WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:19.379 You know, sometimes when we forget the content that is behind words that we hear a lot, we 00:00:19.379 --> 00:00:23.620 need to be reminded of why they're so important. 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:26.280 It can be easy to lose a sense of that, can't it? 00:00:26.280 --> 00:00:32.560 When you forget the content behind something you hear over and over, you need to be reminded 00:00:32.560 --> 00:00:34.939 what it really means, why it's so important. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:38.700 And that's why I thought it would be helpful for us here at the beginning of a new year 00:00:38.700 --> 00:00:44.719 to talk about some of our core commitments as a church, to look at God's Word together 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:49.700 and remember what these things mean, why they're priorities for us as God's people. 00:00:50.760 --> 00:00:54.680 Remember from last week, it's not about memorizing the words. 00:00:54.679 --> 00:01:00.500 It's not about just memorizing the words that go along with these things that's so important, 00:01:00.659 --> 00:01:07.539 but rather recognizing the beauty of the song, getting excited about being a part of what 00:01:07.539 --> 00:01:09.840 God is doing through His church. 00:01:09.960 --> 00:01:16.859 So we talked last week about our vision to advance the kingdom of God, to see the rule 00:01:16.859 --> 00:01:20.659 and the reign of King Jesus made evident everywhere. 00:01:20.659 --> 00:01:26.700 The challenge of pursuing the kingdom of King Jesus ahead of our own kingdoms, right? 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:33.039 The joy of seeing His rule move forward both in word and in deed. 00:01:33.259 --> 00:01:39.780 That anyone who gets near us is both to hear of King Jesus and to feel the reality of the kingdom, 00:01:40.039 --> 00:01:46.519 to experience that, to have winter thawing, as it were, in their lives. 00:01:46.519 --> 00:01:54.959 That gracious kingdom advances through our mission as we experience God's grace to us, 00:01:55.259 --> 00:02:03.299 as we for ourselves experience God's grace, having our constant needs constantly met in Christ. 00:02:04.199 --> 00:02:05.659 We experience grace. 00:02:05.819 --> 00:02:12.280 And then as we join God in seeing everyone, it's His mission that everyone would experience His grace. 00:02:12.280 --> 00:02:18.120 So we join Him in expressing grace to others, to everyone we come in contact with, 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:24.080 that they would experience the reality of the kingdom of God, the gracious reign of King Jesus. 00:02:25.300 --> 00:02:28.340 Notice down at the bottom of the screen those three things. 00:02:28.479 --> 00:02:31.780 How are we as a church focusing? 00:02:32.039 --> 00:02:38.599 What are we focusing on as we serve together as a church in order to see the gracious kingdom of King Jesus advance? 00:02:38.599 --> 00:02:43.579 These are not the only three areas that are good things for a church to do, 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:49.959 but they're areas that God has called Southwood particularly to focus and invest for the sake of His kingdom. 00:02:50.740 --> 00:02:55.319 And we talked a little last week about serving in our community and community development, 00:02:56.000 --> 00:03:02.560 holistically seeing the kingdom of God address needs around us so that people experience the reality of it. 00:03:02.560 --> 00:03:10.699 This morning I want to build on what we've been celebrating already and what we've seen modeled for us in Nancy McWright 00:03:10.699 --> 00:03:13.140 and talk about student ministry. 00:03:14.060 --> 00:03:16.680 That's our term here for crib to college. 00:03:17.460 --> 00:03:19.840 This is about the next generation. 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:23.280 Turn with me if you will to Psalm 145. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:31.340 Psalm 145 is a beautiful psalm where we're going to focus in on just a few verses that speak of the next generation, 00:03:31.340 --> 00:03:39.219 but I'm going to read the whole thing and you'll notice as I do some of these other themes of the gracious kingdom of God in here as well. 00:03:39.460 --> 00:03:43.199 Let's give our attention to the holy and inerrant word of God. 00:03:43.340 --> 00:03:45.240 Psalm 145. 00:03:46.099 --> 00:03:50.560 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:54.759 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:04:00.379 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:07.259 One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. 00:04:07.539 --> 00:04:11.819 On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works I will meditate. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:17.139 They will speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:23.240 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:30.079 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 00:04:30.280 --> 00:04:34.139 The Lord is good to all and His mercy is over all that He has made. 00:04:34.879 --> 00:04:38.879 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you. 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:42.860 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power 00:04:42.860 --> 00:04:48.139 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:54.080 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:59.980 The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:03.740 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:05.340 You open your hand. 00:05:05.339 --> 00:05:08.479 You satisfy the desire of every living thing. 00:05:09.259 --> 00:05:12.959 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. 00:05:13.359 --> 00:05:16.979 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 00:05:17.359 --> 00:05:19.759 He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him. 00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:21.979 He also hears their cry and saves them. 00:05:22.719 --> 00:05:26.079 The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:29.679 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, 00:05:29.859 --> 00:05:34.439 and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. 00:05:35.339 --> 00:05:35.619 Amen. 00:05:35.839 --> 00:05:36.399 Pray with me. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:44.319 Our Father, that's our desire this morning, that Your name would be praised. 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:47.459 That we would exalt You. 00:05:47.579 --> 00:05:49.839 That we would find our hope in You. 