people in our church not only follow the example set for them by their parents, relatives, mentors and friends; they are able to be an example as well. Our young people are actively engaged in the worship service from week to week. Many teach Sabbath School classes. They are good influences on their friends and have invited many of them to come to Youth Fellowship, "Unchained," church events, and Sabbath worship. They have even served as missionaries in some cases, most recently to Puerto Rico. That is what Timothy was encouraged to do; to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. If you have noticed our own youth doing that, be sure to tell them so this week.
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Luke 18:15-16)
The youth of our church in ministry is important to us because it is important to God. When Jesus' disciples apparently thought that Jesus shouldn't "waste" his time on children, they were rebuked. Our children often demonstrate a level of trust in God which helps us to understand what it means to be confident in our faith. As we encourage and equip our youth for ministry we are doing work which is pleasing to God.
Good Sabbath! I am looking forward to worshiping with you today and to being ministered to by our children as they help us to focus on the goodness and glory of God. See you in church!
This week is Children's Sabbath. Our young people are already integrated into our weekly worship, helping out with music, taking up the offering, working in the audio/visual booth and more. This Sabbath, however, they will be doing it all and we will be thinking about how much God has blessed our church with the young people we have than usual. See you there!
ReplyDelete"But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 1:7-8)
ReplyDeleteWe are never too young to walk in obedience. Jeremiah was concerned that his age would be a barrier for him, but it was no barrier at all for God's message. No matter our age we are charged with the responsibility of sharing the word of God with the world. Jeremiah did that, even in the face of incredible opposition. We are called to do it too as we proclaim the good news of God's Son, Jesus Christ, to all who will hear.
"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
ReplyDeleteBy living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you."
(Psalm 119:9-11)
Obedience to God's decrees keeps all of us on the path of purity, young or old. What puts us on the path of purity, however, is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Having been saved by grace through faith we are called to faithful obedience. We are called to walk in such a way that we remain on the path of purity. As we seek God with all our hearts He helps and equips us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We should also encourage one another in that, especially our children or the young people we mentor, that they might not stray from His commands.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
ReplyDeleteThe young people in our church not only follow the example set for them by their parents, relatives, mentors and friends; they are able to be an example as well. Our young people are actively engaged in the worship service from week to week. Many teach Sabbath School classes. They are good influences on their friends and have invited many of them to come to Youth Fellowship, "Unchained," church events, and Sabbath worship. They have even served as missionaries in some cases, most recently to Puerto Rico. That is what Timothy was encouraged to do; to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. If you have noticed our own youth doing that, be sure to tell them so this week.
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Luke 18:15-16)
ReplyDeleteThe youth of our church in ministry is important to us because it is important to God. When Jesus' disciples apparently thought that Jesus shouldn't "waste" his time on children, they were rebuked. Our children often demonstrate a level of trust in God which helps us to understand what it means to be confident in our faith. As we encourage and equip our youth for ministry we are doing work which is pleasing to God.
Good Sabbath! I am looking forward to worshiping with you today and to being ministered to by our children as they help us to focus on the goodness and glory of God. See you in church!
ReplyDelete