WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.600 This morning, I want you to turn to Genesis chapter 18. 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:07.780 Genesis chapter 18, I'm going to read a passage out of there in just a few minutes. 00:00:07.879 --> 00:00:14.460 When people sign up for the Peace Corps, they're given a manual with instructions. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:22.460 And the one for those who are to work in the Amazon jungle is particularly interesting. 00:00:22.460 --> 00:00:29.080 It tells volunteers what to do when attacked by an anaconda. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.200 Now, anaconda is the biggest snake in the world. 00:00:35.079 --> 00:00:43.460 It can grow as long as 35 feet and weigh as much as 300 to 400 pounds. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:47.460 Thankfully, it is not native to Pickens County. 00:00:49.460 --> 00:00:55.379 But in case you run into one in the Amazon jungle, I'll tell you what to do. 00:00:55.380 --> 00:01:00.640 Number one, if you're attacked by an anaconda, do not run. 00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:03.080 The snake is faster than you are. 00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:07.079 Number two, lie flat on the ground. 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:10.680 Put your arms tight against your side. 00:01:11.620 --> 00:01:14.120 Your legs tight against one another. 00:01:15.719 --> 00:01:18.520 Number three, tuck your chin in. 00:01:18.519 --> 00:01:27.179 Number four, the snake will come and begin to nudge and climb over your body. 00:01:28.500 --> 00:01:30.959 Number five, do not panic. 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:41.939 Number six, after the snake has examined you, it will begin to swallow you from the feet in. 00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:44.239 Always from the feet in. 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:49.019 Permit the snake to swallow your feet and ankles. 00:01:50.459 --> 00:01:51.239 Do not panic. 00:01:53.099 --> 00:01:58.159 Number seven, the snake will now begin to suck your legs into its body. 00:01:59.219 --> 00:02:01.019 You must lie perfectly still. 00:02:02.019 --> 00:02:03.239 This will take a long time. 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:08.139 Number eight, when the snake has reached your knees, 00:02:08.139 --> 00:02:14.639 slowly and with as little movement as possible, reach down, take your knife, 00:02:15.279 --> 00:02:22.299 and very gently slide it into the side of the snake's mouth between the edge of its mouth and your leg. 00:02:22.959 --> 00:02:28.000 And then suddenly rip upwards, severing the snake's head. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.179 Number nine, be sure to have your knife. 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:38.240 Number 10, be sure your knife is sharp. 00:02:39.819 --> 00:02:41.599 David, we'd be dead by then, wouldn't we, brother? 00:02:41.819 --> 00:02:42.460 We would be. 00:02:43.480 --> 00:02:47.219 I share that because we're talking about family matters. 00:02:47.680 --> 00:02:53.580 And because family matters, I thought we ought to take a few weeks this summer to talk about some family matters. 00:02:54.240 --> 00:02:58.100 Specifically today, we're talking about raising kids. 00:02:58.099 --> 00:03:03.560 And being swallowed by an anaconda is about what it feels like sometimes. 00:03:04.359 --> 00:03:09.519 So it's hard to be patient, and we need to expect some difficulty. 00:03:10.599 --> 00:03:12.400 And that's just at the house. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:14.299 I mean, you think about it. 00:03:15.019 --> 00:03:21.699 If you add that to just what happens at the house, to the philosophical anacondas in the world, 00:03:21.699 --> 00:03:30.839 gender and race and the lack thereof has become more important to much of our country than God has. 00:03:31.719 --> 00:03:32.859 Your kids hear that. 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:36.859 You better have an attack plan. 00:03:38.039 --> 00:03:40.679 Not only that, but there's relational anacondas. 00:03:41.419 --> 00:03:46.639 Good, godly, lasting relationships are rare these days. 00:03:46.639 --> 00:03:51.779 And a lot of things are done out of step and off kilter. 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:53.899 So plan for it. 00:03:55.099 --> 00:03:57.639 There are social anacondas. 00:03:58.579 --> 00:04:00.339 Socially, our country's in a mess. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:05.439 And I'm not talking about up in the northeast, and I'm not talking about on the west coast. 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:08.560 I'm talking about right here among us. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:17.220 The Bible belt's buckle has come unattached, and we are losing our spiritual britches as a society. 00:04:18.259 --> 00:04:19.420 And so don't ignore that. 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:21.319 Don't ignore that. 00:04:21.600 --> 00:04:30.720 Spiritually, when people mention spiritual matters, be careful to pay attention to what they're talking about. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:33.439 Because we may not be talking about the same spirit. 00:04:34.120 --> 00:04:36.220 There's a good chance we're not. 00:04:36.220 --> 00:04:44.440 And so with that in mind, I want to share with you five things that every kid needs. 00:04:46.100 --> 00:04:51.560 The first thing every kid needs is a very visible Jesus. 00:04:52.780 --> 00:05:01.900 The greatest responsibility of a Christian parent is to do everything that he or she can to lead that child to Christ. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:04.340 You can't force that. 00:05:04.339 --> 00:05:06.659 You can't manipulate that. 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:09.000 And you cannot make that happen. 00:05:09.859 --> 00:05:18.839 However, you have, as a parent, the greatest opportunity of anyone to set everything in motion. 