TLCC https://tlcconline.com Transforming Lives Christian Center Sat, 24 Aug 2024 18:02:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://tlcconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-logo-32x32.png TLCC https://tlcconline.com 32 32 The Importance of Teaching Children About God and His Son, Jesus—The Light of the World https://tlcconline.com/the-importance-of-teaching-children-about-god-and-his-son-jesus-the-light-of-the-world/ https://tlcconline.com/the-importance-of-teaching-children-about-god-and-his-son-jesus-the-light-of-the-world/#respond Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:14:11 +0000 https://tlcconline.com/?p=6251 As followers of Christ, we have a profound responsibility to teach the next generation about the love of God and the saving grace of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World. The Bible makes it clear that imparting the truth of God’s Word to our children is not only vital to their spiritual growth but also essential to the future of our faith community.

Proverbs 22:6 encourages us with this well-known verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” When we invest time and energy into teaching children about God, we are planting seeds that will bear fruit for years to come. It is through our guidance that they learn the truths of Scripture, build a relationship with Christ, and grow into the light-bearers God has called them to be. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 further emphasizes this responsibility: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Teaching our children about God should not be confined to Sundays or church services—it should be a constant part of our daily lives. We are called to weave the knowledge of God into the very fabric of their upbringing, ensuring that they see His presence and love in all things.

Jesus Himself placed great importance on children, urging us to model our faith after their purity and openness. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Children have a natural innocence and a profound capacity for faith. It is our duty to nurture this faith by teaching them about Jesus, who is the Light of the World. By doing so, we help them build a foundation that will guide them through the challenges of life.

Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Teaching children the Word of God is like giving them a spiritual lantern. In a world that can sometimes feel dark and confusing, the knowledge of God and the example of Jesus will illuminate their path, providing clarity, guidance, and comfort as they grow.

As parents, teachers, and members of the church community, we must prioritize the spiritual education of our children. The faith we pass down to them is not only for their benefit but also for the advancement of God’s kingdom. The seeds of faith we plant today will grow into a strong harvest in the future.

May we all embrace the responsibility to lead our children into the light of Christ, teaching them that He is their guide, their Savior, and the one true Light of the World.

In Christ, 

Pastor Steven Oliver

Transforming Lives Christian Center

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The Urgent Mission: Evangelizing the Lost for Jesus, the Son of God” https://tlcconline.com/the-urgent-mission-evangelizing-the-lost-for-jesus-the-son-of-god/ https://tlcconline.com/the-urgent-mission-evangelizing-the-lost-for-jesus-the-son-of-god/#respond Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:12:34 +0000 https://tlcconline.com/?p=6250 By Pastor Steven Oliver

In the world of faith, there is a profound mission that lies at the heart of Christianity: the salvation of souls through the evangelization of the lost. At the core of this mission is the belief in Jesus, the Son of God, as the path to redemption and eternal life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of evangelizing the lost for Jesus and why this mission is central to the Christian faith.

1. A Commandment from Jesus

The Great Commission is a foundational directive given by Jesus to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 28:19-20): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This commission highlights the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with the world.

2. Saving Souls from Eternal Separation

Christianity teaches that without accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, individuals are eternally separated from God. Evangelism serves as the bridge between the lost and the possibility of eternal life with God. By sharing the message of Jesus, Christians offer hope and the opportunity for reconciliation with God.

3. The Power of Transformation

Evangelism is not merely about securing a spot in heaven. It’s also about the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ in one’s life on Earth. Countless individuals have experienced profound changes in their lives, turning away from destructive habits and finding a purpose in their faith. This transformation is a testament to the power of evangelism.

4. Fulfilling God’s Will

For Christians, evangelizing the lost is not an optional task; it’s a calling. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is written, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” This verse emphasizes God’s desire for all to come to Him, and evangelism is the means to achieve that end.

5. Strengthening the Christian Community

When Christians actively engage in evangelism, it strengthens the entire faith community. Sharing one’s faith and passion for Jesus with others fosters unity, deepens understanding of the faith, and nurtures a spirit of love and outreach within the church.

6. Respecting Individual Choice

Evangelism is not about coercion but rather the presentation of a choice. Every person has the freedom to accept or reject the message of Jesus. By evangelizing, Christians respect this individual choice and provide an opportunity for others to hear and decide for themselves.

7. Meeting Human Needs

Evangelism is not limited to sharing the Gospel through words alone. It also involves meeting the physical and emotional needs of others. By demonstrating love and care, Christians can create opportunities to share their faith and the hope that Jesus offers.

Conclusion

Evangelizing the lost for Jesus, the Son of God, is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a commandment, a mission, and a responsibility rooted in love, compassion, and a desire to bring salvation to a lost world. While it is an important mission, it is equally essential to approach it with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others find hope, healing, and eternal life through faith in Jesus.

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Jesus: The Light of the World https://tlcconline.com/jesus-the-light-of-the-world/ https://tlcconline.com/jesus-the-light-of-the-world/#respond Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:06:36 +0000 https://tlcconline.com/?p=6249 In a world often filled with darkness, Jesus’ name stands as a beacon of hope and salvation. One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that Jesus is the Light of the World. This is not just a title, but a revelation of His very nature and His mission to bring light and life to all who follow Him.

In John 8:12, Jesus Himself declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This powerful statement speaks to the core of who Jesus is. Light represents purity, truth, guidance, and life itself—everything that Jesus embodies.

When we think of light, we often picture the sun rising, dispelling the darkness of night, and bringing warmth and clarity to the day. This is exactly what Jesus does for our souls. He illuminates the path of righteousness, leading us out of the shadows of sin and into the fullness of God’s love.

John 1:4-5 speaks of this truth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” No matter how dark the world may seem, the light of Christ shines with an intensity that cannot be diminished or extinguished.

Furthermore, the name of Jesus carries power and significance. In Acts 4:12, we are reminded, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” His name not only brings light, but it also brings salvation and victory over the darkness of sin and death.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this light in our own lives. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us of our role in this: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Just as Jesus is the light, we are His reflections, shining in a dark world to bring others into His glorious light.

Let us carry His light with us wherever we go, knowing that when we speak the name of Jesus, we are declaring light into the darkness. He is our guide, our salvation, and the eternal light that will never fade.

In Christ, 

Senior Pastor Steven Oliver

Transforming Lives Christian Center

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