What Are We Going To Do With These Kids?

"I'm grateful you're here," Brad said as he welcomes us on this beautiful new day. He extended a special welcome to mothers on this Mother's Day, which began with the men of the church making a special breakfast for the mothers of our church family.

Announcements
1. Brooke excitedly announced Vacation Bible School coming up June 16. Volunteers always welcome as well as a
2. Walt said it is a week for praise as the permits were all approved this week, and the financing is in place to be signed off on tomorrow. There's also an insert in the program today identifying the needs where volunteers can assist.
3. Friendship dinners will begin again this summer.

Our transition to worship began with Darlene's playing a beautiful medley beginning and ending with As a Deer... "You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship you."

Chuck read from the Psalms and then led us in song from the new songbooks. After the offering we turned our hearts to God in prayer.

What Are We Going To Do With These Kids?

Brad began by reading from Mark 10:13-16.

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Whatever age you are, this is the truth: kids are central to any culture.

He then shared the story of a homeless woman who'd just lost her children, her complicated life growing up and troubled life and subsequent behavior. Some of the complicated situations in many homes are so tragic they defy comprehension.

One church he went to said the pastor's goal there was to have all the youth of that church leave by age 18 rooted and grounded in their faith. He said in seven years he only saw one hold the faith he or she received.

Most kids today grow up expecting their parents to get a divorce.

Most kids growing up today will never have a spiritual conversation.

One of the things that keeps most parents awake at night is concern about their kids.

And so it is that Brad set the context for today's message.

In expounding on the above passage Brad sets the context by putting us in the shoes of a six year old boy whose mom was bringing him to see this great Teacher and how much enthusiasm must have been bubbling up in his heart, only to be squashed by the disciples who are acting more like Secret Service men keeping the children back.

Jesus is indignant, which is a fancy word for angry. It's good to see what makes Jesus angry, and learn from it.

Kids in that day were the bottom rung of society. Yet, here is another example of how the last will be first.

Three gifts Jesus gives us in this text.

1. First, He gives time to kids.
This is not to suggest such is simple. This is probably the busiest time in the world.

Brad shared how when he asked some people whose kids grew up well were able to do it. They said they learned how to say no to things. They made sacrifices.

All too often we want things that don't cost us anything and in point of fact, time costs us something. Time will cost you something. It may be a lesser house. Sacrificing to make sure you have a special bedtime together and meals together.

2. Second, Jesus gives His touch.

We were reminded that it takes five adults to raise one child. Kids need to know that we care about them for their own sake, not as a strategy to make us look good. We were reminded that it takes five adults to raise one child. Kids need to know that we care about them for their own sake, not as a strategy to make us look good. Brad thanked all the heroes in our church who are actively investing in kids' lives here, in Sunday school, Wednesday nights, Kids Club, etc. Brad thanked all the heroes in our church who are actively investing in kids' lives here, in Sunday school, Wednesday nights, Kids Club, etc.

3. Third, He gives His blessing.

Kids don't just need us, but they need God in their lives.

What are we going to do with these kids? We give them our time. We give them our touch. We give them our faith.