LITTLE CHILDREN, YOUNG MEN AND FATHERS

”I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one... (1 John 2:12-13).”

Notice that in the scripture we just read, the Apostle John only associated sin with “little children,” spiritual toddlers. Yet, many speak as though sin is inevitable for everyone, saying, “Everybody sins”; no! The Bible says, _“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin…”_ (1 John 3:9).

Moreover, the Bible describes sin and defines sin from God’s perspective, not man’s perspective. If you look at sin through the eyes of men, you’ll never rise to your best potential in Christ. The earth around us is thick with sin and condemnation. Man became a sinner in nature after his actions of treasonable disobedience.

Romans 5:12 says, _“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”_ It’s the reason the Lord Jesus came and solved the sin-problem once and for all through His vicarious sacrifice in our behalf. As the second Adam, He became sin for us, not a sinner, and therefore paid the full penalty for sin, ridding us of its effects.

Today, being born again, sin has no dominion over you (Romans 6:14). 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”*_ So, when the Bible says, _“Whoever has been born of God does not sin...”_ (1 John 3:9 NKJV), it’s because being born of Him, you have His life and nature that doesn’t sin. That’s the life of the new creation in Christ!

What if you sin? While that shows you’re still a child, he already said to the children, “Your sins are forgiven for His Name sake.” But better than that, He also made provision for your automatic cleansing: _“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin”_ (1 John 1:7 NKJV).

Knowing and walking in the light of God’s Word is the key. It shows you’ve matured spiritually. That’s the life of the fathers: walking in the light of your righteousness—in the light of who you are in Christ—above sin, Satan and the elements of this world. Praise God!

CONFESSION
I have the life and nature of God in me; I live the higher life in Christ. I walk in strength, victory and righteousness. I walk in the light of my identity and heritage in Christ, above sin, Satan and the elements of this world. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:

1 John 3:9 AMPC “No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God's nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.”

1 John 2:1-2 (KJV) ”My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1 John 2:12-14 (NKJV) ”I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.”*

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

I am not a big fan of hay fever. Just saying. I cough constantly like I smoke twelve packs a day. I sound like I have a plague when I cough. My nose is like an open faucet that will not shut off. My eyes always feel like there is something in them … other than my finger trying to get whatever it is out.

But … I am a big fan of Spring.

I love the freshness. I love the birds singing. I love the new smells. I love the new beginning of it all. I can watch birds fly and play through the air like toddlers with a new toy. The furry rabbits hop precisely and cautiously. The ADHDOST squirrels scurry about like they have had way too much coffee. Periodically, at the shed, the groundhog will poke his grumpy head up to see what all the commotion is about.

This Spring has been a lion spring for sure. The old saying is in like a lion and out like a lamb … well, the lion continues to roar his wind daily, stirring up all the smells and flavors that I love and hate. I love for the newness and hate the hay fever flare-ups.

When God gives me a new assignment, I love the newness of it. The challenge. The fright of it because He thinks this is in my wheelhouse. Eyes wide open and heart full of joy and anticipation. Then the hay fever hits. The eye irritation when I see something not work. The congestion when everything I try seems to fail. The headaches from all the negativity and doubt surrounding the task. It is when I start to cough like a twelve-pack smoker that God steps in and reassures me that all the hay fever symptoms are from the enemy. He is stirring things up to get me to stay in my house away from the world and planting seeds.

We all go through seasons in our lives. Some run smoothly. Some not so much. Then some are a mix. The crux of it all is that each of our seasons is purposeful. There is a reason that you are in the season that you are in. Spring brings new life. Summer blooms and grows that new life. Autumn harvests that new life. Winter prepares us for the Spring that is right around the corner with rest and restoration of our ground.

What season are you in? Go to Him today and discuss the season you are walking through. Sit on His lap, lean your head on His chest. Hear His heartbeat and drown out the noise of the world. If the world roars like a lion, seek the peace of the lamb.

Be blessed.

