Awana Parent Challenge.

Parents thank you for being here and for allowing us to minister to you children this year. This is joy and a responsibility we take very seriously.

Proverbs 22:6 CSB

Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

The idea here is to set them on the right path. So how do we know what path we are to set them on?

Well their are two options.

Proverbs 14:12 CSB

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.

or

Jesus said,

John 14:6 CSB

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

So Jesus revealed that pathway to us. This pathway is Him. As parents we are charged to set them on the pathway that leads to Jesus and his ways.

with the ultimate goal of them believing the gospel, repenting of their own way (Scripture calls that sin).

Our instruction is to do everything we can to keep them on that path that will lead them to life (salvation) in Christ.

Our goal in Awan is not to replace the parents in this role but rather to be one of the stepping stones in that path. To come alongside moms, dads, and grandparents in training children to understand and believe the truth of God’s word.

But maybe your a parent here this evening and you yourself are trying to figure what it means to follow Jesus. Let me encourage you with these words.

James 4:8 CSB

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:9 CSB

Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

James 4:10 CSB

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

How is this encouraging? It takes a humble person to admit that they have sinned agains God. It takes a humble person to admit that they cannot be good enough to reach God. It takes a humble person to admit and turn from their own path. But if a person will admit this and believe the Gospel, that is that Jesus Died for your sins, and was raised from the grave. Although you are Humbled God will exalt you by forgiving you of all your sins.

This is why Jesus said I am the way, The truth ,and the Life, no one can go to the Father but through me. It is his free gift that gives us access to heaven and the God of heaven.

So my challenge to you is this.

Are you doing all that you can do to set and keep your kids on the path to Jesus

Are you yourself on that path as awell.