Young In Christ

Young In Christ

Jun 4, 2024

Teach Kids to Emulate Jesus' Example

In ancient times, a decree was issued for a census to be taken, leading Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem where Mary gave birth to a son in a manger. Nearby shepherds tending their flocks were visited by an angel who announced the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ. The shepherds then went to witness the newborn baby and shared the news with others, causing wonder and praise for the miraculous events. Mary treasured these experiences in her heart, while the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had witnessed.

They brought him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Every male that opens the matrix is called holy to the Lord, as written in the law of the Lord. A sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons was offered according to the law of the Lord. In Jerusalem, there was a man named Simeon, who was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel with the Holy Ghost upon him. It was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit into the temple, he took the child Jesus in his arms, blessed God, and proclaimed, ‘Now I can depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Joseph and Mary marveled at his words, and Simeon blessed them, telling Mary that this child would cause many in Israel to rise and fall, and be a sign that would be spoken against, revealing the thoughts of many hearts, with a prophecy that her own soul would be pierced as well.

The child grew, he became strong in spirit and filled with wisdom, with the grace of God upon him. His parents traveled to Jerusalem every year, and when he was twelve years old, they went as expected. Leaving the city, on their way back, they realized he was missing. After searching for three days, they found him in the temple, astonishing all who heard him, amazing them with his understanding and wisdoms. His parents were bewildered and questioned him, to which he replied that he must be about his Father’s business. They did not fully understand his words, but he returned with them to Nazareth, growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.

Jesus’ entry into the world was humble and unexpected, born in a simple barn, laid in a manger by Mary and Joseph of meager means. Despite being the Son of God, he could have been born in the most lavish palace to the wealthiest family, some would think that best. However, God’s choice to have Jesus born in such modest surroundings reminds us that His love transcends social status and their causes. In the birth of Jesus, God’s unconditional love and grace for all humanity is revealed. Luke 2:1-20, The Birth of Jesus.

Jesus, as the Son of God, studied God’s Word to learn and obey it, setting an example for children and all through his obedience. In Luke 2:41-52, The boy Jesus in the Temple, we witness Jesus’ commitment to understanding and following God’s teachings. John the Baptist’s recognition of Jesus as the Savior during his baptism underscores the significance of obedience to God. By obeying God, as seen in Matthew 3:1-17, The Baptism of Jesus, we not only demonstrate our love for Him but also follow Jesus’ example of unwavering faithfulness.

Jesus, the Son of God, exemplified a life free from sin, showing us the path to resist temptation through His divine guidance in Luke 4:1-13, The Temptation of Jesus. innocence will come to understand that by following in His footsteps and abiding by His teachings from the Bible, they also have the opportunity to become His disciples, just like the 12 men who devotedly followed Him during His earthly ministry in Mark 1:16-20, Calling of First Disciples.

During His ministry, Jesus preached about living differently and how God forgives our sins through belief in Him. In one sermon, Jesus emphasized that we can never earn our way to heaven through good deeds. Matthew 5:1-16, The Sermon on the Mount People can learn from His teachings and identify changes they can make in their lives. In another powerful moment, Jesus calmed a storm that threatened His disciples. This shows His strength and the trust we can have in Him to help us through any problem. A child can think of something they want to ask God for help with, just like the disciples did in the storm. Mark 4:35-41, Jesus Calms the Storm

PRAY; I WILL FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE IN LOVE AND CARE.

“Father, In Jesus’ name we pray, we humbly seek your divine guidance in your teachings to help us stay true to your Word,  faithfully exhibiting compassion and kindness towards others,  by our example in action caring just as Jesus did during his time on Earth.”
Amen.

