Mother's Day Message
Sunday, May 14, 2000   

Whenever we think of a mother with a heart for God, a woman desiring to do the will of God, a woman of courage and dedication, we ought to think about Mary the mother of Jesus.

I. MARY A CONSECRATED MOTHER

     A. Mary was a mother who consecrated herself to God. She was dedicated to Biblical principles.

          1. In Luke 1:28, we read: "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.

               a. God chose Mary because of her holy and righteous life. She was not made righteous by His choice. She was a godly woman, then he chose her.

               b. "Living for Jesus a life that is true

               Striving to please Him in all that I do

               Yielding allegiance glad hearted and full

               This is the pathway of blessing for me

               Oh that this would be the song of mom's today.

          2. We don't know anything about Mary's mom, but I believe she was a godly woman who taught her daughter about God.

     B. If there ever has been a generation that needed to be raised by godly parents, a godly dad and a godly mom, this is the generation. Mom will you do your part? Will you stand for Biblical principles.

          1. We need moms who will tell the children no when they ask to do things that are not right.

          2. Mom teach your boys and girls the word of God. Teach them to be morally pure, to be honest, to work hard even when they don't feel like it.

     a. In Luke 1:27, the Bible says: "...and the virgin's name was Mary." This statement tells us that Mary was pure; she was chaste; that as a teen she had character.

     b. Mom, teach your girls and boys to stay away from sin. Some of us grew up in the 60's and 70's, a very promiscuous time. We need to teach our children and grandchildren that sin does not pay.

     C. I like what Dr. Bob Gray says: "Without an example of Christian character by a godly mother, any child is morally and spiritually handicapped for his entire lifetime!" (48).

          1. We need moms today who will emulate the standards in the Bible for womanhood not the standards of Hollywood.

               a. Mom, dress like a Christian. We used to hear a lot about this, but it has become very unpopular as standards have hit an all time low (I Timothy 2:9-10).

               b. We need moms who display godliness not flesh.

          2. We need moms who will be faithful to attend church: Sunday and Wednesday.

          3. We need moms who will read the Bible, the old KJV that grandmother used to read from. Our children need to see mom reading the Word instead of watching TV.

          4. We need moms who will pray for their children.

          5. We need moms who will be remembered by their children as good and godly, not sexy and worldly.

II. MARY OBEDIENT TO THE WORD

     A. Mary was obedient to the Word of God. She believed the Word and practiced what it said.

          1. She faithfully and devotedly obeyed God's commandments (Luke 2:39).

          2. You cannot be faithful to God. You cannot live a godly life without the Word of God. You cannot be a good Christian mother without God's Word to guide you.

          3. Notice with me the words of John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Mom, if you love the Lord, live for the Lord, be obedient to His Word. Stop making excuses; live for Jesus.

               a. Mom, the Bible is God's Word. Read it; believe it; be blessed by it.

               b. Dear Mom, you children will do what you do. They are watching you.

     B. The Word of God says that we are to be obedient in worship (Hebrews 10:25).

          1. Look at the example that Mary set in Luke 2:41.

               a. She acted on what she knew was right.

               b. To know what to do, then staying home is sin.

          2. Christian Mom, be faithful to church services. Don't let anything else get in the way of worship.

III. MARY CONFIDENT IN GOD'S PLAN

     A. Mary believed God. She believed that God had a purpose for her life. She was confident that God would carry out His will in her life.

          1. She drank in the words of the angels and in wonderment looked upon the events that surrounded the birth of her Son (Luke 2:19).

          2. In Luke 1:38, we see that Mary placed her future into the hands of her God.

     B. At the marriage feast of Cana of Galilee, she spoke with confidence to the servants at the wedding because she knew that Jesus would only do right (John 2:5).

          1. Mom, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."

          2. Whatever the Lord tells you to do mom, you can be confident that it is for your good (Ephesians 5:22-24).

IV. MARY CONCERNED ABOUT HER CHILD

     A. We need moms who love and care for their children. Dr. Laura says: "If you don't want to raise them (children], don't have them."

     B. In Luke 2:48, we read of and can feel the concern that Mary has for Jesus after He had been separated form the caravan.

          1. We need to say: "I love you," to our children. Mom, your boys and girls need to hear those words.

          2. Be concerned about their problems and heartaches.

     C. At the foot of the cross, Mary stood with John as her son died for her sins and mine. She hurt as he hurt.

V. MARY CONVERTED BY BELIEVING

     A. Every child needs a mother who believes that Christ is Savior, that He died for sinners, was buried, and that He rose again.

     B. Mary was saved by faith in our Lord and her Lord Jesus Christ.

           1. She was saved because she believed (Luke 1:45-47).

           2. Friend, mom, trust Christ today (John 3:18, 36)

CONCLUSION: Needed, Biblical Moms!!!