We Love Our Kids: Reaching The Next Generation

Passing Faith to the Next Generation: Why It Matters and How to Do It

In Psalm 145, we see David's heart for young people and his concern that the next generation might forget God's goodness. As David watched Israel transition from a nomadic people to an established kingdom, he worried that comfort would lead to complacency and ultimately to forgetting the God who had blessed them.

Why Do We Forget God When Life Gets Comfortable?

David was concerned that as Israel became more established and comfortable, they would forget who God was and what He had done for them. This same pattern plays out in Isaiah 5, where the prophet describes people who have everything they need—mansions, wine, comforts—but have forgotten the One who gave it all to them.

Looking at America today, we must ask ourselves: Have we forgotten? Despite not having the same specific promises as Israel, we live in prosperity that much of the world would envy. Even those considered "poor" among us are still in the top 10% globally.

What Makes David a Man After God's Own Heart?

David is often described as "a man after God's own heart," and one key aspect of his character was how much he loved his children. We see this reflected in Solomon's writings in Proverbs, which often echo the wisdom David shared in the Psalms. David's love for his children drove him to ensure they wouldn't forget God.

As parents, we understand this love. We sacrifice for our children constantly—choosing movies they want to watch, planning vacations around their interests, and giving up personal desires for their benefit. This sacrificial love reflects God's heart.

Why Should the Whole Church Care About the Next Generation?

At Hope Summit, we're a family. Just as it "takes a village to raise children," raising children in faith isn't meant to be done in isolation. We need to recognize that all the children in our church are "our kids"—united by the blood of Christ rather than biological connection.

If we want to be known as a church where families and children are welcome, everyone needs to contribute. This doesn't mean everyone must commit to children's ministry for life, but we all need to help carry the load in some way.

Aren't I Too Old to Connect with Today's Youth?

Some might think they're too old to relate to young people, but Psalm 71:18 says: "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."

This scripture makes it clear that children's ministry actually requires "gray hairs." The qualification isn't being young, cool, or understanding the latest trends—it's having experienced God's goodness and being willing to share those stories.

What Challenges Does Today's Youth Face?

Today's young people face unprecedented challenges:

1. The age of skepticism has moved from 18 to 12 years old

2. Smartphones expose children to opposing worldviews much earlier

3. About 70% of students drop their faith when they go to college

However, there's hope: 73% of Gen Z is interested in growing spiritually. They're getting everything the world can provide and recognizing it's not enough. They want truth—they're receptive—we just need to share it.

How Can I Make a Difference in a Young Person's Life?

In Psalm 78, we're reminded not to hide God's works from the next generation but to tell them "the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and his wonders."

Young people may not seem interested in you or God, but what they're truly interested in is knowing they're valued, loved, and worth sacrificing for. We need to push aside our fears and misconceptions.

Some think, "I need to figure out my life with Jesus before I help someone else." But as Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Jesus." If you're pursuing Jesus, you have something to share. And sharing your faith journey with young people provides built-in accountability that helps you stay on track.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions and challenges:

1. Who are the young people in your circle of influence? They might be in your neighborhood, family, or church.

2. What story of God's goodness in your life could you share with a young person?

3. How might you sacrifice some time or comfort to invest in the next generation?

4. If not you, then who will tell the next generation about God's mighty works?

Take a practical step this week: Volunteer to help with children's or youth ministry, even if just for a season. Or identify one young person you can intentionally invest in through regular conversation, mentoring, or simply showing up consistently in their life.

Remember, it's not about being the "cool" adult—it's about being the adult who keeps showing up. Your consistent presence and willingness to share your faith journey could be what helps a young person maintain their faith through life's challenges.

Acts 19: Nothing to Hide

When Control and Repentance Don't Mix: Lessons from Ephesus

We all have areas of our lives we try to keep hidden. Like shoving clutter into a closet before guests arrive, we often manage appearances while keeping our spiritual messes tucked away. But what happens when we realize that holding onto control is preventing us from experiencing true freedom in Christ?

The Hidden Closet of Our Lives

Most of us work hard to maintain control over how others see us. We clean our homes before company arrives, post only our most flattering photos on social media, and present the most polished version of ourselves at church. But beneath this carefully managed exterior, many of us have a "secret closet" where we hide the sins we're not ready to address, the habits we're not willing to break, and the parts of ourselves we don't want others to see.

In Acts 19, we encounter a group of believers in Ephesus who decided to stop hiding their mess. They brought everything into the light and eliminated it completely.

What Happened in Ephesus?

Ephesus was a city filled with magical practices, sorcery, and witchcraft. After witnessing God's power through Paul's ministry, many believers realized they needed to make a decisive break with their past:

"Many of those who were now believers came confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and to prevail mightily." (Acts 19:18-20)

These believers didn't just discreetly get rid of their magical scrolls—they publicly burned items worth millions in today's currency. Why such a dramatic response? They recognized that control and repentance don't mix.

The Tale of Two Kings: Saul vs. David

To understand this principle better, let's look at two kings from Israel's history who responded very differently when confronted with their sins.

