Father’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate fathers. Fathers, as compared to mothers, do not receive the recognition they deserve. In a crowded athletic stadium a fan holds up a sign. The sign reads, “Hi Mom!” I’ve never seen a sign that says, “Hi Dad!” As compared to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day had a challenge being approved as a national holiday by our federal government. Nevertheless, dads deserve all of the praise we can give to them. This sermon discussed the value of fathers, how God is our perfect heavenly Father and drew from the Psalms to show what a privilege it is to be a godly father.

1. What are some qualities of God that characterize a loving father?

2. Who are some examples of fathers in the Bible that have qualities worth exemplifying?

3. How important are fathers in the lives of their children?

4. Discuss the positive impact your father (or father figure) has made on your life. Or discuss the absence of an influential father in your life.

5. What unique contributions do fathers make to the family that differ from what mothers provide?

6. Read Psalm 127:1-5. What is the message of verses 1-2 to fathers?

7. How are children a heritage and a reward from the Lord? (See verse 3.)

8. How are children like arrows? (See verses 4-5.)

9. Read Psalm 128:1-6. How are children like olive shoots? (See verse 3.)

10. In Psalm 127 and 128, what are some implications of how fathers should think and live regarding their children?

11. If you are a father (or grandfather) what are some goals that you have for your relationship with your children (or grandchildren)?

12. What other thoughts or feelings do you have about fathers?

Our greatest desire for our children is for them to develop a vital faith in God. We introduce them to God at an early age and seek to nurture their faith in Him throughout their developmental years. Many of our children fall away from God and the church during their young adult years. A high percentage of them do not return later in life. Part one of the message discussed the fact that if we want our children to grow up to be men and women of faith we need to understand what characterizes the faith that we seek to instill in them? Part two addressed what parents and other adults can do to plant in our children a faith that sticks.

1. In the story of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27; 2:1-11) we read of the adults who influenced Samuel as a man of God. What influence did his mother have on his faith? What influence did Eli have on his faith?

2. Did your parents or grandparents influence your faith in Christ? If so, how?

3. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-12. Moses tells the people that God directed him to teach them to observe His commands, decrees and laws. The obedience of the parents would cause the children and grandchildren to fear the Lord. Parents are the “first source of faith” for their children. Children learn by what they observe. Give some examples of how Christian parents should live (act; behave) that will result in faithful children.

4. What do you think the Scripture means when it says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts? (See Deuteronomy 6:6.)

5. How can parents (and grandparents) impress the Word and will of God on their children (and grandchildren)? (See Deuteronomy 6:7.)

6. What other suggestions do you have for parents who wish to nurture their children’s faith in God?

7. What other adults were influential in your faith development?

8. In what ways were they influential?

9. How can adults influence the faith of children and young people who are not their immediate family members? Give some practical suggestions.

10.  What other thoughts and feelings do you have on the subject of Sticky Faith?

We have invited the children of Cordova Christian Camp and their dads to be our special guests, for the Father’s Day BBQ. Make plans to attend, so that we can welcome our special guests.

Check out our other Dinner on the Grounds menus!

Sunday, June 30, will be the last Sunday the Redelsperger’s will be here to worship with us. We have scheduled a memorable Sunday in their honor.

R-day will have a unique schedule. Please see below:

9:30 a.m.- Bible Classes for All Ages

10:30 a.m.- Special Combined Worship Service,

Aaron Redelsperger will preach

12:30 – 2:00 p.m.- Lunch and Fellowship

2:00-3:00 p.m.- The Roast & Memories

Please plan to save the date for this special time to say, “Good-Bye & We Wish you the Best” to Aaron, Amy, Grace, Noraa, and Sam.

Grad Sunday – Worth It

June 2, 2013

Matthew 6:19-24

Opening Question: Hollywood has produced dozens of films about treasure hunters over the years. Do you have a favorite treasure hunting film or treasure hunting story? Share it with the group.

Read: Matthew 6:19-24

Discuss: What are some of the greatest challenges that we face in living the life that Jesus described in Matthew 6:19-24?

How have you seen Matthew 6:21 demonstrated in your own life or in the lives of those around you?

Matthew 6:24 has a word that is often translated as “money”. Maybe a better translation of this word is “treasures” or “the things of the world”. How have you seen people serving the things of the world (as described in verse 24)?

Why do you suppose Jesus puts such an emphasis on the word “mammon” at the end of verse 24?

What are some “things of the world” that you tend to prioritize over God?

Read and Discuss: The following verses talk about how God will reward those who follow Him. Read the verses and discuss how and why God chooses to reward those who follow Him according to these verses.

Matthew 6:3-6

Hebrews 11:6

Matthew 25:45-47

Colossians 3:23-24

Matthew 16:24-27

Mark 9:41

Luke 6:22-23

Matthew 19:29-30

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Our greatest desire for our children is for them to develop a vital faith in God. We introduce them to God at an early age and seek to nurture their faith in Him throughout their developmental years. Many of our children fall away from God and the church during their young adult years. A high percentage of them do not return later in life. What characterizes the faith that we seek to instill in our children? What can parents and other adults do to plant and grow faith that sticks?

1. How would you describe the faith that you would like to see developed in your children (and grandchildren)?

2. What are some ways that a young person’s faith is experienced through what they feel and sense?

3. How should a young person’s faith impact what they believe? (What should they believe? How should they think? What decisions should they make?)

4. How should a young person’s faith impact their actions and behaviors? Give some examples.

5. What are some ways that a young person can express his/her love for God?

6. How can a young person become assured of God’s love for him/her?

7. What reasons would a young person have to commit his/her life to Christ?

8. At what age do you believe a young person should make a commitment to Christ in baptism?

9. What is your estimate of the number of young adults who fall away from God and/or the church during their young adult years?

10. Why do you believe many fall away?

11. What can be done to increase the possibility that a young person will survive the young adult years and continue to develop a strong faith in God throughout their adult years?

Sticky Faith is faith that sticks. It is a living vibrant faith that matures through the transitional years and continues to grow throughout adulthood.

What does it look like? A vibrant faith in God is one that involves three core elements.
1. How I feel (sensory and affective)
2. What I believe (the will, thoughts and decisions)
3. What I do (actions and behaviors)

These are reflected in the following affirmations.

1. What I feel (sensory and affective)
The divine side: (affirmations)
I feel secure in God’s love for me (He wants the best for me)
I am confident that God will care for me
I receive and am comforted by God’s promises
I am committed to love God with all my heart

The human side:
I feel loved by others
I have a trust in others who care for me
I am committed to loving others

2. What I believe (the will, thoughts and decisions)
I believe that God exists and that he is involved in my life
I believe that Jesus died and rose again, lives today I believe that he is the Lord of my life
I believe the Holy Spirit guides me and is my comforter and intercessor

3. What I do (actions and behaviors)

I seek to conform my life after the teachings revealed in the Bible
I am committed to serving others as God has gifted me
I am active in sharing my faith with others

• June 2nd – missions class FLC
• June 9th – missions class auditorium
• June 16th – missions class drop off auditorium/pick up behind FLC
• June 23rd – July 28th – group class in auditorium
• Aug. 4th promotion Sunday (move up to next grade level)
• Aug. 18th – Bible Challenge

5th/6th grade

• June 2nd – missions class FLC
• June 9th – missions class auditorium
• June 16th – class in regular classroom
• June 23rd & 30th – class in Lighthouse – intro to youth group
• July 7th – 28th – class in regular classroom
• Aug. 4th – promotion Sunday (6th grade moves up to youth group)
• Aug. 18th – Bible Challenge

Click here to learn more about our Children’s ministry