2819 Church Podcast Summary

Episode: WISDOM & WONDER | Placed in Good Hands | Matthew 19:13-15 | Arik Hayes
Release Date: January 4, 2025
Host: 2819 Church
Speaker: Eric Hayes

Introduction and Greetings

Eric Hayes, one of the elders at 2819 Church, opens the episode by welcoming both in-person and online congregants, affectionately referring to the online community as the "Digital Disciples." He extends a special welcome to unbelievers, encouraging them to continue seeking and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within them.

Notable Quote:
"We are a church that is a house of prayer, presence, and proclamation."
— Eric Hayes [00:00]

Hayes acknowledges Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell for his impactful teachings on godly masculinity, emphasizing the importance of men embodying strength and ambition aligned with scriptural principles.

Honoring Community Members

Hayes takes a moment to celebrate community milestones, including Lena’s birthday, highlighting the significance of family in ministry. He underscores the necessity of premarital counseling to ensure that couples are kingdom companions, protecting their relationships from spiritual adversaries.

Notable Quote:
"If you have a family, you're not doing ministry without your wife. She may not be standing right here, but she's occupying a place that was not handled otherwise."
— Eric Hayes [05:50]

Transition to Sermon: "Placed in Good Hands"

Introducing the main sermon, Hayes reflects on the church's growth from a small congregation to one with multiple services and overflows. He reminisces about the early days of baby dedications, expressing concern over the current cultural decline in valuing children.

Notable Quote:
"In America, we're really starting to disdain kids. Some people say, 'I ain't ready for marriage and family right now. I'm gonna go get the bag.'"
— Eric Hayes [12:30]

Hayes transitions to the scripture passage for the sermon, Matthew 19:13-15, setting the foundation for his message on the importance of children in the Kingdom of God.

Biblical Analysis: Matthew 19:13-15

Hayes delves into Matthew 19:13-15, interpreting it as a form of baby dedication. He contrasts the disciples' initial rebuke of people bringing children to Jesus with Jesus’ compassionate response, emphasizing that children belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Notable Quote:
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
— Eric Hayes [16:45]

He references Matthew 18, highlighting Jesus' repeated invitation for children to approach Him, reinforcing their value and the need for disciples to adopt a child-like humility and dependence on God.

The Value of Children in the Kingdom

Hayes discusses the societal shift away from valuing children, attributing it to cultural distractions and a focus on personal advancement. He warns against viewing children as inconveniences and urges parents to dedicate themselves to fostering their children's spiritual growth.

Notable Quote:
"Children are humble enough to come to you and throw their arms up and say, 'I need help.' No ego."
— Eric Hayes [25:10]

He shares personal anecdotes about his own children, illustrating how children naturally seek intimacy and presence, mirroring the relationship believers should cultivate with God.

Godly Masculinity and Relationship with God

Shifting focus to godly masculinity, Hayes underscores the necessity for men to embody both strength and tenderness in their relationship with God. He critiques the modern notion of masculinity that often neglects emotional and spiritual depth.

Notable Quote:
"Godly masculinity is also encountering God in a place where you feel safe being weak because He knows how to keep things to Himself."
— Eric Hayes [35:20]

Hayes emphasizes that a true relationship with God requires consistent engagement through prayer, Bible study, and community, rather than seeking sensational spiritual experiences.

Practical Applications

Hayes offers practical advice for listeners to integrate the sermon’s teachings into their lives:

1. Engage with Children Spiritually:
   Encourage conversations about faith and pray with nieces, nephews, or community children.

   Quote:
   "Ask them like, 'How can I pray for you, nephew? How can I pray for you, niece?'"
   — Eric Hayes [42:15]

2. Cultivate Personal Intimacy with God:
   Dedicate time for prayer and Bible reading, fostering a deeper connection with God akin to that of a child with a father.

3. Community Involvement:
   Participate in children’s ministry or support families within the church to model and teach godly principles.

Conclusion

In his closing remarks, Hayes reassures listeners of their place in God's hands, drawing from Hebrews and John to affirm the security and eternal life believers possess. He challenges the congregation to treat one another with the same love and dedication God shows, ensuring that children and adults alike experience the fullness of God's grace and protection.

Notable Quote:
"You're in good hands as a disciple, as a child of God. Nobody can snatch you out."
— Eric Hayes [58:40]

Hayes concludes with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to help men and women pursue intimacy with Him and to guide the congregation in nurturing their spiritual lives and relationships.

Final Prayer

Hayes leads a prayer, thanking God for His fatherly love and asking for divine assistance in elevating and caring for the church's children. He implores God to help the congregation run towards intimacy with Him, emphasizing the importance of personal and communal spiritual growth.

Notable Quote:
"Help us deal with them according to your grace and your goodness."
— Eric Hayes [60:05]

Summary:
In this episode of the 2819 Church podcast, Eric Hayes delivers a compelling sermon titled "Placed in Good Hands," centered on Matthew 19:13-15. He highlights the intrinsic value of children in God's Kingdom, critiques societal trends that undermine their importance, and calls for a return to godly masculinity and intimate relationships with God. Through personal anecdotes, biblical exegesis, and practical applications, Hayes inspires listeners to prioritize spiritual growth within their families and communities, reinforcing the message that all are cherished and secure in God's eternal care.