Author Topic: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--First Quarter 2014--Discipling Children  (Read 12457 times)

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Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #20 on: January 24, 2014, 07:41:54 AM »
It would seem that some have been allowed the care of children who were not fit. This brings us to the all important issue of conversion. We ought not be baptizing new converts until they are dead to self. If this were the case, then little children would not be hurt. There are consequences to being Laodicean.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Al

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #21 on: January 24, 2014, 07:46:34 AM »
Thursday - Suffer the Little Children

It appears that in Christ time that mothers would often bring their children to Christ for him to bless them. Mothers would travel longs distances with their children at their side just to see Jesus. The disciples thinking of the important work Christ was doing in teaching the adults felt like the children were a hindrance . The disciples rebuked those that brought their children. In the gospel of Mark it is pointed out that Jesus was "much displeased" with them for doing so. (Mark 10:14)

It adds to the dynamics of this situation when we find out the mothers purposely traveled long distances  to bring their children so that they could be blessed by Christ and then to be meet with rebuke by Christ's disciples.  All their hopes where crushed in an instant.  I wonder if Christ's displeasure was because of disciples lack of thoughtfulness about the needs of the mothers and the children?

"Christ, the Majesty of heaven, said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Jesus does not send the children to the rabbis; He does not send them to the Pharisees; for He knows that these men would teach them to reject their best Friend. The mothers that brought their children to Jesus did well. . . . Let mothers now lead their children to Christ. Let ministers of the gospel take the little children in their arms and bless them in the name of Jesus. Let words of tenderest love be spoken to the little ones; for Jesus took the lambs of the flock in His arms and blessed them."  {AH 274.2}

How are we to bring our children to Christ today?

In our church we have what is called Child Dedication but this is more than a mere ceremony. It is the ministers responsibly to let the parents know of their responsibility to raise and train their children in the Lord.

 Do parents today know the steps requisite in conversion and how to explain them in simple terms to their children? How can you help you children to make Jesus their friend?

 
Jesus looked upon the distressed and heart burdened, those whose hopes were blighted, and who with earthly joys were seeking to quiet the longing of the soul, and He invited all to find rest in Him.  {DA 328.3}

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #22 on: January 24, 2014, 08:02:26 AM »
Tuesday January 21

Healing the Children

Read the following passages:

Matthew 9:18-26
 9:18   While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 
 9:19   And Jesus arose, and followed him, and [so did] his disciples. 
 9:20   And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment: 
 9:21   For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 
 9:22   But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 
 9:23   And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 
 9:24   He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 
 9:25   But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 
 9:26   And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.   

Mark 7:24-30
 7:24   And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid. 
 7:25   For a [certain] woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 
 7:26   The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 
 7:27   But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast [it] unto the dogs. 
 7:28   And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 
 7:29   And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 
 7:30   And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Luke 9:37-43
 9:37   And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. 
 9:38   And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. 
 9:39   And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. 
 9:40   And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. 
 9:41   And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. 
 9:42   And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. 
 9:43   And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 

John 4:46-54
 4:46   So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 
 4:47   When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 
 4:48   Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 
 4:49   The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 
 4:50   Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 
 4:51   And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told [him], saying, Thy son liveth. 
 4:52   Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 
 4:53   So the father knew that [it was] at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. 
 4:54   This [is] again the second miracle [that] Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. 

 
Whose children were restored in these stories? How are these children’s backgrounds similar? What differences might you detect? What lessons can we learn from these texts that can help us today?

In all of these stories, one overwhelming similarity is that, in each case, a desperate parent came to Jesus, seeking help for a child. What parent cannot relate? What parent hasn’t felt pain, anguish, fear, and outright horror when a child was very sick, or even dying? For those who have been there, there’s nothing worse.

And though Jesus Himself had not been a parent, He related enough to them in His humanity that He healed their children.

Jesus has many children. He even referred to us as His little children. "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you." John 13:33.

In each case the healing came. He turned no one away. Thus, His love not just for the parents but for the children came through clearly.

Of course, this leads to a whole host of questions regarding cases when praying and pleading parents call out to Jesus and, yet, their children are not healed. There is, perhaps, no sadder experience than burying children. Death should be reserved for older generations. The unnatural order of parents mourning their children’s death makes the heart revolt. During these funerals nearly every parent asks, "Shouldn’t it have been me?"

