Building Faith: Nurturing the Next Generation

Devotional

Day 1: God's Friendship is Real and Everlasting

Description: Teaching children about the friendship of God is foundational to their spiritual growth. It is essential for them to understand that God is a friend who is real, loves us, can be trusted, is forever, and is for everyone. These truths help them build a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout their lives. When children grasp the concept of God's unwavering friendship, they are more likely to develop a personal relationship with Him that will sustain them through life's challenges. [33:27]

In a world where friendships can be fleeting and conditional, the steadfast love of God offers a comforting and reliable anchor. This understanding not only provides children with a sense of security but also encourages them to emulate God's love in their interactions with others. By teaching children about God's friendship, we are equipping them with the knowledge that they are never alone and that they have a divine friend who is always by their side.

Psalm 25:14 (ESV): "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt alone or misunderstood. How can the knowledge of God's unwavering friendship bring you comfort and strength in similar situations today?

Day 2: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation

Description: Deuteronomy 6 emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments and teachings at the forefront of our lives and passing them down to our children. This involves not just verbal instruction but living out our faith authentically. When children see their parents and other adults living out their faith, it becomes more than just words; it becomes a way of life that they can observe and emulate. [34:56]

Passing on faith to the next generation is a responsibility that requires intentionality and consistency. It is not enough to simply tell children about God; they need to see faith in action. This means demonstrating love, forgiveness, and trust in God in everyday situations. By doing so, we create an environment where faith is not just taught but caught, allowing children to develop their own relationship with God based on the examples set before them.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routines. How can you incorporate more intentional moments of faith-sharing with your children or those in your care?

Day 3: The Centrality of Jesus' Resurrection

Description: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. If we truly believe in this event, it should be the most important factor shaping our lives. This belief should be evident in how we live and what we teach our children. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a transformative reality that impacts every aspect of our lives. [36:15]

Understanding the significance of the resurrection helps us to live with hope and purpose. It reminds us that death is not the end and that we have a future secured in Christ. This hope should influence our decisions, our interactions, and our outlook on life. By keeping the resurrection central in our lives, we can model a faith that is vibrant and alive, inspiring the next generation to embrace the same hope.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection influence your daily decisions and interactions? What changes can you make to ensure it remains central in your life?

Day 4: Supporting Families Amidst Modern Pressures

Description: Families today face unique pressures that require the church's support. Divorce rates and changing family structures make it crucial for the church to step in and help parents in their spiritual journey, ensuring that the message of Jesus remains central. The church has a vital role in providing resources, encouragement, and a sense of community for families navigating these challenges. [38:48]

By offering support to families, the church can help create a stable environment where children can thrive spiritually. This support can come in various forms, such as counseling, parenting workshops, and family-oriented events. When families feel supported by their church community, they are better equipped to handle the pressures of modern life and to pass on their faith to their children.

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Identify a family within your church or community that may be facing unique pressures. How can you offer support and encouragement to them this week?

Day 5: Parents as Primary Spiritual Influencers

Description: Studies show that the best indicator of a child's faith is the faith of their parents. The church's role is to equip and support parents, providing them with the tools and resources they need to nurture their children's spiritual growth. Parents are the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives, and their example has a profound impact on their children's faith development. [42:25]

It is essential for parents to recognize the significant role they play in their children's spiritual journey. By prioritizing their own relationship with God and modeling a life of faith, parents can create a strong foundation for their children to build upon. The church can support this by offering resources such as Bible studies, prayer groups, and family devotions that parents can use to grow in their faith and lead their children effectively.

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV): "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual practices. How can you strengthen your relationship with God to better influence your children's faith journey? What specific steps can you take this week to model a life of faith for them?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Ridge Point Church! Today is a special day as we celebrate our RPC Family Sunday, fresh off the heels of our Vacation Bible School, Camp RPC. We are thrilled to have the kids take over parts of the service, showcasing the songs and lessons they learned throughout the week. The energy and enthusiasm of the children and the Scuba Squad have been truly inspiring.

This week, we focused on teaching the children about the steadfast love and friendship of God. We emphasized that God is a friend who is real, loves us, can be trusted, is forever, and is for everyone. These foundational truths were met with incredible receptivity from the kids, reminding us of the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.

We also delved into the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6, we discussed the significance of keeping God's commandments and teachings at the forefront of our lives and ensuring they are passed down to our children. This involves not just verbal instruction but living out our faith in a way that our children can see and emulate.

In the New Testament context, we are reminded to keep the message of Jesus central in our lives. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and it should be the most important event that shapes our lives. As parents and church members, we have a responsibility to model this faith authentically to our children.

We also acknowledged the unique pressures that families face today, which are different from those of previous generations. Divorce rates and changing family structures make it even more crucial for the church to support families in their spiritual journey. Parents are the primary spiritual influencers in their children's lives, and our role as a church is to equip and support them in this vital task.

Today, we also bid a bittersweet farewell to our beloved children's director, Kim Farrington, who has been a champion for our kids' ministry. Her dedication and the support of her entire family have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their service.

