Devoted - Cherished Children - 14 September 2025 - Steve Dinning

In this sermon titled Cherished Children, Steve Dinning explores what it means to value children in light of God’s Word. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:1–9, Matthew 18:1–6, and Matthew 19:13–15, he highlights the biblical call to raise children in the knowledge and love of God, while also learning from their humility and vulnerability. Steve reminds us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humility, dependence, and service, and that children are not only the future of the church but also a vital part of it today. He also connects Jesus’ care for children with the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable—widows, orphans, and foreigners—pointing to foster care and intergenerational support as expressions of God’s love in action. 5 Questions to Think About: What does Jesus mean when he says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3)? How does the vulnerability and humility of children teach us about our relationship with God? In what ways does Jesus’ welcome of children (Matthew 19:14) challenge the way we view and value children today? How can we, as a church community, better support families, foster carers, and ministries that care for vulnerable children? What role can you play in teaching and modelling faith for the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)? 3 Things to Take Away: Humility is greatness – Entering and living in God’s kingdom requires humility, like that of a child, depending fully on the Father’s grace. Children matter now – Jesus affirms the dignity of children and calls the church to value and learn from them, not just see them as the future. Faith is lived and shared daily – Parents, grandparents, and the whole church community are called to pass on the story of God through teaching, modeling, and everyday life rhythms.