Biblical Foundations for Children in the Church with Small Groups

Where are the children? God placed the family in the tribe (small group), and the tribes formed the nation (church). Children, in community with their families, were included, e.g. 2 Chronicles 20:13 “all the men of Judah with their wives, children, and little ones stood before the Lord” (Exodus 16:9, Nehemiah 12:42, Exodus 17). When the words “all, everyone, the entire community, church, Israelites etc.” are used – the children are included. Children were where Jesus was (Matthew 18:2). The New Testament church was in the home, e.g. Acts 2:46; 18:8; 11:14, where children were automatically included.

What are some of the reasons for including children? To obey God and to model Biblical values and strategy. To be role models for children and them for us, too. “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2). To welcome Jesus! “Whoever welcomes one such child in my Name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:4). They have a Divine right to be where Jesus is (Mark 10:14; Matthew 19:14).

The future of generations is in our hands “so the next generation would know, even the children yet to be born” (Psalms 78:6). The Holy Spirit reveals things to children – and we get to hear (Matthew 11:24)!

What is the result?

• A prevention of a repetition of Judges 2:10: “When this generation had returned to its fathers a generation grew up that did not know their God.”
• “In the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice… ” Deuteronomy 12:7.
• David said, “I will declare your name to all generations and therefore the nations will praise You.” The nations will praise Jesus!

This is all about Jesus!