Transforming Stories Wk 1
Transforming Stories of the Next Generation!
Jesus Blessed the Children!
This sermon series will focus on how we are called, as families and churches, to bless the children. The guiding image will be of Jesus having the children with him (Matthew 19:14). This series will call the parents, grandparents, and guardians to disciple their children in the home and for us to see the church as a partner, not a replacement, for this important work.
Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.
Matthew 19:13-15
Households in the ancient world were much more comprehensive than the nuclear family. They often spanned multiple generations and servants. Moses taught the importance of discipleship in each household of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:1-9. The successor of Moses, reemphasized his resolve to lead his family as of first importance in Joshua 24:14-15. We see this priority clearly expressed in the qualifications of leadership in 1 Timothy 3:4-5.
Let’s get to the heart of this sermon series. I want to introduce it to you through a series of questions that I hope to engage you with. My desire is to not necessarily answer them for you thoroughly but to start a conversation with you that you keep going with those in your household.
- How do we experience the presence of Jesus?
By coming to Him, responding to His invitation in love through Bible reading, prayer, music, spiritual friendships and church. By looking for God at work in your life through His providence and responding to Him in love. We are to cultivate an awareness of God in our everyday lives.
- Why is His presence so important to us and what do we expect Him to do in our lives?
I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
Transforms us through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12)
- What does it mean to have our stories transformed?
Fruit that will last (John 15:12-17) = Witness the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
- What is the importance of seeing the next generation impacted by our transforming story?
They will experience the Kingdom of Heaven through faith and practice. To learn about Him and believe He is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), yes, but most importantly, to fall in love with Him and put their faith in Him. To learn how seek Him first (Matthew 6:33).