***But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 15:57

Eve- the first mother -mother of all living.
Sarah- the promised mother- mother of Isaac
Jochebed- the courageous mother- mother of Moses
Bithiah- the Egyptian mother- adoptive mother of Moses
Hannah- the dedicating mother- mother of Samuel
Bathsheba- the persevering mother- mother of Solomon
Elizabeth- the miracle mother- mother of John the Baptist
Mary- the chosen mother- mother of Jesus Christ
Lois- the legacy mother-grandmother of Timothy
Eunice- the faithful mother- mother of Timothy

All mothers are blessings from Heaven but a godly mother holds the fort and builds up purpose-filled lives.

Mothers are chosen vessels to not only bring to life a creation by God Himself but to nurture, care, love, instruct and raise as well. It’s a GREAT privilege and an HOLY ASSIGNMENT.

Mothers are not perfect human beings nor should they be expected to. They are, though, the best version of themselves as humans when it comes to their children. It starts much before conception.

It starts when a girl is born and raised, not with pressure, comparison, expectations or societal taboos or limitations but when she is raised acknowledging the truth that she is made by God in His image, in His likeness. Such a girl learns her identity well-established in God and grows by kneeling down ONLY to God, day by day. Such a girl then choses to keep herself for the purpose of rearing generations to come. And there, with each day, she raises warriors who are ready to conquer and establish their God given purposes.

Remember, God created them even when man was already existing and had everything to his access. God created woman because she had a purpose, not only towards man as a helper but to produce and be fruitful. Remember, the same God created her anatomy with a womb in the first place.

The woman’s job continues on her knees before she conceives and after she gives birth.

She is on her toes as the toddlers start taking their first steps.

She holds her heart in her hands as the child is first exposed to the wild world, even if it is first day in school.

She pulls her mat and goes on her knees the moment her teenager starts stating I am grown up.

And this goes on as the child navigates life each day.

There is no such thing as a perfect mother. Each one of them is perfect for their own children in their own ways.

So, let’s not put the weight of performance on them.

Let’s honor and pray for strength and create some physical and emotional rest for the years of their “non-stop job” description.

There are spiritual mothers apart from birth mothers who helps you grow in your calling. They are the ones who are not only in constant intercession but also for guiding through the times.

There might also be mothers who are bit more lost in the grip of the world, not present enough to raise their children or be there for them as they were needed. Some of them may have realized this at later stage and might have been feeling guilty. For others, it might still not be their moment of realization.

Let’s also not forget mothers who might be battling with addictions, some with not-so-right choices, some who had to give away their children for adoption, and some who might be regretting the choice of abortion.

Then, there are mothers who lost their children, and mothers who offer themselves as foster mothers.

Then, there are men who are performing mothers as single parents. Every contribution is worthy of praise.

Hats off to the persistent perseverance of mothers who are raising specially-abled children.

Let’s also acknowledge the gift of surrogate mothers.

Today, let’s pray for them because everyone falls short somewhere. Each of them needs strength, guidance and grace.

For every woman needs GOD’s strength to be a mother.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mothers to be.

#immother
#lovingma
#todayismothersday
#mymomgodsgift
#godlymother
#Jesusgivenmother
#parentcounseling
#christiancounselling
#christianparent

Give your toddler a loving start at Jethro's Baby Class!

Bible-based learning
Sensory play galore
First friends in faith

Learn more: jethromodelschool.com

#JethroModelSchool #Education #Toddlers #Preschool #NowEnrolling #BiblicalValues #QualityEducation #SchoolAdmissions #ChildDevelopment #ChristianValues

Give your toddler a loving start at Jethro's Baby Class!

Bible-based learning
Sensory play galore
First friends in faith

Learn more: jethromodelschool.com

#JethroModelSchool #Education #Toddlers #Preschool #NowEnrolling #BiblicalValues #QualityEducation #SchoolAdmissions #ChildDevelopment #ChristianValues

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2026
TOPIC: THE INTENTIONAL PARENT II

MEMORISE: Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Proverbs 29:17

BIBLE READING: PSALM 1:1-6 (KJV)
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

