2016 Focus

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

WWJD Sermon Series …

i. BEING with JESUS : Who… ?

ii. BEING with JESUS : What… ?

iii. WWJD with Worries

iv. WWJD with Children & Families

v. WWJD with Rest & Recreation

vi. WWJD with Corruption

Worries…. What if???

• My child is abnormal or challenged in any way?

• My child has disciplinary problem?

• My child cannot study?

• Finance for education?

Mark 10:13-1613 People were bringing little children to

Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

14 When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

16 And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem; after Transfiguration (Ch9);

before Triumphal Entry (Ch11)

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem; after Transfiguration (Ch9);

before Triumphal Entry (Ch11)

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem; after Transfiguration (Ch9);

before Triumphal Entry (Ch11)

Mark 10:13-16

Mark 10:13-16

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Jesus BLESSED the children

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Mark 10:13aPeople were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them…

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Cultural Practice• Children: mark of divine blessing & favour• Ps 127:3 – Sons are a heritage from the Lord,

children a reward from Him. • Deut 28:3 – the fruit of your womb will be blessed…

• Religious training – starts @ 4 yrs• Blessed by rabbis • – from infants to pre-teens• – infants & young children

(Luke 18:15)

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Current Application:1. Parents need to BRING children to Jesus

a) God’s plan is for families to lead in the provision of spiritual development of their children.

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

It is not a church’s job to spiritually develop your children. Scripturally, it is the job of the parents. The church body is supposed to support parents in raising children, not replace them. ~ George Barna ~George Barna

The role of the church is to spiritually mentor parents…the role of the parents is to spiritually mentor their children…and the legacy of faith continues from generation to generation.

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

a) God’s plan – parents to lead

b) Parents need to be INTENTIONAL

Deuteronomy 6:7

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent. ~ Bob Keeshan ~

a) God’s plan – parents to leadb) Parents need to be intentional

c) Parents are ROLE Models

Children See, Children do

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Current Application:2. Parents need to BRING children to Church

• Community of faith

• “A youth might walk away from a programme, but he will not walk away from a loving community.” (Rev Lawrence Khong, FCBC)

Parents BROUGHT children to Jesus

Current Application:2. Parents need to BRING children to Church

• Non-negotiable attendance in CC, Youth• Encourage / release into service /

ministry

• It takes a village to raise a child (African Proverb)

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Mark 10:13b… but the disciples rebuked them.

“censure or admonish; forbid”

“… the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother Him.” (TLB)

“… the disciples shooed them off.” (The MESSAGE)

Greek:

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Possible Reasons?•Children were unimportant

• Patriarchal Jewish families: men women children

• Protect Jesus’ time & conserve His strength.

Disciples misunderstood Jesus’ view on children (Ref: Mk 9:36)

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Application: How about us?

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neckand to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matt 18:2-6)

Stern Scriptural Warning

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Application: How about us, as a church?

1. Negative attitude towards childrena) “a burden”?.... Noise / “demolishing

squad” / “finance-sucker”b) Out of the way?

2. Negative attitude towards Children’s Ministry

I’m A Sunday School Teacher

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

Application: How about us, as parents?

1. Negative attitude towards church & leaders2. Avoid “sermon dissecting” and “preacher-

grilling”3. Avoid unedifying comments & inferences

4. Cultivate honouring God, loving church & respecting leaders

Disciples BLOCKED children from Jesus

The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour. Children can feel the difference between duty and delight. Therefore, the first and most important job of a parent is to fall in love with

the worship of God. You can’t impart what you don’t possess.

John Piper – “Family: Together in God’s Presence”

Jesus BLESSED the children

Mark 10:14a14a When Jesus saw this, He was indignant.

“Angry because of something that is wrong or not fair” … (Cambridge Dictionary)

“Feeling or showing anger at what is perceived as unfair treatment”

… (Oxford Dictionary)

Jesus BLESSED the children

Mark 10:1616 And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

Blessed:• Bestow God’s blessing & favour…

Patriarchal blessing (Gen 48:14)• Only time used in NT

Jesus BLESSED the children

Mark 10:14b-1514b He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Jesus BLESSED the children

Double Commands to Disciples:1. Let them come2. Do not hinder them

Double Emphasis on Children:1.KOG belongs to children2.If not childlike… will never enter it

Jesus BLESSED the children

Reasons?• Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

• Humble dependence

• Receptive: soft & tender hearts

• Childlike faith; trustful attitude

86% of people accepted Christ before the age of 14

SSMC….

do not hinder them….

Dads & Moms….

do not hinder them….

Uncles & Aunties….

do not hinder them….

Kor2’s & Che2’s….

do not hinder them….