Values: Family-friendly

Speaker: Paul Brown

Notes

Part of a series on TLC values.

God is a family: Father, Son, Holy Spirit (the Trinity).

We are members of God's family (1 John 3:1, Romans 8:15-17). Adopted as sons and sharing in his inheritance.

The church is a family. Here to support, help, encourage, strengthen, love, pray for one another (John 13:34-35). All ages together - not always easy but committed to one another.

John the Baptist had a ministry of turning the hearts of the fathers to their children (Luke 1:17, Mal 4:6). We have that calling too, in a world where family is under threat. Be examples. Especially Dads - take a lead in loving, teaching, praying for your children (Eph 6:4).

As a church we want to help connect the generations

• Young people are the church today not just the church of tomorrow

• None should miss out on what God is saying to the church today

• Let's learn to "do church" together

• Everyone has a part to play, we need one another

Application

Look at the Scriptures about being part of God's family (e.g. Eph 1:5, Gal 3:26-4:7, Rom 8:15-17,23). What does it mean to be adopted by God and what is the inheritance we can share in?

God is our "Abba, Father". What kind of picture does that form in your mind? Do you find it easier to relate to God as Dad or as brother or friend? How does our past and our natural upbringing affect our view of God? Pray for one another to have a deeper understanding of God as father.

Connecting generations in the church - how well connected do you feel to those younger and older than yourself? What could you do to strengthen friendships with others in the church? How open are we to learning from one another?

Posted: 22 Feb 2009