As we continue to celebrate, let's remember the importance of being for our community and our families, ensuring that the message of Jesus remains at the heart of all we do.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God's Friendship is Foundational: Teaching children that God is a friend who is real, loves us, can be trusted, is forever, and is for everyone is crucial. These truths help them build a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout their lives. [33:27]
2. Passing on Faith to the Next Generation: Deuteronomy 6 emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments and teachings at the forefront of our lives and passing them down to our children. This involves not just verbal instruction but living out our faith authentically. [34:56]
3. The Centrality of Jesus' Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. If we truly believe in this event, it should be the most important factor shaping our lives. This belief should be evident in how we live and what we teach our children. [36:15]
4. Supporting Families Amidst Modern Pressures: Families today face unique pressures that require the church's support. Divorce rates and changing family structures make it crucial for the church to step in and help parents in their spiritual journey, ensuring that the message of Jesus remains central. [38:48]
5. Parents as Primary Spiritual Influencers: Studies show that the best indicator of a child's faith is the faith of their parents. The church's role is to equip and support parents, providing them with the tools and resources they need to nurture their children's spiritual growth. [42:25]
### [42:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Camp RPC Introduction
[01:30] - Kids Lead Worship
[24:45] - Scuba Squad Introduction
[32:11] - Reflecting on the Week
[33:27] - Teaching Kids About God's Friendship
[34:56] - Importance of Passing on Faith
[36:15] - Centrality of Jesus' Resurrection
[37:35] - Responsibility of Adults
[38:48] - Supporting Families
[40:06] - Role of Parents
[41:08] - Genuine Conversion
[42:25] - Parents as Spiritual Influencers
[43:45] - Farewell to Kim Farrington
[51:32] - Family Recognition
[52:51] - Prayer for the Farrington Family
[56:37] - Final Song by Kids
[57:58] - Offering and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the key attributes of God's friendship as taught to the children during Camp RPC? ([33:27])
According to Deuteronomy 6, what are the Israelites instructed to do with God's commandments and teachings? ([34:56])
How does the sermon describe the role of parents in their children's spiritual growth? ([42:25])
What unique pressures do families face today, and how does the church aim to support them? ([38:48])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to teach children that God is a friend who is real, loves us, can be trusted, is forever, and is for everyone? ([33:27])
How does Deuteronomy 6 emphasize the importance of passing on faith to the next generation? ([34:56])
What does it mean for the resurrection of Jesus to be the cornerstone of our faith, and how should this shape our lives? ([36:15])
In what ways can the church support families amidst modern pressures, according to the sermon? ([38:48])

Application Questions

Reflect on the attributes of God's friendship taught to the children. How can you incorporate these truths into your daily life and interactions with others? ([33:27])
Deuteronomy 6 talks about keeping God's commandments at the forefront of our lives. What practical steps can you take to ensure that God's teachings are a visible and integral part of your household? ([34:56])
The sermon emphasizes the centrality of Jesus' resurrection. How can you make the resurrection a more prominent part of your daily faith and conversations with your family? ([36:15])
Considering the unique pressures families face today, what specific support do you think your family needs from the church, and how can you seek that support? ([38:48])
As a parent or guardian, what are some ways you can be a more effective spiritual influencer in your child's life? ([42:25])
How can you actively participate in the church's mission to support families and ensure the message of Jesus remains central in your community? ([38:48])
Reflect on the farewell to Kim Farrington and her impact on the children's ministry. How can you show appreciation and support to those who serve in your church's children's ministry? ([43:45])

Sermon Clips

1. "Forty years later, I think we would be blind to miss that there are pressures that are on the families today and even upon these young people today that are different than when we were growing up. And here's the thing is that as we worked throughout this week, as we had a chance to pour into these kids' lives and to see them pour into us, man, I was so encouraged to see who it was that they were and to see the way they responded to so many different things that we did this week." [32:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God is a friend who's real. God is a friend who loves. God is a friend we can trust. God is a friend forever. And God is a friend for everyone. And the way they responded to that message was so powerful. And realize that we have a responsibility. I want you, I'm going to read a passage. We can't do this alone." [33:27] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "First, as the adults in the room, we have to be the ones to make sure that those ideas are in front of us at all times. And as we transition to the New Testament, we see the coming of Jesus and his death and his resurrection. For the church today, I believe fully if God was writing this to us, it'd be, hey, keep those ideas, but keep the message of Jesus forefront in your family's lives." [36:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Each one of us, whatever that calling is in our life is to say, whatever it is that I'm doing, that the message of Jesus would be forefront in my life. Man, that I'd keep that out in front of me. And then not only would I keep it out in front of me, but as they make that transition down in verse six, that I'm commanding you to do this, to keep this in mind, to teach these to your children and to speak of them as you sit up in your house." [37:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It is our responsibility as adults, as family members, as churches to say, man, it matters what we're teaching our kids that we're actually passing on our faith to the next generation. Not just a cultural version of Christianity, not just saying, yeah, I go to church and I do my thing, but saying, man, Jesus is forefront of my life. And I want to keep that central." [38:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Parents are the primary spiritual influences in their children's lives. If your kids are involved in church here or someplace else, they might be in church for a couple of hours a week. That's the only influence that they're having. Meanwhile, your role is much, much larger. And so our role as a church has to be to do two things. To teach the next generation, but more importantly, to teach the parents of the next generation, because they're spending a lot more time with you than they are with us." [40:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Conversion, I'm convinced the more that I do this, conversion happens more via discipleship, via teaching on a consistent basis than, hey, let's, let's raise our hand and all of that. And again, I'm not trying to knock that, but I'm saying to actually teach people and especially teach the next generation, this is what it means to be a Christian. And I'm not trying to knock that, but I'm saying to really follow Jesus." [41:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Study after study shows us that the main influence in a kid following Jesus is how much mom and dad follow Jesus. And so when I talk about us being for the community and us being for families, it's saying, we want to do this. We want to do this. We want to do this. We want to do that. We want to teach the kids. I think that's essential. It's important, but even more so we want to partner with parents to give them the tools and resources to be able to do that." [42:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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