WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.180 My favorite TV show is Blue Bloods. 00:00:03.339 --> 00:00:04.240 Anybody like that? 00:00:04.780 --> 00:00:05.560 Tom Selleck? 00:00:06.900 --> 00:00:11.320 He is Police Commissioner Frank Reagan on the show. 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:14.720 Commissioner of the New York City Police Department. 00:00:16.420 --> 00:00:24.160 Blue Bloods is a show about a family of three generations of New York City policemen. 00:00:24.160 --> 00:00:37.939 In every episode, no matter what's going on, in every episode, there's always a scene when all of the family gather around the table for Sunday dinner. 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:47.140 There's a grandfather, the father, Tom Selleck, Frank Reagan, three adult children. 00:00:47.920 --> 00:00:50.719 One of them has a wife and grandchildren. 00:00:50.719 --> 00:01:01.259 Sometimes, and many times, over the course of that meal, the conversation gets heated. 00:01:02.519 --> 00:01:04.219 It gets intense. 00:01:05.500 --> 00:01:12.719 But before it gets just completely out of hand, either the grandfather or the father will interrupt and say, 00:01:13.340 --> 00:01:15.659 Hey, let's keep it civil. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:18.980 Let's keep it civil. 00:01:18.980 --> 00:01:34.880 In today's culture, where there is so much division, anger, conflict, we need more level-headed people to step up and say, 00:01:35.659 --> 00:01:37.439 Let's keep it civil. 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:54.359 I heard a public school official recently, not in Pickens County, but a public school official was giving a talk to a group of administrators, teachers. 00:01:54.359 --> 00:02:05.539 And he made the point that public school administrators and teachers are on the front line of today's culture. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:10.319 And he was talking about how divided, angry, chaotic it was. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:16.319 But he was talking about how today's administrators and teachers, they're on the front lines. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:24.620 And they need to be teaching and modeling for their students how to keep things civil. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:27.459 I thought that was a great point. 00:02:29.299 --> 00:02:36.620 Teachers, coaches, administrators, people who are with our children at public school, 180 days a year. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:52.700 We need to hope and pray that they can instill in our students, young people today, a sense of being able to live in this world and interact with people who are different from you. 00:02:53.060 --> 00:02:54.159 And you don't have to agree. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:55.540 We'll never agree with everyone. 00:02:55.539 --> 00:03:20.439 But you know, there's another group of influencers who have the responsibility of teaching and training children before they ever get to the front line of today's culture. 00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:22.219 And that's parents. 00:03:22.219 --> 00:03:35.579 God has assigned parents the primary responsibility for leading their children to live in this world in a way that far exceeds just being civil. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:45.939 You know, as Christians, our goal is to be far more than just as we interact with people, just to be civil. 00:03:46.879 --> 00:03:48.319 Just not to explode. 00:03:48.319 --> 00:03:52.180 Our goal is to be more than just to not react. 00:03:53.759 --> 00:04:10.079 We're called as Christians to be in this world being salt and light, influencing, preserving, but also demonstrating Christ-like character, which is far, far more than just civility. 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:20.540 Since today is Mother's Day and the parent-child dedication, I'm going to interrupt our study of Philippians and focus on our responsibility. 00:04:21.340 --> 00:04:21.900 Listen to this. 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:36.840 Not just as Christian parents, but as grandparents, as aunts and uncles, older siblings sometimes, teachers here at church, out in schools. 00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:48.239 Our responsibility to teach our children the truth of God's word and help them to know how it applies to living life in this world. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:50.799 Living life wherever they go. 00:04:51.899 --> 00:04:56.219 Now, when I say children this morning, I'm talking about children from birth to high school. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:07.420 I'm talking about children who live at home with their parents or just one parent or with grandparents or whoever it is that you live with. 00:05:08.140 --> 00:05:17.680 But the fact is, if we want to influence children who are in high school or even in middle school, we've got to start while they're in preschool, don't we? 00:05:18.820 --> 00:05:20.040 That's where it begins. 00:05:21.180 --> 00:05:24.660 I want us to look at two passages of Scripture that emphasize our responsibility. 00:05:24.660 --> 00:05:32.300 What we're going to do is look at a little bit more than what we read during the parent-child dedication from Deuteronomy chapter 6. 00:05:32.800 --> 00:05:38.560 And then we're just going to go to that one verse that I read from Ephesians chapter 6, verse 4. 00:05:39.300 --> 00:05:40.060 But look with me. 00:05:40.120 --> 00:05:40.920 It'll be on the screen. 00:05:43.280 --> 00:05:44.840 The people of Israel. 00:05:45.980 --> 00:05:51.480 In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is preparing them to enter the promised land. 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:59.060 And God inspired him, led him to emphasize the things that he did. 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:03.140 And this is one of the major emphases. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:10.480 You as parents, you have got to pass the faith down to your children. 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:13.720 Look at how he says it. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:18.440 Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:23.740 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might. 00:06:24.520 --> 00:06:27.700 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:31.840 You shall teach them diligently to your children. 00:06:32.700 --> 00:06:35.720 And shall talk of them when you sit in your house. 00:06:36.080 --> 00:06:37.740 When you walk by the way. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:39.240 And when you lie down. 00:06:39.460 --> 00:06:40.579 And when you rise. 00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:44.819 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand. 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:48.439 And they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:52.699 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:54.439 And on your gates. 00:06:55.500 --> 00:06:57.360 You see, God was just emphasizing to them. 00:06:58.379 --> 00:06:59.439 You've got to know me. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:00.160 Love me. 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:01.180 Know my word. 00:07:01.180 --> 00:07:07.759 And you are going to be the one, the primary channel through whom I work to communicate who I am. 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:10.620 Who you are and how to relate to me. 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:13.000 God's going to speak through the parents. 00:07:13.259 --> 00:07:13.699 The home. 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:17.000 Now look at Ephesians 6, 4. 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:20.220 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:24.280 But bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 00:07:25.439 --> 00:07:28.560 These two passages are clear that God intends for the home. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:33.759 Be the primary, not the only, but the primary training ground of children. 00:07:35.040 --> 00:07:36.920 Now both parents are responsible. 00:07:38.019 --> 00:07:42.819 But in Ephesians, the emphasis is on fathers need to lead the way. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:52.500 I want to make clear that God expects men to lead their home in the right kind of way. 00:07:53.660 --> 00:07:54.300 Lovingly. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:58.139 Not provoking your children to anger. 00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:01.379 But in the right kind of way. 00:08:01.860 --> 00:08:02.759 A servant leader. 00:08:03.459 --> 00:08:05.040 And lead the way in teaching your children. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:14.420 Now in many homes, there are other people who are spiritual influencers. 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:16.560 Even if parents are there. 00:08:17.459 --> 00:08:18.680 My home was that way. 00:08:19.319 --> 00:08:22.759 When I was growing up, both my parents, I lived with them. 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:30.039 But about 150 yards away or so, my grandparents, their last names were Williams, my mother's parents. 00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:32.559 I was with them every day growing up. 00:08:32.819 --> 00:08:38.059 They were as strongly influencers in my life as my parents. 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:42.159 I had another set of grandparents that I was involved with them. 00:08:42.239 --> 00:08:44.699 They lived a little bit further away, so I didn't see them as much. 00:08:44.699 --> 00:08:47.339 But they were also influencers. 00:08:47.959 --> 00:08:49.679 I had one aunt and uncle. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:52.339 They were there and everything that ever happened in our lives. 00:08:52.419 --> 00:08:53.399 They were committed Christians. 00:08:53.979 --> 00:08:55.539 I stayed in their home some. 00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:58.639 I fished and hunted with my uncle some. 00:08:59.059 --> 00:09:00.919 He was a strong influence in my life. 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:02.079 I had an older brother. 00:09:03.339 --> 00:09:05.159 Seven and a half years older than me. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:09.799 He was a real influence in my life as I was growing up. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:15.959 Some of you in this room, a lot of you, you have that same experience. 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:25.379 There were people, your parents, an extended family, maybe some just close family friends, that they were always there. 00:09:26.259 --> 00:09:31.700 They had an influence on you, the way you grew up, the way you look at life. 00:09:32.280 --> 00:09:35.900 Not just your spiritual development, but your whole world view. 00:09:35.899 --> 00:09:49.500 Now, as we go through this message, the emphasis is going to be on parents teaching and training their children. 00:09:50.620 --> 00:09:57.259 But you keep in mind, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends, older siblings, 00:09:57.259 --> 00:10:05.799 God uses you often to influence children spiritually. 00:10:06.699 --> 00:10:12.980 So, you apply it where you can about who you are and your place in the home. 00:10:14.039 --> 00:10:15.039 Let's look first. 00:10:15.319 --> 00:10:17.919 How can parents best influence their children spiritually? 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:21.720 Well, the passage of Deuteronomy tells us clearly. 00:10:21.919 --> 00:10:24.819 Number one, parents must know and love the Lord. 00:10:24.819 --> 00:10:25.779 Look at verse five. 00:10:26.319 --> 00:10:29.539 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:33.159 We're to love God. 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:34.899 Jesus said this is the greatest commandment. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:41.360 And the point is, with just everything that's within you, your whole heart, soul, mind, strength. 00:10:42.819 --> 00:10:43.600 Love God. 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:45.519 Seek to know Him and to love Him. 00:10:46.220 --> 00:10:52.240 This passage is stressing the importance of parents loving God. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:56.580 But we won't really love God unless we have a relationship with Him, will we? 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:03.680 You know, there's people in your life that you like, and you may say you love them as a Christian brother. 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:06.860 What you mean by that is, you want the best for them. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:10.360 You'll try to meet their needs if you know what they are. 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:14.720 But the people that you truly love, have a bond with. 00:11:16.019 --> 00:11:18.600 You do it because you have a relationship with them. 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:22.420 And it took time to build that relationship. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:27.240 Now, I know there's people sitting here and you're thinking, you say, well, what about love at first sight? 00:11:28.120 --> 00:11:31.120 You say, well, I first saw my wife or my husband. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:32.060 It was love at first sight. 00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:33.680 Here's my thought. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:36.980 It was probably lust at first sight. 00:11:36.980 --> 00:11:46.820 But as you got to know them, there was the building of that relationship, that bond, and that kind of love. 00:11:47.960 --> 00:11:49.060 But it takes time. 00:11:49.740 --> 00:11:53.039 It takes a relationship to truly love someone. 00:11:53.840 --> 00:11:58.680 And so we've got to know and love the Lord to be the right kind of parents to lead our children. 00:12:00.220 --> 00:12:01.039 And that's what I'm going to talk about. 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:02.740 That means we've got to have a relationship with Him. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:07.299 A parent must have a loving relationship with God before they can teach their children to have one. 00:12:08.180 --> 00:12:10.500 You can't teach your children about God if you don't know Him. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:12.539 No one can. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:15.919 You won't teach your children about God if you don't love Him. 00:12:16.419 --> 00:12:19.899 And have a meaningful relationship with Him that you want to share. 00:12:20.639 --> 00:12:21.659 That you can talk about. 00:12:22.740 --> 00:12:25.460 If you're serious about being a godly parent. 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:30.019 Doing what's best for your child. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:34.559 Then seek to grow in your own relationship with the Lord. 00:12:36.199 --> 00:12:37.139 I'm serious. 00:12:37.819 --> 00:12:40.340 You can't lead your child where you've never been. 00:12:40.939 --> 00:12:45.199 If you want to be a true Christian model influence in your child's life. 00:12:45.579 --> 00:12:50.559 First, major on your own personal relationship with the Lord. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:53.639 It's something a little bit different. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:58.980 But if you really want to have a good, healthy, stable home for your children. 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:04.600 Make your relationship with your spouse the first relationship in your life. 00:13:06.080 --> 00:13:09.600 Your children need to learn from you, men. 00:13:10.939 --> 00:13:15.659 Your son needs to learn how to love his wife by watching you love his mother. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:25.059 Ladies, your daughter needs to learn how to love her husband by watching you love your husband, her father. 00:13:27.339 --> 00:13:28.879 It's all about relationships. 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:32.860 You can't introduce your child to someone that you do not know. 00:13:33.719 --> 00:13:39.360 But there's something else we see in both of these passages that's a prerequisite to teaching your children about the things of God. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:41.539 Parents must know God's Word. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:44.139 I want you to just look at it if you would. 