Family Series: Parents and Children

March 28, 2021

Pastor Gavin started the Sunday service by sharing Luke 22:19-20. It reminds us about the meaning of communion and only Jesus Christ’s blood can wash our sins. He also shared John 6:35 to bring out “Jesus is the bread of life” and that only Jesus Christ can give us strength and satisfy us.

Brother Alex and sister Ally, the hosts of this special Sunday service, interviewed pastor Gavin and pastor Arlene about the theme – raising children. Praise the Lord that children are the precious presents and blessings from God.

Pastors Gavin and Arlene firstly shared their lovely memories about their children. Pastor Gavin shared that he still remembered how he was looking forward to his first child being born and bathing his baby girl. Not only sharing the happy moments, pastor Gavin also shared the disciplinary moments. He said that many parents like the Bible verses from Deuteronomy 6:5-7, “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.” Parents should focus on teaching the children to love the Lord. Pastor Gavin reminded parents of the importance of keeping God’s Word in their hearts before teaching their children. They should train up themselves before training up others.

Pastor Arlene shared that she had a conflict with her children before the youth service a few years ago. She thanked God that the Holy Spirit directed her to focus on the love of Jesus Christ and pray for God’s peace and guidance on her family. The Holy Spirit revealed to her that when the whole family served God, the enemies would be against them. The important point was allowing God to take charge of every moment of our daily living. She also reminded parents to train the children to live a godly lifestyle, for example, by always praying together and being thankful in all circumstances. This can help children know God and seek God’s wisdom and will, as said in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Pastors Gavin and Arlene also answered some questions raised by brothers and sisters. A parent asked about how to face or treat the children if they failed to meet his standards and expectations. They responded that in parenting, showing God’s grace and forgiveness is always good for building children up. No one is perfect in the world as all we are humans. They encouraged us to seek God’s Word and let God lead the way, for God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Someone also asked about how to make a decision when mother and father have different minds in teaching the children. Pastor Gavin replied that “unity is most important in the family. Parents need to respect each other. No matter what problems they are facing, seek God’s help. It is a sign of wisdom. They should also seek help from leaders, brothers and sisters in church, who will bring us towards God and find the answer in Him.”

In the end, pastor Gavin reminded us that parents only look after the children for a period of time and they will have their own way of living when they grow up. Therefore, all of us need to focus on building our own relationships with God. Besides, with the parents growing closer towards God, they will learn how to walk in the roles He has assigned to them.