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:26.639 And it is your greatest responsibility as a Christian parent to lead that child to Christ. 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:33.060 If they are blessed with health, but they never know Jesus, it is for naught. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:43.680 If they are blessed with everything that they ever want, well, they won't get it without Jesus because God has made us for a relationship with him. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:50.480 If we ever misplaced the greatest responsibility that we have with other priorities. 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:55.459 Those priorities will become a hindrance to our greatest task. 00:05:56.139 --> 00:06:01.860 Paul's priorities growing up was to be religious and to be right. 00:06:01.860 --> 00:06:11.180 But even with that, he said in Philippians chapter 3 that they were a hindrance to him actually coming to Christ. 00:06:11.180 --> 00:06:15.300 He says, I count all of this pedigree as a loss. 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:20.460 Because it was a hindrance to keep him from coming to Christ. 00:06:20.460 --> 00:06:24.139 They set him back from knowing Christ. 00:06:24.139 --> 00:06:33.719 So be careful that anything and everything that you do as a parent is ushering your child toward Jesus. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:42.219 If the child has not made a decision, all we do leads to that decision. 00:06:42.219 --> 00:06:49.479 If a child has made a decision for Christ, all we ought to do is nurture that relationship. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:54.860 Because I'll be honest with you, it's not enough for just your child to come to Christ. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:56.840 It's a wonderful time. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:58.319 It is the most exciting time. 00:06:58.400 --> 00:06:59.680 It's the best decision they've ever made. 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:01.140 And you ought to act like it. 00:07:02.140 --> 00:07:03.460 But it don't stop there. 00:07:04.620 --> 00:07:10.259 There's a continued responsibility that you have to point that child to Christ. 00:07:10.259 --> 00:07:19.659 First, your child needs to know that you serve a God big enough to handle everything that your family faces. 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:24.519 And you ought to share that with your child. 00:07:25.779 --> 00:07:32.699 Second thing that kids need, every kid is a godly family. 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:34.959 They need a godly family. 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:40.919 Your child needs to see you do more than just talk a good game. 00:07:41.799 --> 00:07:45.120 They need to see you live that out. 00:07:46.919 --> 00:07:49.379 You will live it out imperfectly. 00:07:51.019 --> 00:07:51.959 Of course. 00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:54.959 But you live it out with great effort. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:56.879 Be clear. 00:07:56.879 --> 00:08:05.879 God has called us to lead, to guide, to nurture, to correct, to discipline our children. 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:10.339 I like what God says to Abraham in Genesis 18, 19. 00:08:10.480 --> 00:08:11.060 It says this. 00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:25.060 I have chosen you that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice. 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:28.379 Greatest example he can give to his kids. 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:38.179 Ephesians chapter 6 verse 4 tells us to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:42.100 Also translated, the love and the admonition of the Lord. 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:46.700 You lead them to Jesus by what you say. 00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:51.460 And you nurture that and you invite that and you guide them to Jesus. 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:57.600 You show them what it's like to live for Jesus by the way in which you live. 00:08:58.460 --> 00:09:02.420 I want to give you some good wisdom found on a refrigerator magnet. 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:04.360 Better than a country song. 00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:05.320 Refrigerator magnet. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:06.560 Listen to this. 00:09:07.500 --> 00:09:11.019 If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. 00:09:12.280 --> 00:09:15.740 If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. 00:09:15.740 --> 00:09:20.899 If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. 00:09:22.240 --> 00:09:25.860 If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:30.620 If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:35.899 If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. 00:09:36.759 --> 00:09:40.279 If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:44.759 If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. 00:09:44.759 --> 00:09:49.080 If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. 00:09:49.740 --> 00:09:55.360 If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. 00:09:56.460 --> 00:09:59.100 Yes, they learn by you talking to them. 00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:02.419 They catch more than you think they do. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:06.259 However, they learn by watching. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:14.019 And godly families make a world of difference. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:22.939 Third thing, every kid needs is a gospel-driven church. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:27.679 I want you to hear me. 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:40.639 I promise you, if you'll bring your family to church, for as long as God allows me, I'll preach the gospel. 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:45.799 I don't mean as long as he'll allow me to do it through this sermon. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:48.480 I usually try to let you out on time. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:54.319 But however, you're going to hear the gospel again and again. 00:10:54.319 --> 00:10:56.620 And I am unapologetic about that. 00:10:57.139 --> 00:10:59.019 Because I believe it changes lives. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:01.039 And that's the way it ought to be. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:09.039 If you volunteer in any capacity in this church, whatever you do needs to be gospel-driven. 00:11:10.039 --> 00:11:14.059 And it's a great reason to serve the Lord here. 00:11:14.559 --> 00:11:22.500 When you teach, when you lead, when you make decisions on a committee or a team, 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:28.860 when you do what deacons do, all of that ought to be gospel-driven. 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:36.940 There should never be a person in our facilities for any purpose and not receive the love of Christ through us. 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:40.480 We must make it a priority. 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:41.860 How do we do that? 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:50.220 When you're going to bed on Saturday night, pray that God will show you how to minister to someone in the morning for the gospel. 00:11:51.340 --> 00:11:55.180 I send out a note to over 600 people on Saturday afternoons. 00:11:56.700 --> 00:12:00.340 Encouraging you to pray about who you can invite. 00:12:01.120 --> 00:12:02.580 Who can you send a text to? 00:12:03.399 --> 00:12:04.700 And say, I got room for you. 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.840 Will you meet me at church today? 00:12:07.060 --> 00:12:08.139 Think about that, folks. 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:11.680 Pray that God will show you how to minister to somebody in the morning. 00:12:11.860 --> 00:12:13.039 Pray for the gospel. 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:19.899 On the way to church, ask the Lord, Lord, how do you want to use me today? 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:22.720 What would you have me do? 00:12:24.019 --> 00:12:27.899 And not, Lord, what can I get out of worship? 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:30.600 Or what can I get out of church? 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:38.759 But Lord, what can I do for you when I'm in that place of worship? 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:49.539 But I will tell you that anybody that comes and sits in this room will hear the gospel. 00:12:50.019 --> 00:12:51.439 And they'll hear it loud. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:55.519 Because Jesus died for you. 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:58.360 And he died for your family. 00:12:59.480 --> 00:13:02.639 And through his death, your sins can be forgiven. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:08.179 And you ought to come to Jesus. 00:13:09.199 --> 00:13:09.960 Bring your family. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:12.960 And let them hear it every week. 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:15.779 But bring your family. 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:19.460 Don't merely align with a church. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:23.419 Don't merely be a part of a church. 00:13:23.419 --> 00:13:28.159 Don't just get on the roll of a church. 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:34.919 Miss for the extraordinary. 00:13:36.139 --> 00:13:39.279 But don't miss for the ordinary. 00:13:39.699 --> 00:13:43.199 Because if you're not careful, the ordinary will pull you away. 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:47.759 And I promise you, you'll have an ordinary opportunity every week. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:56.160 It's an easy way for folks to get out of the habit of worshiping the Lord as a body of believers. 00:13:57.020 --> 00:14:02.480 Every day, your family is bombarded by false ideologies. 00:14:03.700 --> 00:14:05.500 It's in children's programming. 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.220 It's in commercials. 00:14:09.160 --> 00:14:10.540 It's in billboards. 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:12.579 It's in libraries. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:15.000 It's in rewritten textbooks. 00:14:16.459 --> 00:14:22.079 You better dilute the influence of the world through the word of God. 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:31.240 And in my lifetime, just by my observation, every generation has been less faithful than the previous generation. 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.000 Think about that. 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:41.840 Now, if that is true, what does that say about the chances of your child? 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:50.700 So be active and faithful in a gospel-driven church. 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:54.480 The church needs you, and we need the church. 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:57.500 I think God honors that. 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:05.879 The next thing that every kid needs is good, godly mentors. 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:12.360 You need, your child needs other adults to look up to. 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:14.639 How does that come? 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:15.659 It comes through family. 00:15:15.659 --> 00:15:21.620 Grandparents, don't you ever underestimate your influence. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:25.019 Your influence is more than you can imagine. 00:15:25.259 --> 00:15:33.719 And make a point to point your kids, to point your grandkids to Jesus in what you say and what you do. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:35.939 Take advantage of the opportunity. 