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:49.799 Both of these passages and these words that I command you today. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:52.379 That's what we read. 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.000 That's Scripture. 00:13:53.419 --> 00:13:54.179 The Word of God. 00:13:55.439 --> 00:13:56.679 Shall be on your heart. 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:59.740 You know it. 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:02.659 It's something that you have. 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:04.220 You believe it. 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:05.460 You've embraced it. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:08.939 Fathers, look next. 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:13.819 Do not provoke your children in anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:20.740 Last year, we looked at Colossians chapter 3, that whole section. 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:24.299 And we came to something very similar to this. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:28.000 Colossians chapter 3, about verse 21 or so. 00:14:28.960 --> 00:14:31.899 And we emphasized at that time the first part. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:33.759 Fathers, do not provoke your children in anger. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:41.419 It is important that we as men, we lead in our home. 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:49.599 It is right to be an authority figure, regardless of what our culture says today about being anti-authority. 00:14:50.099 --> 00:14:52.000 But we need to be the right kind of authority. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:56.259 Not a stiff-arming kind of authority. 00:14:56.779 --> 00:15:02.120 Not one that promotes anger and bitterness and rage and resentment in our children. 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:09.340 We need to be people who discipline in love, who lead in love. 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:11.340 That's what he's talking about there. 00:15:12.179 --> 00:15:15.179 But it does not, no matter what, we've got to teach them. 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:17.039 Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 00:15:17.560 --> 00:15:21.899 Both passages are pointing out here the importance of parents knowing God's Word. 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:25.340 Now, no one understands everything about the Bible. 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:31.399 This does not mean, imply or anything, that you've got to be a Bible scholar to teach your children. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:35.019 Don't be intimidated about what you do not know. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:39.539 No one knows everything the Bible teaches. 00:15:40.799 --> 00:15:45.620 So there's just some things you need to know or focus on first, we'll say. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:47.500 You need to understand the Gospel. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:54.159 As a parent, as a Sunday school teacher, you need to really understand the Gospel. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:59.240 You need to be able to explain to your child something about who God is. 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:00.259 He's our Creator. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.720 He is good. 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:03.080 He created everything good. 00:16:04.259 --> 00:16:06.279 But something happened. 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:07.379 There was a fall. 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:08.940 There was sin entered the world. 00:16:09.940 --> 00:16:14.379 And we, you, my son, my daughter, you're a sinner. 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:16.659 That's why you disobey me sometimes. 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:18.939 That's why you fight with your brother and sister sometimes. 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.899 That's why you lie sometimes. 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:24.959 You need to know enough of the Bible to explain something about who God is. 00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:26.939 About how we are sinners. 00:16:27.319 --> 00:16:28.459 We've failed God. 00:16:28.559 --> 00:16:30.279 We've lived life our way instead of His way. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:32.559 We've broken His rules, His laws. 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.860 And you've got to be able to explain. 00:16:34.959 --> 00:16:36.059 That's the bad news of the Bible. 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:38.259 But the good news is that God loves us. 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:42.740 And He sent Jesus, His Son, into this world to save us. 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:46.700 And the way that Jesus did that, He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:48.799 And He paid that penalty in full. 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:50.299 And He arose from the grave. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.180 And He's alive now. 00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:52.940 And He wants to be your Savior. 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:57.220 If you'll admit that you are a sinner and you are separated from God. 00:16:57.399 --> 00:16:58.840 And if you're sorry you've sinned. 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:01.220 That you don't want to sin against God and be that way. 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:03.720 If you'll trust Jesus that He died for you. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:04.980 Paid the penalty for your sins. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:06.880 If you'll ask Him to be your Savior, He will. 00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:09.120 That's the kind of thing, first, the gospel. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:12.080 That you need to know as a parent. 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:14.600 You can explain it anyway. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:18.760 But make sure you are biblically right. 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:23.060 And explain it in a way on a level that your child can understand. 00:17:24.060 --> 00:17:26.740 You also need to teach your child, when they become a Christian, 00:17:27.760 --> 00:17:30.260 how to live like a follower of Jesus every day. 00:17:30.780 --> 00:17:33.500 A lot of times children think in terms of being a Christian, being a follower of Jesus. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:34.360 That's what we are. 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:37.479 Jesus called His disciples, some of them, and said, follow me. 00:17:39.139 --> 00:17:42.679 Teach them to live like a Christian. 00:17:43.099 --> 00:17:49.419 To be able to put into practice the things they read and learn from the Bible. 00:17:50.219 --> 00:17:56.039 Teach your children to obey God by obeying you. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.299 Obeying their teachers. 00:17:58.659 --> 00:18:00.659 Teach your children you don't lie. 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:05.759 And when you do lie, that's when the discipline hits hard. 00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:09.279 Because you can't tolerate lying. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:14.440 I've always told my children and grandchildren, you're never more like the devil than when you lie. 00:18:15.620 --> 00:18:17.560 Lying is never okay. 00:18:19.300 --> 00:18:19.740 Inexcusable. 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:22.900 Teach that to your children. 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:29.960 But you'll never be able to teach your children the most important lessons of life unless you're studying God's Word yourself. 00:18:32.660 --> 00:18:37.160 You need to be able to teach them important things all through life. 00:18:37.780 --> 00:18:41.240 You want to teach them, when they're little, how to read. 00:18:42.100 --> 00:18:43.600 You want to teach them how to work. 