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:54.679 We desire that for ourselves and for all that we know, 00:05:54.679 --> 00:05:58.179 and especially this morning for the next generation. 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:00.019 That they would know of You. 00:06:01.179 --> 00:06:02.699 That they would make much of You. 00:06:02.699 --> 00:06:08.879 Father, would You be the one who does that this morning as we look to Your Word. 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:13.459 As we praise Your name, would You change our hearts, 00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:20.139 and would You make us those who make much of You for ourselves and for those who come after us. 00:06:20.219 --> 00:06:21.480 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:06:22.099 --> 00:06:22.419 Amen. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:27.540 Don't you love Psalm 145? 00:06:28.040 --> 00:06:30.879 Isn't that a beautiful psalm of praise? 00:06:31.580 --> 00:06:33.480 Over and over, praising God. 00:06:33.580 --> 00:06:36.680 We're going to focus in on verses 4 through 7 this morning, 00:06:36.840 --> 00:06:38.560 talking about the next generation. 00:06:38.700 --> 00:06:43.780 But before we get there, just notice the context of those comments that David makes in this psalm. 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:44.639 What's the context? 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:45.720 What's the psalm about? 00:06:45.720 --> 00:06:50.180 Line after line after line of praise to God, right? 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:52.580 Look at the verbs he uses. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:07:00.000 One verb after another, praise, bless, extol, speak of, make known, give thanks. 00:07:00.700 --> 00:07:05.700 David's desire to make much of God, that God's name would be great. 00:07:06.420 --> 00:07:08.380 That's what this psalm is about. 00:07:08.379 --> 00:07:18.100 He praises God for who He is, for His unparalleled character, the great King, the eternal ruler, 00:07:18.620 --> 00:07:29.779 majestic, gracious, merciful, slow to anger, faithful, glorious, powerful, righteous, good. 00:07:30.399 --> 00:07:33.259 All of those things He is. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:34.759 There's no one like Him. 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:37.259 No one like this God, is there? 00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:44.100 And David praises God also for what He has done, for His unmatched deeds, 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:49.439 particularly when he talks about those, most of them are referring to God's great works of salvation, 00:07:50.159 --> 00:07:55.100 His deliverance, His rescue, where He raises up the lowly, 00:07:56.060 --> 00:08:01.060 upholding the falling, providing for the needy, protecting His children. 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:04.360 God is and does all of these things. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:06.319 Indeed, verse 3 is right. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:08.879 His greatness is unsearchable. 00:08:09.599 --> 00:08:14.199 I can read lists of adjectives and nouns and verbs to you this morning, 00:08:14.379 --> 00:08:17.800 and we will never plumb the depths of His greatness. 00:08:19.420 --> 00:08:24.360 I'd ask you this morning, have you slowed down recently to consider who God is, 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:26.219 what He's done for you? 00:08:26.220 --> 00:08:32.820 Meditating on the glorious splendor of His majesty and His wondrous works. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:34.340 You know what it does, David says? 00:08:34.560 --> 00:08:35.860 It leads to praise. 00:08:36.440 --> 00:08:37.700 Have you been there recently? 00:08:38.800 --> 00:08:41.060 Thinking of who He is and what He's done for you, 00:08:41.100 --> 00:08:47.060 and you just can't help but praise Him for all that He is and has done for you. 00:08:47.059 --> 00:08:50.719 That's what we were made for, isn't it? 00:08:51.139 --> 00:08:54.139 That's why we were created, that we might bring glory to Him, 00:08:54.199 --> 00:08:58.000 that we might know Him and praise Him because of how great He is. 00:08:58.459 --> 00:09:02.719 Verse 21 sums up the conclusion of all of these verses, 00:09:02.839 --> 00:09:04.319 these reasons to praise God. 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:10.879 It says, let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. 00:09:12.180 --> 00:09:17.160 And so often we miss the benefit to us of stopping and slowing down 00:09:17.160 --> 00:09:20.400 and realizing who God is and what He's done for us. 00:09:20.660 --> 00:09:26.120 We miss the blessing of having our hearts moved to praise of God's glorious greatness. 00:09:27.460 --> 00:09:29.460 Theologian Stephen Charnock writes, 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:36.000 We conclude many things about God that we do not practically suck the comfort of 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:40.560 for lack of deep thoughts of it and frequent inspection of it. 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:43.340 He says there's a lot of things we say about God, 00:09:43.780 --> 00:09:47.680 but we don't slow down to suck the comfort out of it. 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:50.360 The praise that it draws out of our hearts, 00:09:50.460 --> 00:09:54.820 the comfort it gives us to stop and consider who God actually is. 00:09:54.820 --> 00:10:01.820 David here in considering who God is and what he has done is moved to make much of God, 00:10:01.900 --> 00:10:02.220 isn't he? 00:10:02.500 --> 00:10:04.680 Over and over and over. 00:10:05.020 --> 00:10:09.900 And that's important at the basic level of who we were created to be as people, 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:13.120 who God made us to be, people who praise His name. 00:10:14.640 --> 00:10:18.780 But that's also important when we look at the next generation here in this passage 00:10:18.780 --> 00:10:23.220 because those behind us tend to make much of what we make much of. 00:10:23.780 --> 00:10:24.660 Did you know that? 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:27.620 Those who come behind us tend to make much of, 00:10:27.900 --> 00:10:31.600 tend to think great things about things that we think much of, 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:33.400 things that are important to us. 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:37.780 After spending New Year's in South Carolina this year, 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:40.680 we decided to make the trip back through Clemson. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:44.560 It seemed like a good idea and Nancy would have appreciated it. 00:10:44.820 --> 00:10:47.300 So, yeah, we're Clemson fans. 00:10:47.460 --> 00:10:53.920 So, our family drove through Clemson and we wanted to show our girls where mom and dad lived, right? 00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:56.039 Where we met for the first time. 00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:58.439 This is where we lived on campus. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:01.559 This is the place where we went in that stadium and cheered on the Tigers 00:11:01.559 --> 00:11:04.500 and had lots of fun times here and there. 00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:07.279 And we want to show you because y'all have never seen it before. 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:09.319 They were so excited. 00:11:09.320 --> 00:11:11.020 They couldn't wait to go to Clemson. 00:11:11.900 --> 00:11:16.480 Now, listen, Clemson's special, but there's a lot of places that could be like that. 00:11:16.540 --> 00:11:19.520 It was special for our girls because they'd heard us talk about it, right? 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:23.560 Because they knew it was something in our past that they hadn't been a part of. 00:11:23.760 --> 00:11:25.420 And they were so excited to be there. 00:11:26.220 --> 00:11:29.400 Our children tend to praise what we praise, don't they? 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:33.019 They tend to cheer for what we cheer for. 00:11:33.799 --> 00:11:37.480 They tend to make much of what we make much of. 00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:41.759 What they've seen us in front of them being excited about. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:45.240 And this is where I have to ask myself some hard questions 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:49.199 because I wonder what my kids pick up for me. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:52.139 Charles Swindoll once said, 00:11:52.139 --> 00:12:01.899 I think that fits with what Psalm 145 is saying. 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:05.639 Not only does David want himself to make much of God, 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.879 to exalt God throughout the Psalm, 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:11.059 but look back at what he wants to pass on to the next generation. 00:12:11.220 --> 00:12:11.720 Verse 4. 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:15.779 One generation shall commend your works to another 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:18.220 and shall declare your mighty acts 00:12:18.220 --> 00:12:20.600 on the glorious splendor of your majesty 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:22.659 and on your wondrous works I will meditate. 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:26.000 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:27.600 and I will declare your greatness. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:31.040 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness 00:12:31.040 --> 00:12:33.879 and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 00:12:34.360 --> 00:12:35.639 Do you hear what's important? 00:12:36.420 --> 00:12:39.340 David says one generation is to give the next generation 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:41.460 an exalted view of God, 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:44.920 of his greatness, his glory and his goodness. 00:12:46.960 --> 00:12:48.740 What's important to pass along? 00:12:49.600 --> 00:12:50.320 What does this say? 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:53.360 Your works, your mighty acts, 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:56.120 your majesty, your wondrous works, 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:58.040 the might of your awesome deeds, 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:00.980 your greatness, the fame of your abundant goodness, 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:02.480 your righteousness, 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:05.820 an exalted view of God, isn't it? 00:13:08.180 --> 00:13:08.700 Wow. 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:13.420 I'm so committed to my kids having an exalted view of me. 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:17.160 I want them to like me and think I'm amazing. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.980 I want them to have an exalted view of math. 00:13:19.980 --> 00:13:20.980 It's important. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:21.860 It's important. 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:26.440 I want them to have a moral country to live in. 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:30.019 A place that seems safe. 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.860 A comfortable lifestyle. 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:34.560 I want that for my kids. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:40.259 An exalted view of God. 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:40.299 God. 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:43.000 Is that what they pick up from me? 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:45.059 They may hear it. 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:45.559 I know. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.759 I know I say those things. 00:13:46.939 --> 00:13:49.840 But they know well what's really important to me, don't they? 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:54.460 Have you ever noticed how you don't have to teach your kids to cheer for Clemson? 00:13:54.899 --> 00:13:55.939 Or anybody else? 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:59.540 You don't have to teach them how to do that. 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:04.960 You don't sit them down and have lessons on how this is going to go if you just do it enough. 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:07.100 I'll be honest. 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:19.280 In my parenting, my success rate at getting my kids to do what I tell them to do is much lower than my rate of getting my kids to make much of what I make much of in front of them. 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:24.000 It's just simply much more successful that way. 