Empowering Parents to Disciple the Next Generation
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Crossroads Church! Today, we focus on the importance of discipling the rising generation, particularly within the home. Our mission at Crossroads is to serve and connect people to Jesus, and we aim to expand God's kingdom by being a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church. We believe that everyone in our church community is responsible for creating an environment that fosters the spiritual growth of young people.
We began by reflecting on the significant influence parents have on their children. Using the analogy of a playground, we illustrated how children look to their parents for emotional cues and guidance. This influence is not just about physical safety but extends to spiritual development. Parents are the primary influencers in their children's lives, spending the most time with them and having the greatest impact on their spiritual journey.
We then turned to Deuteronomy 6, focusing on the Shema, a foundational prayer in both Jewish and Christian traditions. The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, and to teach these commandments diligently to our children. This passage underscores the importance of parents living out their faith authentically so that their children can see and learn from their example.
Moses emphasizes that parents should recount God's faithfulness and share their personal experiences of His goodness with their children. This is not just about following rules but about creating opportunities for children to experience God's love and grace. Parents are chosen by God to be the primary disciple-makers in their children's lives, a role that is both significant and divinely ordained.
In conclusion, while the task of parenting can feel overwhelming, we are reminded that we have a Heavenly Father who guides and supports us. By putting our faith in Jesus and trusting in His love, we can fulfill our calling to lead our children spiritually. Remember, what you do as a parent matters deeply and makes a lasting difference in your child's life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Parental Influence is Paramount: Parents are the greatest influencers in their children's lives, not just because of their emotional connection but also due to the sheer amount of time spent together. This influence extends beyond physical safety to spiritual development, making it crucial for parents to model a life of faith. [08:01]
2. The Shema as a Foundation: The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6, calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. This foundational prayer is not just for personal devotion but is meant to be taught diligently to our children. Parents are called to live out these commandments authentically, providing a living example for their children. [10:43]
3. Recounting God's Faithfulness: When children ask about the meaning of faith and God's commandments, parents should recount their personal experiences of God's faithfulness. This storytelling helps children understand and appreciate God's role in their lives, making faith a lived experience rather than just a set of rules. [15:18]
4. Creating Spiritual Opportunities: Successful parenting, according to Deuteronomy 6, is not about ensuring worldly success for our children but about creating opportunities for them to experience God's goodness. Parents are chosen by God to be the primary disciple-makers, tasked with leading their children spiritually. [17:08]
5. Trusting in Divine Support: The task of parenting can feel overwhelming, but we are supported by our Heavenly Father. By putting our faith in Jesus and trusting in His love, we can fulfill our calling to lead our children spiritually. This divine support alleviates the burden and empowers us to be effective parents. [26:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Preaching at Victory Inglésia
[01:44] - Mission of Crossroads Church
[02:28] - Multi-Generational and Multi-Ethnic Focus
[03:17] - Discipling the Rising Generation
[04:17] - Responsibility of Creating Spiritual Growth
[05:06] - Playground Analogy
[08:01] - Parental Influence
[09:55] - Introduction to the Shema
[10:43] - Importance of the Shema
[12:18] - Jesus and the Shema
[13:50] - Teaching the Shema to Children
[15:18] - Recounting God's Faithfulness
[17:08] - Parenting Goals
[20:23] - The Role of Parents
[26:29] - Trusting in Divine Support
[28:12] - Invitation to Faith
[29:54] - Prayer for Parents
[32:18] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 6:4-7, what are the key components of the Shema, and what are parents instructed to do with these commandments?
2. In the sermon, what analogy did the pastor use to illustrate the influence parents have on their children? ([05:06])
3. What does the pastor say about the amount of time children spend at home versus other places, and how does this impact parental influence? ([08:01])
4. How does Moses suggest parents should respond when their children ask about the meaning of God's commandments? ([13:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Shema considered a foundational prayer in both Jewish and Christian traditions, and how does it relate to the spiritual development of children? ([10:43])
2. How does recounting personal experiences of God's faithfulness help children understand and appreciate their faith? ([15:18])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that parents are the primary disciple-makers in their children's lives, and how does this align with the teachings in Deuteronomy 6? ([17:08])
4. How does trusting in divine support alleviate the burden of parenting, according to the sermon? ([26:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own upbringing. How did your parents or guardians influence your spiritual journey? How can you apply these lessons to your own parenting or mentoring?
2. The pastor mentioned that parents should create opportunities for their children to experience God's goodness. What are some practical ways you can do this in your daily life? ([17:08])
3. When was the last time you shared a personal story of God's faithfulness with your children or someone you mentor? How did they respond, and how can you make this a regular practice? ([15:18])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out your faith authentically. What are some areas in your life where you can improve in modeling a life of faith for your children? ([10:43])
5. Parenting can often feel overwhelming. How can you remind yourself to rely on God's support and guidance in your parenting journey? ([26:29])
6. Think about the rules and values you have set in your home. How can you ensure they are rooted in God's grace and goodness, and how can you communicate this to your children? ([20:23])
7. Identify one specific action you can take this week to foster spiritual growth in your children or those you mentor. How will you implement this, and what support do you need to make it happen?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Parental Influence
Parents hold a unique and powerful position in their children's lives, not just because of their emotional connection but also due to the sheer amount of time they spend together. This influence extends beyond ensuring physical safety to nurturing spiritual development. Parents are the primary role models for their children, and their actions, words, and attitudes significantly shape their children's understanding of faith and God. By living out a genuine and vibrant faith, parents can create an environment where their children can grow spiritually and develop a personal relationship with Jesus. [08:01]
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: Think about a recent moment when your child looked to you for guidance. How did you respond, and what did your response teach them about faith and trust in God?
