Nurturing Faith: A Community's Commitment to Children

 

Summary

In a gathering focused on spiritual growth and community, Gary Cross leads a celebration of faith and life, particularly emphasizing the importance of nurturing children in a Christian environment. The event opens with a joyful acknowledgment of a child named Xander, whose presence symbolizes the welcoming nature of God's kingdom. The community is reminded that God's love is unconditional and that everyone is invited to approach Him with open hearts and empty hands, much like a child.

The discourse then transitions to a reading from Deuteronomy 6, which underscores the commandment to love God wholeheartedly and to instill His teachings in the hearts of children. The community is encouraged to discuss these teachings at home and to make them a visible part of their daily lives. This is followed by a prayer of gratitude for the gift of new life, represented by Xander, and for the love and hope he embodies.

The event also includes a baby dedication ceremony, where the parents of Xander express their thankfulness for their child and commit to raising him within the Christian faith. The wider family and the congregation pledge their support, promising to surround Xander with love, prayer, and Christian example.

In addition to the dedication, the community is informed about various church activities, including Sunday School for children, counseling and prayer services, and opportunities for giving and expressing gratitude to God. The importance of understanding baptism is highlighted, with classes offered to educate on its significance according to biblical teachings.

A forthcoming event, Taste of the Nations, is announced, which celebrates cultural diversity and fellowship through sharing foods from different countries. This event is presented as a foretaste of heaven, where all nations will come together in unity.

Furthermore, the introduction of prayer cards is discussed, providing a means for individuals to share their prayer requests and concerns confidentially. These requests will be prayed over by Gary Cross and another leader, emphasizing the importance of community support and intercession.

The gathering concludes with a collective prayer for Xander and his family, asking for God's guidance and protection as he grows. The prayer encompasses a desire for Xander to come to know Jesus Christ personally and to live a life that reflects His love and teachings.

Key Takeaways:

- The Christian community is called to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to diligently teach these commandments to the next generation. This responsibility extends beyond the family unit to the entire faith community, which is tasked with nurturing children in a way that they may grow to understand and embody these teachings. [28:28]

- The practice of giving and tithing is not seen as an obligation enforced by a demanding deity but as an act of worship and gratitude. It is a response to the blessings received from God, acknowledging His provision and expressing thankfulness through practical support of the church's work. [11:53]

- The concept of a faith community extends to cultural and ethnic inclusivity, as demonstrated by the Taste of the Nations event. This gathering is a reflection of the biblical vision of a diverse yet unified body of believers, celebrating God's love for all people and looking forward to an eternity of fellowship without barriers. [17:29]

- Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian life, and the introduction of prayer cards is a practical step to encourage personal and communal intercession. It allows for the sharing of burdens and the support of one another in faith, reinforcing the idea that no one should navigate life's challenges alone. [16:01]

- The dedication of children is a significant ritual that symbolizes the community's commitment to support the spiritual development of its youngest members. It is a reminder that the responsibility of raising a child in the faith is shared by the family and the wider church community, who together seek to model and teach the love of Christ. [26:53]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
> "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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."

2. 1 Samuel 2:1-5 (NIV)
> "Then Hannah prayed and said: 'My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Deuteronomy 6:4-9 emphasize about the relationship between loving God and teaching children? How are these teachings to be integrated into daily life?
2. In 1 Samuel 2:1-5, what are the key themes of Hannah's prayer? How does she describe God's power and justice?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the baby dedication ceremony for Xander and his family? ([26:13])
4. What are some of the church activities mentioned in the sermon that support spiritual growth and community involvement? ([11:14])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength relate to the responsibility of teaching children about faith? Why is this important for the community as a whole?
2. Reflecting on Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-5, how does her experience and expression of faith provide a model for us in times of both joy and struggle?
3. The sermon highlights the importance of community support in raising children within the faith. How can the church practically fulfill this role in today's context? ([26:53])
4. The introduction of prayer cards is a new initiative mentioned in the sermon. How might this practice enhance the sense of community and mutual support within the church? ([18:48])

