Children’s Ministry Seminar

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 019: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT by Steve Karges Original Release: October 26, 2022 In Ephesians 1:13 (ESV), we read, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” When you teach the boys and girls in your children’s ministry about the Holy Spirit, it is vital that you teach them from the Scripture alone. This is not the time or place for you to share your own stories or personal experiences. The Triune God has said everything He wants us to know about the Holy Spirit in the Bible. We must faithfully teach children what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit without our interpretation and then trust the Holy Spirit to guide them to the truth about Himself (John 16:13; I John 2:27). The following is simply an introduction to the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Spirit can be found throughout the Bible. The Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost in the King James Translation of the Bible, is God (Acts 5:3-4). He is the third person of the Triune God; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is equal to and One with God the Father and God the Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Now take your kids on a walk through Scripture to reveal some of what it says about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Creator (Genesis 1:1-2; Job 33:4). The Holy Spirit played a role in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:20). The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16). The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26, 16:13; I John 5:6). The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26). The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26). The Triune God sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41), whom Jesus had promised before His return to Heaven (John 16:7-8). The importance of the Holy Spirit being sent was twofold. First, God sent the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). Second, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ would be exalted (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit plays a role in every believer’s regeneration (I Corinthians 6:11; I Timothy 3:16). When a person believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they immediately receive the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence inside the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14). So, the gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are both imparted to a believer at the moment they place their faith in Christ and are justified by God. The Scripture is clear; every true Christian has the Holy Spirit. If a person claims to be a Christian but does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are not a true follower of Christ. That person is a false Christian (Romans 8:9). The Bible also reveals how the Holy Spirit displays His power in every believer. The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer. (Romans 15:16; I Corinthians 6:11) The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer. (Ephesians 3:16) The Holy Spirit gives the believer boldness. (Micah 3:8; Acts 6:5,10; 2 Timothy 1:6-7) The Holy Spirit helps the believer in prayer. (Romans 8:26) The Holy Spirit enables the believer to abound in hope. (Romans 15:13) The Holy Spirit qualifies the believer for ministry. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8) It is important to note that one thing the Holy Spirit never does is tempt a believer to sin (James 1:13). Remind the kids in your children’s ministry that there is only one Triune God, but there are many evil spirits that Satan sends out to deceive people. The Scripture clearly tells us how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's true work from the lies of evil spirits. Here is how: 1) The Holy Spirit exalts the true Jesus (I John 4:2-3). 2) The Holy Spirit opposes Satan’s interests (I John 4:4-5, I John 2:15; Matthew 12:25-28).  3) The Holy Spirit points people to the Scriptures (I John 4:6, Isaiah 8:16, 20). 4) The Holy Spirit elevates truth (I John 2:27,4:6). 5) The Holy Spirit’s work results in love for God and others (I John 4:8,19-21). Warn the children in your church not to be fooled by evil spirits. Teach them how to test the spirits so they know the difference between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits (I John 4:1-6). FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX First, take some time to read and study all of the Bible verses listed in the Show Notes, as I did not mention each one. If your podcast provider does not offer the Show Notes, you can find them on our website at www.cmikids.com under the title of this episode. Second, as you study the Bible verses in the Show Notes, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you (John 14:26) and to guide you to the truth (John 16:13) about Himself. TAGS: Genesis 1:1-2; Job 33:4; Isaiah 8:16, 20; Micah 3:8; Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 12:25-28; 28:19; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-41; 5:3-4; 6:5, 10; Romans 8:9, 26; 15:13, 16; I Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:13-14; 3:16; I Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; James 1:13; I John 2:15, 27; 4:1-6, 8, 19-21; 5:6;  Holy Spirit; Evil Spirits; Triune God; Teaching Children. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 018: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE TRINITY by Steve Karges Original Release: October 19, 2022 The word “Trinity” does not appear anywhere in the Bible, but a careful study of Scripture reveals that God is one Deity, who eternally exists in three persons. With our human minds, we do not fully know or understand how this can be, but we believe in the Doctrine of the Trinity because that is what the Scripture tells us about God. Remember, the Bible is where we go for Truth (John 17:17), and the Scripture reveals everything God wants us to know about Himself. The Trinity, also known as The Triune God, is the one true and living God in three persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God having the same mind, the same will, and the same power. All three persons of the Trinity are the same Being, and all are Divine in equal measure. