Before the service Stephan Stegen gave his testimony what God did for him during their hijack experience. He realised that death was a real possibility and his whole perspective changed. Suddenly sins that were small in his eyes became huge and he realised with them he cannot enter heaven. Things that were important to him like money and sport became insignificant while the things of God, that he neglected, became of paramount importance. For two hours he and his elder brother Philip were in the boot of the car and he could share with his brother and make his life right with God.
Joel 1
1 The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
2 Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?
3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
As I was praying about my children and whether they will follow the Lord I was greatly troubled and felt weak. But then I received this word and I was comforted.
Each generation should tell their children about the Lord and His works. They must train their children in God’s ways.
Parents don’t cry when your children go into the world if you don’t teach them and tell them what the Lord has done for you.
But you cannot tell them how to live if you don’t live as an example to follow.
A certain mother told her daughter not to do this and that day after day. Eventually the daughter asked her mom with tears, “but how then should I live”. But she couldn’t tell her, for she wasn’t living a godly life herself.
It is a teaching process where you train your children step by step by word and example how they ought to live.
This is our first duty to train our children in the ways of God. If you haven’t done this you must repent today and start.
As we spread the Gospel we have to start with our own family.
God said of Abraham that I know Abraham that he would instruct those of his house to follow the ways of the Lord.
Sin brings God’s judgement on you, your children, grand children and great grand children.
God’s word to Joel was that he should tell the elders to tell their children what God had done for them, for God had worked in their lives.
If you haven’t done this in your house repent in dust and ashes for not keeping the word of the Lord.