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:26.559 Of course, that involves telling them. 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:28.539 It does involve teaching them. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.720 But it involves showing them too. 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:39.059 And this pattern of passing along an exalted view of God, of who he is and what he has done, is all through the scripture. 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:48.419 It's God's design for the extension of his kingdom that one generation passes along who he is and what he has done to the next generation. 00:14:48.580 --> 00:14:50.120 Just look at the Psalms, for example. 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.279 I've just picked a few. 00:14:51.480 --> 00:14:52.940 But Psalm 78. 00:14:52.940 --> 00:15:00.420 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's done. 00:15:01.340 --> 00:15:05.300 God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel. 00:15:05.760 --> 00:15:07.040 For what purpose? 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:09.540 What's this testimony, this law set up for? 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:15.360 Which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children that the next generation might know them. 00:15:15.760 --> 00:15:19.140 The children yet unborn and arise and tell them to their children. 00:15:19.139 --> 00:15:24.819 So that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. 00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:27.419 Do you hear the pattern that God set up for his people? 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:32.039 Generation after generation, passing along who he is and what he's done. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:33.340 Psalm 89. 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:37.580 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever. 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:41.920 With my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. 00:15:43.160 --> 00:15:43.899 Psalm 45. 00:15:45.300 --> 00:15:48.519 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations. 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:52.060 Therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. 00:15:52.360 --> 00:15:53.160 What's God's plan? 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.960 How's God's glory going to fill the earth? 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:57.220 How are the nations going to know who he is? 00:15:57.420 --> 00:16:03.820 That one generation after another, his name is to be remembered and it goes forth to all nations. 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:06.220 I love this last one. 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.060 Psalm 71. 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:13.940 So even to old age and gray hairs, oh God, do not forsake me. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.000 Why? 00:16:15.660 --> 00:16:16.100 Why? 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:18.280 There's just, there's something I need to do, God. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:26.559 Don't leave me yet in my old age until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:32.379 The purpose for which I still live and breathe. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:41.379 God, give me one more breath, not for me, God, but so that I can tell all those to come of your might, of how great you are. 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:44.379 That's why I'm still alive, the psalmist says. 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:48.200 That they would know your might and your greatness. 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:52.139 What's the goal again in Psalm 145? 00:16:52.220 --> 00:16:53.019 Look at verse 7. 00:16:54.679 --> 00:17:00.320 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and sing aloud of your righteousness. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:04.339 Pouring forth the fame of God's abundant goodness. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:06.460 That means you can't say too much about it. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:09.599 You could never praise him too much. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:16.439 One generation tells the next of how great God is and they could never possibly exaggerate it. 00:17:16.959 --> 00:17:18.839 They can't praise him too highly. 00:17:19.419 --> 00:17:20.919 They can't say it too much. 00:17:21.879 --> 00:17:24.859 Charles Spurgeon calls it a tradition of praise. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:26.740 I like that. 00:17:26.959 --> 00:17:28.419 Tradition of praise. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:34.099 Generation after generation, a tradition of praise of God. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:37.419 What traditions did you pick up from your parents? 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:41.640 How about passing on a tradition of praise? 00:17:42.580 --> 00:17:46.519 An exalted view of God to the next generation? 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:52.660 It's the reason why an exodus God institutes the Passover feast. 00:17:53.079 --> 00:17:53.920 It's not just Psalms. 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:56.480 This is how God's people have always functioned. 00:17:56.539 --> 00:18:00.099 God gives them this feast to mark their deliverance from Egypt, right? 00:18:00.879 --> 00:18:05.440 Here would be one of the prime examples in the Old Testament of God's mighty deeds. 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:08.480 His deliverance of people from slavery. 00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:10.900 And God says celebrate it every year. 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.000 Have this feast. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:13.980 And here's what's going to happen when you celebrate it. 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:17.599 Your children are going to say to you, what do you mean by this service? 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:20.400 This is kind of silly. 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:23.759 Mom, Dad, why are we doing this again? 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:25.619 I remember doing this last year. 00:18:26.059 --> 00:18:29.579 And you shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover. 