Building Foundations: Child Dedication and Reconciliation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today is a special day as we celebrate Child Dedication Sunday. This is a moment where we dedicate not just the children but also the parents and guardians, committing to lay a strong spiritual foundation for these young lives. We recognize that children are a precious gift from God, and it is our collective responsibility as a church family to support and nurture them in their faith journey.
We provided each family with symbolic gifts: a stone with a cross to remind them that Jesus is the foundation, oil symbolizing the Holy Spirit and the divine calling on each child's life, and a coin representing the treasure that children are to us and to God. We also gave each child an envelope to be opened on their 12th birthday, containing the gospel message as a reminder of their dedication day and an invitation to know Jesus.
We then moved into a time of blessing, praying Psalm 139 over these children, acknowledging that God has a unique plan for each of them. We prayed for the parents and the church to be empowered to raise these children in a godly manner, despite the challenges of our culture.
Transitioning to the sermon, we focused on the theme of reconciliation, a continuation of our series on "peopling." Last week, we discussed forgiveness, and today we took it a step further by exploring reconciliation. Reconciliation is about restoring relationships and making peace, even when it's difficult. We examined the Matthew 18 model for handling conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues directly and privately first, then involving others if necessary, and finally, seeking church authority if the conflict remains unresolved.
We highlighted that reconciliation is not just about resolving conflicts but also about aligning our relationships with God's will. We must approach reconciliation with love, patience, and a desire for true peace, just as Christ reconciled us to God. The ultimate goal is to restore harmony and unity, reflecting the peace that God has given us through Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Children as Divine Gifts: Children are a precious gift from God, uniquely called and anointed for His purposes. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to lay a spiritual foundation and call out the divine purpose in their children through prayer and godly example. This dedication is a commitment to nurture their faith journey. [41:17]
2. Symbolic Gifts and Their Meanings: The stone with a cross, oil, and coin given to the families symbolize foundational truths. The stone represents Jesus as the foundation, the oil signifies the Holy Spirit and the divine calling, and the coin reminds us that children are treasures. These symbols serve as constant reminders of the spiritual responsibilities parents and the church hold. [43:15]
3. The Importance of Reconciliation: Reconciliation goes beyond forgiveness; it involves restoring relationships and making peace. It requires effort, humility, and a willingness to address conflicts directly. The Matthew 18 model provides a biblical blueprint for handling conflicts, emphasizing private resolution first, then involving others, and finally seeking church authority if needed. [55:39]
4. Approaching Conflict with Love: When addressing conflicts, it's crucial to approach with love, patience, and a desire for true peace. Prayer and self-examination are essential steps before engaging in reconciliation. This approach aligns our actions with God's will and helps restore harmony in relationships. [01:09:42]
5. The Role of the Church in Reconciliation: The church plays a vital role in maintaining unity and helping resolve conflicts. When personal efforts fail, involving church leadership can bring clarity and authority to the situation. The goal is always to restore relationships and maintain the unity of the church body. [01:17:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Child Dedication Sunday
[1:15] - Calling Up Families for Dedication
[2:00] - Symbolic Gifts Explanation
[3:30] - Stone with Cross: Jesus as Foundation
[4:15] - Oil: Holy Spirit and Divine Calling
[5:00] - Coin: Children as Treasures
[6:00] - Envelope for 12th Birthday
[7:00] - Blessing Over the Children
[8:30] - Transition to Sermon: Reconciliation
[9:00] - Importance of Reconciliation
[10:00] - Matthew 18 Model for Conflict Resolution
[11:00] - Approaching Conflict with Love
[12:00] - Role of the Church in Reconciliation
[13:00] - Call to Action: Seek Reconciliation
[14:00] - Closing Prayer and Altar Call
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
> "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
2. Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)
> "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
3. Romans 5:8-10 (NIV)
> "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What symbolic gifts were given to the families during the Child Dedication Sunday, and what do they represent? [41:17]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Psalm 139 in the context of child dedication? [49:38]
3. What steps does Matthew 18 outline for handling conflicts and seeking reconciliation? [55:39]
4. How does Romans 5:8-10 describe the process of reconciliation between God and humanity?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize children as divine gifts and to lay a strong spiritual foundation for them? [41:17]
