“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;” (Proverbs 1:7a)
?
Why do we acquire knowledge? In our culture, we believe acquiring knowledge is an end in itself. In other words, people acquire knowledge so that they can qualify for a job, so they can pass an exam, so that they can acquire all the things that they want in life. {{more: continue ..}}However, the Scripture tells us we ought to pursue the knowledge of God because, if we pursue God, we have the greatest good that there is to attain (see Philippians 3:8).
?
As parents it is our responsibility of to raise children ?in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? (Ephesians 6:4). In Deuteronomy 6 we see the process and goal of teaching our children when the people of Israel are called to acknowledge the one true and living God as they prepare to go into a pagan land. The future failure of Israel was a failure in teaching: they failed to pass on the knowledge of the Lord (Judges 2:10; Psalm 78:3?11). Israel went into exile because of a lack of knowledge (Isaiah 5:13; cf. Hosea 4:6).
?
When we consider true education, it is not just the transfer of knowledge from one individual to another but our education is about discipleship. Whoever educates our children disciples our children? (see Luke 6:40). Discipleship is about one following another, learning to emulate Jesus, learning to walk in certain ways, not just gaining knowledge. If we separate knowledge from discipleship, then we see the gaining knowledge as being more important than the development of character. Knowledge needs to be integrated with discipleship, because by itself knowledge is not enough; it will merely puff up (1 Corinthians 8:1). In order to have knowledge, the Bible teaches that
?
The Bible is clear that we are to apply our minds to knowledge. Knowledge is a necessary ingredient for wisdom. Think about this, you can have knowledge without wisdom, but you can?t have wisdom without knowledge (Proverbs 4:7, 22:17). Keep in mind that the Bible tells us that in Jesus ?are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? (Colossians 2:3). For Christians, this is a statement relevant to all other philosophical statements. Paul is saying that all knowledge, not just spiritual knowledge, is to be found in Jesus. Therefore, Jesus triumphs over all other claims of wisdom and knowledge because of the fact that he is the Creator of all things and therefore knows all things (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, the most important thing we can teach our children is to know Jesus as Lord. (Matthew 12:30).?
?
A Christian education is one in which the truths of Scripture reign supreme. On Wednesday nights we use Scripture to form the foundation upon which all academic pursuits are built, and for that reason, students are often better able to reach their full potential. It is our command to make disciples for Jesus Christ and to ensure our children understand and know who Jesus is in their lives for the rest of their lives. So parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, neighbors, friends, please bring your children and youth to Wednesday Night Activities at 1st UMC Kennedale. The evening begins at 6:00 with dinner followed by christian education at 6:30 -7:30.
?
“I don’t know how but I know WHO!”?
See you on Sunday!
?
Peace,
Pastor Nelda?Kennedale First United Methodist Church is located at 229 W 4th St, Kennedale, TX 76060 Find out more @ The Mission Store and @ First United Methodist Church Facebook ?