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:45.160 How to handle money. 00:18:45.560 --> 00:18:47.320 You want to teach them how to have good manners. 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:47.559 Teachers. 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:50.279 I've always taught mine. 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:52.079 I love sports. 00:18:52.159 --> 00:18:53.240 Teach them how to play ball. 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:57.480 There's a lot of things in this world that you need to teach your children. 00:18:57.659 --> 00:18:58.700 That you want to teach your children. 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:01.319 And some of it's fun to teach your children. 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:07.319 But don't neglect the most important thing. 00:19:08.939 --> 00:19:11.559 Which is to know, love, and serve Jesus. 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:16.599 If we don't do that as parents, Christian parents here. 00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:21.440 If we don't do that as parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles who are Christians, who know. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:29.659 Then we have failed to teach our children the most important lesson of life. 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:33.460 Note what else parents must do to carry out their responsibility. 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:36.700 Parents must live out their faith as they go through life. 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:40.099 And explain to their children why they live like they do. 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:41.779 Look at this from Deuteronomy. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:44.299 You shall teach them diligently to your children. 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:46.539 That's talking about the truth of God. 00:19:47.219 --> 00:19:49.740 And shall talk of them when you sit in your house. 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:51.679 When you walk by the way. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:53.339 And when you lie down. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:54.779 And when you rise. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:20:00.199 There's more to teaching children about the things of God than just reading them the Bible. 00:20:00.399 --> 00:20:01.819 Or even reading a Bible story. 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:05.459 Children need to know from us, adults. 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:08.379 How God is involved in our lives. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:13.619 And what Moses is saying here is. 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:17.519 Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. 00:20:18.159 --> 00:20:21.599 Look for ways to talk to your children about God and the things of God. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:23.000 It's just a normal part of life. 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:26.179 When you ride down the road. 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.959 On the way to school. 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:28.779 When you're out in the woods. 00:20:28.859 --> 00:20:29.399 If you hunt. 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:32.339 Just look at it. 00:20:32.899 --> 00:20:34.759 Talk of them. 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:35.779 Things of God. 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.399 When you sit in your house. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:38.920 When you walk by the way. 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.519 Think about it this way. 00:20:42.619 --> 00:20:45.160 Help your children to develop a Christian worldview. 00:20:45.399 --> 00:20:46.839 You're not probably going to use that word. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.379 If they're little. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.839 They won't understand that. 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:53.299 But help your children develop a Christian way of looking at life. 00:20:53.379 --> 00:20:54.259 And living life. 00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:58.500 But talking about the issues of today. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:21:00.640 From a Christian perspective. 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:05.339 You know where your child, grandchild. 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.480 Nephews, nieces. 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:08.819 You know where they are in life. 00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:09.740 What grade they're in. 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:12.319 The kind of things they're being exposed to at school. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.819 With their friends. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.420 If they watch TV. 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:15.900 Watch. 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:17.460 Know anything about what's going on in the world. 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:20.559 Well explain to your children. 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.900 What's happening. 00:21:23.099 --> 00:21:24.700 In a way they can understand. 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:27.519 Let them know. 00:21:28.360 --> 00:21:29.880 What God's word. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.819 What the Bible. 00:21:31.420 --> 00:21:32.319 Teaches about. 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:34.319 This particular issue. 00:21:35.259 --> 00:21:37.140 That particular situation. 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:41.600 And you can say to them. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:45.519 A lot of people don't believe this. 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:46.779 And they don't live this way. 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:50.740 But God says we should live this way. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:51.840 And it's wrong. 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:53.680 It's sinful when we do not. 00:21:54.700 --> 00:21:55.819 I think it's important. 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:57.539 To go back to what I started. 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:59.920 We've got to do this in a civil way. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.319 Don't get angry. 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:04.380 And red faced. 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.019 And cuss. 00:22:05.100 --> 00:22:05.539 And rant. 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:06.100 And rave. 00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:07.900 About everything that's going wrong in life. 00:22:08.140 --> 00:22:08.740 And tell them. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.400 If you do this. 00:22:09.440 --> 00:22:10.340 I'll kill you. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.299 Some people do that with children. 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:17.120 But you're just teaching them. 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.240 To be a moron. 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.880 A jerk. 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:22.880 To add gasoline to the fire. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.540 If that's what. 00:22:23.640 --> 00:22:24.800 If that's how you do it. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:28.340 That serves no good purpose. 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:31.600 And we're being terrible witnesses. 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:34.140 When we do it that way. 00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:37.100 We need to teach our children. 00:22:37.520 --> 00:22:38.540 What's going on. 00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:39.720 What's wrong. 