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God. You must emphasize this fundamental truth about God to the boys and girls in your children’s ministry. When you teach kids about the Trinity, you will always want them to know that we worship and believe in one God, not in three separate gods. You can use two simple illustrations to help children understand the concept of three in one. The first is that of a hard-boiled egg. Show your kids a hard-boiled egg to explain how this one egg has three individual identities. Then start peeling off the shell to reveal the three in one; the eggshell, the egg white, and the egg yolk. A second illustration is that of water. Show the kids a glass of water. Then show them some ice, followed by a pot of hot steaming water. It is all water, but with three separate personas: liquid, frozen solid, and steam. Again, three in one. Following these illustrations, take the kids in your children’s ministry to the Bible and show them the work of the Trinity in Creation. In Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV), we read, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Note the mention of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Then look at John 1:1-3 (ESV), which says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” In this passage of Scripture, “the Word” refers to Jesus, who is also known as the Second Person of the Trinity. So, we learn from the Bible that all three persons of the Trinity had roles in the Creation. Now take your kids to the New Testament again, where they can see all three persons of the Trinity involved in the baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV), we read, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Then take your children to Matthew 28:19 (ESV), where Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission and says, “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…” Once again, the Triune God is identified as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. Finally, show your boys and girls how the Apostle Paul mentions all three persons of the Trinity in 2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV), which says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” As you study the Bible and teach it to kids at church, pray and ask God to reveal His Trinitarian nature to you. God the Holy Spirit is your teacher, and He will guide you to the Truth (John 16:13). FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Are you familiar with the short hymn of praise and worship to God called “The Doxology?” If not, this is a great hymn to teach to children. Here are the words… “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” (Explain to the boys and girls how the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Holy Ghost, so they are not confused. Holy Ghost is used in the King James translation of the Bible and means Holy Spirit.) TAGS: Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 1:1-3, 16:13, 17:17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Trinity; Triune God; Teaching Children. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 017: TEACHING CHILDREN THE GOSPEL by Steve Karges Original Release: October 12, 2022 In John 3:16 (ESV) we read, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” There is a lot of confusion in the church today about what the gospel is and is not. As a result, there is a global crisis within children’s ministry concerning our understanding of the gospel. As we begin, let me clearly state what the gospel is not. The gospel is not a Christian’s testimony. The Gospel is not reaching out to feed the hungry or help the poor. These are good things, but they are not the Biblical gospel that has the power to save. The gospel is not Universalism, which is the idea that everyone is going to Heaven regardless of what they believe. The gospel is not the promise of health and wealth. That is a false gospel that does not come from the Bible. Many false gospels are being taught to children in local churches worldwide, but there is only one true gospel, the Gospel of God (Galatians 1:6-9; Mark 1:14; Romans 1:1). The word “gospel” means good news! God is the Source and Author of the gospel. It is His possession, and He has revealed it to us in His Word of Truth, the Bible. So, the authority and truth of the gospel come from God alone. It is not the idea or invention of men (Galatians 1:10-12). When we declare the gospel and teach it to children, we do so under the Divine Authority of God, not on our authority. The gospel is good news that God has entrusted to Christians to give to unbelievers, even though every person is undeserving of God’s gift (Mark 16:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). When we proclaim the gospel and teach it to boys and girls, we are simply messengers and ambassadors communicating a message that originates in God Himself (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Gospel of God includes His power to save. In other words, only God can overcome our sinful nature and give us a new life in Christ (Romans 1:16-17). Many people in the church are ignorant of the content of the gospel. They do not know what it is, what it means, and why it matters. They do not understand the good news, why it is good news, and what it means to believe in the Gospel of God. When you explain the gospel to kids, you want to teach it to them Biblically! Not only do you want children to know the gospel's origin, but you also want them to learn the gospel’s content and meaning and how they can respond to it. If you get the gospel wrong, the kids in your children’s ministry will be converted to something other than to Jesus, and they will not be saved. Remember, the gospel is called “good news” because it addresses the most serious problem people have, which is; God is Holy and Righteous, and we are not. It is a person’s sin that separates them from God (Isaiah 59:2). The Bible says God will not allow sin into Heaven (Revelation 21:27). Therefore, before you reveal the good news to your kids at church, you must tell them the bad news first. The bad news is this; we are all sinners because we disobey God’s laws and commands in the Bible (Romans 3:23). Our hearts are filled with deceit and wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9). And because God is Holy and Righteous, His