SEPTEMBER 2010-09-24

In the month of September we featured the Children and the need to share with them the Gospel

The first Sunday we addressed Foreign Missions

The second Sunday we addressed Foster Children

 The third Sunday we addressed the Youth

 The last Sunday we addressed the Sunday School

 “THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE WORLD”

 SCRIPTURE READING: MARK 10:13-16

 SCRIPTURE TEXT: Mark 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.

 INTRO: Children are very precious to God and how we treat children is one of God’s great concerns.

    Jesus was very much displeased (to be moved with indignation; to feel pain; to grieve; to be displeased, sore displeased, and much displeased [1]) with the attitude the disciples showed towards the children.

 NOTE: Strong indignation towards sin and injustice is justified 

   A lack of indignation towards sin and injustice is a gross sin. 

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.  

•    What is our attitude toward children? 

•    Children are a joy but sometimes they can also be a problem. 

•    But do you have that doesn’t cause problems once in a while? 

•    The joy of children far out weighs the problems. 

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  

   In the next few weeks we are going to consider children and how we as individuals and as a church should view them. 

   Today we want to consider THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. 

I. GOD’S CHURCH MUST BE MISSION MINDED. 

   There are too many Christians who are self-content. 

·         As long as I am saved that’s all that matters

·         As long as I have food

·         As long as I have clothes

·         As long as I have a home

 

   Those who are unconcerned for those who are lost do not truly appreciate or value their own salvation. 

   One of the greatest motivations for mission, next to our love for God, should be the need to reach THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. 

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  

   God has called those who have experience the Grace of God to share that Grace with others. 

   There are many who need help in reaching the shores of heaven. 

Acts 27: 43-44  But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.  

   It is our responsibility as Children of God to help all we can to reach the heavenly shores. 

II. EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST BE INVOLVED IN MISSIONS. 

NOTE: There are countless numbers of people, including children, who going into eternity without Christ. 

   It is our responsibility as the Church of God to do whatever we can to bring the Gospel message to these who are lost. 

Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  

NOTE: There is a task in mission for each and every one of us. 

Romans 12:4-8 (NIV) Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

   We may not all go to the mission fields but we all can have a part.

   We all can:

• Pray

• Encourage

• Give support

CONCLUSION: Do we have a burden for THE LOST CHILDREN OF THE WORLD; if not are we willing to ask God to grant us this burden?

“REACHING OUR YOUTH” 

SCRIPTURE READING: ECCLESIASTES 11:9-12:7 

SCRIPTURE TEXT: Ecclesiastes 12:1

    Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

 INTRO: Statistics show us that only 6% commit their lives to Christ after their 19 birthday. 

   Teenagers today are facing the most critical time in their lives. 

   They will be making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives but on the most part they do not realized it.  

• Friends

• Schooling

• Employment

• Spouse

• Drugs

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

    Some of the things that will influence most of the youth in the choices they make whether good or bad; are: 

• Family

• Friends

• Media

• Pier pressure

    The one influence missing on the vast majority is the church. 

   Most of the youth in Onalaska do not attend church. 

   Their families do not attend church. 

   Many have never entered a church except for a wedding or funeral. 

   Many of the youth have a negative concept of the church. 

   Some of the youth, either they themselves or someone in their families, have been hurt by the church. 

   They may not come to church with us, but they may go to Young Life with their friends. 

   How do we reach these young people? 

   Or should we even care? 

   Do we say, “If they can’t come to church than let them go to hell”? 

Proverbs 24:11-12 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;  If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?  

   Every Christian has the responsibility to share the Gospel with those around them.   

There are certain things that each of us can do that will help reach the youth of Onalaska with the Gospel message.

 ·         Prayer (a list of the youth attending Young Life) 

NOTE: At the age of 15 I only had to go to Sunday School, yet the prayers of the people turn me to God. 

·         Give (money, food, time, encouragement)

 CONCLUSION: Ask God to search your heart and see what He would have you do to help reach the youth of Onalaska.

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