Parenting: A Call To Real Youth Ministry Series

C. Children come third.... Do you remember the story of Abraham and Isaac– God commanded Abraham to go to the Mountain and sacrifice his only son. I’ve often asked myself, “why ask that?” I bet it was because maybe God wondered if Abraham loved Him or his son the most? (God, spouse then child.)

** Your relationship with the Lord is more important than your relationship with your children.

II. The second key......Personal Commitment to the Word of God must be more important than the feelings of your child (13, 18).

*. To which do you show your allegiance? The word of God or to the feelings of your children?

George Faull: Last week, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with George Faull. He spoke at our first, “Summer Session”. On Thursday, Rich Ockels and I taxied him back to BWI and our two hours in the car with him was so valuable. Let me repeat a story he shared with us....

George Faull is the father of five– three boys and two girls. He told us that from the time his children were six years old, he warned them, “If you ever marry a non-Christian, I will not pay nor attend the wedding.” He was trying to teach them the importance of 2 Corinthians 6:14 that says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” The kids all knew that expectation all through life. One of his daughters decided to test him and determined to marry a non Christian. The wedding day came and George said that he stayed at home and cried the whole time. After the wedding, the newlyweds stopped by the house to say, “Hi” before going on the honeymoon. George said he greeted the couple with a hug, and said to his new son-in-law, “I fought hard to keep you apart. But I want you to know I’ll fight even harder to keep you together.” (I thought, “That was powerful!)

Later that afternoon one of his sons came over, talked a bit about the wedding and George said, “He looked right at his newly engaged son and said, “I was serious, and I won’t be at your wedding either.” That statement stunned his son who had found his fiancé at church. “What do you mean you’re not coming to my wedding. My girlfriend goes to church. She’s been baptized.” George responded, “Yeah, but she’s not a Christian.” His son defended, “Who died and made you judge?” “I’m not being a judge, I’m being a fruit inspector.” George turned to Galatians 5 and read his son the acts of the flesh and then read the fruit of the Spirit and asked, “Now, which list describes your fiancé?” He admitted that she did not display the spirit of Christ. He trusted his dad, broke off the relationship and George said two weeks later he met his wife who was perfect in every way. His son has thanked him 100’s of times for keeping his convictions. (That is powerful!)

**. Your commitment to the Word of God is more important than your relationship with your children.

III. The third key is..... Parental Responsibility must be taken seriously (19-21).

*. Real Youth Ministry is the responsibility of parents. Mom and Dad– according to the Word of God, you are responsible for your Child’s faith and doctrine. You have been given the responsibility of teaching them how to love and know God. That is not the churches responsibility. We’re here to help encourage and inspire and deepen our love and knowledge of God, but real Youth Ministry was intended to be happening at home via Mom and Dad.