justice demands that every sin must be punished by death (Romans 6:23). After sharing that bad news, then tell your kids the good news, which is the Gospel of God! God came to our rescue in His love and mercy by sending Jesus to earth to be our Savior (Colossians 1:12-15; Galatians 1:3-5). The following is the Biblical definition of the gospel. This is what you want your kids to know. The Gospel of God is the true story of His Son, Jesus, who He is, what He has done, and how the benefits of what He has done may be received by those who put their faith in Him. Let me say that again. The Gospel of God is the true story of His Son, Jesus, who He is, what He has done, and how the benefits of what He has done may be received by those who put their faith in Him. This is the Biblical gospel you must proclaim and teach to the boys and girls in your children’s ministry. Find the Show Notes for this episode to discover the Biblical answers to the following questions. Where can I find the story of Jesus? (In the Gospel books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.) Who is Jesus? (John 1:1, 14, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:1-4; Hebrews 1:3-4; I Peter 3:18, 2:24) What has Jesus done that is so important? (I Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7-8; Colossians 1:14; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12-22; Hebrews 2:14-17, 9:28; I Peter 1:18-19) What is the meaning of the gospel? (2 Corinthians 5:21) How can the benefits of what Jesus has done be received by those who put their faith in Him? (John 3: 16-18; 11:25; Romans 1:16, 3:24-25; I Corinthians 1:28-31; Galatians 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:11-14; 2:4-22; I John 4:14-15) If your podcast provider does not offer the Show Notes, you can find them on our website at www.cmikids.com under the title of this episode. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX As you teach children the Gospel of God and summarize the life of Jesus, you should always include these facts. (Please see the Show Notes for the Scriptures that support the following statements.) God the Son (Jesus) came to earth as a baby to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus was both God and Man at the same time (Philippians 2:5-11). The birth of Jesus was miraculous because his mother, Mary, was a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:34-35). Jesus lived a sinless and perfect life. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5). Jesus’ death on the cross was an acceptable sacrifice to God the Father for the sins of all who would believe in His Son (I John 2:2, 4:10; John 3:16; Romans 3:25; 5:1, 6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus was raised from the dead by God the Holy Spirit under the authority of God the Father. (Romans 8:11; Acts 2:24, 32). After His work of redemption was completed (John 17:4, 19:30), Jesus returned to Heaven (Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:9-11) where He lives today. TAGS: Isaiah 7:14, 59:2; Mathew 1:21, 23; Mark 1:14-15, 16:15,19-20; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1, 3:16-18, 11:25, 14:6; Acts 1:9-11, 4:12; Romans 1:1-4, 6, 16-17, 3:10, 12, 23, 3:24-25, 5:1, 6-7, 6:23, 8:11; I Corinthians 1:28-31, 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, 20-21; Galatians 1:3-5, 6-9, 10-12, 3:13, 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:7-8, 11-14, 2:4-22; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-15; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 1:3-4, 2:14-17; 4:15; 9:12-22, 28; I Peter 1:18-19, 2:22, 24, 3:18; I John 2:2, 3:5, 4:10, 14-15; Revelation 21:27; Gospel; Gospel of God; Jesus; Teaching Children. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 016: TEACHING CHILDREN TO WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH by Steve Karges Original Release: October 5, 2022 I want to encourage you to stop designing your children’s ministry around what the kids want and instead give them what they need! As a children’s ministry leader, your responsibilities include teaching the boys and girls in your church how to worship God in spirit and truth. That is what God wants, and He seeks individuals who will worship Him in the way He chooses to be worshipped.  In John 4:22-24 (ESV), Jesus says to the Samaritan woman at the well, “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The point of this passage is clear; God wants to be worshipped according to what He wants. We are to worship the true and living Triune God of the Bible.  He is the object of our worship and affection. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God in three persons and known as the Triune God. This is the God we worship, and He wants to be worshipped in His way and on His terms, not ours. But what does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth? In John 4:23, the word “spirit” does not refer to the Holy Spirit but to each person’s inner human spirit. This human spirit engages our mind to think and our heart, which is where our feelings and emotions come from. So, when we worship God in spirit, He wants all of our mind, all of our emotion, all of our passion, and all of our heart and soul to be involved as we worship Him. Our body is simply a means of that expression. Worshipping in spirit is an outpouring of love, gratitude, and praise to God from within our inner human spirit as it overflows with thanksgiving, gratefulness, and appreciation to Him. For example, in Luke 1:46-47 (ESV), Mary, the mother of Jesus, bursts into praise and proclaims, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” We are to thank God and praise Him for who He is and what He has done. To do this, we must know who God is and what He has done, and that is where truth comes in. In addition to worshipping God in our inner human spirit, He also wants us to worship Him in truth, which means that our spirit worships God in perfect coordination, harmony, and agreement with His revealed Word of Truth, the Bible. In our earlier example from Mary, the mother of Jesus, we learn in Luke 1:45 (ESV), “And blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” In other words, in Mary’s mind and heart, she believed the truth of God’s Word. Mary believed that God would do what He said He would do. And that resulted in her worship to God. Mary worshipped God in spirit and truth. Remember, worshipping God in spirit and truth is when our inner human spirit aligns with the Scripture to glorify God in His way and on His terms. Anything less is unacceptable worship of our Heavenly Father. So, you see why this is so important for kids to know? God wants us to be enthusiastic worshipers in our hearts, with the knowledge of His truth in our minds, as we give Him praise and glory. Teach these things to the boys and girls in your children’s ministry. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Remember to set an example to the children in your church by modeling how to worship God in spirit and truth. 2) Ask the kids in your children’s ministry what they are thankful for. Then write down only those blessings that agree with Scripture. (For example: If a child says, “I thank God for the money I stole from my sister.” Since stealing is a sin, and against God’s Truth (Exodus 20:15), that would not be something to praise God for. Anything that is sin is not in agreement with the Word of Truth.) Afterward, read the list of God’s blessings to the group and thank God and praise Him for providing everything we need. TAGS: Exodus 20:15; Luke 1:45, 46-49; John 4:22-24; Worship; Praise; Inner Human Spirit, Mind; Heart; Truth, Word of Truth, Triune God; Teaching Children. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 015: TEACHING CHILDREN BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT by Steve Karges Original Release: September 28, 2022 In I Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NASB), we read, … “but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.” As children's ministry leaders, it is our job to teach boys and girls how to be discerning. Discernment is simply the ability to determine truth from error and holy behavior from unholy (Hebrews 5:14; Ephesians 5:8-17; I John 4:1-6; I Thessalonians 5:21-22).                        Truth is important for kids to know because: Truth allows them to be wise, knowing good from evil and right from wrong (Romans 16:19). Truth helps them understand reality and what really matters in life (2 Peter 1:3-8; Ephesians 5:15-17). Truth is the only thing that can liberate them from sin. (John 8:32) Truth keeps them from being deceived. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 4:3-4) Truth shows them the way to a life of meaning and purpose (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy 3:15). They please God when they walk in the truth (Ephesians 5:8-11). As we teach children from the Bible at church, they learn the truth and embrace it. Here are three essential things you must teach to the kids in your children’s ministry. First, children need to know that the Triune God, God the Father (Deuteronomy 32:4; Jeremiah 10:10; John 17:3), God the Son (John 1:14, 14:6; I John 5:20), and God the Holy Spirit (John 14;17, 15:26, 16:13; I John 2:27, 4:6) is the Source of truth. In other words. all truth is God's truth (Isaiah 65:16). Truth does not come from within us, as some believe. Truth comes from God alone, who never changes. And because of that, the truth never changes (Isaiah 40:8; Number 23:19; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; I Peter 1:25; Psalm 117:2). Therefore, what was true when God created the world is still true today. Second, children need to know that God’s Word is what determines truth. (John 8:31-32;  Ephesians 1:13; Psalm 18:30, 19:7-9, 119:142, 151, 160. Remember, the Bible is known as the "Word of Truth" (John 17:17). When children question whether something is right or wrong, they need to go to the Scripture for answers. Third, children need to know that they should always be discerning by examining everything in the light of Scripture. Once they learn the truth from God’s Word, they can hold on firmly to what is good and separate themselves from what is evil (I Thessalonians 5:21-22). If we fail to teach children to discern truth from error and holy behavior from unholy, they will fall for anything, including… False gospels. (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:4) False doctrines. (Romans 16:17; Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Peter 3:16; Revelation 22:18-19) False gods. (I Corinthians 10:18-21; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; Acts 15:29) False christs. (Matthew 24:4-5, 24; Mark 13:6, 21-22; Luke 21:8) False spirits. (I John 4:1-6; Ephesians 6:12) False prophets. (Matthew 7:15, 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; Acts 13:6; 2 Peter 2:1; I John 4:1; Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10) False apostles. (2 Corinthians 11:13; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2:2) False teachers. (I Timothy 1:3-7; Acts 20:30; Colossians 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1-3) False visions. (Ezekiel 22:28, 12:24, 13:9,16, 21:29; Lamentations 2:14) False miracles. (Matthew 7:22-23, 24:24; Revelation 13:13-14; Exodus 7:11,22, 8:7; Acts 8:9-11) False worship. (Isaiah 29:13; Leviticus 10:1-2; Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-8) False christians. (Titus 1:16; Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Timothy 3:5) As children's ministry leaders, we have to set an example to the boys and girls we minister to by demonstrating our ability to discern. Are you a discerning children’s ministry leader? It is vital that you are. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Check out all the Bible verses in the Show Notes, as only a few were mentioned. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, visit our website at cmikids.com, and you will find them there under the title of this episode. 