TEXT: 1 Sam.3:1-10,19,20; Gen.18:17-19; Deut. 6:6-7; Pro.22:6.
INTRODUCTION:
A renowned theologian has rightly posited that the Church is one generation off extinction if her leaders fail to give the children godly training.
One of the great lessons God is giving to The Church of Pentecost about the need of godly training for our children is retaining Children’s Ministry week annually as against the other Ministries who will observe their weeks bi-annually.
The Bible story clearly reveals that it is possible for godly parents and the Church to train children to hear and obey God’s voice in their generation.
A survey of both Old and New Testament from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and Timothy affirms that children of godly parents can be trained to hear and obey God’s voice in their generation. Post-Bible era and contemporary Christian generation also attests to the fact that children can be trained to hear and obey the voice of the Lord.
Christian Parents, Church Leaders, Sunday school teachers must take active interest in the work of training our children both at home and the Church to hear the voice of the Lord as God instructed Abraham in Genesis 18:18-19; and Israel in Deut. 6:6-7; and Prov. 22:6.
WHY DOES GOD AND THE BIBLE PRIORITIZE GODLY TRAINING OF CHILDREN?
1.0 To perpetuate the transfer of godly character and the blessings of fathers onto their children.
2.0 To bring the presence of God, grace, peace and protection of God upon our children (John 14:21-23; Prov. 1:33).
3.0 That our children will prosper and be successful in life (Joshua 1:8).
4.0 That our children will enjoy longevity, fruitfulness and good health (Prov. 3:1-10).
5.0 That our children can walk with God in their generation to accomplish His purposes and good works (1 Sam.3:19-20).
6.0 That our children will inherit a good name (Prov.22:1)
7.0 That our children can overcome this world of sin, corruption, challenges, hardship and Satanic schemes or devices –(Eph. 6:10-13).
Children are by nature watched over by guardian angels which makes them easily access spiritual life and gifts or blessings.
Jesus told His disciples not to forbid children to come to Him, for of such is the Kingdom of heaven.
Secondly human life is made up of three stages:
1.0 The learning stage: 1-30 years. This is where children need spiritual, moral, mental, social and physical training to prepare for effective and fruitful life. If you fail to train a child at this stage well, the devil, the world, peers will shape him in accordance to their taste.
2.0 The working stage: 30-60 years. At this stage young adults who have laid good foundation from their learning years enter into employment of their chosen professions and prepare for marriage. Young men and women must engage in diligent labor at the working stage to be fruitful both spiritually and materially.
3.0 The retirement stage: 60-90 years. Adult who put maximum output in making good use of their time at both the learning and working stages enjoy peaceful and fruitful retirement from their long-term goals and plans put in place. The retirement stage is granted by God to matured people in Church ministry and the various political, social and secular professions to share and impact the world with their acquired knowledge, skills and experiences. Those who did not have good foundation at the learning stage to operate at the working stage become unprofitable to their homes, Churches communities and the world at large. Their entire lives on earth become wasted years embroiled in poverty and hardship.
May our Youth and children of today learn great lesson from this presentation on the three stages of life.
By Kaneshie Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Achim Gyimah.
THIS WAS FIRST PRESENTED AT CHILDREN’S WEEK SUNDAY SERVICE AT SHALOM CENTER, IN KANESHIE AREA OF THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST ON 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2016.