You've Got to be Kidding Me

You've Got to be Kidding Me

Welcome to Christianity Oasis. This is You've Got to be Kidding Me from our Sojourn With Luz Leigh Collection. We hope you enjoy this enlightening reading and it helps you on your own be-YOU-tiful Christian walk.

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Sojourn With Luz Leigh

You've Got to be Kidding Me

Notes from Dr. Richard Rogers' Feb 17th Sermon

Submitted by Luz Leigh - 01 March 2008

Why have kids?

Sometimes we have kids to bring pleasure to ourselves as a couple; sometimes we have a child so we will have someone to love, as in the case of a young unmarried woman who has no one. But the real reason we should have kids is because we were instructed by God ... see Genesis 1:27

We are created to be creative.

We are to produce children to follow us thru God's leadership and to build up His kingdom.

Jesus said "Go into all the world and teach them everything I have commanded you."

Parents teach their children who in turn teach their children who in turn teach OTHERS.

In Deuteronomy 6:5 we are taught to "Impress them (commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." NIV

Sometimes it takes the 3rd generation before a dedicated ministry comes forth. Grandparents and parents must build a strong foundation for those children.

We are to follow Jesus when he calls. Matthew 4:18-22 told of the first disciples Jesus called and how those men readily responded to his call. Peter and his brother Andrew were busy with their daily activity of fishing; HE called; they dropped their nets and followed; no questions asked.

James and John, sons of Zebedee, were also fishermen. Along with their father, they were in a boat preparing their nets when Jesus called them. They immediately left the boat and their father and followed HIM. (Do you suppose Zebedee may have said, "Whoa there! If you go off with that radical rabbi, who's gonna help me with the fishing?" Or did he sense the importance of that little known rabbi and send his sons off with his fatherly blessing?)

Pastor Rogers reminded us that the church assists with the spiritual training of a child or children, but the biggest responsibility is upon the parents to train the children in the home. Parents may send their offspring to the church fifty-two hours a year for training, but those other hours/days are when the parents step in. One hour a week in Sunday school or worship service does not suffice.

In Proverbs 2:1-6 we find that as parents we need to direct/assist our children to accept our words of direction in finding the Lord. There they will find knowledge and wisdom from the Lord.

His four points to put the sermon in a nutshell were:

1. Build children as a rocket
2. Launch the child into the world with a firm foundation
3. Assist with loving admonition (guidance)
4. Depending (this addresses how as parents we must one day depend on our children for their help.) Children will continue to honor their parents by caring for them in their old age. Exodus 20:12 Col 3:20

Under point 4, he spoke particularity to the older members of the congregation, admonishing us to prepare for the time when we must admit that we need help. We must willingly give over control of our life when the time comes when we are no longer capable of making decisions. I must remember that my life is not mine, but God's.

We are failing our children if we have no plans to turn over our affairs to them. We should have all this written out with each child understanding what will be expected of them when we can no longer tend to our affairs. This includes our financial affairs, our health care, our daily needs.

We should be willing to hand over our car keys and say, "I'm no longer capable of driving. Will someone do it for me?" "I need help in managing my affairs with my money. Could you help me?" "My health is failing and I don't always understand what the doctors are telling me. Will one of you accompany me on my doctor visits and explain what needs to be done?"

The 4th point is very important for us as parents. If we truly love our children, we will make these plans for our future, recognizing the time may come when we can no longer make decisions on our own.

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