The number one disease that kills children under age 15 is cancer.  The most common form of cancer that kills children is leukemia.  It does not just happen, it is caused.  Much dairy is infected with leukemia virus.  Do you know that a virus can cause cancer? Prevention is worth 1000 pounds of cure. It is left with parents to prevent disease in their children. 


Mourning physical death and observing spiritual decay may be equally painful. How many parents have agonized about children overwhelmed by drug addiction, by pornography, or adolescent indifference? Whatever the affliction, we must learn to trust in the Lord and His goodness and love, even when things do not turn out so happily, as they did in the biblical stories listed above. Ellen G. White, a prophet, buried two children. Our world is a rough place; our God, though, is a loving God, and that truth is what we must cling to, no matter what.

God places some in the ground to save their souls.  What a loving god!

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #23 on: January 24, 2014, 08:38:08 AM »
Wednesday January 22

A Fearsome Warning


Analyze the following texts:

Matthew 11:25-26
 11:25   At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 
 11:26   Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 

18:1-6 10-14
 18:1   At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 
 18:2   And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 
 18:3   And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
 18:4   Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 
 18:5   And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 
 18:6   But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 
 18:10   Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 
 18:11   For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 
 18:12   How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 
 18:13   And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that [sheep], than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 
 18:14   Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. 


What truths, not just about children but about faith in general, can we learn through these stories? Think about just how harsh Jesus’ warning was here. Why should we tremble before it?

God is merciful! And He is just. "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea....Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."

There exists a unique genuineness within children that Jesus frequently appealed to when illustrating His kingdom. Their genuineness, humility, dependency, and innocence somehow capture the essence of Christian living. How we should all long for that simplicity and trust in living out our faith.

Modern disciple-makers need to learn another lesson: children need never leave their childlike dependency behind. Properly educated, children may carry their trusting innocence into adulthood. Certainly, as children mature and get older, they will question things, they will have struggles and doubts and unanswered questions, as we all do. But a childlike faith is never unfashionable. As parents, or as adults in general, we should do all that we can to instill in children a knowledge of God and His love, and nothing can do that more than by revealing that love to them through our lives, our kindness, our compassion, and our care. We can preach and sermonize all we want; in the end, as with adults, the best way to disciple children is to live out before them the love of God in our lives.

Amen! And when we don't, what do we expect will be the results?


In cold, fearsome, and stark contrast, criminal acts against children-especially during church-sponsored activities-can destroy a child’s confidence about the church and, usually, about the God of the church. What wrath must justly await those who perpetrate such actions and those who protect the perpetrators. Christ and His message awaken confidence and trust. How dare any human organization compromise that childlike faith through lack of vigilance?

Al brought this up already. The millstone Jesus spoke of will be the end for those who allowed children to be raped....unless truly
 repented of. Even then, the punishment in this world is to come. We think it cannot happen in our church? It surely does happen. It is the result of baptizing those who have not died to self. Someone will be held accountable.


What is your church doing, not only to nurture its children but to make sure that they are protected in every way possible? Think what it means when Jesus said their angels "do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:10). Why should that make anyone who hurts a child tremble?

I think we have adequately covered this already. God poured out fire and brimstone upon the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. He has reserved fire and brimstone for all who refuse to accept His grace. All of the false teachings about God will not stop His justice towards those who have hurt or are responsible for hurting innocent children. While mercy lingers, there is still time to repent of these evil deeds. God loves the most evil person, and sent His Son to die for him. Nothing is beyond His grace. But, if this great love is rejected, then pity the poor soul who neglects heaven sent opportunities for salvation. As our lesson points out, God has given a "fearful warning".
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #24 on: January 24, 2014, 08:45:04 AM »
Thursday January 23

Suffer the Little Children


Read Mark 10:13-16.

  10:13   And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them]. 
  10:14   But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 
  10:15   Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 
  10:16   And he took them up in his arms, put [his] hands upon them, and blessed them. 


How does Christ’s acceptance of children facilitate their acceptance of Him? How should His rebuke of the disciples be understood? What must we take away from this account for ourselves and how we relate to children?

Surely Christ’s disciples were well-intentioned, although ignorant. They attempted to protect His valuable time, preserving His energy for more important matters. How greatly they misunderstood what Jesus wanted them to know.

Imagine being forsaken by gruff adults only to be embraced by the loving and caring personage of Jesus. No wonder they embraced Him. In this story we have been left with an invaluable example regarding the ways in which children should be treated by those who profess to be disciple-makers.
"In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldly wise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life."-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 512-515.