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:40.759 Let them expect it to come out of your mouth when they see you. 00:15:41.299 --> 00:15:42.679 They need it through their family. 00:15:42.679 --> 00:15:44.079 They also need it through the church. 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:50.579 Some of the best mentors come through the church, and they're carried out through the church. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:59.679 And if you want to make sure that your child has somebody besides you to look up to, take them to church faithfully. 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:05.779 And by the way, if they do look up to you, don't expect them to tell you, okay? 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:07.339 Because they're not going to. 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:10.439 But they need to see it in you. 00:16:10.439 --> 00:16:12.439 They need to see it in others. 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:15.659 That live for the Lord consistently. 00:16:17.339 --> 00:16:20.459 Fellowship with good, godly people. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:28.979 Also, find good, godly mentors through social settings outside of church. 00:16:30.079 --> 00:16:31.439 And I want you to hear me today. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:46.840 Church people should never get together to fellowship outside the church and slip in their walk with God or in their testimony and coddle each other in their disobedience. 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:48.840 It dishonors God. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.660 It dishonors God. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.280 It hurts the church of Jesus Christ. 00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:53.040 And it affects your children. 00:16:54.340 --> 00:17:01.200 Don't leave worship gathered together and not live out what the word of God teaches and what the church stands for. 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:04.360 And be careful about who you're hanging out with, folks. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:10.860 Mingling in other people's homes and living out your faith before your children will make a world of difference. 00:17:10.859 --> 00:17:19.139 When they see people come together and honor God together, live lives that are wholesome and right in ways that honor God. 00:17:19.140 --> 00:17:28.980 But if they see one thing at church and they don't see the same thing in social situations, what will weigh out more? 00:17:30.840 --> 00:17:32.480 What will stand out to them? 00:17:32.660 --> 00:17:41.120 When they hear you at church one way and then hear you at home another way or social settings in another way, what's going to stick in their minds? 00:17:41.119 --> 00:17:51.339 Surround your children with people that walk closer to God than you do because it will help you to grow. 00:17:51.739 --> 00:17:53.039 It is worth the effort. 00:17:53.379 --> 00:18:00.659 And that's why the third page of the bulletin, the whole worship bulletin on the third page is dedicated to life groups. 00:18:01.159 --> 00:18:07.059 Find a group that you can study God's word with, that you can fellowship with after hours. 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:11.200 It's a great opportunity for you to build relationships and that's the way to do it. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:20.919 I often say, as much as you may enjoy worship here, I promise you, you won't understand the secret in the sauce of Pickens First Baptist Church 00:18:20.919 --> 00:18:33.779 until you venture outside of this sanctuary and this meeting and meet with life groups, meet with small groups, be a part of fellowships, mingle with folks, build life with them. 00:18:34.399 --> 00:18:36.339 Folks, that's what it's about. 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:40.220 They need it. 00:18:40.859 --> 00:18:42.059 And I'll tell you what else they need. 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:48.119 They need engaged and encouraging parents. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:54.259 Every kid needs engaged and encouraging parents. 00:18:55.700 --> 00:19:00.639 It does not take much for you to tell your children you love them. 00:19:00.639 --> 00:19:07.000 It does not take much for you to listen intently to them. 00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:10.859 To look them in the eyes when they talk to you. 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:15.419 To be willing to apologize to them when you mess up. 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:23.240 To be willing to ask God to forgive you, but also to ask them for forgiveness. 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:28.620 It does not take much for you to pray for them. 00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.620 It does not take much for them. 00:19:29.620 --> 00:19:32.500 It does not take much to pray for them. 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:37.920 It does not take much to share with them that you pray for them. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:44.360 It does not take much for you to pray over your children. 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:47.419 And school is about to start back. 00:19:47.479 --> 00:19:48.199 Now I don't mean to bring it up. 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:48.679 I apologize. 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:52.979 To those who work in the school system and for those who go to school. 00:19:53.199 --> 00:19:53.659 I'm sorry. 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:54.939 I didn't mean to bring it up. 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:57.180 But I want you to hear me. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:01.140 Before your child gets out of your car. 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:05.400 Or before they walk out of your house to walk to the bus stop. 