Day 2: The Shema as a Foundation
The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6, is a foundational prayer that calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. This prayer is not just for personal devotion but is meant to be taught diligently to our children. Parents are called to live out these commandments authentically, providing a living example for their children. By embodying the principles of the Shema, parents can instill a deep and abiding love for God in their children's hearts, guiding them to live a life that honors Him. [10:43]
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the Shema into your daily routine with your children? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate your love for God to them today?
Day 3: Recounting God's Faithfulness
When children ask about the meaning of faith and God's commandments, parents should recount their personal experiences of God's faithfulness. Sharing stories of how God has worked in their lives helps children understand and appreciate God's role in their own lives. This storytelling makes faith a lived experience rather than just a set of rules, allowing children to see the tangible impact of God's love and grace. By recounting God's faithfulness, parents can inspire their children to trust in Him and seek His guidance in their own lives. [15:18]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you share this story with your children in a way that highlights God's love and power?
Day 4: Creating Spiritual Opportunities
Successful parenting, according to Deuteronomy 6, is not about ensuring worldly success for our children but about creating opportunities for them to experience God's goodness. Parents are chosen by God to be the primary disciple-makers, tasked with leading their children spiritually. This involves intentionally creating moments where children can encounter God's love, whether through prayer, worship, or acts of service. By prioritizing their children's spiritual growth, parents can help them develop a strong and resilient faith that will guide them throughout their lives. [17:08]
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: What is one specific way you can create a spiritual opportunity for your child this week? How can you make this a regular part of your family's routine?
Day 5: Trusting in Divine Support
The task of parenting can feel overwhelming, but we are supported by our Heavenly Father. By putting our faith in Jesus and trusting in His love, we can fulfill our calling to lead our children spiritually. This divine support alleviates the burden and empowers us to be effective parents. Remembering that we are not alone in this journey can provide comfort and strength, allowing us to parent with confidence and grace. Trusting in God's guidance and relying on His wisdom can help us navigate the challenges of parenting and lead our children towards a deeper relationship with Him. [26:29]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: In what areas of parenting do you feel most overwhelmed? How can you invite God into these areas and rely on His strength and guidance today?
Quotes
1. "My prayer is that you would be able to experience God today, that you would be able to experience his church, and that today, when you leave, you would leave inspired, challenged, encouraged in your faith journey, wherever that may be. And if you're new with us, one of the things that you need to know is that here at Crossroads, we're all about serving people toward and connecting people to Jesus." [01:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everyone in this church, that everyone who calls Crossroads home, that we are responsible for creating a culture or an environment that leads to the spiritual growth of the rising generation. That if you call Crossroads home, this is your responsibility. It's to create an environment where young people, the rising generation, has an opportunity to flourish in their spiritual growth. Whether you have kids or not. Whether your kids are small and at home or big and gone from your home." [04:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Parents, listen. You are the greatest influence in your child's life. That you are the greatest influence in your child's life. And the reason that your influence is so huge is not just simply because of the connection that parents and kids share in the family, but also simply because the sheer amount of time that you spend with your children." [08:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if the influence you willed, the influence that you have in your child's life, what if it was used more than to simply help your kids with bumps and bruises, but more importantly was given to you to lead their spiritual development? What if the influence that you have in your child's life, was used most to help them spiritually develop? That's what we want to talk about today." [09:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Moses says that when your child comes to you, you recount the faithfulness of God in your life. See, for the Hebrew person living during the time of the time of Deuteronomy chapter 6, every single person hearing this for the first time was a was a child of a slave. For 400 years, the nation of Israel, the Hebrew people, had lived in slavery to Egypt under Pharaoh's thumb. Their parents, their grandparents, their great-grandparents, their great-great-grandparents, for generations upon generations, they had all been slaves in Egypt." [15:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Your parenting matters more, more than a career, more than all of your successes, more than the money that you make, more than the items that you can provide to your children. Your parenting matters because God chose you to be the consistent, faithful instrument to bring about in your child's life the acknowledgement of God's existence and his goodness. Your parenting matters. What you do makes a difference. God chose you." [16:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "According to Deuteronomy chapter six, God says the goal of parenting is to create space, whether your kids are little or big, for them to have the opportunity to experience God and his goodness. You are a faithful instrument. Moses says what you do matters. What you do matters. What you do makes a difference. And listen, some of you need to hear this. God did not make a mistake. God did not make a mistake by giving you this task." [17:08] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You are a tool in the creator's hands, that you have been anointed, consecrated, ordained, blessed to be the irreplaceable instrument in the powerful hands of God to lead your kids spiritually. If you know me, one of my hobbies is woodworking. I love to take old things and and to make them beautiful. It's a little bit like pastoring, only I find that people are kind of hard to help to restore, you know. So I spend a lot of time woodworking, and when it comes to woodworking, there's a lot of tools that you can use in woodworking, but one that we all know is the sander." [18:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "In your child's life, you are the instrument that God uses to communicate and teach the most important thing that your child could ever know. The most important thing. The character, the love, the grace, and the plan of God for their lives. It's the essential thing that is to be crafted into every single person. And from this passage in Deuteronomy, Moses says that it's the essential task. That is assigned to you as the parents, not the church." [21:52] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You were chosen to lead your child spiritually. That you have been ordained by God to be the primary disciple maker in your child's life. What you do, matters. And if you're here today, in-house, or listening to this online, and you have a child, that's your calling. This is your calling, no matter what age your child is. And the reality of that truth is that this is a heavy weight, isn't it? This is heavy." [23:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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