How often have we met adults who suffer through so much pain, so much turmoil, so much heartache over things that happened to them in their childhood? What should this tell us about how gently, carefully, prayerfully, and lovingly we should treat children?

Children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things, and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ. The grace of Christ in the heart will soften whatever is harsh, and subdue all that is coarse and unkind. It will lead fathers and mothers to treat their children as intelligent beings, as they themselves would like to be treated. 
 
As we try to make plain the truths of salvation, and point the children to Christ as a personal Saviour, angels will be by our side. The Lord will give to fathers and mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of the Babe of Bethlehem, who is indeed the hope of the world.  When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if we do not hinder them.


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #25 on: January 24, 2014, 11:32:54 AM »
Friday January 24

Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, Blessing the Children, pp. 511-517; The Temple Cleansed Again, p. 592, in The Desire of Ages. Baptism, pp. 93-95, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6; Bible Teaching and Study, pp. 185, 186 in Education.

“It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things, and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ.

"Fathers and mothers should look upon their children as younger members of the Lord’s family, committed to them to educate for heaven. The lessons that we ourselves learn from Christ we should give to our children, as the young minds can receive them, little by little opening to them the beauty of the principles of heaven."-Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 515.


Discussion Questions:


    Why do you think it’s true that many who accept Christ do so when younger rather than when they are older? Skeptics could argue that it’s because they are too naive and ignorant to realize the silliness of what they are doing. On the other hand, could it be because they have yet to be so hardened and tainted with cynicism and skepticism as are many adults? That is, their innocence and openness makes them more susceptible to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, there innocence and openness do make them more susceptible to the truth. But, there is more also. What is the affect on children who are in the church and see the church members saying one thing and doing another? What is the lesson being taught when they see leaders in the church not doing what the Bible says they ought to do? Do you think that they question the power of the religion they are being taught? If there is power in this religion, do you think they are confused and may turn away from the religion of their fathers?  Up to a certain age, they have not figured this out and do not have this objection to what is being taught. They are as sponges accepting without question all that is taught. But, the day of reckoning will come. Is it truth? Does it work?


    How can today’s church organize to become more Christlike in its appeal to children? What can each member personally do to be friendlier toward youth who may experiment with bizarre fashions, unusual musical tastes, and sometimes outlandish behavior? How can the church become more energetic, thus attracting active youth?

The answer is always the same. We need Jesus. If we are truly converted, we will believe what the Bible says, we will make Jesus our pattern and His Word our guide. If we are born of His Spirit, how will we treat children? And, what will that do to the children who see Jesus in the church members?


    What steps may members take to prepare themselves to respond to interested youth who desire baptism and a life-changing commitment to Christ?

The preparation begins with daily dying to self.


    Dwell more on the attributes of children that caused Jesus to say "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). What does that text mean? At the same time, what does that not mean?

The attributes Jesus spoke of, come with His Spirit. We must not attempt to rise above the real issue. As a people, we need to be converted. Jesus said "except ye be converted." That was the lesson learned two quarters ago when we studied revival and reformation. Have we so soon forgotten the Laodicean message that Jesus addresses to us? " And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. 3:14-21.

And when we are converted, will we be as innocent as little children? Listen to the fruits of all who are abiding in Jesus and He in them, after they are truly converted. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance." Galatians 5:22,23. These attributes we may possess today if we will cease resisting Jesus and allow Him to take possession of our lives.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #26 on: January 24, 2014, 11:39:59 AM »
Yes, it is harder to be converted later in life, but the grace of God is sufficient to do so for the worst of us. In this context I want to share a thought from The Desire of Ages that includes a statement about how children and youth are prepared for conversion. It more precisely deals with our need to be converted.

John (the Baptist) was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness. 

In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven.

In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come. 

As a prophet, John was "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming.  The Desire of Ages, pgs. 100,101.
 

Even if in full time ministry, our first responsibility is to our own family. How are you doing with your own family? Are you rightly representing Jesus?  Share what you have learned that will help us correct mistakes (sins) we have made in the past so that our family will not question our religion.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Ed Sutton

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #27 on: January 24, 2014, 12:14:46 PM »
Reading replies I typed in "bringing their children" and got 18 SOP hits,  here is a section of one of them, from the July 20 th 1893 Words to the Young - Youth's Instructor Article.