2. How do the symbolic gifts (stone, oil, coin) serve as reminders of the spiritual responsibilities of parents and the church? [43:15]
3. What does the Matthew 18 model teach us about the importance of addressing conflicts directly and privately first? [55:39]
4. How does the concept of reconciliation in Romans 5:8-10 relate to our relationships with others and our responsibility to seek peace? [01:04:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the symbolic gifts given during the Child Dedication Sunday. How can you incorporate the reminders of Jesus as the foundation, the Holy Spirit's calling, and the treasure of children into your daily life? [41:17]
2. Psalm 139 emphasizes that God has a unique plan for each child. How can you actively support and nurture the children in your life to discover and fulfill their divine purpose? [49:38]
3. Think about a current conflict in your life. How can you apply the Matthew 18 model to seek reconciliation? What steps will you take this week to address the issue directly and privately? [55:39]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of approaching conflicts with love, patience, and a desire for true peace. How can you prepare your heart and mind through prayer before engaging in a difficult conversation? [01:09:42]
5. The role of the church in reconciliation is crucial. How can you contribute to maintaining unity and helping resolve conflicts within your church community? [01:17:32]
6. Romans 5:8-10 speaks of God's love and reconciliation through Christ. How can you embody this same spirit of reconciliation in your relationships, especially with those you find difficult to forgive? [01:04:44]
7. Consider a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What practical steps can you take this week to initiate peace and restore harmony, following the example of Christ's reconciliation with us? [01:26:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Children as Divine Gifts
Children are a precious gift from God, uniquely called and anointed for His purposes. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to lay a spiritual foundation and call out the divine purpose in their children through prayer and godly example. This dedication is a commitment to nurture their faith journey. As a church family, we also share in this responsibility, supporting and nurturing these young lives in their faith journey. This collective effort ensures that children grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, understanding their value and purpose in God's kingdom. [41:17]
Psalm 127:3-4 (ESV)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth."
Reflection: How can you actively support the spiritual growth of the children in your life or community today?
Day 2: Symbolic Gifts and Their Meanings
The stone with a cross, oil, and coin given to the families symbolize foundational truths. The stone represents Jesus as the foundation, the oil signifies the Holy Spirit and the divine calling, and the coin reminds us that children are treasures. These symbols serve as constant reminders of the spiritual responsibilities parents and the church hold. Each gift is a tangible representation of the spiritual truths we want to instill in our children, helping them understand their identity and purpose in Christ. [43:15]
1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What symbolic reminders can you incorporate into your daily life to keep your focus on Jesus as your foundation?
Day 3: The Importance of Reconciliation
Reconciliation goes beyond forgiveness; it involves restoring relationships and making peace. It requires effort, humility, and a willingness to address conflicts directly. The Matthew 18 model provides a biblical blueprint for handling conflicts, emphasizing private resolution first, then involving others, and finally seeking church authority if needed. Reconciliation is about aligning our relationships with God's will, seeking true peace and harmony, just as Christ reconciled us to God. [55:39]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? What steps can you take today to begin that process?
Day 4: Approaching Conflict with Love
When addressing conflicts, it's crucial to approach with love, patience, and a desire for true peace. Prayer and self-examination are essential steps before engaging in reconciliation. This approach aligns our actions with God's will and helps restore harmony in relationships. By seeking God's guidance and examining our own hearts, we can approach conflicts with the right attitude, aiming for resolution and unity. [01:09:42]
James 1:19-20 (ESV)
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Before addressing a conflict, take a moment to pray and examine your heart. How can you ensure your approach is rooted in love and patience?
Day 5: The Role of the Church in Reconciliation
The church plays a vital role in maintaining unity and helping resolve conflicts. When personal efforts fail, involving church leadership can bring clarity and authority to the situation. The goal is always to restore relationships and maintain the unity of the church body. The church's involvement ensures that conflicts are handled biblically and with the aim of reconciliation, reflecting the peace and unity that God desires for His people. [01:17:32]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)
"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you support your church's efforts in maintaining unity and resolving conflicts within the congregation?