EXPLORE DIVINE LOVE

Exploring the concept of Accepting Christ as the foundation of faith, Accountability in living a righteous life, overcoming Bad Influences, safeguarding and Protecting Your Mind, striving for Purity of heart and mind, the importance of Reading the Bible regularly, Reflecting Jesus in daily life, taking Responsibility for one’s actions, finding Rest in God’s presence, Seeking God in all things, the true essence of Servanthood, Sharing the Gospel with others, finding purpose in Suffering, practicing wise Stewardship, utilizing and developing Talents for the greater good, achieving Balance in all aspects of life, standing up against Bullying, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, understanding the significance of The Cross, combating Cyberbullying, the importance of Doing What’s Right, establishing solid Foundations for a strong belief system, cultivating meaningful Friendship, discovering and using Gifts & Talents, the practice of Giving Thanks, the guidance of God’s Direction, experiencing God’s Faithfulness, tapping into God’s Power, embracing God’s Love, trusting in God’s Plan, seeking God’s Protection, embracing the Holy Spirit, sharing The Gospel,
the journey of Growing in Christ, experiencing a Heart Change, finding Joy in every moment, embracing the Kingdom of God, being a Light of the World, striving to Live Like Christ, embodying Love in all actions, the value of Loving Others, learning from Making Mistakes, the power of Memorizing Scripture, practicing Patience, the importance of Perseverance, the significance of Prayer, being Prepared for life’s challenges, the power of Talking to God through prayer, facing Temptation with spiritual strength, the preciousness of Time, the cleansing power of Washing Away Sin, the pathway to God, and the act of Worship as a daily practice.

Jesus exemplified great love and compassion by healing many individuals, including a man without the ability to walk. Through this powerful act, Children of all ages will come to understand that Jesus cares deeply for each of us. Luke 5:17-26, Jesus Heals.

IGNITE YOUR FAITH

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as a symbol of peace, exemplifying God’s boundless love. This act serves as a powerful reminder that amidst turmoil, uncertainty, and strife, there is always hope and solace to be found in the unwavering love of Jesus. Children, in particular, can draw comfort and reassurance from the knowledge that they are cherished and embraced by the divine presence of Jesus. Matthew 21:1-11, The Triumphant Entry.
Jesus was unjustly arrested and sentenced to a painful death on the cross, even though he had committed no wrong. Despite our sins, Jesus chose to sacrifice himself to pay the price for our transgressions so that we may have the opportunity to join Him in heaven. Children or the child within will come to appreciate and thank God for His selfless act of dying for our sins. (Matthew 26:47-56, Luke 23:32-47)
Jesus Rose from the Dead! We all will discover that Jesus died for our sins and was miraculously resurrected on the third day, showcasing His power over sin and death. By accepting Jesus as their Savior, every child can experience eternal life with Him in heaven. Explore John 20:1-23 to learn more about The Resurrection.

Jesus promised his return to earth, instructing his followers to spread the message of God’s love and make disciples until he comes back. By sharing the good news and graces’ favor, we can ensure that more people believe in Jesus as the Savior when he returns. Let’s encourage everyone to invite someone to church this week to hear about Jesus. (Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission)

UNVEILING DIVINE MYSTERIES

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”, john 14

I thank God for the grace given to you by Jesus Christ, enriching you in all utterance and knowledge, confirming the testimony of Christ in you. May you lack no gift, eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will keep you blameless until the end. God is faithful, calling you to fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1

Do not doubt that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. The words I speak are not my own, but the Father who dwells in me performs the works. Believe that I am in the Father, or believe based on the works you see. Those who believe in me will also perform the works I do, and even greater works, as I go to my Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do so the Father may be glorified. If you love me, keep my commandments. I will pray to the Father, who will give you another Comforter to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive but you know, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you alone; I will come to you.
I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. John 14:10-18
19-31
In a little while, the world won’t see me but you will, because I live, you will live too. When you follow my commandments, you show love for me, and in return, you will be loved by my Father. I will also love you and reveal myself to you. If you love me, you will keep my words, and my Father will love you, and we will come to you and make our home with you. The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said. I leave you with peace, not as the world gives, so do not be troubled or afraid. I go to the Father, for he is greater than me, and I have told you these things so that you may believe when they come to pass. I won’t speak much longer with you because the prince of this world is coming, but he has no power over me. I do as the Father commands to show my love for him. Let’s go now.

REVEALING THE UNSEEN TRUTHS

Jesus compares the disciples to sparrows, the cheapest food at the marketplace.(Leviticus 1:14).

Despite their small and inconsequential nature, God sees and knows the sparrows, offering assurance that He also knows His followers.

While Jesus-followers may face physical death for their faithfulness, God will remember them, raise them on the last day, and bring them to live with Him in paradise for eternity. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Even when it seems like God is distant, the story of Jonah reminds us that God never loses sight of us, no matter how far we may feel. The idea of being inside a whale can spark curiosity in a child’s imagination, making them wonder what that experience would be like.

