In light of Vacation Bible School this week, it's good for us to reflect on why children's ministries are important.  Ultimately, all children's ministries should be designed for evangelizing children.  The Bible has much to say about: I. The Importance of Evangelizing Children; and, II. Pointers for Evangelizing Children.

I.  The Importance of Evangelizing Children

1.  Children are inherently valuable

• Gen 1:27-28
• Psalm 127:3-5
• Mark 10:13-16

          What is the attitude about the value of children reflected in our culture?

2.  Children are sinners who need salvation

• 1 Timothy 1:15
• Titus 2:14
• Psalm 51:5; 58:3
• 2 Tim. 3:2

3.  Children can understand the gospel

• 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15
• Prov. 20:11

4.  In the NT, children are included among believers

• Eph 5:18, 21, 22, 25; 6:1

II.  Pointers for Evangelizing Children

1.      Get the gospel right

• Galatians 1:8-9
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• Acts 20:21 (Compare to “Ask Jesus into your heart”)

2.      Keep it simple

• 1 Corinthians 13:11

3.      Have the long haul in view

You don’t need to go through a mini-systematic theology course every time you talk to your kids about spiritual things…

God has not promised us that all of our children will be Timothy’s…

• Proverbs 22:6

Example: Prodigal son

4.      Redeem the time

• Colossians 4:5 (Eph 5:16)
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7

5.      Live out the gospel yourself

Be an example to them.  Show them what repentance looks like.  Show them what trusting Jesus looks like.  Show them that following Jesus is not just an outward show but an inward reality.

6.      Pray

• 1 Corinthians 3:6
• Psalm 127:1
• James 4:2