00:22:40.040 --> 00:22:41.180 What is right. 00:22:41.180 --> 00:22:44.300 But then teach them to speak. 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:46.460 And live the truth in love. 00:22:46.460 --> 00:22:49.460 I mean in love. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.660 Controlled. 00:22:55.860 --> 00:22:57.680 Being better than just civil. 00:22:59.120 --> 00:23:00.440 In today's culture. 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:03.579 We need to be the most positive witnesses. 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:05.120 We can be. 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:10.380 In order to have the best effect on people. 00:23:11.100 --> 00:23:12.079 That we can have. 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:14.419 We need to ask God. 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.240 To help us to. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:17.039 Be a part of the process. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.839 Of restoring. 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:19.240 Civility. 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:21.199 Being able to. 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.199 Talk about things. 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.159 We disagree with. 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.500 Without being. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.859 Angry about it. 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.639 And shouting somebody down. 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:31.779 You know. 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:32.480 We can summarize. 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:33.439 What Deuteronomy 6. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:33.799 Is saying. 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.339 About the way. 00:23:34.679 --> 00:23:35.559 Children learn. 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.299 From their parents. 00:23:37.199 --> 00:23:38.039 With two phrases. 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:39.839 Children learn. 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.639 What is taught. 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.240 Listening. 00:23:42.339 --> 00:23:43.539 What their parents teach. 00:23:43.959 --> 00:23:45.220 But children learn. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.759 More. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.740 From what is caught. 00:23:48.959 --> 00:23:49.480 Watching. 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.379 What parents. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.019 Do. 00:23:55.399 --> 00:23:56.399 It's convicting. 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:56.919 Isn't it? 00:23:57.899 --> 00:23:58.859 It's the hardest part. 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:01.379 But it's vitally important. 00:24:02.500 --> 00:24:03.659 For us to model. 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:05.220 What we teach. 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.759 And when we blow it. 00:24:06.919 --> 00:24:07.759 We admit it to them. 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:09.859 We don't just confess. 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.660 Our sin to God. 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.940 We confess it to those. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:12.700 That we've been. 00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:13.960 Terrible witnesses to. 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:15.779 Now. 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:16.640 How can the church. 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:17.240 Help parents. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:17.960 Let's do this quickly. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.539 How can church. 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:20.200 The church. 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:20.920 Help parents. 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:21.519 If it's the children. 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.119 Spiritually. 00:24:23.900 --> 00:24:24.799 We need to understand. 00:24:24.940 --> 00:24:25.019 That. 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:26.379 We're not called. 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:26.920 To live. 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:28.400 Like lone ranger. 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:29.119 Christians. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.440 We're not supposed. 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:31.799 To be. 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.259 Rugged individualists. 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.039 As Christians. 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:35.920 We're part of a. 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.819 Community of faith. 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:37.640 Called the church. 00:24:38.140 --> 00:24:39.039 People of Israel. 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.259 They were part of. 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.059 God's chosen people. 00:24:42.180 --> 00:24:42.859 A nation. 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:43.900 Well today. 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:44.759 We're a part of. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:46.079 God's church. 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:48.259 We're a family. 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:50.339 Here at our church. 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:51.660 We try to help parents. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.720 In a variety of ways. 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:53.799 We try to help you. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.259 As parents. 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.019 To grow spiritually. 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.839 That's what the teaching here. 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:58.720 On Sunday mornings. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.220 Is about. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:24:59.980 A lot of things. 00:25:00.039 --> 00:25:00.879 We're doing in Sunday school. 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:01.460 And other times. 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.500 Trying to help parents. 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.400 Grow spiritually. 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:05.039 We also try to teach. 00:25:05.359 --> 00:25:06.379 Youth and children. 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.480 The truth of scripture. 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:09.299 In age appropriate. 00:25:09.980 --> 00:25:10.420 Ways. 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:12.039 We have. 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.720 Sunday school classes. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:14.779 First and second graders. 00:25:15.440 --> 00:25:16.160 We have Sunday classes. 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:16.579 For. 00:25:17.079 --> 00:25:17.460 You know. 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:18.779 High schoolers. 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.539 We're trying to teach. 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:21.539 The truth of God's word. 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:22.440 In age appropriate. 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:23.160 Ways. 00:25:23.160 --> 00:25:25.340 We also. 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:27.540 Keep in mind. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.800 Everything we do here. 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:29.560 We're trying to do. 00:25:29.640 --> 00:25:30.180 In cooperation. 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:31.040 With parents. 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:33.880 You know. 00:25:33.880 --> 00:25:34.640 We want to be partners. 