Transforming POWER

Jesus’ birth is a crucial part of the Christian faith, bridging the Old and New Testaments. Even for those unfamiliar with Christian teachings, the story of Jesus’ birth is widely recognized. Delving into the details of His birth story reveals valuable lessons that are continuously shared year after year.
Zacchaeus is a relatable story for kids, showing the power of Jesus to erase loneliness, sadness, and bring forgiveness of sins. Kids will see that if Zacchaeus could have a changed life, then so can they.

It is truly astounding to hear that Abraham and Sarah, had such unwavering faith in God. Their ability to trust in God for the seemingly impossible serves as a remarkable example of relying on Him for what is beyond human capability. Genesis 17, 18 & 21

DISCOVER THE MIRACLES

Baptism is a crucial aspect in various denominations, with the baptism of Jesus serving as a cornerstone for its significance and purpose. Understanding the importance of baptism in Jesus’ life can shed light on why individuals continue to partake in this sacred ritual today.
Everyone, at some point in their life, may feel like the lost sheep in the parable. It’s essential for children to know that no matter where they are or how they got there, they are always valued by God.
Even though children may not fully grasp the concept of temptation, they can relate to it. Jesus faced temptation just like any other person and offers a practical way to deal with it, which even young children can apply in their own lives. Matthew 4 & Luke 4

EMBRACE THE WISDOM OF SCRIPTURES' TEACHINGS

The world is full of different people who speak different languages and look different, but deep down, we are all more alike than we may think at first glance.
Noah patiently built the ark and waited for the flood to end, showing great faith. This Bible story with animals and a big boat easily captures kids’ attention.
The lesson of Adam and Eve is clear: God sees all and knows our hearts. Let’s strive for an honest relationship with Him.
Experience the power of Daniel’s unwavering faith in the face of danger, as depicted in the thrilling story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den. This powerful tale showcases God’s protection and love for those who trust in Him, serving as a source of inspiration and strength in times of trouble.

Introduce kids to the foundational Creation story from the Bible, a crucial starting point in understanding the origins of humanity and the Earth. Help children in your Sunday school or Kids Church to remember the days of Creation with engaging activities and lessons.

Essential Bible Stories for Kids to Learn Before They Grow Up

Discover the timeless wisdom of Bible stories that can shape young hearts and minds, providing a strong foundation for a life rooted in God’s Word. Help kids learn essential principles early on, ensuring they have a solid anchor to guide them as they navigate through life.
INSPIRE WITH YOUR STORIES

What you seek and desire is within you in Jesus. Baptized in youth be reborn now.

Believing Jesus

Believing Jesus

May 31, 2024

THE CORE TENETS OF CHRISTIANITY BELIEFS

Christianity, with over 2 billion followers, is the most widely practiced religion globally. The faith revolves around the beliefs surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite originating from a small group of believers, the evolution and acceptance of Christianity worldwide are considered by many scholars as one of the most successful spiritual endeavors in human history.
Some fundamental Christian beliefs encompass the monotheistic view of one God who created the universe, comprising the father (God), the son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Christianity centers on Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, with the belief that he was sent by God to save humanity through his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Christians anticipate Jesus’s return in the Second Coming, while adhering to the teachings of the Old and New Testaments found in the Holy Bible. The cross symbolizes Christian faith, with Christmas celebrating Jesus’s birth and Easter commemorating his resurrection.

Discover the Identity of Jesus

Historians widely accept the existence of a historical figure named Jesus, believed to have been born after 2 B.C. The New Testament of the Christian Bible provides much of the information about Jesus, including his birth to a young Jewish virgin named Mary in Bethlehem. Christians hold that his conception was a miraculous event, with God impregnating Mary through the Holy Spirit. Details of Jesus’s childhood are scarce, though scriptures mention his upbringing in Nazareth, his family’s flight to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution, and his father Joseph’s occupation as a carpenter. Raised in the Hebrew tradition, Jesus’s early years remain shrouded in mystery.
At around 30 years old, Jesus began his public ministry following his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Over the course of about three years, Jesus journeyed alongside his 12 chosen disciples, also known as the 12 apostles, imparting teachings to large crowds and performing miraculous deeds as witnessed by many. Some of the most notable miracles included resurrecting Lazarus from death, walking on water, and restoring sight to the blind.

