Dedication, Judgment, and God's Faithfulness: A Call to Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to dedicate three precious children—Bo, Brody, and Violet—to the Lord. This act of dedication is rooted in the biblical example of Jesus being brought to the temple by His parents. The parents of these children have committed to raising them in the ways of the Lord, taking on the role of primary spiritual caregivers. They pledged to live godly lives, to bring their children into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to engage in family worship and church attendance. The congregation also committed to supporting these families through prayer and by setting a Christ-like example.
We then transitioned into our ongoing series on the book of Revelation, focusing on chapters 14 and 15. These chapters highlight the distinction between two cities: Zion, representing the holy city and the New Jerusalem, and Babylon, symbolizing the world and its wickedness. The vision John received shows the ultimate fate of the citizens of these two cities. The righteous are harvested by Jesus, the Son of Man, while the wicked are gathered and thrown into the winepress of God's wrath.
The imagery of the harvest and the winepress serves as a stark reminder of the final judgment. The blood flowing as high as a horse's bridle signifies the immense number of lost souls. This should break our hearts and compel us to evangelize and pray fervently for the lost. The series of judgments—seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls—culminate in the final outpouring of God's wrath, but also in the ultimate deliverance of His people.
The worship scenes in heaven, where the victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, remind us of God's faithfulness in delivering His people. Just as He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He will lead us to the New Jerusalem. Our prayers and worship are powerful, influencing God's righteous acts on earth. Therefore, we must elevate our prayer lives, interceding for our lost loved ones and seeking God's presence and power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Parental Responsibility in Spiritual Nurture: Parents are the primary spiritual caregivers of their children. They are called to live godly lives, teach their children about Jesus, and engage in family worship. This responsibility is not to be outsourced to the church but is a daily commitment to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. [39:06]
2. The Distinction Between Zion and Babylon: Revelation chapters 14 and 15 draw a clear line between the citizens of Zion and Babylon. Zion represents the holy city and the New Jerusalem, while Babylon symbolizes the world and its wickedness. The ultimate fate of these two groups serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of our spiritual allegiance. [51:54]
3. The Power of Prayer and Worship: Our prayers and worship have a profound impact on God's actions. The prayers of the saints are collected in bowls in heaven, influencing God's righteous acts on earth. This underscores the importance of a robust prayer life, especially in interceding for the lost. [01:21:03]
4. The Urgency of Evangelism: The imagery of the final judgment, where the blood of the wicked flows as high as a horse's bridle, should break our hearts. It highlights the immense number of lost souls and the urgency of our mission to evangelize and share the good news of Jesus Christ. [01:06:39]
5. God's Faithfulness in Deliverance: The worship scenes in heaven, where the victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, remind us of God's faithfulness. Just as He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He will deliver His people to the New Jerusalem. This assurance should strengthen our faith and commitment to God's kingdom. [01:13:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:34] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[37:04] - Child Dedications
[38:36] - Parental Commitment
[39:06] - Scriptural Charge to Parents
[40:35] - Congregational Support
[42:04] - Prayer for Families
[45:04] - Tithes and Offerings
[46:04] - Introduction to Revelation Series
[50:45] - Distinction Between Zion and Babylon
[51:54] - Vision of the Son of Man
[55:15] - Harvest of the Righteous
[58:01] - Judgment of the Wicked
[01:06:39] - Urgency of Evangelism
[01:13:56] - Worship in Heaven
[01:21:03] - Power of Prayer and Worship
[01:23:09] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
2. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
3. Revelation 14:14-20 - "I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, 'Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.' So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, 'Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.' The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia."
