God's Plan for the Family

Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX

Parenting is quite the adventure, isn't it? It's the most important and rewarding job, but it sure keeps you on your toes!

In this message, we examine what God says about family and parenting. God created the family from the very beginning! He intended marriage to be the foundation, with a husband and wife teaming up to do God's will and raise godly kids.

The Bible gives us the big picture of what parenting is really about - it's not just keeping those kiddos alive (though that's a good start!), but raising them to know, love, and follow God. We're in the business of launching the next generation to carry on a legacy of faith. No pressure, right?

Thankfully, God gives us a pattern to follow. Just like He lovingly parented Israel with kindness, instruction, discipline, and displays of His power, we can apply those same principles. Remember the K.I.D.S. minivan (Kindness, Instruction, Discipline, Supernatural Power) powered by our Example and steered by Explanation. Works pretty well in other areas of life too!

The keys are to

1. Follow Jesus yourself
2. Practice living out God's Word and
3. Don't go it alone!

We need God's strength and the support of others. That's where the church community makes a huge difference.

So here's something to think about - who has God put in your life that you could share your faith with? A family member, friend, coworker? Take a moment to pray about it. You never know the impact you could have, even in the little moments. And hey, if you're still trying to figure out this whole "God thing", no worries. Start by opening up a Bible and getting to know Him. He's glad to meet you right where you're at!

Whether you're rocking that #FamilyLife or still waiting for your minivan dreams to come true, know that God sees you and He's cheering you on. Keep on loving those kiddos (and yourself!) well.