The church in America today is in epidemic decline and is experiencing a falling away that cannot go unaddressed. The most critical of demographic is seen in the youngest generation where 2/3rds of young adults are leaving the church for good.
We seek to address this issue head on, and find an example from Hannah in God’s word for how she acted when faced with an insurmountable problem and a loving concern for her child.
Observations:
1. The child was given by the Lord
2. The child belongs to the Lord
3. The child was given to the Lord
Quick observations on prayer:
1. Hannah turned to prayer when faced with the impossible
2. Hannah’s prayer was from her heart
3. Hannah was changed through prayer before her circumstances changed
Conclusions:
1. The heart of the parent was to see her child dwell with the Lord,
2. because she knew the child was given from the Lord,
3. so she made preparations and plans to give her child to the Lord.
1. Waited to the right age
2. Accompanied & presented at the temple
3. Brought sacrifices
Application:
If we are going to stem the tide of generational decline
Step #1 – Prayer
Step #2 – Give your children to the Lord because they are from the Lord
Step #3 – Make preparations
1. Pay attention to their developmental age
2. Bring them to church
3. Sacrifice
Write down the name of 1-3 children you know of here at Grace