So I have not updated my testimony (yet- calling out my own procrastination because it is going to take a minute... I may work on it later lol..) but will soon enough; I want to talk about how serious the word of God is, and how serious Jesus takes it when we 'try to win souls' "do soulwinning" "testify" "witness"- now I am an avid Bible student- I study the word day and night and have very well dedicated my whole life to it for the sake of the gospel; I listen to the word and let it play over my body as I sleep; because the Bible says we will be sanctified also by the word of God and prayer. I have since repented trusting in "works" because I know I am saved, and I have good works as evidence, and white raiment on daily!
When Jesus quickened my body, dead in trespasses and sin, He also gave me a new heart and new mind. I don't and didn't think the same- He changed my mind on Who He is, Who I am, what this life is about, what is truth, lies, everything. I was at a place in my walk where I believed everything I knew was a lie, and things just didn't add up and it is written in the volume of the books of me, I simply delight to do God's will.
My husband did not know I made a covenant with God at 13 without any direction, knowledge/ I was very ignorant. But thanks be to God He saved me, by His grace and now my husband and I are co-heirs to the grace of this life and the next. He says I am a lot, and I am haha... but it was the same when the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost 2000 years ago. The word came to me, I received it in much affliction and power.
So I became super passionate about helping my husband and his family (it was because of love)- God revealed to me how my husband is and was a gift, I had not received love, had a rough upbringing to say the least- but it's really the power force that drives me to seek that which is lost; to seek the calling of Christ Jesus as a biblical wife to my husband. If what I went through, could help one soul get saved and seek Christ Jesus (THE TRUTH-THE KING-ALMIGHTY GOD- CREATOR) then I finished my race. Because when I found Christ and HE found me, the love overwhelmed me now the Holy Spirit is helping me explain and win some by the Bible as a love letter- to God's people. Very simple. God so loved the world He gave His only BEGOTTEN SON- whosoever believeth in Him shall never perish, but have eternal life. DO you believe ? I believe!
Just as there are positive rewards from Jesus for whoever humbly receives children with loving attentiveness, there are dreadful consequences for whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble. Apparently, how we treat little ones matters a great deal to God. This likely includes anyone of lesser status whom we can benefit, but who cannot repay us in this life.
Who are these little ones who believe in Me that Jesus was referring to?
There are three possible answers. First, they could be children who have faith in Jesus. Jesus is literally holding a young child when He said this. This image seems to indicate that little ones who believe in Me are literal children who believe in Jesus or who look to Him for their needs to be met.
A second possibility is that Jesus is using the child as an illustration for everyone who is young, unimportant, or in some other way “less than” what the world sees as important. The Greek word that is translated as little ones is not the typical Greek word for “infant” or “child.” It is “mikron” (G3398). It means tiny, small, less, etc. The English word for “mikron” is micro. Matthew could be using it to show how Jesus is referring to everyone who is overlooked and outcast in society, and who believes in Him. Among earthly kingdoms they are “mikrons”— nobodies. But in God’s kingdom they are sons and daughters of the King.
A third possibility is that they are little ones in the faith. They are new believers in Jesus and do not yet have the knowledge to easily discern the truth from subtle lies.
It is likely that little ones would include all three of these categories. What is made clear is that whoever causes just one of them who believes in Jesus to stumble will regret it.
What does Jesus mean by causes to stumble?
The Greek word translated as stumble is “skandalizo.” From it we get the English word “scandalize.” In this context it means putting an obstacle in someone’s path that hinders them from proceeding. In other words, Jesus likely means whoever hinders these little ones from following Me is in danger of God’s wrath.
God’s wrath pours out upon all unrighteousness, even on believers. This is made clear in Romans 1 and 13. In Romans 13, the wrath of God is poured out upon unrighteousness through the agency of human government punishing people for crimes against one another; believers are not exempted. And in Romans 1, God’s wrath upon people who persist in sin is to give them over to their own fleshly lusts. God wrath is to allow us to inflict destruction upon ourselves. God allows us to be enslaved by our own passions (Romans 1:24,26,28).
