Parenting
We’ve all had parents. They’re responsible for at least some part of shaping how we got to where we are today. And our different kinds of experiences with parents have affected our thoughts on parenting. But what if we could broaden our idea of what it means to be a parent? What if we could see God and our idea of parenting in a different way? In this message, we’ll see that God has a lot more to say about parenting than we may think.
Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 28:18-20 (the Great Commission). What are some things that have held more importance in your life than the Great Commission?
How does the beginning of the Great Commission – Christ’s power – give you hope for spiritual parenting? Be specific in application.
How does the end of the Great Commission – Christ’s presence – give you hope for spiritual parenting? Be specific in application.
How does the idea of spiritual parenting change your view of Jesus’ call to make disciples?
How are you experiencing the joy of giving yourself away in parenting others toward Christ? How are you willing to invest as a spiritual parent, a Christ-like influencer, a disciple-maker?
Further Reading
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Think deeply about why you’re alive and you’ll eventually conclude that you want to make a difference—a contribution through the one life you have. That longing is called legacy. It’s the desire to influence others now so that your influence lives beyond you. What if...
Adoption
Adoption brings up mixed emotions. The term “adopted” can be used to show affection or insult. Our understanding of adoption comes from our picture of family. Many times we have a picture of family that limits our understanding of the truth of adoption. In this...
A Good Old Age
Family involves many times and seasons of life. Our roles within our family change, but each role and each season is part of God's plan for family. If we're fortunate, one day we'll find ourselves in the last season - Old Age. While this is a season some of us would...
In Sickness and in Health
It’s rare to find a really great marriage. Maybe that’s because it doesn’t take long for marriage to be put to the test by the harsh realities of life. In marriage, we’re together in sickness and in health. God designed marriage as a gift. And it’s easy to lose sight...
Nothing Like Family
As the family goes, so goes the culture. The idea of family is deeply rooted in our lives. We were born for family; it’s in our blood. And the idea of family is rooted in the heart of God. It’s more than an illustration. Family is a reality for anyone related to God....