Quote
   In this age the race is far inferior in both physical and moral power to what it was in the days of Christ; yet how parents exalt their children, and praise and pet them. They relieve them from all responsibility and burden, and seem desirous of bringing their children into notice. They devote much time to the trimming of their clothes and the decoration of their bodies, that they may attract the notice and admiration of those with whom they come in contact; and thus they cultivate in their children pride, vanity, and selfishness. When very young, the love of approbation is fostered in their hearts, and they are trained to live for the exaltation of self.  {YI, July 20, 1893 par. 5}   

In 1893 what would they thought of cars and X Boxes and I-Pads  ?
Grateful for Psalms 32 and Titus 2:10 - The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God.  {11MR 266.2}

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #28 on: January 24, 2014, 01:04:24 PM »
And the language young people use, the messages on facebook, the movies and television programs....

Even many of the unconverted would faint.    Parents and church members have a responsibility to not allow the world into the church. How can we do that in a practical way?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #29 on: January 24, 2014, 09:34:49 PM »
...the life of Christ in the soul...works in and through every one who receives Christ.
BEcho June 17, 1901, par. 6

The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.
The Ministry of Healing, 470 (1905).

God will accept nothing less than unreserved surrender. Half-hearted, sinful Christians can never enter heaven. There they would find no happiness, for they know nothing of the high, holy principles that govern the members of the royal family. The true Christian keeps the windows of the soul open heavenward. He lives in fellowship with Christ. His will is conformed to the will of Christ. His highest desire is to become more and more Christlike.—The Review and Herald, May 16, 1907.

The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given.—The Desire of Ages, 672 (1898).


...men wondered at... Zechariah 3:8
How wonderful indeed, had Pharaoh truly; finally, humbled his soul before the Lord, and let the people of God “go”; willingly, allowing God to work in and through him; to God's glory, and his own salvation (Philippians 2:12).

How wonderful indeed, had Moses after the death of Miriam in Kadesh, let the Word of God dwell in him richly,  thus heeding the instruction of God, allowing the Spirit of God to work in and through him,  thus sanctifying, in their eyes, Christ the Rock. Moses would then have manifested Christ, himself becoming a fountain of life, and finally Translated (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 478.2 ).


...a fountain of life...a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul...like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. The Faith I Live By, p. 99.6

This is the privilege of parents to their children, to sanctify and glorify God (in their eyes), thus embedding within their minds, by precept and example how to walk with God like Enoch; like Christ Himself.
...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 4--Discipling Children
« Reply #30 on: January 25, 2014, 08:56:24 AM »
Amen, Glen.   

One last thought on the subject of the disciplining of children. Our homes, churches, and our schools bear the responsibility.   The future of society will be determined by the youth of today. Satan is making earnest, persevering efforts to corrupt the mind and debase the character of every youth; and shall we who have more experience stand as mere spectators, and see him accomplish his purpose without hindrance? Let us stand at our post as minutemen, to work for these youth, and through the help of God to hold them back from the pit of destruction. In the parable, while men slept the enemy sowed tares; and while we, my brethren and sisters, are unconscious of his work, Satan is gathering an army of youth under his banner; and he exults, for through them he carries on his warfare against God. 
 
The teachers in our schools have a heavy responsibility to bear. They must be in words and character what they wish their students to become--men and women that fear God and work righteousness. If they are acquainted with the way themselves, they can train the youth to walk in it. They will not only educate them in the sciences, but will train them to have moral independence, to work for Jesus, and to take up burdens in His cause. 

Teachers, what opportunities are yours! What a privilege is within your reach of molding the minds and characters of the youth under your charge! What a joy it will be to you to meet them round the great white throne, and to know that you have done what you could to fit them for immortality! If your work stands the test of the great day, like sweetest music will fall upon your ears the benediction of the Master, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:21. 

In the great harvest field there is abundance of work for all, and those who neglect to do what they can will be found guilty before God. Let us work for time and for eternity. Let us work with all the powers that God has bestowed upon us, and He will bless our well-directed efforts.  The Saviour longs to save the young. He would rejoice to see them around His throne, clothed in the spotless robes of His righteousness. He is waiting to place upon their heads the crown of life, and to hear their happy voices join in ascribing honor and glory and majesty to God and the Lamb in the song of victory that shall echo and re-echo through the courts of heaven. 

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.