MESSAGE:
Yesterday, I mentioned that God expects parents to train their children in His way. I also discussed how being filled with God's word is the first step in training children in the way of the Lord. Today, I will discuss some other steps that must be taken to train children in the way of the Lord.
It is important for parents to act in a godly manner at all times. Children usually copy what they see others do, especially their parents. If a child's parents are filled with the word of God, it becomes easier for the child to become interested in God's word. Parents who pray regularly and always ask their children to join them are creating the right environment for their children to build the capacity to pray as well. Whenever I went to visit my children while they were in school, I would often go on walks with them. On those walks, I would remind them of God's word and pray with them. At every opportunity I had, I ensured that I taught them the word of God and how to apply it across all spheres of life. This is why, today, as adults, they are fully committed to serving God.
When parents teach their children in the way of the Lord, they will have rest, as today's memory verse tells us. However, when they fail to model the right way for their children to live, they shouldn't be surprised when they lead sinful lives. Sadly, the ungodly lifestyles of some parents discourage their children from serving God.
Parents should also intentionally shape the lives of their children by praying for them regularly. They should confess God's word over their lives at all times and refrain from pronouncing negative words over them, especially when they are angry. The tongue is very powerful and holds the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).
The best time to start teaching children in the way of the Lord is when they are toddlers, so that it will be engrafted in their spirits as they grow. Even when they become adults, parents should ensure that they continually remind them of God's word and pronounce it over their lives. They are to teach their children the word of God at all times (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Beloved, God wants His children to have peace in their old age. This is why He wants parents to train their children in the right way so they can give them rest in their old age.

REFLECTION:
Are you modelling the right behaviour to the children around you?

AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
JUDGES 9-10

HYMN 24: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
1 I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one marked an angry word
That ever heard him speak.

Refrain:
I want to be like Jesus,
God's well beloved Son;
I want to be like Jesus,
The pure and holy One.

2 I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met his Father there. [Refrain]

3 I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good,
So that of me it may be said,
He hath done what he could. [Refrain]

4 Alas! I'm not like Jesus,
As any one may see;
Thy gentle Spirit, Savior, send,
And make me like to thee. [Refrain]


Prayer Points on today's Open Heavens Monday, 16th March, 2026
*THE INTENTIONAL PARENT II*

✓Father, thank You for showing me the path through which I can train the children You have given me; thank You because I will not fail You.

✓Father, thank You for the power of Your word which is able to make me to fulfill Your purpose over the lives of my children.

✓Father, please help me as a parents to act in a godly manner at all times; may my actions be guided by Your word over my children, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, please help me to create the right environment for my children to build spiritual capacity to fast, pray and regularly study Your word, in Jesus' name

✓Father, please help me to maximize every opportunity with my children to teach them Your word, and how to apply them on all areas of their lives. Help me never to relent in praying for my children, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, please help me to model the right way for my children to live, so they won't lead sinful lives. Help me to live a godly lifestyle that will encourage my children to love and serve You, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, please help all parents-to-be, to intentionally shapen the lives of their children with Your word from their wombs, so that it will be engrafted in their spirit as they grow, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, as a parent, I bless every child that is from my womb, that they will be greater than me, they will live to fulfill God's purpose for their lives, and they will serve God for the rest of their lives, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, please help all Your children to have peace in their old age; help them to continually pronounce Your word over their lives, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, please help me to model the right behaviour to the children around me, in Jesus' name.

✓Dear Father, please help me so that my life will not be a bad reference to my children(biological or spiritual), help me to correct them when they err, so they won't be destroyed, in Jesus' name.

✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

Grant him wisdom and strength to lead all his children(biological and spiritual), in the way of the Lord. Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name.

✓Father, bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name.

✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

✓Your Personal petitions.
( Philippians 4:6)

✓..In Jesus name I pray.
(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

#GodBlessOurNation

*These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

AMAZING FACTS BIBLE STUDY
A/F # 9

Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ.

This is Brother Johnny Gass.

Welcome to Bible study.

Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God.