2) Before you teach children about discernment, examine yourself by answering the following questions from this checklist. Do I make decisions based on God’s Word or on my desires and emotions? Do I reason from a cultural point of view or from a Biblical perspective? Do I live based on “my truth” or Biblical truth? Do I study and understand Christian Doctrine or ignore it? Is my Biblical knowledge shallow, or do I know what I believe and why? Do I know God’s plan and purpose for my life and ministry, or am I ignorant of His plan and purpose? Hold your answers up to the light of Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. Study the Bible verses in the Show Notes to evaluate your discernment and what you may need to work on. TAGS: Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7; Leviticus 10:1-2; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 4:2; 32:4,17; Psalm 18:3; 19:7-9; 106:37; 117:2; 119: 142, 151, 160; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 29:13; 40:8; 65:16; Jeremiah 9:23-24; 10:10; Lamentations 2:14; Ezekiel 12:22-24; 13:9,16; 21:29; 22:28; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 7:15, 22-23; 15:7-9; 24:5, 11, 24; Mark 7:6-8; 13: 6, 21-22; Luke 6:26; 21:8; John 1:14; 8:32; 14:6-17; 15:26; 16:3; 17:3, 17; Acts 8:9-11; 13:6; 15:29; 17:11; 20:30; Romans 8:28; 16:17, 19; I Corinthians 10:18-21; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13; Galatians 1:6-7; Ephesians 1:13; 5:8-11; 6:12; Colossians 2:18; I Thessalonians 5:21-22; I Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 3:5, 15; 4:3-4; Titus 1:6; Hebrews 5:14; 13:8; James 1:17; I Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:3-8; 2:1-3; 3:16; I John 2:27; 4:1-6; 5:20; Revelation 2:2; 13:13-14; 16: 13, 19, 20; 20:10; 22:18-19.   Discernment; Truth; Error; Holy Behavior; Unholy Behavior; Triune God; Bible; Teaching Children. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 014: CHILDREN’S PASTOR’S TESTIMONY by Steve Karges Original Release: September 21, 2022 In the first three episodes of this podcast, I told the story of how I got started in children’s ministry. I began at age 15 as a church volunteer leading Junior Church for kids in elementary school. Then at age 19, I served part-time as the Youth Director at two small churches simultaneously. When I was 22 years old, I ventured into full-time ministry with Children’s Ministries International, where I have served since 1980. In this episode of the CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SEMINAR podcast, I want to share my Christian testimony with you. This is the story of how I came to Christ. It was fifty-five years ago as of this writing, that my life was changed forever. On June 4, 1967, at the end of a Sunday morning worship service, I walked down the aisle of the church that I attended as a child in southern California and received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. I was nine years old. On that Sunday, around noon, there were no bells or whistles, no bright lights, or thundering noises, but Jesus transformed my life. All my sin (past, present, and future) was forgiven, removed, and transferred to Christ on the cross, and His righteousness was deposited into me! In 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB) it says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Through the work of Christ at Calvary, I was justified before the Holy Triune God and adopted into His family. After I made my public confession of faith in Christ before the congregation, I was immediately baptized by immersion and identified with my Savior and Lord in His death, burial, and resurrection. I am undeserving of God’s grace and did nothing to earn it. My salvation is a gift from God. As a Christian, I experience God’s unconditional love when I feel unworthy and His joy when my heart is broken. I know His peace during life's raging storms and His hope in disappointment. I am guided by His Word and indwelling Holy Spirit when I need a personal GPS. Jesus meets every need. He brought meaning, purpose, and direction to my life when He rescued me on the cross from my sin and God’s wrath. My next stop is Heaven! Through Christ, I have the strength to stand up again when I stumble or get knocked down because I know Satan is defeated, victory over sin is guaranteed, and my future is secure with my Lord for eternity. I am not perfect – just ask my wife! I am simply someone who was lost, and God found. I am grateful He came looking for me and reached out in love. I am glad I reached back by faith. In Luke 15:32 (NASB) it says, “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.” Fast forward fifty-five years to 2022 when this episode of the CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SEMINAR was recorded, and today I am a children's pastor with a global ministry, where I have served for the past 42 years. I have learned from the Bible, and from my own experience, that God awakens His chosen ones (some during childhood) to understand the gospel, repent of sin, believe in Christ, and then to follow Him for the rest of their lives. Jesus did all the work to secure my salvation and I have received all of the benefits! I celebrate Jesus today, to the glory of God the Father!  And that, my friend, is my Christian testimony. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1)  Please note the difference between a testimony and the Gospel. A testimony is simply an individual’s story of how they came to Christ. The Gospel is the story of Jesus; who He is, and what He has done, and how the benefits of what He has done may be appropriated by believers. Do not mistake a testimony for the Gospel, which you can find in your Bible. 2) Write down your testimony and review it once a year to remind yourself of the day when Jesus saved you. Then thank God and rejoice, as you celebrate His grace through Christ in your life.   TAGS: Luke 15:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Becoming a Christian; Gospel; Testimony. Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 013: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS by Steve Karges Original Release: April 27, 2022 As children's ministry leaders, our primary focus should always be to teach boys and girls about the true Jesus from the "Word of Truth," the Bible. Clear Bible teaching is what children need to hear every time they come to church, and this must become your number one priority if it isn't already. I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of teaching kids about Jesus from God's Word. Almost every religion on earth claims some manner of belief in Jesus. But when those claims are held to the light of Scripture, it becomes very clear that they are teaching about a false Christ, not the Biblical Jesus. It is not uncommon for children whose parents profess faith in Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, New Age, or some other non-Christian religion to visit your church with friends. These children may have heard the name of Jesus at home, but that Jesus