24th April 2016 - Sunday Service (with Baby Dedication) - CFC Bangalore
Watch the live stream of the Sunday service from CFC Bangalore.
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the biblical mandate, drawn from Psalm 78, to teach the praises and wondrous works of God to succeeding generations. He urges parents to actively teach their children God's word, principles, and to keep a record of God's personal miracles and answers to prayer. This practice ensures that the testimony of God's faithfulness continues beyond the current generation.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to worshipThe service begins with a warm welcome and a communal call to sing songs of praise celebrating the kingship of Jesus.
The purpose of children in the faithUsing Psalm 78, the speaker explains that born-again believers have a responsibility to teach the next generation about God's power and wonders.
Moving from negative to positive testimonyThe speaker warns against merely raising children who avoid sin, urging parents instead to raise children who actively live as a positive testimony for God.1 Kings 19:18
Raising children with a positive testimonyWe should aim to raise our children to have a positive testimony of living for God, rather than just a negative one of avoiding sin.
Praying for the dedication of childrenThe speaker leads a series of prayers for several families, dedicating their babies to God and praying for their spiritual growth and protection.
Encouragement to study the Bible through a new commentaryThe speaker introduces his new book, 'Through the Bible,' and encourages young people to prioritize studying Scripture over modern distractions like television.
The importance of studying God's wordStudying the Bible thoroughly brings rich rewards and provides the necessary knowledge to navigate difficult times.
The difficulty of being a true Christian in the last daysIn the last days, the challenge will not be financial or physical persecution, but the difficulty of remaining faithful amidst widespread compromise.
Identifying the lovers to watch out forThe speaker identifies four types of lovers mentioned in scripture—self, money, pleasure, and God—and warns that being devoted to more than just God is spiritual adultery.
The danger of religious prideMany Christians appear spiritual through preaching or Bible knowledge but are actually driven by selfishness and pride, which is fellowship with the devil.
Being quick to hear and slow to speakTrue spirituality involves listening to others rather than dominating conversations, which helps develop a character that is slow to anger.James 1:19
The tragedy of seeking honor for oneselfA true Christian seeks to honor all people rather than demanding respect, as the New Testament expands our responsibility to honor everyone.
Zacchaeus's encounter with JesusAfter a life of cheating others as a tax collector, Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus and was met by Him through the Holy Spirit.
The evidence of Zacchaeus's repentanceZacchaeus demonstrated his freedom from greed by promising to give half his goods to the poor and repay those he cheated fourfold.
The danger of missing God's blessingsThe speaker warns that failing to die to the loves of money and pleasure can prevent a person from experiencing the true power of godliness.