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.160 With parents. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.720 In doing this. 00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:36.660 But at the same time. 00:25:37.320 --> 00:25:38.420 We know that all parents. 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:38.680 Aren't. 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.860 Even involved. 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:42.460 Or not even in the home. 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.300 And so. 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:43.960 We as a church. 00:25:44.060 --> 00:25:45.140 We want to fill the gaps. 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:45.800 For children. 00:25:45.800 --> 00:25:46.860 Who are just on their own. 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:47.279 Basically. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:49.100 We do want to do that. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:51.000 But three here. 00:25:51.419 --> 00:25:52.240 We try to influence. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.019 Our youth and children. 00:25:53.139 --> 00:25:54.099 In a variety of ways. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:55.480 Including fun stuff. 00:25:57.439 --> 00:25:58.399 It was in the news. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.439 I think it was in the news. 00:25:59.500 --> 00:25:59.919 There this week. 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.659 Mike talked about it. 00:26:00.659 --> 00:26:01.159 Last week. 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:02.659 Some fun things. 00:26:02.859 --> 00:26:03.759 They're going to do this summer. 00:26:04.919 --> 00:26:05.199 You know. 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:06.699 Water park. 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.519 First week in June. 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.459 Or second week in June. 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.379 We do things throughout the year. 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:10.639 With. 00:26:11.139 --> 00:26:11.619 Before COVID. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.519 With children and youth. 00:26:14.719 --> 00:26:16.139 That's a part of building fellowship. 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:19.160 That can draw other kids. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.240 That's not going to church. 00:26:21.120 --> 00:26:21.960 But I want you to understand. 00:26:22.100 --> 00:26:23.680 Our purpose is not to entertain. 00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:26.800 And we certainly aren't trying to be babysitters. 00:26:27.780 --> 00:26:29.840 We aren't here just to keep them off the streets. 00:26:30.340 --> 00:26:31.820 Our purpose as a church. 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:33.259 With children and adults. 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.440 Is to make disciples. 00:26:35.520 --> 00:26:36.460 That's what we're called to do. 00:26:36.540 --> 00:26:38.160 That's what the scripture says we're to do. 00:26:39.780 --> 00:26:40.960 But I want to make this clear. 00:26:42.280 --> 00:26:44.080 We can't do anything to help parents. 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:46.859 If you parents. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:49.079 Don't have your children here. 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.779 On a regular basis. 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:54.279 I want to be real honest with you. 00:26:55.699 --> 00:26:57.599 This period of time. 00:26:59.059 --> 00:27:00.879 Not anything to do with COVID. 00:27:01.419 --> 00:27:02.500 But now. 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:06.539 This is the most difficult time. 00:27:06.919 --> 00:27:09.859 In my 40 years of being involved in church ministry. 00:27:09.859 --> 00:27:11.459 Because of the just. 00:27:12.179 --> 00:27:14.099 Widespread lack of commitment. 00:27:17.179 --> 00:27:18.059 A lot of you. 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:19.479 Let me rephrase that. 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:20.459 Some of you. 00:27:21.399 --> 00:27:22.959 You aren't committed to this. 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:24.399 To serving God. 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.479 In and through this church. 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:28.399 You decide on Sunday morning. 00:27:28.479 --> 00:27:29.159 According to how you feel. 00:27:29.199 --> 00:27:30.019 Whether you're going to come. 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:32.419 And you won't make a commitment. 00:27:32.419 --> 00:27:33.279 To be involved. 00:27:33.399 --> 00:27:35.639 Because you don't want to make long term commitments. 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:37.339 That's a part of your DNA today. 00:27:37.339 --> 00:27:38.939 I don't make long term commitments. 00:27:39.859 --> 00:27:42.139 And sometimes. 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:43.679 We have parents. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.399 Who let. 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:48.359 The children run the show. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.139 At home. 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:52.299 The children make the decision. 00:27:52.439 --> 00:27:52.639 About. 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.619 What church we'll be involved in. 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:56.979 Or how often we'll be involved in church. 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.579 And if you're that kind of parent. 00:27:58.699 --> 00:27:59.699 You are a failure. 00:27:59.699 --> 00:28:01.240 As a spiritual leader. 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.019 In your home. 00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:06.779 You are supposed to be. 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.660 The parent. 00:28:07.660 --> 00:28:08.900 The boss. 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:10.980 The authority figures. 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.980 In your home. 00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:13.660 And yes. 00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:15.960 Until Jesus comes back. 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:17.799 Authority is right. 00:28:17.879 --> 00:28:18.779 Before God. 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:22.480 There should be authority. 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:24.460 In every realm of life. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:27.759 And we should respect authority. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:31.120 We should respect law enforcement people. 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.240 Especially today. 00:28:32.660 --> 00:28:34.100 We should respect the authorities. 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:35.240 In the school. 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.039 At church. 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.759 And you the parents. 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:39.200 You're the authorities at home. 00:28:40.840 --> 00:28:42.960 And you need to seize control. 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:44.360 If you're not in control now. 00:28:44.360 --> 00:28:47.779 And you need to make the decision. 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:49.539 That we're going to be as a family. 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:51.059 Involved in this church. 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:55.480 I don't like everything that happens. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:57.200 Everybody doesn't treat me. 00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:58.579 With a warm smile and hug. 00:28:58.619 --> 00:28:59.440 Every time I see them. 00:29:01.639 --> 00:29:03.019 And if you've got to be treated. 00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:05.099 With a kid gloves. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.399 Warm smile and hug. 