Friday First - Children in the Father's House

Have you ever thought about how often children were in the presence of Jesus during His earthly ministry? His interaction with them really stood out as children were often disregarded and unimportant and often relegated to the background. But Jesus was always welcoming, loving, patient, and kind. For Jesus, everyone mattered.

On Sunday we’ll examine the opening verses of Matthew 18. It is a chapter that focuses on relationships in the church. Here, Jesus answers the question of how we function together as kingdom citizens. It is important to get this right, because our performance does not always match our profession. If we mess up here, the church will be unable to effectively and credibly do what it needs to do.

When the church functions as God intended, it is a powerful demonstration of God's power and manifests His ability to change lives through grace.

As we talk about Children in the Father’s House, we will examine Matthew 18.1-10 and learn about:

• The background leading up to this story.
• 4 important takeaways in verses 3-10.
• The absolute seriousness of being converted as a little child.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. Why do you think the disciples argued so much over who would be the greatest?
2. What is it about a small child that Jesus would want us to emulate?
3. If you thought of Jesus living inside other believers, how would that change the way you talk or act toward them? What does Acts 9.4 teach us about this?
4. How serious are we to take our personal holiness?
5. What are some ways you can value other believers?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Ben Baker

LORD'S SUPPER
Randy Mullins

SCRIPTURE READING
Kevin Elkins
Matthew 18.1-10

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Emily McDonald / Randy Mullins

USHERS (arrive @ 9)
Dillon Sluss / Bob Zehring

Closing the Building
Greg Morrison