Amazing Facts # 9

Purity and Power! Are you tired of hurting your loved ones and wounding your conscience? Do you live in constant regret for your past mistakes? Have you ever wished you could take a bath and come out clean inside and out? Then we have great news for you... you can! God has a plan that can totally wash all your sins away and supercharge your character - preposterous? Not at all! Christ says, "We are buried with him by baptism" (Romans 6:4). When you accept Christ, the old life dies and the Lord promises to forget all our sins! Not only that, He can help you overcome every sinful habit in your life. Did you know the cross is mentioned 28 times in the Bible, but baptism is mentioned 97 times? It must be pretty important then, and no wonder, because it signifies a new life with the haunting, sinful past buried and forgotten forever. Read the Bible's amazing facts on this incredible subject... you'll never be the same! 1. Is baptism really essential? "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16. Answer: Yes, indeed! How could any language or words make it plainer? This verse makes it clear that baptism is necessary for salvation. 2. But the thief on the cross was not baptized, so why should I be? "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Psalms 103:14. Answer: Neither did he restore what he had stolen, as the Lord specifically directs in Ezekiel 33:15. God holds us accountable for what we can do, but He also recognizes the limitations of "dust." He will not require a physical impossibility. Could the thief have come down from the cross, he immediately would have been baptized. This is the only example in the Bible of an exception to this rule. God wanted to make certain that no one would be presumptuous in refusing baptism. Circumstances made it a human impossibility for the thief on the cross to be baptized. 3. There are many ordinances called baptism. Isn't any one of these acceptable, provided a person is sincere and earnest about it? "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5. Answer: No! There is only one true baptism. All other so-called baptisms are counterfeits. Note: The devil's "buffet" plan for baptism says, "Take your pick. The method of baptism doesn't matter. It is the spirit that counts." But the Bible says, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5. It also says, "Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord." Jeremiah 38:20. 4. How was Jesus baptized? "Jesus ... was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened." Mark 1:9, 10. Answer: By immersion! Notice that after the ordinance, He came "up out of the water." Jesus was baptized "in Jordan," not on the bank, as many believe. John always found a place to baptize where "there was much water" (John 3:23), so it would be deep enough. The Bible commands us to follow Jesus' example (1 Peter 2:21). Any baptism other than immersion breaks this command. The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptizo." It means "to dip under or submerge or immerse." There are eight different Greek words in the New Testament used to describe the application of liquids. But among these various words--meaning to sprinkle, to pour, or to immerse--only the one meaning "to immerse" (baptizo) is used to describe baptism. Jesus was baptized by immersion. 5. But didn't the disciples or the apostles change the method of baptism? "They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." Acts 8:38, 39. Answer: No! Please notice that Philip, a leader in the early church, baptized the treasurer of Ethiopia by immersion precisely as John baptized Jesus. And the apostle Paul warned that any who teach contrary to what Jesus taught should be "accursed." Galatians 1:8. No person--no matter how godly--is authorized to change God's words and commands. Philip baptized the Ethiopian by immersion. 6. Since Jesus and the disciples baptized by immersion, who introduced these other so-called baptisms which exist today? "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9. Answer: Misguided men introduced other forms of baptism in direct contradiction of God's Word. Jesus says, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" "Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." Matthew 15:3, 6. Worship that follows human teaching is "vain." Just think of it! The sacred ordinance of baptism has been changed and made of little consequence during truth's hazardous journey through the centuries. No wonder the Bible exhorts us to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3. All forms of baptism other than immersion come from people rather than Scripture. 7. What must a person do to prepare for baptism? Answer: A. Learn God's requirements. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them ... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19, 20. B. Believe the truth of God's Word. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16. C. Repent of and turn away from his sins and experience conversion. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts 3:19. There are three simple things a person must do prior to baptism. 8. What is the meaning of baptism? "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:4-6. Answer: It represents the believer following Christ into His death, burial, and resurrection. The symbolism is perfect and filled with deep meaning. In baptism the eyes are closed, hands are folded, and breath is suspended as in death. Then comes burial in the water and resurrection from the watery grave to a new life in Christ. When raised from the water, the eyes open and the candidate begins breathing again and mingles with friends--a complete likeness of resurrection. The great difference between Christianity and every other religion is simply the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In these three acts is made possible all that God desires to do for us. To keep these three vital acts alive in the minds of Christians until the end of time, the Lord instituted baptism by immersion as a memorial. There is no symbolism of death, burial, and resurrection in other forms of baptism. Only immersion fulfills the meaning of Romans 6:4-6. When I am baptized, I affirm my belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Death to sin. Old life buried in the waters. Raised a new person in Christ. 