Church

"24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Traditionally believers in the resurrection of Jesus Christ meet on the first day of the week to celebrate the salvation we have and the truth that our Lord rose on the first day.

On the other hand, God rested on the seventh day after creating the universe in six days. This is often observed as a Sabbath rest, a time to remember that our ultimate rest is in our Savior and also to pause from striving in recognition that God is, in a deeply real sense, our Provider and not we ourselves.

In the West we delight in a weekend as a result.

When I served in East Asia things were different. How grateful I am for weekends now!

What I hope to highlight here is the idea of bringing children into the family of faith.

Some churches segregate families- men here, women there, children go this way, babies go that way.

Other churches keep families together, perhaps in a family room or similar place.

Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Some churches are formal while others are informal. Differences abound. But so do similarities.

Even though we may not have access to our ideas of an "ideal" church, we must take our little ones to the house of the Lord- to the people who are intentionally seeking to grow in their relationship with God.

Maybe your family delights in your church community. Maybe you receive a lot. Maybe your family serves the church extensively. Or maybe it's just hard to even attend church services for one reason or another.

And yet we bring our little ones to the house of the Lord by faith.

In the free, developed world it’s kind of simple to do. In other countries there are geographic, political, etc. challenges.

I’ve tried to find quality Christian children’s books about the church . Actually there’s only one that’s clear and helpful (Please feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have a suggestion.)

This one includes a lot of helpful information like what happens at church. Also, it has a global element.

Trust that God sees your faithfulness in bringing your children to His people and the place where His sovereignty is proclaimed. Believe that Gospel truths are taking root. Have faith that God’s Word doesn’t return void. Pray for perseverance and consistency to use your spiritual gifts for building up the Body of Christ. Obey the “one-anothers" in Scripture- like encouraging one another, forgiving one another, and more.

Our children are watching our attitudes towards the church and its members. Let’s give them good patterns to follow, by God’s grace.

Here are some patterns that I learned as a child (especially from my dad):

Serving the church is normative.

Serving a variety of fellowships at the same time is normative. (What do you think of this?)

Praying for many people is normative.

Giving sacrificially is normative.

Attending the service is essential, even when it means walking a long distance through snow or other weather.

What church messages are our children learning?

In Jesus,

Ruth