The Congregational Pulpit Genesis 17:15-22 And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.… I. WHAT THE CHRISTIAN PARENT SEEKS FOR HIS OFFSPRING. What is meant by living before God? It means to enjoy His forgiving grace, that we be not consumed by His wrath; and to receive His fostering protection and blessing, without which life would be a calamity, and existence a burden. We would not have our children go forth through life neglected of God; still less, contending against Him as an enemy. Many blessings may be included in this general one. 1. There are spiritual blessings; life in and through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness. Regeneration. Eternal life. 2. Temporal good is sought; not without, but in addition to, spiritual blessings; and not absolutely, but in entire submission to the will of God. II. HOW THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD ACT TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THESE DESIRES ON BEHALF OF HIS OFFSPRING. 1. Prayer. 2. Instruction. 3. Example. 4. Discipline. Conclusion:(1) To parents who neglect their duty altogether. Ye are cruel fowlers, and dreadful for you will it be to meet your spoiled and ruined offspring in hell. (2) To those who labour in this way. Be encouraged and incited to persevere. Your work will not be in vain. (3) To all who bring their children for baptism. You do take these vows upon you. Be faithful. This you cannot he, unless fully bent upon your own salvation. (4) To young people. See your parents' anxiety for you. Be awakened to a sense of your sin and danger. (The Congregational Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. |
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