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:11.840 Or before they walk out your door to drive themselves to school. 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:14.619 You take a moment. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:17.279 And you pray over that child. 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:21.619 Pray about what God's going to do this year. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.959 Pray about their friends. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:26.939 With all that drama. 00:20:28.619 --> 00:20:29.359 Pray about that. 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:35.720 Your kid's about two friends away from doing something really stupid. 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.079 Really stupid. 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:43.960 So I know that if you're a good godly parent with a burden like that. 00:20:44.439 --> 00:20:45.480 That I have. 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:48.240 That you pray for them. 00:20:48.619 --> 00:20:49.639 And I'm just telling you. 00:20:49.899 --> 00:20:51.119 You need to let them hear it. 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:53.099 You need to let them know it. 00:20:53.919 --> 00:20:55.379 Not in a showboat fashion. 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:58.460 Not in some high righteous fashion. 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:59.399 Your kids know you. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:01.099 They know you better than you want them to. 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:03.099 So don't act like that. 00:21:05.699 --> 00:21:06.980 But you pray over them. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:09.259 Pray for their safety. 00:21:10.159 --> 00:21:11.059 Pray for their mindset. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:13.720 Pray that this year they'll grow in the Lord. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.480 Pray over them. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.480 And encourage them. 00:21:18.419 --> 00:21:19.319 They need it. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:21.220 And you need it. 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:22.019 We all need it. 00:21:23.419 --> 00:21:25.220 Share with them that you pray for them. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:27.599 And compliment them. 00:21:29.679 --> 00:21:31.740 The world will tear them down. 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:34.319 They will tear them down. 00:21:34.319 --> 00:21:37.819 If they wear the wrong shoes on the first day of school. 00:21:37.919 --> 00:21:38.899 Somebody will tear them down. 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:41.220 They pick out the wrong backpack. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.740 Or they have the wrong pencil. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:43.740 Or whatever. 00:21:43.939 --> 00:21:45.139 Somebody ain't going to like it. 00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:45.599 You know. 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:47.500 And I got a word for those folks. 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.000 But anyway. 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.919 You need to compliment them. 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:53.159 You need to encourage them. 00:21:53.919 --> 00:21:55.039 You need to be there for them. 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.279 Not only that. 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:58.419 But nourish them. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:01.139 Nourish them with spiritual food. 00:22:01.879 --> 00:22:03.359 Nourish them with emotional food. 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:05.740 Nourish them with psychological nutrition. 00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:06.879 Build them up. 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:11.359 Building a child up is not always telling them what they want to hear. 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:12.439 That's not what I'm saying. 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.959 It's not all rosy. 00:22:14.479 --> 00:22:15.399 Set a standard. 00:22:15.699 --> 00:22:17.199 And then live by that standard. 00:22:17.479 --> 00:22:19.599 And when they live by that. 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:23.299 When they live by the standard that you set. 00:22:23.479 --> 00:22:24.479 And that honors God. 00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:26.619 Then encourage them in that. 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:29.679 And when they don't do that. 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:31.159 Discipline them. 00:22:34.159 --> 00:22:35.259 Tell them why. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.299 Tell them you love them. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:42.480 Don't do what you do in anger. 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:46.539 And then discipline them. 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:50.839 You may have to walk away and cool down. 00:22:51.919 --> 00:22:53.319 Before you deal with the matter. 00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:56.539 You get upset with your children. 00:22:56.879 --> 00:22:58.440 You can blow your testimony in a heartbeat. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:01.079 I mean you can burn down the whole house in a heartbeat. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:01.639 If you ain't careful. 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.119 You know what I mean? 00:23:02.379 --> 00:23:03.599 I mean it can happen. 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:04.339 Just that quick. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:08.379 And so just walk in the kitchen. 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:11.179 And open the refrigerator and cool off. 