All our choices have consequences. Making a deliberate choice that leads God’s children astray will have severe adverse consequences. Jesus says it would be better for the one who is a hinderance and a stumbling block to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. A millstone was a huge rock that was used to grind down grain into flour. Millstones could weigh hundreds, if not a thousand or more pounds. If a millstone were to be tied around someone’s neck, and it were to be tossed into the sea, that person would swiftly go straight to the bottom and drown. Jesus is saying it would be better for someone to die prematurely than to live, and lead His children astray. It would be better to suffer the terrible consequence of drowning, and ending life early, than to face the much greater negative consequence God will visit on those who lead His children astray.
Jesus’s graphic image reveals how significant and precious little ones are in God’s sight. And how seriously He takes offense at those who offend them. Jesus was teaching His disciples that children and other “mikrons” are great in God’s sight. Treat them greatly and you will be great. Treat them poorly and you will lose your reward in His kingdom. Be mindful and careful then how you treat these little ones. This also makes clear that Jesus’s perspective on this life is that the primary goal of life is not to extend it, but to make good use of what time we are given.
Jesus then broadens the warning to include the world. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
Woe means more than simply “Look out” or “beware.” It is a lamentation for the future. It is an ominous warning that deep trouble lies ahead.
Jesus says woe to the world because it has many stumbling blocks that scandalize and hinder little ones from following Him.
The world will be accountable for its stumbling blocks (Revelation 18). Babylon is used figuratively by John in the book of Revelation as an image of the world and its systems. John describes a strong angel hurling a gigantic millstone into the sea with Babylon going with it.
“Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer.’”
(Revelation 18:21)
RJ told me last night he is thinking getting baptized! SO EXCITED! PRaise JESUS! GLORY BE TO GOD!!!!!
To help you connect with God's heart for children, we have compiled this list of Bible verses about children being a blessing in our lives and how God asks us to relate to and regard children.
Children have significance in God’s plan and there are numerous Bible verses about children being a blessing. The account of Jesus taking the children in His arms is recorded several times in the Bible. We can follow Jesus’ example by showing a child that he or she has value in our eyes and in the eyes of God.
- Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. — Matthew 19:13-14
- Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. — Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage and a reward. They are a blessing!
God’s Word also contains several Scriptures on the importance of protecting children. Jesus calls us to care for children and not send them away as insignificant. Children are valuable to Him! In many cultures around the world, children are often abused, neglected and discarded. They may be sold for profit into the sex industry or sold as slaves to work in horrible conditions.
Jesus has committed children into our arms of protection.
- See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. — Matthew 18:10
- A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. — Proverbs 13:22
- Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. — James 1:27
James describes “true religion” much differently than many people in our culture. He explains it as the act of “look[ing] after orphans and widows.” God has special concern for those most vulnerable, those who fall at the margins of society who are often exploited. God claims to be their protector and James instructs us to follow His example.
Deuteronomy 10:18 says that God “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” James reiterates that truth in the verse above and shares that the responsibility to care for widows and orphans is ours as well.
It is a tremendous blessing to love, serve, and protect the most vulnerable in this world and share God’s love with them. He’s the greatest Protector of all.
od tells us to “daily meditate” on His Word (Ps 1:2) as well as “hide God’s Word in our heart” (Ps 119:11). These commands apply to adults and children. Children cannot live according to God’s ways if they do not know God’s Words. Here are six ways to help your children develop a love for God’s Word.
1. Develop the habit of reading the Bible
Your first priority is to spend time daily reading God’s Word. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” God’s progression in this passage is important. God’s Word is to be on your heart, and then it can be taught to children.
Empty vessels have nothing to give. You cannot pass on to children what you do not have. You will not pass on a passion for Scripture if you do not treasure it your- self. You cannot train children to develop the skills to study God’s Word if you have not cultivated it in your own life. If you are a Christian educator, make sure that doing God’s work does not inhibit your time in God’s Word. Spending time daily in God’s Word needs to be your highest priority.
