Parting Words
The sermon emphasizes the importance of leading children to Christ and the reward that comes from doing so.
D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a father and his dying son, emphasizing the profound impact of leading children to Christ. The father, in a moment of sorrow, learns that his son is at peace with his impending death, expressing a desire to tell Jesus of his father's efforts to guide him spiritually. Moody reflects on the importance of nurturing faith in children, asserting that the greatest legacy a parent can leave is a heart directed towards Jesus. He challenges the audience to consider the significance of children in the kingdom of heaven, highlighting their innocence and connection to God.
Text
But I have another story to tell. It was Ralph Wallace who told me of this one. A certain gentleman was a member of the Presbyterian church. His little boy was sick. When he went home his wife was weeping, and she said, "Our boy is dying; he has had a change for the worse. I wish you would go in and see him." The father went into the room and placed his hand upon the brow of his dying boy, and could feel the cold, damp sweat was gathering there; that the cold, icy hand of death was feeling for the chords of life. "Do you know, my boy, that you are dying?" asked the father. "Am I?
Is this death?
Do you really think I am dying?" "Yes, my son, your end on earth is near." "And will I be with Jesus to-night, father?" "Yes, you will be with the Savior." "Father, don't you weep, for when I get there I will go straight to Jesus and tell Him that you have been trying all my life to lead me to Him." God has given me two little children, and ever since I can remember I have directed them to Christ, and I would rather they carried this message to Jesus, that I had tried all my life to lead them to Him, than have all the crowns of the earth; and I would rather lead them to Jesus than give them the wealth of the world. I challenge any man to speak of heaven without speaking of children. "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Children in Heaven
- The Father's Love and Hope
- The Value of Leading Children to Christ
- The reward of leading children to Christ
- The importance of speaking of heaven in relation to children
Key Quotes
“I would rather lead them to Jesus than give them the wealth of the world.” — D.L. Moody
“For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Parents have a responsibility to lead their children to Christ and set a good example in their faith.
- Leading children to Christ is a reward in itself, as they will carry a message to Jesus about the parent's efforts.
- Speaking of heaven in relation to children highlights God's love for them and their significance in the kingdom of heaven.