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:34.900 For he passed over the houses of the people of Israel and Egypt when he struck the Egyptians, 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:36.740 but spared our houses. 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:40.640 What's the story you're going to tell them when they ask? 00:18:41.380 --> 00:18:43.980 What's it about time after time? 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:47.500 Is it the story of my dad stronger than your dad? 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:54.440 My dad painted the blood on the doorpost just beautifully, more beautifully than anybody else, 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.500 and so we were saved? 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.920 Aren't we wonderful? 00:18:57.660 --> 00:18:58.440 Is that the story? 00:18:58.440 --> 00:19:06.140 No, the story you're telling is of a God who spared your people because of the blood of the Lamb. 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:12.580 Because the blood of the Lamb was on our doorposts, God passed over when he struck down the firstborn of Egypt. 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:17.120 The story is of our God being stronger than the gods of Egypt. 00:19:18.200 --> 00:19:21.259 And as the generations come, you need to know, children, 00:19:21.600 --> 00:19:27.460 stronger than the gods and the idols of the nations around you that you're going to be tempted to wander after. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:30.779 You should worship Yahweh. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:32.600 You should follow him. 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:36.740 And I'm going to tell you to worship him, but I'm also going to show you why. 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.460 Because he delivered me. 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:42.160 I walked out behind his strong arm. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:44.059 I experienced his greatness. 00:19:44.660 --> 00:19:48.559 It was here in this house or on this campus. 00:19:49.840 --> 00:19:51.799 Or when we crossed this sea. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:56.420 And God's praise continues. 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:58.880 The tradition of praise goes on. 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:03.759 God's designed way to pass his glory one generation after the other. 00:20:04.380 --> 00:20:07.700 As one generation commends his works to the next. 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:14.019 So there's a pretty decent reason biblically why we've made student ministry such a priority here. 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:16.480 It's what God has always done. 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:19.100 It's the way he set things up to work, isn't it? 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:24.279 Certainly all this applies to parents in some obvious ways. 00:20:24.939 --> 00:20:28.139 But what we're reading about here, when you think about the Psalms in particular, 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:30.379 is the corporate worship of God's people. 00:20:30.939 --> 00:20:35.779 The patterns of daily life of God's people, of the church now. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:38.439 It's actually more about us corporately. 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:42.400 If we're going to be about the advance of God's kingdom. 00:20:42.600 --> 00:20:48.460 If that's our vision and we say that's what we want to see is God's kingdom go forward in every possible way. 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:57.059 Psalm 145 says a focus on God and his glory and his greatness leads us to care about others. 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:58.620 About people. 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:03.360 In this case, particularly about the next generation. 00:21:03.359 --> 00:21:07.839 Jesus said the kingdom of God is made up of children, didn't he? 00:21:08.879 --> 00:21:12.599 Of children and of people who have faith like little children. 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:17.659 The next generation is a kingdom priority. 00:21:18.959 --> 00:21:23.679 In some ways you could say our children are this church's greatest mission field. 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:27.039 That God has laid before us and said, 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:29.119 Here's what your job is, Southwood. 00:21:29.379 --> 00:21:30.379 Here they are. 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:32.679 Pass it on to them. 00:21:32.680 --> 00:21:36.400 We must commend the works of God to the next generation. 00:21:36.560 --> 00:21:38.440 It's a big part of why God has us here. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:42.060 I think at Southwood that's especially true. 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:46.420 You know for the last few years the part of this building that's been the most crowded? 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:48.500 Anybody know? 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:50.720 Nursery. 00:21:51.120 --> 00:21:52.000 You all whispered it. 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:53.299 The nursery. 00:21:54.060 --> 00:21:55.420 How exciting is that? 00:21:55.880 --> 00:22:00.180 What an exciting opportunity for the gospel to have a nursery that's full. 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:03.000 What a healthy reality in a congregation. 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:06.080 If you haven't been down to the nursery in a while, 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:08.259 I think you got a pretty good visual of it this morning. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:11.840 When some of the kids a little bit older sat on these steps. 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:19.220 Did you know over a hundred junior and senior high students come through the lodge every week to hear God's word? 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:21.240 Every week over a hundred. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:25.640 Last year alone we baptized 21 infants. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:29.259 That's almost one baby every other week. 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.440 Yeah, you were here. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.860 You felt like it was a lot, didn't you? 