King Saul: Grasping for Control

Saul's pattern was to maintain control at all costs. When instructed by Samuel to wait seven days at Gilgal, Saul grew impatient and offered sacrifices himself rather than waiting for Samuel. When confronted, Saul blamed others: "You were late, the people were scattering, I had to do something."

Later, when commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites, Saul spared the king and the best animals. His excuse? "I kept the best animals to sacrifice to God." Even in his partial confession, Saul was still trying to manage appearances: "I have sinned, but please honor me before the elders."

King David: Releasing Control

David's sins with Bathsheba were arguably worse than Saul's disobedience. Yet when confronted by the prophet Nathan, David's response was simple: "I have sinned against the Lord."

In Psalm 51, David wrote: "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Unlike Saul, David didn't try to justify his actions or shift blame. He released control, owned his sin, and threw himself on God's mercy. That's true repentance.

What Are Your "Sorcery Scrolls"?

The magical practices in Ephesus represented attempts to control the spiritual world and natural outcomes. Today, we may not practice sorcery, but we still try to maintain control in various ways:

1. Managing how others perceive us

2. Hiding our struggles and sins

3. Trying to fix our problems without God's help

4. Making excuses for our disobedience

Like the Ephesians, we face a choice: Will we respond like Saul, taking half-measures and maintaining control? Or will we respond like David, fully surrendering to God?

The Cost of Following Christ

Following Jesus always comes with a cost—both tangible and intangible. The Ephesians sacrificed valuable possessions worth millions. But the intangible cost is often harder: giving up control.

As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

The Greek word Paul uses for "rubbish" is actually much stronger—more like a crude term for animal waste. That's how Paul viewed everything compared to knowing Christ. Nothing the world offers compares to the value of knowing Jesus.

The Power of Confession

James 5:16 tells us, "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Confession isn't easy. It means admitting there's a problem, acknowledging we need help, and letting go of control. But it's worth it because God responds to our honesty with healing.

When we confess our sins to God and to trusted believers, several things happen:

1. We experience God's forgiveness

2. We receive support from others

3. We break the power of secrecy

4. We find healing and freedom

Acts 3:19 promises, "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Life Application

What are you still trying to control in your life? What "sorcery scrolls" are you holding onto that need to be brought into the light and burned?

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Identify your closet: What sins, habits, or struggles are you hiding from others and trying to manage on your own?

2. Release control: Admit to God that you can't fix yourself and surrender these areas to Him.

3. Confess to someone: Find a trusted friend, pastor, or small group member and share what you've been hiding. Remember James 5:16—confession leads to healing.

4. Burn your scrolls: Take decisive action to eliminate whatever is standing between you and full devotion to Christ.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I most afraid would happen if people knew the real me?

2. What would it look like to value Christ above everything else in my life?

3. Who could I trust with my confession, and when will I talk to them?

Remember, your mess is truly welcome here—not just as a saying, but as a lived reality in the community of believers. Nothing is more important than knowing Christ, and no sin is too big for His grace when we honestly confess and repent.

You Asked For It: How Can God Be Loving When Bad Things Happen?

Introduction:

With a new year comes a new series! For the next few weeks, we’ll be in a series called “You asked for it” where we tackle some tough questions submitted by you all. At Hope Summit, we don’t shy away from the tough questions. Your mess is welcome here, and we feel it’s part of our mission to wade through the mess with you. So this week we dive right it. How can God be loving when bad things happen? When facing severe injustice or suffering, many people struggle with reconciling God's love with their painful circumstances. This week we look at how four biblical figures dealt with injustice while maintaining their faith.

Four Biblical Examples of Facing Injustice

David's Experience

Despite being anointed as future king, David faced persecution from King Saul and had to flee for his life. In Psalm 13, he cried out asking how long God would forget him, yet ultimately declared his trust in God's unfailing love. In 1st Samuel 24, we read about a time when David had the opportunity to kill King Saul, who had relentlessly been pursuing David, seeking to take his own life. Despite this opportunity we could have hardly faulted him for taking, we see he instead chose to trust in God, his goodness, and his timing. Even if he didn’t feel it at the moment, he understood God’s love involved a bigger picture he couldn’t fully comprehend. 

Habakkuk's Story

As a prophet facing rejection and persecution, Habakkuk questioned God about injustice. In chapter 1, he cries out: "How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.” Like Habakkuk, we can take our raw questions to God. He’s not afraid of what you have to say. But what’s important is that Habakkuk maintained dialogue with God even while questioning Him. God responded by teaching him to live by faith and trust in His perfect timing.

Elijah's Trial

After a great victory against the prophets of Baal, Elijah had to run for his life from Queen Jezebel. Even strong believers can face seasons of doubt and even depression. God often meets us in our weakness. In Elijah’s despair, God spoke to him not through dramatic displays but through a whisper, providing him with rest and a gentle restoration. 

Paul's Persecution

Despite faithfully planting churches, Paul faced severe persecution including being stoned and left for dead. Despite facing beatings, imprisonment, and constant opposition, Paul maintained an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 he writes that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." He maintained his faith and taught about God's perfect righteousness.