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:11.919 All right? 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:15.240 Don't ignore it. 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:18.439 You got to deal with it. 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:22.839 But you need to deal with it in a godly fashion. 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:28.099 Now I want you to hear me and I'll close. 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.059 I left you. 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:31.439 Kept you a long time last week. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.359 I ain't going to keep you a long time. 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:33.220 So. 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:37.119 Parent. 00:23:37.959 --> 00:23:39.899 You have not done all this right. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.059 You have not. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.399 If you think you have, you're wrong. 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:43.919 Okay? 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.240 You need to wake up. 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:48.779 And if you think you're the only one. 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:52.279 That does things the wrong way. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.279 I got news for you. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.019 You're a room full of. 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:54.440 Okay? 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.700 You've not done everything right. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:24:01.059 Nobody has done it all correct. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.880 I'm going to tell you something. 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:06.319 That may upset some of you. 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:09.880 Facebook pictures lie. 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.859 Nobody's always on vacation. 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:14.620 Okay? 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:19.980 And they don't put the debt that they come back to on Facebook. 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:23.279 Facebook pictures lie. 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:26.079 Instagram isn't real reality. 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.779 It isn't. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.319 Today. 00:24:31.220 --> 00:24:34.599 And what I'm sharing is not about a guilt trip about yesterday. 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:39.400 Feeling guilty or ashamed will only make you throw your hands up. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:42.720 Unless you use today. 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:45.220 As a day to repent. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:50.400 Lord, what I've done wrong, I want to make right. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:53.120 Forgive me for yesterday. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:56.160 And empower me for tomorrow. 00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:57.160 For today. 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:59.200 For today. 00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:01.360 For tomorrow. 00:25:02.360 --> 00:25:03.519 Parents. 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.320 Grandparents. 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.540 Mentors of others. 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:15.119 Some of you have the blessed opportunity to cast a lot of influence on other people's children. 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.119 Dedicate yourselves to the Lord. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:24.799 That you're going to give kids exactly what they need. 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.799 That you're going to do. 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:25.899 That you're going to do. 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:30.579 That you're going to show them a very visible Jesus. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:34.099 That you're going to be a godly family. 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:38.720 That you're going to be in a gospel driven church. 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:44.360 That you're going to make sure that they're around good godly mentors. 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:50.899 And that you're going to be engaged and encouraging parents. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:53.740 I will tell you. 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:56.100 At times. 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:58.500 It's going to feel like. 00:25:58.500 --> 00:26:00.880 You're being swallowed by an anaconda. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:06.560 So let's sharpen our knives. 00:26:08.100 --> 00:26:09.360 And be ready. 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:11.580 For the attack. 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:16.660 By living as consistently as God allows us to live. 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:18.960 To influence those. 00:26:19.520 --> 00:26:21.460 That God has placed in our responsibility. 00:26:23.300 --> 00:26:24.940 I'll tell you what God needs. 00:26:25.800 --> 00:26:27.080 God needs parents. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:27.900 God needs grandparents. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:29.280 God needs a church. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:31.420 That loves them dearly. 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:33.899 And wants to show them Jesus in every way. 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.160 With every head bowed. 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:37.059 And every eye closed.