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:36.779 It was almost every other week that we were baptizing one. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:42.019 We take vows when they're baptized to assist their parents in the Christian nurture of their children. 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:47.460 But do we truly stop and realize the kingdom opportunity placed before us as a church? 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:52.539 We pray that they would never know a day that they don't know the love of God for them in Jesus. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:56.680 We do that because that's the pattern God has designed. 00:22:57.059 --> 00:22:58.720 He set it up to work that way. 00:22:59.399 --> 00:23:01.299 But do we keep praying for it? 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:05.619 And do we jump in ourselves so that they hear of God's love from us? 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:08.500 This is what it means to be God's covenant people. 00:23:09.919 --> 00:23:11.659 That I care about my kids. 00:23:12.879 --> 00:23:14.599 That I care about your kids. 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:17.479 That I care about the kids of Huntsville. 00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:23.419 Because God has never blessed his people except for the purpose of them being a blessing to everyone. 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:30.859 So all three of those, my kids, your kids, the kids of this community, are part of the next generation. 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.000 We're to bless. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:40.779 Did you know that the single greatest predictor for a child who grows up in the church actually coming back to church as an adult? 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.500 Do you know what it is? 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:49.000 Recent studies have shown that the single best way you can predict is that child going to come back to church in adulthood? 00:23:49.660 --> 00:23:55.119 Is does that child have a relationship with another adult in the church outside of his parents? 00:23:55.119 --> 00:24:00.000 Knowing someone else from a generation ahead of him. 00:24:01.039 --> 00:24:06.659 A relationship gives an opportunity for doing what Psalm 145 lays out. 00:24:06.959 --> 00:24:10.319 One generation commending God's works to another. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:18.099 And we said in the Old Testament context here of this Psalm, those works we're commending would have been God's works of deliverance, right? 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:26.759 Mostly we're talking about the glory of God's acts in saving his people, for instance, from slavery in Egypt. 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:30.659 How he provided manna in the wilderness and so on. 00:24:31.179 --> 00:24:32.819 What does that look like now? 00:24:34.459 --> 00:24:38.379 Now it's not Passover every year, but the Lord's Supper. 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:41.159 Time after time. 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:52.060 Mom, Dad, why do we come and sing and listen to that nerdy guy talk and walk up to those tables to get bread and juice? 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:53.700 Why do we do that all the time? 00:24:55.860 --> 00:25:00.380 Now we tell them of the glory of God's act of deliverance on the cross. 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:04.440 How he saved his people from slavery to sin. 00:25:04.860 --> 00:25:08.480 How he continues to provide for our needs day by day. 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:17.279 So commending the works of God to the next generation involves knowing them enough to tell them of your sin and how Jesus saved you. 00:25:18.360 --> 00:25:21.940 Of your needs and how God has provided for them. 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:27.839 Parents, do you share your weaknesses and your needs with your kids? 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.339 Do they know why you take communion? 00:25:31.380 --> 00:25:33.339 Can you answer them when they ask those questions? 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:38.420 Small group leaders, do they know why Jesus is so precious to you? 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:41.940 Grandparents, they think you're perfect. 00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:46.920 But do they know how they can pray for you because you need God too? 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:49.339 Have you told them about that? 00:25:50.680 --> 00:25:55.120 Let me make a brief application to two sets of people here before we close. 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:59.539 And before I do one more thing. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:05.220 How exciting is it to be a part of a church where I can say, let me apply it to the older people and the younger people. 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:09.460 What a gift to be part of a multi-generational body of Christ. 00:26:09.659 --> 00:26:12.779 Where you can say, I've got these people around me. 00:26:12.839 --> 00:26:14.759 I don't have to go figure out where they would be. 00:26:15.339 --> 00:26:16.500 Praise God for that. 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:18.680 Let's start with the younger crowd. 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:22.920 Any of us who could still be considered the next generation. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:28.920 Maybe you're like me and you have actually a generation ahead of you and behind you in this church. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:36.080 I tell you, our tendency is pretty much the same whether we're five or 35, isn't it? 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:38.039 It's to go our own way. 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:43.980 To assume we know better than those who are 30 years ahead of us. 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:46.819 To think we'll do it better than our parents, right? 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.659 Isn't that what we think? 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:49.619 We'll do it better than they do. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:55.159 To think we'll figure life out on our own because we're smart and successful and competent. 