2. Practice family worship
Family worship is the means of introducing children to the truths of Scripture and preparing children for the Christian life. The practice consists of reading Scripture as a family, prayer, and praise to God, often through music. God has given the father the role of spiritual leader, but both mother and father are to share in the biblical instruction of children (Eph 6:4; Prov 1:8).
Consider a few practical thoughts:
• Read the Bible, not someone’s thoughts about the Bible. Devotionals are helpful, but the primary source should be the Bible. My wife and I often read Psalms and Prov- erbs to our children. We choose passages based on what we are strategically teaching them. Proverbs is the one book of the Bible written to young people, and it should receive heavy emphasis in your home or classroom.
• Read the entire Bible to children. The pattern of Scrip- ture is to teach children the deep truths of Scripture. Children were not excused when difficult topics were covered in the Colossian or Ephesian church. Children were present to be told to obey parents; and therefore, were taught everything contained in these two books.
• Read briefly. Remember, they are children. The younger a child is, the shorter their attention span will be. Don’t expect your child to study the Bible like an adult. Try to keep your family reading concise and to the point, but meaningful. Ten minutes is a good amount of time to begin. A great resource is The Long Story Short by Marty Machowski.
• Include children in reading and discussion. Your goal is to explain the Bible passage clearly and biblically, engage children in the process, and help them apply God’s truth to life.
If family worship is not a normal habit in your home, do not be discouraged by the child who complains, does not answer questions, or tries to derail the time. Once the child learns that you are serious about reading the Bible on a regular basis, they will get into the routine of listening and responding.
3. Teach children core doctrines of Christianity Young people are unlikely to remain faithful to a faith they do not understand and cannot defend. Parents and Christian schools should teach children of all ages the core doctrines of the Christian faith with a zeal and consistency that follows the pattern of the Bible. In 2 Timothy 3:15 we read of Timothy, “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 71:17 says, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”
The pattern of Scripture is for children of all ages to be taught the core truths of the Bible so that they will be firmly rooted in Christ and established in their faith (Col 2:7). The Bible clearly states what will happen to children when they are not well grounded in God’s Word. Here are three examples:
1. Children are taken captive by man’s ideas and deceived by human traditions (Col 2:8).
2. Children become rebellious and live a godless, unfaith- ful life (Ps 78:8).
3. Children grow up not knowing God or His great works (Judg 2:10).
The following topics should be taught to children of all ages:
The Gospel
The gospel is the good news because it addresses our most serious problem. The gospel summarized: we have rebelled against a holy God that created us. God acted in Jesus to save us, and we take hold of that salvation by repentance of sin through faith in Jesus. Concerning the gospel, you should have a threefold aim that your children: (1) clearly understand it, (2) concisely explain it, and (3) confidently proclaim it.
Big Picture of the Bible
The Bible is not a random collection of people or events. It is a unified whole with one main storyline pointing to, revolving around, and fulfilled in Jesus. There are four major parts of the Bible: creation (Gen 1-2), fall (Gen 3), salva- tion (Gen 4 - Rev 20), and re-creation (Rev 21-22). As you read through the Old Testament, help children to see how it points to Jesus and His covenant of salvation. Jesus himself did this, “And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, he explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures” (Lk 24:27).
The primary aim of the Bible is to glorify God, and this happens in salvation and judgment found on every page of the Bible. Read and reread the stories of the Bible to your children with this in mind. Familiarize them with the main stories, people, and events of the Bible, but not in a way that detaches them from the overall storyline of Scripture. We should call our children to obedience to Jesus Christ and can use the heroes of the faith as models to imitate, but let our teaching not dissolve into moralistic instruction separated from the gospel of Jesus or the glory of God.
“Children cannot live according to God’s ways if they do not know God’s Words.”