is not the same Jesus that the Bible tells us about. Never assume that the kids in your children's ministry understand who the true Jesus is, because there are many false christs that they may hear about from others. (Matthew 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6, 21-22: Luke 21:8) The true historical Jesus is the One revealed in the Bible. Remember, God's Word is where we go for Truth (John 17:17, Psalm 119:160). Here is what the Scripture says about the true historical Jesus. The true historical Jesus of the Bible fulfilled more than 300 Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 53; John 19:28; Matthew 5:17; Luke 4:21, 18:31; 22:37, 24:44). The true historical Jesus of the Bible was born of a virgin. His birth was miraculous (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27; Isaiah 7:14). The true historical Jesus of the Bible is God! He is the second person of the Triune God, who is also known as "God the Son" and "Son of God" (John 8:58, 10:30; 1:1, 18, 5:26) Matthew 3:17, 17:5; Mark 1:11, 5:7, 9:7; Luke 1:35, 3:22) The true historical Jesus of the Bible is fully God and fully man. He has two distinct natures (Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13; John 1:14, 8:58, 20:28; Luke 2:52, 24:39). The true historical Jesus of the Bible is sinless. He is perfect and has never sinned (I Peter 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; I John 3:5). The true historical Jesus of the Bible performed many miracles (John 2:11, 23, 3:2, 4:54, 6:2, 14, 11:47, 12:18). The true historical Jesus of the Bible died on the cross to atone for the sins of all the people who would believe in Him (John 3:16; I John 2:2; Romans 3:25; Hebrew 2:17; Revelation 1:5). The true historical Jesus of the Bible was bodily raised from death to life by the Holy Spirit, under the full authority of God (Romans 8:11; John 2:19-21; Acts 2:24, 32). The true histiorcal Jesus of the Bible defeated Satan, sin, and death for all who would believe in Him (Hebrews 2:13-14, I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Timothy 1:10; I Peter 2:24). The true historical Jesus of the Bible ascended to Heaven, where He lives today, awaiting His Second Coming to earth (Acts 1:9-11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 9:28). The true historical Jesus of the Bible is the only One who can save us from our sin and God's wrath. Only through God the Son can we know God the Father (John 14:6; Romans 5:1, 8-9; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). The true historical Jesus of the Bible is Lord of all (John 13:13)! Teach these things about Jesus to the boys and girls in your children's ministry so they can discern between the true Christ and the many false christs that are deceiving people worldwide. When we teach children, it is essential that we stick to the Scripture and not add to it or remove anything from it. In other words, we do not makeup stuff about Jesus. God has told us everything He wants us to know about His Son in the Bible. There is a very solemn warning in the Bible that we must heed. It is found in Galatians 1:9 (ESV) and says, "As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." Please take this warning seriously. God will hold us accountable for what we teach about His Son. There is no room for error, and we must get this right by teaching children Biblically. If we fail to teach children about the true historical Jesus from the Bible, their understanding of Christ will be wrong, their faith will be misplaced in a false christ, their worship will not be accepted, and they will not be saved from their sins and God's wrath. In other words, they are lost! So remember, children's ministry is a serious business because it counts for eternity. Therefore, take your job of teaching children about Jesus seriously. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Make sure that all of your children's ministry teachers teach kids about the true historical Jesus from the Bible, not the Jesus of their imaginations or the counterfeit Jesus of false religions. 2) Check out all of the Bible verses in the Show Notes, as only a few were mentioned in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, visit our website at www.cmikids.com, and you will find them there under the title of this episode. 3) In this podcast, I asked you to REMEMBER two important things. What were they? Listen to this episode again, or find them in the Show Notes to help your memory. Then write them down and memorize these two things so you will always REMEMBER them. TAGS: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18-25, 3:17, 5:17, 17:5; 24:5, 24; Mark 1:11, 5:7, 9:7; 13:6, 21-22: Luke 1:27, 35, 2:52; 4:21, 18:31, 21:8, 22:37, 24:39, 44; John 1:1, 14, 18, 2:11, 19-21,  23, 3:2, 16, 4:54, 5:26, 6:2, 14, 8:58, 10:30, 11:47, 12:18, 13:13, 14:6, 19:28, 20:28; Acts 1:9-11, 2:24, 32; Romans 3:25, 5:1, 8-9, 6:23, 8:11; I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:9; I Thesalonians 4:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 2:13-14, 17, 4:5, 9:28; I Peter 2:22, 24; I John 3:5; Revelation 1:5; Jesus; Bible; false christs; Teaching Children Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 012: WHY TEACHING CHILDREN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE IS ESSENTIAL by Steve Karges Original Release: April 20, 2022 Christian Doctrine is essential for you to know and teach to the boys and girls in your children's ministry. Unfortunately, the word "doctrine" is often viewed negatively in the church and misunderstood by many Christians. The word doctrine, translated from Greek, means teaching that comes from an authoritative source. So when I speak of Christian Doctrine, I am referring to the teaching and instruction in the Bible, which comes from God, who has all Authority and is the Source of Truth (John 17:17). There are many doctrines, but Christian Doctrine only comes to us from the Bible, not from people or other religious books. As children's ministry leaders, it is vital for us to know Christian Doctrine so we can teach it to the children we minister to. We must be careful what we teach to kids. That is why we only teach from God's Word and not from other sources (I Timothy 4:16). There may be times when you are tempted to replace what God says with man-made doctrine or tradition, but RESIST DOING THAT! Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for "teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7, ESV). In the Bible, doctrine is broken down into spiritually related fields of study. We see an example of this in 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) which says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Christian Doctrine is important because our faith is based on a specific message, which is Christ died for our sins, and He was raised to life on the third day according to the Scripture (I Corinthians 15:3-4). If the message is changed, then the basis of our faith will shift away from Christ to something else (Hebrews 13:8-9). Therefore, the Holy Spirit uses sound doctrine based upon Scripture to lead us to the truth (John 16:13-15). In children's ministry, we must move beyond shallow teaching and take kids deep into the Bible, so they can see for themselves what God says. I want to show you how to systematically teach Christian Doctrine to boys and girls by focusing on one specific doctrine essential to the Christian faith, THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST. The Doctrine of Christ helps us to understand who Jesus is and what He has done,  as documented in the Old and New Testaments. The Doctrine of Christ is the Biblical truth we believe about Jesus. Please note that the Doctrine of Christ is not a single lesson that we teach occasionally. Instead, this doctrine infiltrates all of our teaching, and we come back to it repeatedly. From the time a child is born until they graduate from elementary school, we want to walk them through the Scripture to reveal what it says about Christ. So there are times when we give an overview of the Doctrine of Christ, and there are times when we dig deeper into specific aspects of who Jesus is and what He has done. For example, the Scripture says that Jesus Christ is God. He is the second person of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Because He is God, Christ the Son has all the Divine Characteristics and Attributes of God the Father. So begin by taking children through a study of Christ in Eternity Past.    Then encourage the kids in your children's ministry to keep their Bibles open and walk them through the Appearances and Activities of Jesus in the Old Testament. Follow that with the Prophecies of Christ in the Old Testament, before looking into the New Testament to see where those Prophecies came true. While they’re in the New Testament, show your kids how Christ became a man through His miraculous birth and lived on earth. Explain to the children how Jesus had two natures. He was fully God and fully man at the same time. Then dive deep into Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to show them the eyewitness accounts that these men recorded to help us know Jesus. From these gospel writers, we learn what Jesus taught, the miracles He performed, and about His sinless life. Children can also learn about Jesus' Arrest, Trials, Death on the cross, and Atonement for sin in the New Testament. Furthermore, you can guide them to read for themselves about Jesus’ bodily Resurrection, His Ascension into Heaven, and His planned Second Coming. As you can see from this single doctrine, the Bible lessons we can teach to kids are endless. As children learn the Doctrine of Christ, they will believe in Jesus and follow Him. That is why we need to teach Christian Doctrine to boys and girls. It is all about pointing them to the Savior through Scripture. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) I encourage you to purchase the following book for your library, "Bible Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth." (ISBN-10: ‎1433545918; ISBN-13: ‎978-1433545917; Editors: John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue; Publisher: Crossway) Please see the Show Notes for Episode 12 or visit the resource page at www.cmikids.com for more information. TAGS: Mark 7:7; John 16:13-15, 17:17, 20:31; I Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 13:8-9; Christian Doctrine; Doctrine of Christ; Teaching Children Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar EPISODE 010: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SIN by Steve Karges Original Release: March 9, 2022 The Bible says in Romans 6:23 (ESV), " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sin is an unhappy subject to teach to children, but it is necessary for us to do so because boys and girls must understand the seriousness of sin and why Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. Our worldly culture does not want anything defined as sin. Instead, the culture sees everything as a lifestyle choice or a personal preference, and they have declared war on sin and the guilt associated with it. Sadly, some people think that teaching boys and girls about sin will increase their stress, give them low self-esteem, and cause them to worry, become depressed, or have feelings of inadequacy. They will say things like, "The guilt you feel is normal," or "It's not your fault, stop blaming yourself." Unfortunately, these people may not be true followers of Christ because their lack of understanding about sin does not align with God's Word. Children cannot understand the solution to a problem, like sin, until they understand the problem. Once the problem is diagnosed, the cure can be understood.   But without an understanding of sin, children cannot understand God's solution and remedy for it. In other words, kids need to hear the bad news before they can understand the Good News, and when we teach children about sin, we must be clear and help them understand what the Bible says about it. The following is a Biblical definition of sin that I encourage you to teach to the boys and girls in your church. First, sin is any violation of God's law (I John 3:4). The Bible teaches us about God and what He commands us to do and not do, which is known as the law. Therefore, when a child disobeys God's written Word, they sin against Almighty God. Second, sin is rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). When a child says, "I want to do things my way" instead of God's way, they have rebelled and sinned against Him. Third, sin is ingratitude to God (Romans 1:18-32). Everything we have comes to us from God. When we fail to thank God for what He has given us and we