9. But a person shouldn't be baptized until he is certain he will never slip and fall, should he? "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Corinthians 8:12. Answer: This is like saying a baby should never try to walk until certain that he will never slip and fall. A Christian is a newborn "babe" in Christ. This is why the experience of conversion is called "the new birth." The ugly, sinful past no longer exists for a child of God. A person's sinful past is forgiven and forgotten by God at conversion. And baptism symbolizes the burial of that old life. We begin the Christian life as babies, rather than adults, and God judges us on our attitude and the trend of our life, rather than on a few slips and falls that we may experience as immature Christians. New Christians are like toddlers learning to walk. They sometimes slip and fall. 10. Why is baptism an urgent matter for a converted sinner? "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16. Answer: Baptism is a public testimony that the repentant sinner has been forgiven and cleansed by Jesus (1 John 1:9) and that his sinful, traitorous past is behind him. No incriminating evidence against a person exists after conversion. Men and women today stagger and struggle along under heavy loads of guilt and sin. This contamination and burden is so devastating to the human personality that people will go to almost any length to achieve a sense of forgiveness and cleansing. Many have been driven to the psychiatrist's couch, where human beings earnestly attempt to assist other human beings. But the real help is found in coming to Christ, who says to all who approach Him, "I will; be thou clean." Matthew 8:3. Not only does He cleanse, but He crucifies the old nature of sin within you. Burial in the water of baptism symbolizes the burial of the ugly corpse of the old sinful life. The ordinance is of utmost importance because it publicly represents the most stupendous provisions ever made for people. Baptism is a glorious event because it symbolizes the burial of the old life of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. 11. How long does it take to prepare for baptism? Answer: That depends on the person. Some grasp things more quickly than others. But in most cases, preparation can be made in short order. Here are some Bible examples: A. Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39)--baptized same day he heard truth. Philip baptized the Ethiopian treasurer the same day he accepted Christ as his Saviour. B. Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:23-34)--baptized same night they heard truth. C. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-18)--baptized three days after Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus. D. Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)--baptized same day he heard truth. At conversion, God: 1. Forgives and forgets our past. 2. Miraculously transforms us into new spiritual beings. 3. Adopts us as His own sons and daughters. Certainly no truly converted person would want to delay baptism, which publicly pays tribute to Jesus for working all these miracles. 12. How does God feel about the baptism of a converted person? Answer: He said at His Son's baptism, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17. So, today, God is well pleased when a person is baptized by immersion in harmony with His command. Those who love the Lord will always strive to please Him (1 John 3:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). Is God pleased with your baptism? God is pleased with people who are baptized by immersion. Is He pleased with your baptism? 13. Can a person experience true baptism without becoming a member of God's church? Answer: No! God clearly outlines this. Notice the steps: A. All are called into one body. "Ye are called in one body." Colossians 3:15. B. The church is the body. "He is the head of the body, the church." Colossians 1:18. C. We enter that body by baptism. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." 1 Corinthians 12:13. D. God's converted people are added to the church. "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47. Baptism is the official entry into God's church. Being baptized without joining God's church is unbiblical. 14. Notice four things that baptism does not do: Answer: First: Baptism itself does not change the heart of man; it is a symbol of the change that has taken place. A man might be baptized without faith, without repentance, and without a new heart. He might even be immersed after the example of Jesus, but he would simply come up a wet sinner instead of a dry one--still without faith, without repentance, without a new heart. Baptism cannot make a new person. Neither can it change or regenerate anyone. It is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that changes the heart in conversion. One must be born of the Spirit as well as born of water. If Jesus is speaking to you about baptism, do not put it off. Baptism is a public expression of your desire to follow God fully. Second: Baptism does not necessarily make a person feel better. It doesn't necessarily change his feelings. Some people are disappointed because they do not feel different after baptism. Salvation is a matter not of feeling, but of faith and obedience. Third: Baptism does not remove temptations. The devil is not through with a person when he is baptized. But Jesus is the helper of every believer. He says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5. No temptation will come without a way of escape. This is the promise of Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13). Fourth: Baptism does not guarantee salvation. It is not a magical rite. Salvation comes only as a free gift from Jesus Christ when one experiences the new birth. Baptism is a symbol of true conversion, and unless conversion precedes baptism, the ceremony is meaningless. Thought Questions 1. Is it ever proper to be baptized more than once? Acts 19:5 Yes, Acts 19:1-5 shows that the Bible endorses rebaptism in certain cases. 