Understanding God's Perfect Love

God's love is perfect and complete, extending to both the righteous and unrighteous. This can be hard for us to understand since human love is inherently biased and imperfect. God allows both sun and rain to fall on everyone equally, demonstrating His perfect justice and love.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

The difficult truth is that we live in a broken world where no one is truly righteous except Jesus Christ. The book of Job addresses the issues of why God allows suffering. In fact, that's one of the key points of the book - when Job demands answers from God about his suffering, God responds not with a philosophical explanation but with questions about His sovereignty and wisdom. God allows suffering while walking alongside us through it, using these circumstances to demonstrate His power, sovereignty and wisdom, through our faith, trust, and perseverance in him.

Life Application

Consider these questions:

1. What injustice or pain are you currently facing?

2. How can you trust God's perfect love even when circumstances are difficult?

3. Where do you see opportunities to be God's hands and feet in responding to suffering?

This week's challenge: Instead of praying for God to remove difficulties, ask Him to strengthen you through them and use you to demonstrate His love to others who are suffering. Look for practical ways to show up and serve in places where people question God's goodness. God's love is perfect and His plan is perfect, even when we don't understand it. Our role is to trust Him and be His representatives of love in a broken world. Remember, one of the ways that we can let people know God really is loving is by showing up and representing him, even in the really tough stuff of life.

Presents or Presence: Week 3 - God Given Gifts

Discovering Your Unique Gifts in God's Presence!

Today, we dive into the profound topic of understanding our unique gifts and how they are fully realized in the presence of God. The message is not just about recognizing the talents and abilities that make us special, but also about understanding the deeper purpose behind these gifts. Let's explore how our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence, leading us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

What Makes You Unique?Understanding Your Gifts

Have you ever wondered what makes you unique? What sets you apart from everyone else? These questions are crucial because they can determine much about your life, including your career path, relationships, and self-worth. God has promised to give us good gifts, making us special and unique. But it's essential to recognize that these gifts are not just for our benefit; they are meant to be used in His presence.

The Story of Jeff and the Drums

Pastor Jeff shared a personal story about discovering his gift for drumming. Initially, he wanted to play the saxophone but found it challenging. However, when he tried the snare drum, something clicked. This moment of realization was like a divine revelation, showing him that his gift was meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence. This story serves as a reminder that our gifts are often discovered through trial and error, and they are best realized when we seek God's presence.

God's Masterful Creation: Psalm 139:13-16

David beautifully describes how God created us with intentionality and purpose in Psalm 139:13-16. He portrays God as an artist who carefully knits us together in our mother's womb. This imagery reminds us that we are not mistakes; we are masterpieces created by a loving God. When you look at yourself, do you see this kind of artistry on display? Do you believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? In Ephesians 2:10 Paul says that we are God’s workmanship, some versions saying “Masterpiece” and we were created with a purpose in mind. 

Reconciling Self-Worth with God's Creation

How you view yourself often reflects how you view your Creator. If you struggle with self-worth, it's essential to reconcile your identity with God's intentional creation. Recognize that your strengths, quirks, and even weaknesses are part of God's design. Embrace the fact that you are unique and special because God made you that way.

The Purpose of Our Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 that the Spirit gives different gifts to each of us for the common good. These gifts are meant to bless the church and help it fulfill its mission. Whether it's cooking, teaching, or any other talent, your gift has a purpose in God's kingdom. The key is to use these gifts in His presence, allowing them to be fully realized and effective.

Living Out Your Gifting

Our church recently witnessed this during the Damascus Way Christmas party. Volunteers used their unique gifts to serve and bless others, creating a beautiful example of living out their gifting in God's presence. When you use your gifts for God's glory, you find fulfillment and joy that goes beyond personal satisfaction. God gifted each of us differently! If you’re not sure what your gifts might be, a great way to figure it out is to try serving in different areas and seeing which area seems more naturally. If you’d love to know more about your area’s of giftedness, we’d love to connect with you. 

The Greatest Gift: Love: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that our gifts are meaningless without love. Our primary purpose is to love and be loved by God. This love is the foundation of our identity and the ultimate reason for our creation. When we use our gifts in love, we fulfill our true purpose and experience the fullness of God's presence.

Embracing God's Love

God's love is the greatest gift we can receive and give. As we embrace this love, we find our true selves and our ultimate purpose. Jesus exemplified this love by coming to earth, living among us, and sacrificing Himself for our sins. By following His example, we can fully realize our gifts and live out our purpose in God's presence.

Life Application

This week, take time to reflect on your unique gifts and how you can use them in God's presence. Consider the following questions:

1. What are the gifts and talents that make you unique?

2. How can you use these gifts to bless others and glorify God?

3. Are you seeking God's presence in your daily life and using your gifts in His presence?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one way you can use your gifts to serve others this week. Whether it's volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a source of encouragement, use your gifts in love and in God's presence. As you do, you'll find greater fulfillment and purpose in your life.

Conclusion

Understanding and using our unique gifts in God's presence leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. By recognizing that our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in His presence, we can fully realize their potential. Embrace the love of God, seek His presence, and use your gifts to bless others. In doing so, you'll discover the true joy and purpose that God has for you.