Explore the Wisdom of Jesus

Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew outlines his moral teachings, including the Beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer, and Golden Rule. The discourse provides instructions to his followers, such as the Twelve Apostles, on how to preach, travel, and behave. It emphasizes humility, self-sacrifice, and the anticipation of a future community of followers. The final discourse, known as the Olivet Discourse, delves into judgment, the conduct of Jesus’s followers, and the need for vigilance in the face of impending judgment. It touches on the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the Second Coming of Christ, offering scholarly discussion on its various interpretations.
Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection
Scholars posit that Jesus likely passed away between A.D. 30 and 33. The specifics of the date remain a topic of debate within theological circles. According to scripture, Jesus faced arrest, trial, and eventual condemnation to death. Roman governor Pontius Pilate ultimately ordered Jesus’s execution under pressure from Jewish leaders, accusing him of various offenses, notably blasphemy. Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers and laid to rest in a tomb. The narrative unfolds with Jesus’s body mysteriously missing three days following his crucifixion, leading to reported sightings and experiences with him in the days post-mortem. Biblical accounts narrate the resurrection of Jesus and his ascent into Heaven.
Jesus imparted his teachings through parables, short stories with profound meanings. The core lessons embraced by Christians include loving God and one’s neighbor, forgiving those who have wronged you, extending love even to enemies, seeking forgiveness for sins, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah with the authority to forgive, acknowledging the importance of repenting for sins, avoiding hypocrisy and judgment, and understanding that the Kingdom of God is within reach for the weak and poor.

SACRED SCRIPTURES

The Christian Bible is a collection of 66 books written by various authors. It is divided into two parts: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament describes the history of the Jewish people, outlines specific laws to follow, details the lives of many prophets, and predicts the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament, written after Jesus’s death, includes the first four books – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, known as the “Gospels.” These texts provide accounts of the life and death of Jesus, composed sometime between A.D. 70 and 100.

Letters written by early Christian leaders, which are known as “epistles,” make up a large part of the New Testament. These letters offer instructions for how the church should operate.

The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the New Testament that gives an account of the apostles’ ministry after Jesus’s death. The author of Acts is the same author as one of the Gospels—it is effectively “part two” to the Gospels, what happened after Jesus’s death and resurrection.

The final book in the New Testament, Revelation, describes a vision and prophecies that will occur at the end of the world, as well as metaphors to describe the state of the world.

According to the Bible, the first church organized itself 50 days after Jesus’s death on the Day of Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit was said to descend onto Jesus’s followers.

Most of the first Christians were Jewish converts, and the church was centered in Jerusalem. Shortly after the creation of the church, many Gentiles (non-Jews) embraced Christianity.

Early Christians considered it their calling to spread and teach the gospel. One of the most important missionaries was the apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians.

Paul’s conversion to Christianity after he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus is described in Acts of the Apostles. Paul preached the gospel and established churches throughout the Roman Empire, Europe and Africa.

Many historians believe Christianity wouldn’t be as widespread without the work of Paul. In addition to preaching, Paul is thought to have written 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

Early Christians endured harsh persecution for their beliefs, facing brutal torture and execution under leaders such as Emperor Nero, Emperor Domitian, and co-emperors Diocletian and Galerius. Despite these challenges, their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity ultimately set a powerful example for future generations to follow.

CONSTANTINE EMBRACES FAITH

When Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity, religious dynamics changed in the Roman Empire. Various Christian factions had differing views on scripture and the church. A.D. 313 marked the end of the Christian ban with the Edict of Milan. Constantine introduced the Nicene Creed to unify and address disputes within Christianity, a pivotal moment in history.

CATHOLICISM

Emperor Theodosius I declared Catholicism the state religion of the Roman Empire in A.D. 380, establishing the Pope as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in A.D. 476, differences arose between Eastern and Western Christians, leading to the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church in A.D. 1054.