### Observation Questions
1. What commitment did the parents make during the child dedication ceremony? ([38:36])
2. What are the two cities mentioned in Revelation 14 and 15, and what do they symbolize? ([51:54])
3. What is the significance of the imagery of the harvest and the winepress in Revelation 14:14-20? ([55:57])
4. How does the worship scene in heaven described in Revelation 15 relate to God's faithfulness? ([01:13:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for parents to be the primary spiritual caregivers of their children, according to Proverbs 22:6 and Deuteronomy 6:6-9? ([39:06])
2. How does the distinction between Zion and Babylon in Revelation 14 and 15 serve as a reminder of our spiritual allegiance? ([51:54])
3. What does the imagery of the blood flowing as high as a horse's bridle in Revelation 14:20 signify about the final judgment? ([01:05:31])
4. How do the worship scenes in heaven, where the victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, remind us of God's faithfulness in delivering His people? ([01:13:56])
### Application Questions
1. How can you, as a parent or future parent, take on the role of the primary spiritual caregiver in your home? What specific steps can you take to ensure your children are raised in the ways of the Lord? ([39:06])
2. Reflect on your own spiritual allegiance. Are there areas in your life where you feel torn between Zion and Babylon? How can you strengthen your commitment to God's kingdom? ([51:54])
3. The imagery of the final judgment in Revelation 14:20 is meant to break our hearts for the lost. How can this imagery motivate you to evangelize and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others? ([01:06:39])
4. How can you elevate your prayer life to intercede more fervently for your lost loved ones? What specific changes can you make to ensure your prayers are more consistent and heartfelt? ([01:21:03])
5. In what ways can you participate in family worship and church attendance to set a Christ-like example for your children and others around you? ([41:35])
6. How can you support other families in your church community who are raising their children in the ways of the Lord? What practical steps can you take to offer encouragement and assistance? ([42:04])
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this assurance strengthen your faith and commitment to God's kingdom, especially in times of difficulty? ([01:13:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Parental Responsibility in Spiritual Nurture
Parents are the primary spiritual caregivers of their children. They are called to live godly lives, teach their children about Jesus, and engage in family worship. This responsibility is not to be outsourced to the church but is a daily commitment to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. The dedication of Bo, Brody, and Violet serves as a reminder of this sacred duty. Parents must be intentional in their spiritual leadership, creating an environment where their children can grow in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This involves daily practices such as prayer, Bible reading, and worship, both individually and as a family.
The congregation also plays a vital role in supporting these families. By committing to pray for them and setting a Christ-like example, the church community helps to reinforce the spiritual teachings and values that parents instill at home. This collective effort ensures that children are surrounded by a network of believers who encourage and nurture their faith journey. [39:06]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a new spiritual practice into your daily routine to nurture your child's faith today?
Day 2: The Distinction Between Zion and Babylon
Revelation chapters 14 and 15 draw a clear line between the citizens of Zion and Babylon. Zion represents the holy city and the New Jerusalem, while Babylon symbolizes the world and its wickedness. The ultimate fate of these two groups serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of our spiritual allegiance. The vision John received shows the righteous being harvested by Jesus, the Son of Man, while the wicked are gathered and thrown into the winepress of God's wrath. This stark contrast emphasizes the eternal consequences of our choices and the need to align ourselves with God's kingdom.
Understanding the distinction between Zion and Babylon helps believers to navigate the challenges of living in a world that often opposes God's values. It calls for a conscious decision to reject the ways of Babylon and to pursue holiness, righteousness, and a deeper relationship with God. This commitment requires daily choices that reflect our allegiance to Zion, such as prioritizing spiritual growth, engaging in community worship, and living out our faith in practical ways. [51:54]
Revelation 14:12 (ESV): "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure your actions and decisions reflect your allegiance to Zion rather than Babylon?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer and Worship
Our prayers and worship have a profound impact on God's actions. The prayers of the saints are collected in bowls in heaven, influencing God's righteous acts on earth. This underscores the importance of a robust prayer life, especially in interceding for the lost. The scenes of worship in heaven, where the victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, remind us of God's faithfulness in delivering His people. Just as He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He will lead us to the New Jerusalem.