Quotes
1. "This is more like dedicating the parents to the kids than it is dedicating the kids to the Lord because here's the thing these kids right now the parents have a responsibility the parents have responsibility to lay a foundation to where they would come to the Lord at a later in life and so we have some things that we're going to give each and every one of you in these bags and they all represent something and it's something for you to remember as you raise these kids in the Lord and we're also going to remind you that it takes more than just you to raise these kids it takes a family and it takes a church." [41:17] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every one of these kids have a call in their life every one of these kids have a god-given purpose in their life and it's responsibility of the parent to find that purpose in these kids and to raise these kids in that way to see it in their kids and to call that purpose out and so the oil is a reminder for you parents that your kid has a divine call in their life a divine call these are future prophets and teachers and pastors and these these are evangelists these are these are kids are going to go into the workplace and spread the gospel these are kids that are going to make a difference in their life and it's going to make a difference the call of god." [43:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to make peace with our brothers. We cannot live in disharmony. We cannot let small things keep us from this relationship that God wants to have with all people. A couple of weeks ago, we used this passage in Hebrews to kind of tie it all up. And I'll read the first part to you. It says, work at living in peace with everyone. It takes work. Have you noticed this? Peace takes work. In fact, I want to say it's harder to keep peace than to win a war. Peace is hard. Peace is difficult. We have to keep peace in our families. If we're not careful, we let small things in and it destroys us." [58:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to learn to forgive quickly and we have to learn to go and make reconciliation quickly. Scripture says this, that if you're at the altar and you know that you have something against your brother, your brother has something against you. He says, leave your gift at the altar. Go and be reconciled to your brother. We have to do things quickly or else they fester." [59:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Reconciliation is bringing things back into alignment, bringing things back into harmony. It's making things as they used to be. And peace and reconciliation, it doesn't mean you're forming an alliance with them. It doesn't mean you're their best friends again. I mean, that would be awesome, but sometimes that just can't happen. But it is bringing back into alignment. It's bringing things back into an agreement. That's what peace is. And that's what reconciliation is. And we have to do this as the people of God, because that's what God has done for us." [01:03:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We must seek what we call reconciliation. And reconciliation is bringing things back into alignment, bringing things back into harmony. It's making things as they used to be. And peace and reconciliation, it doesn't mean you're forming an alliance with them. It doesn't mean you're their best friends again. I mean, that would be awesome, but sometimes that just can't happen. But it is bringing back into alignment. It's bringing things back into an agreement. That's what peace is. And that's what reconciliation is. And we have to do this as the people of God, because that's what God has done for us." [01:03:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus won the war. Jesus made peace, not a ceasefire, but peace. And then he goes on to continue. For while we're his enemies, we're reconciled to God by the death of his son. Much more now that we have been reconciled, shall we be saved by his life? More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. So Christ himself has reconciled us to himself, and we must do the same thing with others. We must make peace with God. We must make peace with God. We must make peace with God. We must make peace." [01:04:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How you approach somebody, how you approach them with anything, usually to talk to them, determines the outcome of the situation. I like to play golf. I'm really bad at it. And so I know the value of a good approach. If my approach is bad toward the tee, the outcome is probably going to be pretty bad. And my approach is usually pretty bad on golf. But I know if I have a good approach, I have a better opportunity to get par or less. And so in our own way, we have to learn to approach people in a way that they're going to be able to receive." [01:11:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not brag. It's not arrogant. It does not act unbecomingly. It does not seek its own. It's not provoked. It does not take into account a wrong suffered. Does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Do you love that person? It's hard to love people that have wronged you. It's hard to love people that you're at war with, that God calls us to love. He says, love your enemies. We have to love them. And we approach them with love to seek reconciliation." [01:12:32] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We have to seek to understand where they're at. What's going on in their life? Why did they treat me that way? What's going on in their life that makes me be treated that way? You know, I say things sometimes and I'm hungry and tired, and I didn't mean to say it. Are you with me? Some hangry words. And I'm like, man, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to say it. It just came out because I wasn't in a good space. And maybe that person, when they said that to you or did that thing to you, they just weren't in a good space. And so you need to give grace. And that's why you ask the Lord, God, help me understand where they're at so I can come to them at their level." [01:13:47] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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