Passing on faith is a sacred responsibility, not just for parents but for the entire church community. When we intentionally share the stories of God’s faithfulness, His power, and His wonders with our children and the young people around us, we lay a foundation for trust in God that can last for generations. This calling extends beyond biological families to every child and youth in our congregation and community, ensuring that each one knows they are part of God’s story and loved by His people. As we tell of God’s deeds and teach His commands, we help the next generation remember, trust, and walk in His ways, shaping the future of the church and the world. [13:30]
Psalm 78:4-8 (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. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Reflection: Who is one young person—inside or outside your family—you can intentionally encourage in faith this week by sharing a story of God’s goodness or inviting them to join you in prayer or worship?
In a world marked by division, violence, and bitterness, followers of Jesus are called to a higher standard: to overcome evil with good. This means refusing to be swept up in anger, hatred, or the temptation to see others as enemies, even when deeply wronged or grieved. Instead, we are to respond with forgiveness, prayer, and acts of love, trusting that God’s way brings healing and transformation. This calling is not easy, especially in times of national or personal pain, but it is the way of Christ and the path to true peace and reconciliation. [36:32]
Romans 12:21 (ESV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflection: When you encounter anger or bitterness—whether in the news, online, or in your own heart—what is one practical way you can choose to respond with goodness and forgiveness today?
God, as our Heavenly Father, lovingly disciplines and trains us so that we may grow in holiness and maturity. Just as He uses both pleasant and difficult circumstances to shape us, parents are called to raise their children with a balance of love, guidance, and correction. Discipline is not merely about punishment, but about forming character, teaching responsibility, and helping children become who God created them to be. In the same way, every believer is continually being shaped by God’s loving hand, called to submit to His training and trust that even hardships can produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. [41:21]
Hebrews 12:7-11 (ESV)
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Reflection: Think of a recent hardship or challenge—how might God be using it to shape your character or draw you closer to Him?
God’s love for us is unwavering and unconditional, demonstrated most powerfully in Christ’s sacrifice while we were still sinners. This steadfast love is the foundation of our identity as God’s children and the model for how we are to love others, especially our children. Children need to experience love not just in words but in consistent presence, care, and connection—through both quality and quantity time. When love is expressed through listening, understanding, and shared experiences, it becomes a secure foundation that enables children (and all of us) to grow, make mistakes, and return to grace. [47:33]
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can show unconditional love—through words or actions—to a family member or friend today, especially if they have disappointed or hurt you?
Wisdom and truth are essential for living well, and God has given us His Word to guide, correct, and train us for every good work. Parents and mentors are called to impart not only knowledge but also the wisdom to make choices that honor God and bless others. This means creating rhythms of learning, conversation, and reflection—both structured and spontaneous—so that children and adults alike grow in understanding who God is, who they are in Christ, and how to live according to His ways. We cannot give what we do not have, so continual growth in faith and engagement with Scripture is vital for all who seek to lead and influence others. [01:00:34]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to deepen your engagement with God’s Word—either personally or with your family—and how might you share what you learn with someone else?
Today’s focus is on the sacred calling to raise up the next generation in faith, both as parents and as a church family. The heart of this calling is to impart not just knowledge, but a living, practiced faith—one that is rooted in the character and love of our Heavenly Father. We are reminded that God is actively raising us as His children, shaping us through both joys and hardships, and calling us to reflect His love, wisdom, and discipline in our own families and community.
The importance of community is woven throughout: from the ministry open house, where opportunities to serve and belong abound, to the life groups and Alpha course, which provide spaces for honest questions, growth, and support. Our children’s and youth ministries are intentionally equipping young people not just with information, but with practices of prayer and faith that will sustain them for a lifetime.
In a world marked by division, violence, and confusion, we are called to be a people who overcome evil with good, who refuse to be defined by partisanship or bitterness, but instead embody the love and character of Christ. The tragic events in our nation remind us of the spiritual battle we face—not against people, but against the forces of evil. Our response must be prayer, forgiveness, and a commitment to truth and love.
