UK Conference : Bringing Up Children For God - Zac Poonen
This is the live streaming of the London conference with the theme - New Covenant Promises & Commandments. Speaker : Zac Poonen.
Summary
The speaker advises listeners to distinguish between biblical doctrine (found in the Epistles) and historical accounts (found in Acts). He cautions against deriving doctrine from the actions of the apostles or Jesus's miracles, emphasizing consistency in following Jesus's teachings. Regarding child dedication, the speaker suggests it is a good practice, symbolizing the offering of children back to God, rather than a strict commandment.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What are the ordinances commanded by Jesus?Jesus commanded only two ordinances: water baptism for believers after new birth, and the breaking of bread.
Why Acts is history and not doctrineThe Book of Acts is inspired history showing what the apostles did, but not everything they did serves as a foundational doctrine for believers.Acts 20:7
Why we practice child dedicationWhile child dedication was never explicitly commanded by Jesus, it follows the historical pattern of Luke 2 and serves as a meaningful way to offer children back to God.
How Manoah sought wisdom to raise SamsonManoah earnestly prayed and asked God how to raise his son, showing the vital attitude parents should have in seeking divine wisdom for child-rearing.
Children as arrows in the hand of a warriorPsalm 127 compares children to arrows in a warrior's quiver, where years of parental tension and training culminate in releasing them to impact the world.Psalm 127:4–5
The faith of Moses' parentsHebrews 11 highlights the faith of Moses' parents, who hid him without fear of the king's edict because they saw his god-given purpose.
What Moses refused at age fortyMoses rejected the honor, sinful pleasures, and treasures of Egypt, a lasting foundation built by his mother's early training.Hebrews 11:24–26
The wise woman builds her houseThrough a gentle and quiet spirit of submission to authority, a wise woman builds her home and instills humility rather than pride in her children.
Teaching children financial discipline and self-denialParents should teach children contentment and self-denial rather than spoiling them with material excess and luxuries they do not need.
Praying over the parents and childrenThe speaker invites specific families to the front to pray for the children's protection, spiritual rebirth, and future witness for Christ.