#### Application Questions
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 calls for God's commandments to be a visible part of daily life. What are some practical ways you can incorporate these teachings into your home and family routines?
2. Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-5 shows deep gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of thankfulness and trust in your own prayer life?
3. The baby dedication ceremony for Xander involved commitments from both the parents and the congregation. How can you personally support the families in your church community in raising their children in the faith? ([26:13])
4. The sermon mentioned various church activities such as Sunday School, counseling, and prayer services. Which of these activities could you participate in or support to help foster a stronger faith community? ([11:14])
5. The Taste of the Nations event celebrates cultural diversity within the church. How can you contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in your church community? ([17:29])
6. The practice of giving and tithing was described as an act of worship and gratitude. How can you develop a more intentional and joyful approach to giving in your own life? ([11:53])
7. The introduction of prayer cards aims to encourage personal and communal intercession. What specific prayer requests or concerns would you like to share with your small group or church community for support? ([18:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Heartfelt Love for God and Children
Loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength is a central commandment that must be passed down to children. It is the duty of every believer to ensure that this love is not just spoken of but lived out in the home, becoming a visible and tangible part of everyday life. This love is the foundation upon which children can build their understanding of faith and their relationship with God. [28:28]

Deuteronomy 11:19 - "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Reflection: How can you more intentionally demonstrate your love for God in ways that positively influence the children in your life?

Day 2: Worship Through Giving
Giving and tithing are acts of worship that reflect a heart of gratitude towards God. They are not burdensome obligations but joyful expressions of thanks for His abundant blessings. This practice supports the church's mission and allows believers to participate in God's work on earth, acknowledging His provision in their lives. [11:53]

2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What blessings have you received recently, and how can you express your gratitude to God through your giving?

Day 3: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Faith
The kingdom of God is beautifully diverse, and the church should reflect this diversity. Events like Taste of the Nations remind believers of the unity and fellowship that await in heaven. By celebrating different cultures, the church on earth mirrors the inclusivity and love that characterizes God's eternal kingdom. [17:29]

Revelation 7:9 - "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in and promote cultural diversity within your faith community?

Day 4: The Power of Communal Prayer
Prayer is a cornerstone of the Christian life, and sharing prayer requests through prayer cards is a way to bear one another's burdens. This practice fosters a sense of community and support, as believers intercede for each other and navigate life's challenges together. It is a reminder that no one is alone in their walk with God. [16:01]

James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: What is a personal struggle you can share with your faith community to seek support and prayer?

Day 5: The Community's Role in Child Dedication
The dedication of children is a communal commitment to support their spiritual growth. It signifies the shared responsibility of the family and the church to model and teach Christ's love. This ritual is a promise to guide children towards a personal relationship with Jesus and to live out His teachings together. [26:53]

Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual nurturing of the children in your church community?

Quotes

1) "We don't see God as a Taskmaster with a big stick ready to hit us on the head if we don't give. We believe that we are instructed to honor the Lord with all our wealth." [11:53] (Download)

2) "We celebrate Family Life acknowledging that children are not just the property of their parents but of us all. We're all responsible for helping these parents raise Xander up in the ways of the Lord." [26:53] (Download)

3) "As you look at that little man who can do nothing for himself, he is a living sign that God welcomes all of us without condition, lavishing his love and his grace on all who come to him." [28:28] (Download)

4) "We want to celebrate the gift of Life, the faithfulness of God, and we want to celebrate Community, the village and the church communities in which this young man will grow up in." [26:13] (Download)

5) "We believe that it is important to pray for one another and to intercede for one another so that the Lord can continue moving in the lives of everyone." [20:56] (Download)

6) "We will Covenant together, we will make promises with one another today as parents, as family, and as the church, and we're going to make these promises before God so they're important." [26:53] (Download)

7) "We celebrate God's love for the Nations, for God so loved the world, the whole world, every single person, Every Nation, every tribe, every tongue, every language, he loves them all." [17:29] (Download)

8) "We have baptism classes because we understand that it is important for people to know why they are getting baptized, in whose name they are being baptized, what's the importance of baptism." [13:57] (Download)

9) "We pray that one day you will be a disciple of Jesus Christ, that you will follow Jesus through the waters of baptism and in a life of faithful witness bear the fruit of his spirit." [34:00] (Download)

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Transcript
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