THE CRUSADES: A HISTORICAL JOURNEY

The Crusades, a series of religious conflicts that spanned from A.D. 1095 to A.D. 1230, were waged by Christians against Islamic rulers in a bid to recapture the holy land in Jerusalem. While the Christians did manage to seize control of the city in certain Crusades, ultimately they were unable to maintain their hold. In the aftermath of these wars, the Catholic Church saw a significant increase in both its influence and affluence.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHRISTIANITY

The Catholic branch, led by the Pope and Catholic bishops worldwide, is known for its centralized leadership structure. In contrast, the Orthodox branch operates through independent units governed by a Holy Synod, highlighting its decentralized nature. Protestant Christianity, encompassing diverse denominations with varied interpretations of the Bible and outlooks on the church, reflects the rich diversity within the Christian faith.
In Protestant Christianity, a diverse array of denominations such as Baptist, Episcopalian, Evangelist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Lutheran, Anglican, Evangelical, Assemblies of God, Christian Reform/Dutch Reform, Church of the Nazarene, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ, Mennonite, Christian Science, Quaker, and Seventh-Day Adventist exist. While these sects have differences in views, traditions, and worship practices, they all share a common foundation rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus.

Thank You Lord Thank You Jesus

The evidence for the existence of Jesus of Nazareth is well-documented and widely accepted, with references by Jewish, Roman, and Christian historians. The historical documents from various writers provide significant support for the life and death of Jesus, leaving little doubt about his existence. The question remains, for you to ponder, whether Jesus truly died and lived beyond mere historical facts.
EMBRACE TEACHINGS, REACH OUT

What we Expect

May 19, 2024

Proverbs 23:18

Verse: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

Summary Commentary

Proverbs 23:18 provides a profound assurance of hope and perseverance. The verse reassures believers that despite present trials and uncertainties, there is a definite conclusion to their struggles, and their hope will ultimately be fulfilled. It emphasizes that steadfast faith and patience are not in vain; rather, they are met with the assurance of a positive outcome according to God’s promises.

The term “end” refers to a culmination or resolution that God has ordained. It implies that while the present may seem uncertain or challenging, God’s plans are unfolding with purpose and will reach a conclusion that aligns with His will. The “expectation” mentioned here is the hope or anticipation of God’s provision, deliverance, or blessing. This promise is a call to maintain faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan, knowing that His promises will be fulfilled.

Supporting Scriptures

  1. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”Commentary: This verse echoes the promise of a hopeful future. God’s plans for His people are full of hope and peace, assuring us that despite current challenges, He has a purpose and a good end in mind for us.
  2. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”Commentary: This passage reinforces the idea that everything, even trials and difficulties, works together for our good when we love God and follow His purpose. It aligns with the assurance in Proverbs 23:18 that our expectations in God will not be disappointed.
  3. Hebrews 10:35-36: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”Commentary: Here, the writer of Hebrews encourages believers not to lose confidence but to remain patient, as the fulfillment of God’s promises is assured. This supports the notion in Proverbs 23:18 that our hope in God will be rewarded in due time.

Response

In light of Proverbs 23:18, we are invited to reflect on our current expectations and challenges. Are there areas in your life where you feel your hope is faltering? This verse calls us to renew our confidence in God’s promises, trusting that He is working towards a good end, even if it is not immediately apparent.

Consider how this promise of a certain end and unfulfilled expectations can influence your approach to the difficulties you face. Are you allowing doubts to overshadow your faith, or are you holding onto the assurance that God’s plan is good and His promises will be fulfilled?

Challenge

Challenge to Readers:

  1. Reflect and Identify: Take some time to identify specific areas in your life where you are holding onto expectations or hopes. Reflect on any doubts or anxieties you may have about these areas.
  2. Renew Your Faith: Based on the assurances provided in Proverbs 23:18 and the supporting scriptures, renew your faith and confidence in God’s plan for these areas. Spend time in prayer, asking God to strengthen your trust in His promises and to help you remain patient.
  3. Act in Expectation: Make practical steps to align your actions with your renewed faith. This might involve setting goals, making decisions with trust in God’s guidance, or taking steps to address the challenges with a hopeful outlook.
  4. Encourage Others: Share the hope and assurance of Proverbs 23:18 with others who may be struggling with similar doubts. Your testimony of faith can encourage and uplift those around you.

By reflecting on Proverbs 23:18 and embracing its promise, we are encouraged to hold fast to our faith and expectations, trusting that God’s plan will culminate in His perfect and good end.