2. Should infants be baptized? Acts 2:38 No! No one should be baptized unless he (1) knows the truth of God, (2) believes it, (3) has repented, and (4) has experienced conversion. No baby could possibly qualify here. No one has a right to baptize a baby. In fact, to do so completely disregards God's direct commands regarding baptism. Misguided men in the church years ago decreed that unbaptized babies are lost, but this is scripturally untrue. It defames God as an unjust tyrant who would destroy innocent infants who died, simply because unworthy parents failed to have baptism administered. Such a teaching is tragic beyond words. It is bad enough to sprinkle babies and call it baptism. It is infinitely worse to hold to the unscriptural concept that babies are lost eternally because careless parents failed to do their duty. 3. Isn't baptism just a matter of personal opinion? John 3:5 Yes, but not your opinion or mine. It's Christ's opinion that matters. Christ says baptism is important to Him. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5. To refuse baptism is to refuse the direct counsel of God (Luke 7:29, 30). 4. How old should one be to qualify for baptism? John 3:5 Old enough to understand the difference between wrongdoing and right-doing, and to make an intelligent decision to surrender to Christ and follow Him. Many children are ready for baptism at 9 or 10 years of age, some at 7 or 8. And some are not ready at 12 or 13. No age level is specified in the Bible, because children have different levels of experience and understanding. Some are ready for baptism earlier than others. 5. Can baptism in and of itself save you? Hebrews 5:9 No! But refusing baptism can cause one to be lost, because it means disobedience. Salvation is for "all them that obey Him." Hebrews 5:9. 6. Isn't baptism of the Holy Spirit all that is necessary? Acts 10:47 No! The Bible shows in Acts 10:44-48 that water baptism is necessary, even when the baptism of the Holy Spirit has preceded it. 7. Shouldn't we be baptized in Jesus' name only? Matthew 28:19 In Matthew 28:19, we are told to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. These are Jesus' words, and we consider them very sacred. In the book of Acts, we find the new believers were baptized in the name of Jesus. Identifying Jesus as the Christ and Messiah was present truth for the people of that day; therefore, it was crucial for them to be baptized in His name. We believe it is very important for today as well. Combining the testimonies of Matthew with the book of Acts, we baptize people in the name of the Father, and the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Following this method prevents exalting one Scripture above another. 8. There is one sin I do not wish to surrender. Should I be baptized? Luke 3:7 No! Obviously you are not ready to be buried in the baptismal waters, because the old life of sin is not dead. It would be a criminal act for a funeral director to bury someone who is not dead and equally serious for a minister to baptize one whose old sinful life is not dead. 9. Can you explain Galatians 3:27? Galatians 3:27 Here God compares baptism to marriage. The person who is baptized thus publicly acknowledges that he has taken Christ's name (Christian), just as a bride publicly announces the taking of her husband's name at the time of the wedding. In baptism, as with marriage, several rules always apply: A. It should never be entered into unless true love rules supreme. B. It should never be entered into unless the candidate has determined to be faithful through thick and thin. C. It should be approached with full understanding. D. It should not be unduly delayed.

To learn more about our lord Jesus christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741

Pastor; Greg Hudson

Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

Godly and Wise

If you’re a parent or a parent-figure, you know that raising children can be one of the greatest joys you ever experience, and one of the biggest challenges you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.  
 
In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?
 
While there are different ways, here are two to start with...

Find a Christ-centered community:
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, or invite like-minded friends over for dinner.
 
Teach kids to ask for help:  
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear. 
 
It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help our kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom. 
 
Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.
 
Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this: 
 
The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise. 
 
Before you leave this devotional, reflect on this: What’s one thing I can do today to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?

TREASURED PARENTING NUGGET #1.

"Children are like brand new computers, especially when they are toddlers. Whatever you garbage into them is what they garbage out! Whatever you inculcate in them is what they exhibit. Whatever they see you do, is what they do!"

"Unfortunately, many parents engage in bad practices in front and in the presence of their kids, yet, they complain that their children have become delinquent and badly behaved. Charity, they say, begins at home! A child you refused to train well today will obviously bring you pain and shame tomorrow!" Shalom (Proverbs 29:17)

-Stephen Treasure
© August 2025