Elevating our prayer lives involves more than just personal petitions; it includes interceding for others, especially those who have not yet come to know Jesus. Our worship, both individual and corporate, is a powerful expression of our faith and trust in God's promises. It is through prayer and worship that we align ourselves with God's will and participate in His redemptive work on earth. [01:21:03]
Revelation 5:8 (ESV): "And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
Reflection: How can you elevate your prayer life today to include more intercession for the lost and worship that aligns with God's will?
Day 4: The Urgency of Evangelism
The imagery of the final judgment, where the blood of the wicked flows as high as a horse's bridle, should break our hearts. It highlights the immense number of lost souls and the urgency of our mission to evangelize and share the good news of Jesus Christ. The vision of the harvest and the winepress serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences for those who do not know Christ. This should compel us to take seriously the call to evangelism and to actively seek opportunities to share our faith with others.
Evangelism is not just the responsibility of a few but a collective mission for all believers. It involves building relationships, sharing our testimonies, and presenting the gospel in a way that is both truthful and compassionate. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated, as the eternal destinies of many depend on our willingness to step out in faith and proclaim the message of salvation. [01:06:39]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with today, and what steps will you take to initiate that conversation?
Day 5: God's Faithfulness in Deliverance
The worship scenes in heaven, where the victorious sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, remind us of God's faithfulness. Just as He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He will deliver His people to the New Jerusalem. This assurance should strengthen our faith and commitment to God's kingdom. The imagery of the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb connects the past deliverance of God's people with the future promise of eternal salvation.
Reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past gives us confidence in His promises for the future. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of trials and challenges. Our worship and prayers are not in vain; they are powerful acts of faith that align us with God's redemptive plan. As we look forward to the ultimate deliverance, we are called to live lives that reflect our trust in God's faithfulness and our commitment to His kingdom. [01:13:56]
Exodus 15:1-2 (ESV): "Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, 'I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.'"
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness today, and how does that assurance impact your current faith and commitment to His kingdom?
Quotes
1. "Child dedication is really as we lift up these children Bo, Brody, and Violet to the Lord and we kind of distinguish and set apart the parents as the parents are here in front of their church family to commit to you all publicly that they have decided to raise these children in the admonition of the Lord and throughout their lives to continue to point them to Jesus and in fact the statement that these parents are making or they're saying today that they will take that role of the spiritual leader of their children's home." [38:36] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God commands moms and dads, the parents, to be the primary spiritual caregivers of their child to nourish them, to admonish them, to cheer them on as they walk and to follow all the commands of the Lord." [39:06] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Hopesters, as a community of believers and as a part of the body of Christ and within the family of God, do you promise to do in all of your power to assist and aid these parents in their covenant by praying for Bo and Brody and Violet and by living exemplary lives before these children? If that is your desire, say we will." [42:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As believers, we can't be satisfied with, 'Hey, I'm cool because I know my name's written in the book of life.' You can't be satisfied with me because I know my name's written in the book of life and hit cruise control. Like, no, there is a broken and lost world out there that needs to know the hope of Jesus Christ, and you and I have been given and entrusted with what scripture says, the ministry of reconciliation." [01:06:39] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You cannot have a heart that's one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in the world. You cannot have a heart that's one foot in Zion and one foot in Babylon. Lord, give me an undivided heart that my loyalty and my allegiance and my faith and my trust is in you and you alone." [01:17:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we pray and when we worship, God responds with his glorious power and presence. That's how powerful prayer is, that somehow the prayer of the saints helps release God's righteous acts on the earth." [01:21:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Maybe you're here today and you've never received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you were to die today, you would say, 'You know what, JT, I might be in Babylon right now.' There is a God in heaven who created you, who made you, who loves you, and I just want to give you an opportunity to come to faith today." [01:26:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The good news is that it's good news. It's not about how good or how bad or what you have or haven't done. It's all based on what Jesus has already done on your behalf, that while we're still sinners, Christ died for us, that he shed his blood so that the lamb of blood will cover your heart and your life." [01:27:42] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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