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:08.579 Every time you're seen at church. 00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:09.419 Or anywhere you go. 00:29:09.639 --> 00:29:10.740 You got a problem. 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:13.539 You know that don't you? 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:17.659 Everything can't always go your way. 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:20.900 So. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.620 Commit yourself to the Lord. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.380 To his church. 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.420 Get involved. 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:28.460 Use your gifts, talents and abilities. 00:29:29.380 --> 00:29:30.500 Have your teacher children. 00:29:30.600 --> 00:29:32.400 Use their gifts, talents and abilities. 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:34.700 And everything don't go to suit you. 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:35.779 So what? 00:29:37.160 --> 00:29:38.000 Nothing in life. 00:29:38.100 --> 00:29:39.420 All goes to suit you. 00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:45.720 A lot of you young people in here. 00:29:45.820 --> 00:29:46.540 You play sports. 00:29:46.620 --> 00:29:47.400 Boys and girls. 00:29:48.600 --> 00:29:49.880 There are coaches. 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.100 Let's just be honest. 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:53.140 There are coaches who have chewed you out. 00:29:53.220 --> 00:29:54.220 And cussed you out. 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.820 And you didn't like it. 00:29:55.860 --> 00:29:56.660 And it hurt your feelings. 00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:57.740 But you didn't quit. 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:01.360 You were committed to the team. 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.000 To the sport. 00:30:02.100 --> 00:30:03.019 And you hung in there. 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:05.480 You even still love the coach. 00:30:07.620 --> 00:30:08.759 But if you come to church. 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:09.759 Somebody looks at you wrong. 00:30:09.840 --> 00:30:11.100 You're going to have your little feelings hurt. 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:11.840 And walk off. 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.440 You're a weak. 00:30:14.120 --> 00:30:15.160 Spineless wonder. 00:30:15.300 --> 00:30:16.279 If that's who you are. 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:20.700 And if parents. 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.759 If you reinforce that. 00:30:21.879 --> 00:30:23.399 You are teaching them to be weak. 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.279 Spineless wonders. 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.519 Some of you are thinking. 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:31.859 I'm glad he's retiring. 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:33.099 So what? 00:30:33.099 --> 00:30:36.500 I said these kind of things. 00:30:36.579 --> 00:30:37.839 The first year I was here. 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:41.179 You can verify that. 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:44.459 But this is. 00:30:44.959 --> 00:30:46.119 I'm saying this. 00:30:46.119 --> 00:30:48.519 If the shoe doesn't fit. 00:30:49.599 --> 00:30:50.719 Then so be it. 00:30:50.719 --> 00:30:51.759 It doesn't fit. 00:30:51.959 --> 00:30:53.139 But if the shoe fits. 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.479 Hear it. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.479 Change. 00:30:58.919 --> 00:30:59.799 Most likely. 00:31:00.219 --> 00:31:01.039 Your grandparents. 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.099 And your parents. 00:31:02.639 --> 00:31:04.259 They did run the show. 00:31:04.679 --> 00:31:05.739 In their home. 00:31:05.899 --> 00:31:06.679 And your home. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:09.160 And it helped you. 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:11.039 To turn out to be a better human being. 00:31:12.560 --> 00:31:13.799 And maybe a better. 00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:15.120 Faithful Christian. 00:31:16.080 --> 00:31:17.759 It was time for you to grow up. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:22.440 As somebody said one time. 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:23.480 Ladies. 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:25.259 Put your big girl panties on. 00:31:26.840 --> 00:31:27.320 Guys. 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.360 Suck it up. 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:31.400 Be a man. 00:31:31.400 --> 00:31:34.700 And love your children. 00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:36.800 But lead your children. 00:31:37.840 --> 00:31:40.259 And if it has to be some force involved. 00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:40.960 At times. 00:31:41.340 --> 00:31:42.240 Use force. 00:31:42.340 --> 00:31:43.280 The right way. 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:45.420 Not an abusive way. 00:31:47.340 --> 00:31:47.800 And you know. 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:50.280 Your children are not going to hate you for that. 00:31:51.340 --> 00:31:53.259 I got two boys here somewhere this morning. 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:56.340 I wore them out. 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:59.180 We had some battles in our house. 00:31:59.180 --> 00:31:59.620 When that. 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:00.120 You know. 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:00.500 The. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:03.680 Testosterone was beginning to flow. 00:32:08.300 --> 00:32:09.400 There were times. 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:09.940 That I'm sure. 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:11.460 They hated my guts. 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:14.220 But I wasn't trying. 00:32:14.320 --> 00:32:15.540 To win a popularity contest. 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:18.220 There are times. 00:32:18.300 --> 00:32:19.540 That I went too far. 00:32:19.780 --> 00:32:20.759 Too harsh. 00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:22.940 And I have apologized to them. 00:32:23.080 --> 00:32:24.060 Asked their forgiveness. 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:24.980 Told them I was. 00:32:25.420 --> 00:32:26.300 Wrong before God. 00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:27.240 Wrong before them. 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:31.680 But we have a. 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:33.900 And have had a good relationship. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.839 A close relationship. 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:35.920 We eat lunch together. 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:36.859 Just like the Reagans. 00:32:36.859 --> 00:32:37.960 Every Sunday. 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:38.960 We do things together. 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:41.140 We do things together. 00:32:42.200 --> 00:32:43.340 But they always knew. 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:45.400 That daddy and mama. 00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:46.860 Were running the show. 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.539 They were in charge. 00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:50.539 And it just worked out. 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:52.240 In the long run. 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.819 And it will for you. 00:32:54.940 --> 00:32:56.079 By God's grace. 00:32:57.340 --> 00:32:57.660 If you'll. 00:32:58.340 --> 00:32:59.259 Be the parent. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.680 Take control. 00:33:01.180 --> 00:33:01.960 Be committed. 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:05.420 And be that consistently. 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:07.900 We want to be a church. 