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August 29, 2007
In Pastor's Words
Seven Days Without Sunday School
How long has it been since you’ve given Sunday School a try? If you think you’re too old, or too busy, or too advanced in your knowledge of Scripture for Sunday School, consider these thoughts. Research tells us that a child’s impression and attitude about morality and religion begin in the formative years, develop more fully in grade school and become pretty well entrenched by the time teen years are reached. Thinking parents will listen to Scripture: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Does it make sense to faithfully bring children to Sunday School and Church where they will receive Christian instruction that will be indispensable for shaping their thoughts about God and shaping their lives? Absolutely!
What about the rest of us? Have we heard it all? Are we too old? Is there nothing more to learn? Paul admonished the Romans, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Is there ever a time when we do not need teaching, encouragement and hope? The study of Scripture is so absolutely necessary to maintain a teachable spirit, and encouraged heart, and a vibrant hope in the Person and promises of Jesus Christ.
What happens if I ignore the study of God’s Word? Consider the implications of this true story. Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. Of his 1,026 descendants, 300 were sent to prison for an average term of thirteen years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. Thus far his family has cost the state millions of dollars and they have made no contribution to society. Jonathan Edwards, by comparison, lived in the same state and at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw to it that his children were in church every Sunday and served the Lord to the best of his ability. Of his 929 descendants, 430 were ministers, 86 became university professors, 13 were university presidents, 75 authored books, 7 were elected to the U.S. Congress, and 1 became Vice President of the U.S. His family never cost the State one cent and contributed immeasurably to society.
Years ago a man came to our church and invited me to talk with him later. He was the only Christian in his family. His wife and two children were not. He knew he needed to do something or he would lose his marriage and children, so he resolved to begin bringing them to Sunday School and church. Within six months, both children and his wife accepted Christ and God mightily used that family to bless the church. By putting God first in their private and public worship and study, God changed their direction to give them unspeakable fulfillment in their lives.
So, how about giving Sunday School a try? There’s no better time to get started than now. If you need information, call us.
The bottom line: Seven days without Sunday School…?
Makes One Weak!
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at August 29, 2007 12:22 PM