00:26:56.740 --> 00:27:02.379 Are you putting yourself in places where you can learn of God from those further down the road? 00:27:03.899 --> 00:27:07.579 Kids, God gave you parents because He loves you. 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:11.799 Why do I have to keep talking about kids this morning? 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:19.440 God loves you so much that He put parents in your life to show them, to show you how much He loves you. 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:25.599 He put people like Miss Nancy in your life so that you would know how much He loves you. 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:29.839 So that you could trust them, so that you could listen to them and learn from them. 00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:34.480 You need to listen to them as they tell you about God's love. 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:38.819 That's God's design for His church. 00:27:39.360 --> 00:27:44.140 There's a reason in the New Testament God directs the older men in the church to instruct the younger men. 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:46.860 And the older women to teach the younger women. 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:52.799 It's because it's God's design for passing along the knowledge of Him one generation to the next. 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:55.259 Are you seeking that out for yourself? 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:56.740 For your kids? 00:27:56.740 --> 00:28:02.620 Some of you are struggling with your faith in God and His provision. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:07.539 Don't isolate yourself from the body God has put you in. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:12.960 Sit down with dear people who've been walking with Jesus longer than you've been alive. 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:17.200 Let their testimony of God's care for them strengthen your faith. 00:28:17.200 --> 00:28:21.259 I'll be honest younger adults like me. 00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:26.860 It's usually not our busy schedules that keep that conversation from happening. 00:28:26.860 --> 00:28:31.120 It's usually not their busy schedules that keep that conversation from happening. 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:33.860 We're the ones who are too busy to make time for it. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:38.599 What are your priorities for your kids? 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:42.559 Is it them liking you so that you can live at peace? 00:28:43.219 --> 00:28:47.299 Or do you pray and plan to see them embrace an exalted view of God? 00:28:47.939 --> 00:28:50.619 Parents, your kids will know what's important to you. 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:52.639 What you make much of. 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:55.740 Have you put your own oxygen mask on first? 00:28:56.379 --> 00:28:58.419 I invite you this morning, put it on. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:29:01.579 Breathe deeply of Jesus for yourself. 00:29:01.579 --> 00:29:04.740 And then you can give one to your kids too. 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.960 Finally, for those of us who are older. 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:16.480 Who are looking at the generation behind us and wondering what kind of lessons and legacy we're going to leave for them. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:20.839 Is your passion the one of the psalmists that we read about earlier? 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:22.619 Is that what drives you? 00:29:22.679 --> 00:29:24.039 Is that what excites you? 00:29:24.439 --> 00:29:31.399 God, that you would give me breath to tell those coming behind me of your might and your greatness. 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:34.259 Is that what makes you excited? 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:41.059 God, I want to pass along to the next generation the testimony of your greatness and might. 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:44.099 Is that your priority for the generation after you? 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:51.419 Listen, I know it is much easier to sit back and to bemoan the faults of the next generation. 00:29:51.819 --> 00:29:58.279 And say, oh my word, the ways they act, the ways they raise their kids, the songs they sing. 00:29:58.959 --> 00:30:02.419 Look what this church or this culture is coming to. 00:30:03.259 --> 00:30:06.859 It's easier to do that than to walk alongside them in the midst of it. 00:30:06.899 --> 00:30:07.379 I know it. 00:30:07.380 --> 00:30:12.080 Thank you for not leaving. 00:30:12.840 --> 00:30:18.080 Thank you for not leaving and going to a church where everybody's your age and likes exactly what you like. 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:20.060 Thank you for being here. 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:21.600 We need you. 00:30:22.620 --> 00:30:24.520 Let me speak as a younger person right now. 00:30:24.800 --> 00:30:25.660 We need you. 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:28.080 We need your wisdom. 00:30:28.820 --> 00:30:29.960 We need your experience. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:34.779 We need you to tell us of God's greatness and how you've seen it in your life. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:41.380 It's the way God has built his church that you would pour his praise to overflowing in the next generation 00:30:41.380 --> 00:30:47.240 so that by the time you do have your last breath, they're all carrying on in your place. 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.579 That's God's design. 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:53.420 That's why our students are a huge priority for us here at Southwood. 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:58.539 There are many ways you can formally engage with our children and youth. 00:30:58.680 --> 00:31:02.460 Nursery, Sunday school, VBS, small group leaders. 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:08.180 Go cook on a youth retreat and between meals talk about Jesus with a high schooler. 00:31:09.620 --> 00:31:11.240 Come up with your own ideas. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:14.120 Babysit while their parents go on a date. 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:18.660 Share your parenting struggles and lessons with their parents. 00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:23.259 Sit next to one of them and worship and sing. 