Obedience Archive

“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
 and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). How Kids Think Kids complain, “My parents won’t let me do anything!“ As children grow older, they want fewer restrictions and more freedom. Kids cannot understand why parents don’t trust their judgment. They …

“Many churches equate discipleship with knowledge … but the essence of discipleship is transformational not informational. Jesus did not merely ask us to teach everything He commanded. He asked us to teach people to obey everything He commanded, and the difference is massive (Matthew 28:19). The end result of discipleship is not merely the knowledge of all Jesus commanded but the obedience to all Jesus …

-by Rick Howerton Making disciples who make disciples is the primary mission of the Church. David Colston writes, “Jesus said, ‘Go make disciples’ (Matthew 28:19). He said these words to His disciples just before He ascended into heaven. Their model was clear, for He had just spent the past three-and-a-half years discipling them. He was telling them to go pour into others’ hearts what He …

Yep—I’m “seasoned” enough to be an eye-witness to much of what has taken place during the last 30 years of children’s ministry. Nope—this article is not about the history or “roots” of ministry to kids. That’s a topic for another day. Instead, I’d like to take a whack at the “roots” of “who we are”—our very identity. Have you ever cut down a tree? Generally, …

Discipleship Truth: The Bible describes the Church as a radiant bride without wrinkles, blemishes, or flaws. She is stunningly beautiful—adorned for a noble and worthy Husband. Jesus Christ loves the Church the way a groom cherishes his precious bride (Ephesians 5:25-29). Presently, the Lord is purifying and preparing His Church—in anticipation of the great celebration in heaven when Jesus will marry His beloved bride (Matthew …

“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, NLT). Jesus is the picture of humble obedience to the will of God. In this article, Dr. Scott Turansky, co-founder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting, provides practical considerations to help children learn the value of obedience. Children need to learn to obey, but not merely to make …