are ungrateful, we sin against Him. Please note that every sin we commit is against God. Therefore, anything we do that falls short of His holiness, His righteousness, and His perfect standard is sin (Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:23). The four ways we sin are (a) to think evil, (b) to speak evil, (c) to act evil, and (d) to neglect or fail to do what is right. One may say that sin is our decision to choose the wrong thing over the right thing. Sin came into this world through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they listened to and obeyed the lies of Satan, rather than obey what God had said (Genesis 3:1-7). All of us are descendants of Adam and Eve, and because of that, we inherited their sinful nature. Adam and Eve's sinful nature has been passed down to us through the generations (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12). After teaching kids about sin, they need to know that every person sins, including each one of them (Romans 3:10, 23). Explain to the children in your church that all of us fall short of God's perfection and righteous standard. But don't end your lesson without telling the kids the Good News! God has provided a way through Jesus for all their sin---past, present, and future---to be forgiven and for them to be made righteous before the Holy God (2 Corinthians 5:21). FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Do you believe that one sin can send a person to Hell? According to Scripture, the answer is "Yes," and if you do not believe this truth, please read all of the Bible verses listed in the Show Notes for Episode 10. Then pray and ask God to help you understand the seriousness of sin from His perspective. 2) Talk to the children in your church and ask them to define sin. Then, make sure they understand the true meaning of sin from the Bible. 3) Ask the children in your church to give examples of sin so they can identify them in their own lives. TAGS: Genesis 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 51:4-5; Romans 1:18-32, 3:10 & 23, 5:12, 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; I John 3:4; Teaching Children; Sin; Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar EPISODE 008: TEACHING CHILDREN TO FEAR GOD by Steve Karges Original Release: February 23, 2022   The most important thing we can teach children is to fear God. And when they learn this important truth, wisdom and knowledge will follow. (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10) You may be thinking, “I don’t want children to be fearful of God.”  Yes, you do! Let me explain. The Bible teaches us to fear the Lord in two ways. The first is REVERENT FEAR. This type of fear means that we reverence, respect, honor, and worship God because He is Holy (Psalm 99:1-5). In other words, we are to be in awe of His greatness and glory! When children learn to reverently fear God, it impacts how they think, speak, and behave. For example, when a son or daughter dearly loves and respects their father and mother and desires to please them, they show their parents reverent fear. This child is not afraid of being punished. Instead, their fear stems from not wanting to displease, disappoint, or offend those they loves. In Psalm 111:10a (ESV) it reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;” The focus of this verse is on a sense of awe and respect for the holiness and majesty of God. Often, Christians get too casual with God, and children imitate what they see adults do. We forget who we are talking to when we pray. We also forget who we are worshipping at church. As children’s ministry leaders, we must maintain a healthy respect and adoration for Almighty God by remembering who He is and what He has done, and our lives should reflect that reverence. Make it a priority to teach the children in your church a reverent fear of God and how to come before His Majesty with respect and honor. Check out the story of Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1-7 to learn about God’s holiness and majesty. The second way the Bible teaches us to fear the Lord is REAL FEAR. We fear God because He is all-powerful and has all authority to destroy a person and cast them into Hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV) says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell.” In Hebrews 10:31 (ESV), it reads, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” We live in a world where children are not taught to fear the Lord, either reverently or in reality, because the adults around them live their daily lives with no fear of God at all (Psalm 36;1: Romans 3:18). Children need to learn that disobedience to God and His Word has consequences. And they should dread what God will do to the sinner who refuses to repent of their sin and turn to Christ by faith as their Savior and Lord. (Matthew 25:30) Disobedience is the natural result of a person who has no REAL FEAR of God. When a child does not fear God, they have no motivation to listen to God or obey His Word. In the Old and New Testaments, fearing God is connected with a person’s obedience. The Bible makes a clear distinction between those who fear God and those who don’t. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Acts 10:35). Check out the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 to learn how fear came upon the whole church after this husband and wife sinned, and God punished them by death for their disobedience. In conclusion, the Biblical way to fear the Lord is to be in awe of God for who He is and to be in terror of God for what He can do. Teach these things to your kids at church. FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX 1) Do you understand the difference between REVERENT FEAR and REAL FEAR of God? If not, listen to this podcast again, review the Show Notes, and look up each Bible verse listed in the Show Notes, as some were not mentioned in this podcast. 2) Do you fear God in your life? Is your REVERENT FEAR and REAL FEAR of the Lord evident to others? If not, what specific changes do you need to make today? TAGS: Psalm 36:1, 99:1-5, 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 6:1-7; Matthew 10:28, 25:30; Acts 5:1-11, 10:35; Romans 3:18; Hebrews 10:31; Fear God; Reverent Fear; Real Fear; Teaching Children Visit www.cmikids.com © 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.