Doctrine
Doctrine is simply a word to describe what the Bible teaches. Paul challenges young Timothy to “watch your life and your doctrine closely” (1 Tim 4:16). Every child needs to under- stand the core doctrines of the Christian faith to grow into a man or woman with convictions to follow God.
The two most critical doctrines for children to learn center on the Word of God and the Son of God. It is a mark of successful education to teach children the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Bible. Great schools train children to embrace the supremacy, exclusivity, deity, and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
In addition, we must repeatedly, with greater depth as children age, teach topics such as: creation to counter evolu- tion, God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman to counter homosexuality, the reality of heaven and hell to counter the claim that death is the end of all existence, the atoning work of Jesus to counter the claim that all reli- gions lead to the same God, the Trinity, and the character of God, to name a few.
4. Give your child a Bible
When my mother was dying of ALS, she asked me what I wanted of her possessions to remember her by. My mom had expensive jewelry, money, and things with worldly value, but the thing I wanted most was her Bible. My mom’s Bible is the physical expression of the greatest gift she ever gave me: a love for God’s Word. Her Bible is tattered and torn. Its pages are yellow and marked up. It was well used and well loved. I want you to give this same gift to your children.
Purchase a high-quality leather Bible and personalize it for each child. Choose a full text, readable version that a child can use as they grow older. A good age to give this to a child is during their middle elementary years, between ages 8 and 10.
Plan a special ceremony or meal around this event. Before giving the Bible to your child, underline or highlight passag- es you want to emphasize. Make notations in the margins, and write short notes of encouragement and affirmation. May your gift help your child love God’s Word and echo the Psalmist, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey” (Ps 119:103).
5. Teach children how to study the Bible
During the early years of a child’s life, the parent is the one to feed the child spiritually. But gradually, this responsibility should be shifted to the child. For this to happen, parents must teach their child how to read the Bible. Children should be taught basic Bible study methods which include observation, interpretation, and application. This is known as inductive Bible study.
Observation: “What does this passage say?”
Observation is taking a close look at what is going on in the passage of Scripture. Correct observations are key to understanding the meaning of the text. We need to read the Bible thoroughly, slowly, and prayerfully to understand what God is saying.
Interpretation: “What does this mean?”
Interpretation is trying to understand the intent of the author. Interpretation is affected by the culture in which the author wrote, the biases we bring to the text, and the context in which the passage is found. We cannot understand a verse without understanding a chapter. We cannot understand a chapter without understanding the entire book. We should teach children to interpret Scripture with Scripture and to consult resources such as commentaries to best understand a passage.
Application: “What does this passage require of me?”
We come to the Bible for transformation, not simply infor- mation. God’s Word has the authority to tell us how to live.
We train children to obey all God’s commands, not just the ones they like. Teach children that obedience is essential, not optional.
6. Provide Bible study tools for children
Every child should understand how to use the following Bible study tools, which make great gifts.
Commentaries
A commentary simply explains the meaning and applica- tion of Scripture. Scholars spend great amounts of time studying the Bible. They write about their discoveries in commentaries. Scripture can be difficult to understand, so good commentaries are helpful for a young person to have.
Bible Dictionary
A Bible dictionary lists items by theme. Using this tool, young people will be taught to look up people, places, and themes of Scripture. Bible dictionaries help a person quickly learn about important and obscure people of the Bible or the meaning of a word. Children can also look up themes such as faith and learn more about the topic.
Concordance
A concordance is a catalog of the Bible. It lists every word by alphabetical order and tells where to find each word by listing references. It is extremely helpful if a young person wants to study a specific word or remembers a word in a passage but cannot remember the reference.
Bible Atlas
A Bible atlas will teach about the geography of the Bible, the location of cities, and the whereabouts of important happenings. For example, there is an Old Testament Jericho and a New Testament Jericho. This is helpful to understand. The Scripture writers purposefully write that Jesus walked up to a location. This is a geographical reference. It is helpful to know where a city is located to better understand a text.
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