In light of Mother’s Day, I want to preach a special message not just for moms, but for all parents. Children are God’s gift to us and as parents, we have such a precious few years to impact them. At times, parenting can be overwhelming, confusing, or even frustrating. However, God’s Word helps us not only lead our children, but count it a privilege to do so. The title of this weekend’s message is “DELIGHT.”
CATCHING Zs (Article) by Abidan Shah, PhD (Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on March 24, 2023) No, I’m not referring to taking a nap. I’m referring to understanding and reaching the generation born between 2000-2015, otherwise known as Z. They are often mislabeled, misunderstood, and mocked. Parents want to know how to motivate... Continue Reading →
This weekend, we will conclude our series by looking back at everything we have learned. The goal of this series was not to divide, but to inspire us to come together across generational lines. We are most effective for God’s kingdom when we stand together, utilizing our individual strengths to glorify God and make him known. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTERGENERATIONAL.”
This weekend, we are going to look specifically at Gen Z and Generation Alpha. These are our children and grandchildren and the ones currently most in touch with the culture around us. We cannot afford to misunderstand or neglect these generations, because the world is aiming for their minds and hearts. If we can understand Gen Z and Generation Alpha, not only can we impact them for the gospel, but equip them to impact the world around them. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: IMPACTING”.
This weekend, as we begin our series, I want to lay a foundation for us and our discussion of generational differences. We will introduce a framework for the rest of the series that will help us understand each generation, how they see the world, and the strengths they possess. In doing so, we will not only build each other up, but will become more unified and effective as a church family. This weekend’s message is titled “GENERATIONS: INTRODUCTION.”
This weekend, we will turn the focus toward ourselves. We will learn about how those cognitive and developmental changes continue over time. We will also have the chance to learn about spiritual changes and how we can strive to stay close to God in every changing season of life. This weekend’s message is titled “LIFE SPAN.”
This weekend, we will be focusing on adolescence. These years are a time of determining one’s identity and questioning the world around them. We’ll be taking a look at some common questions and misconceptions regarding student ministry and be reminded of the importance of reaching our teens. This weekend’s message is titled “PARENTING IQ: IDENTITY.”
This weekend, we will lay a foundation for our understanding of brain development as a whole. Much more than just parenting, we as believers should work toward a biblical understanding of how our minds grow and mature. This will help us be better parents, mentors, counselors, and followers of God!
This weekend, we are looking at the creation of the sun on the fourth day in Genesis 1. The sun is often something we take for granted, but life on earth wouldn’t exist without it. God set it exactly the right distance from earth and made it exactly the right temperature to sustain life for His creation. The title of this weekend’s message is “BRIGHTNESS.”
This weekend, we conclude Isaiah 53 and focus on the reward for Jesus’ obedience. Isaiah writes about Jesus’ seeing generations beyond Himself, pointing forward to the resurrection and His victory over death and the grave. We were stolen out of God’s hand, but Christ came to rob the grave and steal us back. The title of today’s message is “PLUNDER.”
This weekend, as we near the election, we will be looking at critical issues that should impact the way we think and act. We should not be conformed to this world, but we are called to shape culture and push back against the darkness around us. The title of this weekend’s message is “DUAL CITIZEN.”
This weekend, I want to talk about more than just biological fathers. Throughout Scripture, we see godly men investing in and mentoring younger men. Perhaps the most famous example is that of Paul and Timothy, whom he refers to as his son in the faith. This Father’s Day weekend, I will be preaching a message on these adopted fathers who help guide us spiritually.
This weekend, we will turn our attention back to Proverbs 6 with a warning from a father to his son. He cautions him to avoid the dangers that easily ensnare and pull people away from God. Just like the son in this passage, we ought to be wary of the dangers and temptations of this life that so easily pull our focus away from God. The title of this weekend’s message is “MISLED.”
This weekend, we will be looking at the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Paul repeatedly refers to Timothy as his son in the faith and makes a point to shape him spiritually, something Timothy’s own father failed to do. The title of this weekend’s message is “UPBRINGING.”
Repeatedly, the Bible commands us to treat children with the utmost respect and care. This requires that we understand that what they truly deserve and desire from us is right training. Proverbs 22:6 lays out the 4 non-negotiables in this process.
The message this weekend is titled “TRAINING.” The book of Proverbs teaches us that we ought to train children in the way they should go. This weekend, we will take a more in-depth look at what that way looks like and how we can teach our children to follow God’s plan for their lives.
Last month Americans all across the land proved with their ballots that they were dissatisfied with the direction of our country. What is being called “one of the greatest political shakeups in history” is a glimpse into the soul of the real USA. Americans have overwhelmingly declared that they do care about the economy, security, and morality of their country. They do want a better world for their children and grandchildren. Once again they are seeing a future and a hope. These are indeed exciting times in our nation’s history. Along with the other positive changes, here are some more that we cannot afford to ignore:
“What’s going on in this world?! What’re we gonna do?!” I was greeted with those words as I made my way to the church office. I knew this person was referring to the recent headlines – “police officers murdered,” “terrorist attack in France,” “military coup in Turkey,” etc. I casually responded – “It seems like people have gone crazy…I guess we just need to pray more...” As I closed my office door behind me, those words began to ring louder and louder in my mind – “What’re we gonna do? What’re we gonna do?!” Just then a quote popped into my head that I read years ago – “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Many of you are wondering – “Who are the iYs?” They are the younger group of Generation Y or the Millennials, born between 1991-2001. Unlike the older Ys, the iYs have a very different mindset. We cannot afford to ignore or be ignorant about them any longer because they will soon be the largest demographic in the US. In fact, about half the world’s population will be 25 years old or younger, which social scientists are calling the “youth bulge.” They warn that any time there is a surge in youth population, there will also be a rise in violence. The rise in group violence in America and across the globe in recent years is proof that it has already begun! What can we do? To start with, we need to understand what made them the way they are.
Passion and Purity starts out with Elisabeth, a senior in college, questioning God, asking Him why she was still single. She touches on the topic of the difference between singleness and virginity, her view on how each was equally important to her. Elisabeth first learns of Jim through her brother Dave. Through the next few years after their meeting they struggle with being apart, being together, loneliness, and self-control. Elisabeth shares her personal struggles through journal entries and letters between her and Jim. While she fights against loneliness, doubts in Jim and in God, Jim struggles with the more physical restraint side. She also talks about what men and women want in a relationship.