Word for the day by Christian Education w

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 Children to be brought to Christ

Hebrews 11: 17-27

   Hebrew chapter 11 shows us the men and women whose moral and spiritual failings, depravity, sinfulness, and faith gives us all the hope that only through Christ, in Christ and because of Christ are we accepted into the Kingdom of God. This portion highlights Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses who were tested by God but they put full faith in the lord and reasoned with him. They were so confident in God’s word that they passed on the promises to their children and the next generation. Abraham trusted God in the midst of immediate, direct personal challenges. Abraham is the ultimate example of godly faith. When ordered to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed. This obedience was because of his prior experiences with God. Moses is also mentioned, as one who was willing to endure hardship for the sake of honoring God (Hebrews 11:17–27).
       The Bible tells us that we should raise our children with the purpose that they will know and obey God's word (Deuteronomy 11:18-19). We raise them in a Christian environment and teach them about Christ with the hope that they will one day lead a good Christian life. Parents should not feel guilty or embarrassed if they regularly insist on Sunday school, Christian camps, and youth activities. Parents of today have a greater challenge before them because they have to go against the flow of a fast-paced lifestyle and a society addicted to materialism and a godless media that celebrates immorality. Then we have the social media which is easily corrupting the minds of our children. In these times parents need to focus and persistently aim to replenish their child’s faith by constructive conversations and by prioritizing faith. Every Christian experiences insecurity or doubt in their walk with Christ may it be children or adults. It is a normal part of the Christian life. As a parent it is important to guide their children and love them even when they are in the midst of these doubts. Do not be upset if they are expressing their doubts to you about their faith. Talk to them and help them work through these doubts. 
          In conclusion, faith is not about knowing everything or doing everything right. It is about knowing that, no matter what happens, God will take care of us. Moses endured when everything was against him, his people were against him, pharaoh was against him, his own conscience was against him, but he dared to believe that God was with him and he endured. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Heb 11:26). It is clear from the life of Moses that his reward was not in this world. Taking his stand with the people of God meant spending the rest of his life in the desert leading a people who were ungrateful and uncooperative. These biblical examples are proof enough that we are not alone in the midst of any adversary, because the god who we worship is mighty and faithful.  Trust the lord even when life is terrifying and makes no sense. 
 

Prayer
“Heavenly father, may our children not fear since you are with them. May the gospel reach their hearts as they seek direction and purpose. Counsel them as they seek guidance from your word. Transform their minds so that they may never turn away from you. Please replace their fears with the strength and courage to face whatever situation life brings on. In Jesus’ name” 
Amen.

Minos Abraham
Staten Island Mar Thoma Church 


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