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:25.019 Sing loudly. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:30.320 Adopt a grandchild to pray for and tell them you're doing it. 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:34.640 But however you do it, I don't care what you come up with. 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:37.560 Commend the works of God to the next generation. 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:40.779 Don't leave without being a part of that. 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:45.640 Don't have your last breath without it being spent and poured out 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:50.120 that those who stay behind will know of the greatness of God from you. 00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:52.940 Commend the works of God to the next generation. 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:54.299 However God allows you. 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:58.200 Give them an exalted view of God. 00:31:58.200 --> 00:32:03.799 I want to tell you about one man who did that for me as I closed this morning. 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:06.819 His name was Roy Norville. 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:09.819 We addressed him as Mr. Roy. 00:32:09.819 --> 00:32:14.819 But all of the kids at the church that I grew up in knew him as the candy man. 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:21.859 Mr. Roy came every Sunday with a little black shaving kit full of candy. 00:32:22.379 --> 00:32:27.279 So there was one man at church every week that no kid was going home without talking to. 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:31.319 We made a beeline for Mr. Roy after the service. 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:35.799 I probably got candy from Mr. Roy all the way through high school. 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:39.740 I think I was a special fan. 00:32:40.680 --> 00:32:42.500 He gave me more than candy though. 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:44.119 He used to write us notes. 00:32:44.879 --> 00:32:48.899 Short notes that for a while I had to get my parents to read to me 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:52.840 because of the scrawly cursive handwriting I couldn't make out. 00:32:53.320 --> 00:32:56.259 They were personal and they talked about God 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:57.640 and they were always signed, 00:32:58.220 --> 00:33:00.600 Your Friend, Roy Norville. 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:03.120 When I graduated high school, 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:04.800 he gave me one of these notes 00:33:04.800 --> 00:33:07.220 along with a little book, 00:33:07.600 --> 00:33:08.180 very small, 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:11.000 Andrew Murray's Abide in Christ. 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:13.319 Tell you what he wrote me. 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:16.140 I hope you enjoy this book. 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:17.799 I did. 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:23.160 Abiding in Christ is really the best security you will ever have. 00:33:24.339 --> 00:33:27.079 What God is like, we learn from Christ. 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:30.660 I hope to be writing to you during your college years 00:33:30.660 --> 00:33:33.960 and praying God will bless you and guide you in all you do. 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:37.339 Your friend, Roy Norville. 00:33:37.339 --> 00:33:41.019 I got lots of books for graduation. 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:44.079 Guess which one I made a point to read? 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:46.819 Yeah, this little thing. 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:47.639 It was short enough. 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:51.139 And this book, Abide in Christ, 00:33:51.240 --> 00:33:53.659 ended up having a huge impact on me 00:33:53.659 --> 00:33:55.399 and my understanding of the gospel, 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:57.119 of who Jesus was 00:33:57.119 --> 00:34:00.119 and the fact that I could trust and rest in Him. 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:02.699 It had an influence on me all the way through college 00:34:02.699 --> 00:34:04.720 and as I grew up into adulthood. 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:10.840 All because one man with candy 00:34:10.840 --> 00:34:13.260 made much of God 00:34:13.260 --> 00:34:18.240 and he commended God's works to my generation. 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:22.860 Would that God would do so many things like that here 00:34:22.860 --> 00:34:26.119 and we could rejoice in them for generations to come. 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:26.740 Pray with me. 00:34:26.739 --> 00:34:35.339 God, the praise and the glory is yours. 00:34:36.619 --> 00:34:37.599 And we know that. 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:39.659 And we need you to make us those 00:34:39.659 --> 00:34:42.879 who remember that not just on Sunday morning, 00:34:43.099 --> 00:34:46.419 but every moment of every day. 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:50.460 As those who are younger than we are, 00:34:50.900 --> 00:34:54.500 look to us to know what's really important. 00:34:55.340 --> 00:34:58.539 What should really get them upset or excited. 00:34:58.539 --> 00:35:03.119 Father, would our hearts long for your kingdom 00:35:03.119 --> 00:35:06.619 and for your name to be exalted above all other things. 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:09.840 Would you show us where you would allow us 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:12.500 to be a part of advancing your kingdom 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:16.119 and passing along your works and your glory 00:35:16.119 --> 00:35:17.259 to the next generation. 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:20.079 Father, every breath that you give us, 00:35:21.440 --> 00:35:23.279 would it be for your glory 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:26.519 and those behind us knowing how great you are. 00:35:27.700 --> 00:35:30.160 Do that work in us, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:35:30.840 --> 00:35:31.120 Amen. 00:35:35.220 --> 00:35:39.060 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org.