Turning to the family, we see that the health of our homes is foundational for the well-being of our children and our society. God’s model for parenting is both tender and firm: unconditional love, clear boundaries, and consistent discipline. We are to demonstrate the same steadfast love that God shows us—loving our children even when they fail, and requiring respect and obedience as a reflection of God’s order and wisdom. Discipline, in the biblical sense, is not merely correction but the whole process of training, guiding, and forming character.
We are also called to equip our children with truth and wisdom from God’s Word, helping them understand not only what is right, but why it is right—rooted in the very nature of God Himself. This requires intentionality, both in structured times of teaching and in seizing spontaneous moments for deep conversations. Above all, we are to parent with conviction, calmness, connection, and perseverance, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for our shortcomings and that, in time, our children will rise up to bless and thank us for forming them in the way of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) — > Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Hebrews 12:7-11 (ESV) — > It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
1 John 3:1 (ESV) — > See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
One of the many powerful things about the Word of God is it reveals to us who God is in His true nature and character, which isn't always evident through the things that are happening in the world, but it's true, God is a good, good Father. It also tells us about who we are, both broken human beings that sin and need God's forgiveness, but also a people that are so loved by God that He sent His own Son to die for us, to free us from our sins, and to give us everlasting life. He's a Father that loves us, and we're loved by Him. That's our identity in Christ Jesus, a new creation who are loved by God. [00:31:43] (39 seconds) #LovedByGodNewCreation
Did you know that the Father in heaven is raising you? You say, well, I'm mature. Yeah, you might want to think about that. We're all in process, aren't we? The Bible says in 1 John 3, 1, How great is the love the Father has for us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are. We are God's children. He loves you. And he's working in your life for your good. And everything he brings into your life, whether hard or pleasant, he's using that to grow us into the image of his son. That's what he wants us to do. [00:42:16] (48 seconds) #GrowingInGodsImage
``Through the storms of life, this certain knowledge that our Heavenly Father's unchanging, unconditional love is with us is a rock. I mean, when we blow it, we know his love stands firm. We can come and ask for forgiveness and be cleansed and come back again. When you've sinned against God, our tendency is to hide in shame like Adam did. But the Lord is out there calling, where are you? I'm looking for you. And he wants you to come to him and receive his forgiveness and cleansing. When we stray, he calls us back. When we sin, he forgives. When we fail, he does not fail. He never gives up on us. [00:47:33] (43 seconds) #UnchangingForgiveness
God has given us his word to show us how to live and his spirit to guide us. The bible says in 2 timothy 3 16 All scripture is god breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of god may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. That word training in righteousness is that greek word we just learned padeon meaning the act of providing guidance for responsible living upbringing training instruction discipline and correction. Through god's word god guides us he equips us he gives us wisdom. [00:57:28] (50 seconds) #EquippedByGodsWord
We need his hand of training in our lives because we can be really stupid because we need his insight his wisdom his truth and kids must have our hand of training in their lives. You know the belief that children are all blank slates and they're just fine and if you stay other way they'll grow up straight and true is baloney. If you've tried to raise kids that way you know that and so they need guidance. [00:58:18] (35 seconds) #GuidedByTruth
Start with conviction of what you want your children to turn out to be as an adult, what you believe God's will is for them. You want them to be moral, godly, hard-working, wise, loving people, truthful people. We need the same vision for our kids that our heavenly father has for us. We need clear convictions of what is best for our children. We give guidance and we set and enforce boundaries. [01:04:01] (32 seconds) #ConvictionsForKids
Our goal isn't keeping our child happy. Our goal isn't being liked or affirmed by our kids. You'll figure that out as parents if you're looking for your kid for information that's going to be very hard road but if we raise them with love and clarity of boundaries what will happen is our child will grow up happier and we will gain their respect but don't can't can't expect that in a moment when you're saying no. [01:06:31] (34 seconds) #LoveWithClarity
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