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:09.019 That has great impact. 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:10.120 On the spiritual lives. 00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:11.360 Of teenagers and children. 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:13.700 We put a lot of time. 00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:15.620 Energy and money. 00:33:15.620 --> 00:33:16.259 Into that. 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:18.480 But no matter what we do. 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:19.100 We can't take the. 00:33:19.100 --> 00:33:19.799 Take the place. 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:20.759 Of parents. 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:24.700 You've got to be involved. 00:33:26.500 --> 00:33:26.900 Now. 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:29.579 I want to wind up like this. 00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:30.579 Parents. 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:31.539 Parents. 00:33:31.659 --> 00:33:32.259 Who have an interest. 00:33:32.399 --> 00:33:33.220 In things of God. 00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:33.779 And share that. 00:33:33.859 --> 00:33:34.500 With their children. 00:33:35.179 --> 00:33:36.639 Are far more likely. 00:33:36.639 --> 00:33:37.359 To see. 00:33:38.299 --> 00:33:39.279 Their children. 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:40.379 Develop those interests. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:42.899 And their children. 00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:44.759 To follow Jesus. 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.419 And be involved. 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.019 In church. 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:49.019 But I want to make. 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.859 This real clear. 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:52.059 At some point. 00:33:52.119 --> 00:33:52.879 Between childhood. 00:33:53.039 --> 00:33:53.480 And adulthood. 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.359 Every person. 00:33:55.539 --> 00:33:56.059 Must decide. 00:33:56.199 --> 00:33:56.859 For themselves. 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:58.399 Whether they will make. 00:33:58.399 --> 00:33:59.079 Their parents. 00:33:59.240 --> 00:33:59.559 Faith. 00:33:59.559 --> 00:34:00.919 Their own. 00:34:00.919 --> 00:34:01.559 Faith. 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:01.740 Faith. 00:34:02.879 --> 00:34:03.960 There are some. 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:05.599 Faithful men and women. 00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:07.539 Who were godly parents. 00:34:07.720 --> 00:34:08.960 Who did things right. 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:10.980 But their children. 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:11.920 Walked away. 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:13.259 From Jesus. 00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:15.119 And the church. 00:34:15.719 --> 00:34:16.900 At an early age. 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:17.840 And never came back. 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:19.619 That's between the children. 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.199 And God. 00:34:23.139 --> 00:34:24.699 There are some parents. 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.259 Who just. 00:34:25.779 --> 00:34:26.860 Were not Christians. 00:34:27.699 --> 00:34:28.279 Certainly. 00:34:28.280 --> 00:34:28.920 Everything. 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:28.980 Everything. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.340 But a good influence. 00:34:30.840 --> 00:34:31.560 And their children. 00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:32.700 By the grace of God. 00:34:33.080 --> 00:34:33.940 Came to know Jesus. 00:34:34.100 --> 00:34:35.280 And serve him faithfully. 00:34:36.540 --> 00:34:37.740 Some of you may be here. 00:34:38.060 --> 00:34:38.980 And that's your story. 00:34:39.180 --> 00:34:39.420 Right now. 00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:43.220 We have no control. 00:34:43.220 --> 00:34:43.599 Of what's going to happen. 00:34:43.599 --> 00:34:44.340 Down the road. 00:34:44.980 --> 00:34:45.920 All we can control. 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.599 Is now. 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:47.820 Who we are. 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:49.280 And how we parent. 00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:51.420 But young people. 00:34:51.579 --> 00:34:51.940 Listen to this. 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:53.000 We're about to wind this up. 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:54.860 Young people. 00:34:55.059 --> 00:34:56.059 On judgment day. 00:34:57.659 --> 00:34:58.880 You and you alone. 00:34:58.940 --> 00:34:59.900 Will stand before God. 00:35:00.539 --> 00:35:02.099 And give an account. 00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:03.820 Of what you have been. 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:05.099 What you have done. 00:35:05.220 --> 00:35:06.139 With the truth. 00:35:06.340 --> 00:35:07.340 Of God's word. 00:35:07.340 --> 00:35:09.559 And the model. 00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:10.680 Of godly parents. 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:11.980 What you've done with it. 00:35:12.900 --> 00:35:13.840 When all is said and done. 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:14.380 It's just going to be. 00:35:14.559 --> 00:35:15.620 You standing before God. 00:35:15.640 --> 00:35:16.340 On judgment day. 00:35:16.920 --> 00:35:18.300 And you will give an account. 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:19.800 What you've done. 00:35:19.860 --> 00:35:20.720 What you've been taught. 00:35:21.660 --> 00:35:22.640 And the model. 00:35:23.100 --> 00:35:23.900 That's gone before you. 00:35:24.940 --> 00:35:25.880 Christian parents. 00:35:26.920 --> 00:35:27.320 Grandparents. 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:27.980 Aunts and uncles. 00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:28.720 Son of school teachers. 00:35:29.280 --> 00:35:29.860 Anyone else. 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:30.880 Who's a primary influencer. 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:31.420 Of children. 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:34.240 God has given us. 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:35.059 The job. 00:35:35.860 --> 00:35:38.260 Of being vitally important. 00:35:38.700 --> 00:35:39.340 Spiritual. 00:35:40.720 --> 00:35:41.320 Influencers. 00:35:42.300 --> 00:35:43.980 In our children's lives. 00:35:45.220 --> 00:35:46.400 Let's be faithful. 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:49.340 To just do what we can. 00:35:50.019 --> 00:35:51.019 By God's grace. 00:35:51.519 --> 00:35:52.220 Let's pray together. 00:35:52.720 --> 00:35:53.099 Dear God. 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:55.579 We pray now. 00:35:55.659 --> 00:35:57.000 That you will help us to see. 00:35:58.260 --> 00:35:59.059 In light of. 00:35:59.059 --> 00:35:59.179 Love. 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.460 The message. 00:36:00.799 --> 00:36:01.420 What you've said. 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:02.440 Through your word and spirit. 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:03.480 Help us to see. 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:04.639 How we should respond. 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:08.960 Adults in this room. 00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:09.920 Who influence children. 00:36:12.199 --> 00:36:13.559 And children in this room. 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:17.779 How they should respond. 00:36:17.860 --> 00:36:18.960 To what they have seen. 00:36:19.019 --> 00:36:19.480 And heard. 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:22.179 Let's just. 00:36:22.279 --> 00:36:22.960 In attitude of prayer. 00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:23.579 Listen to the Lord. 00:36:23.659 --> 00:36:24.519 And respond to him.