Faith Talk - January 19, 2025
Sunday: January 19, 2025
Series: Solid Ground
Sermon: Heart of the Home
Series: Solid Ground
Sermon: Heart of the Home
Scripture
Philippians 3:8-10a – More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know him…
Summary
This message focused on parenting children and making disciples who have a genuine heart for God, rather than just pursuing outward conformity or religious activity. True discipleship focuses on nurturing authentic love for God, not just good behavior.
Pastor Brian pointed out three key points:
The key applications:
Pastor Brian pointed out three key points:
- Our joy must be in the Lord (Philippians 3:1)
- Our glory must be in Christ (Philippians 3:2-6)
- Our goal must be to know Him (Philippians 3:7-11)
The key applications:
- Prioritize modeling a personal relationship with Christ in your everyday life.
- Create intentional moments for spiritual conversations. (Consistent Faith Talks, Capture God Moments)
- Encourage and equip to actively engage in their own personal relationship with Jesus.
- Create a home environment that prioritizes faith and truth.
Age-Appropriate Discussions
Homes with Adults
Homes with High School Students
Homes with Middle School Students
Homes with Elementary Students
- How do you distinguish between pursuing moral behavior versus pursuing a genuine relationship with Christ? What practical differences do you see between these approaches?
- Paul listed his impressive religious credentials but counted them as loss compared to knowing Christ. What "credentials" might we be tempted to rely on instead of developing a genuine relationship with Jesus?
- How can we create more intentional moments for spiritual conversations in our home while keeping Christ, not religious activity, at the center?
Homes with High School Students
- What does it mean to have "joy in the Lord" versus finding joy in circumstances? How have you experienced this difference?
- In what ways do you feel pressure to maintain outward religious appearances? How can you focus more on developing an authentic relationship with Jesus?
- What makes it challenging to maintain Christ as the center of your life? What helps you stay focused on Him?
Homes with Middle School Students
- How would you explain the difference between just following rules and actually loving Jesus?
- What are some ways you see our family or others living out their faith in daily life?
- What does it mean to "know" Jesus rather than just know about Him?
Homes with Elementary Students
- What makes you happy? How is being happy about Jesus different from being happy about other things?
- What are some ways our family helps you learn about Jesus?
- If Jesus lived in our house, what do you think He would do with our family?
Pray Together
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus and for wanting a real relationship with us. Thank You for the privilege of sharing Your love with our families and others around us. Lord, we ask that You help us keep Christ at the center of our hearts and homes. Give us the wisdom to nurture genuine faith rather than just outward appearances. Show us opportunities to create meaningful spiritual conversations with those we love and share life with. We commit ourselves to pursuing a deeper relationship with You. Help us model authentic faith to our children and those we disciple. May our homes be places where Your presence is felt, and love is shared. In Jesus' name, Amen
OPTIONAL Family Activity
Create a "Joy Jar" together. Decorate a large jar and keep it in a central location. Throughout the week, family members write down moments where they experienced joy in the Lord (answered prayers, seeing God's creation, helping others, etc.) and put them in the jar.
During family dinner once a week, pull out and read these moments together, discussing how God brings joy that's a safeguard from empty happiness of the world apart from Christ.
During family dinner once a week, pull out and read these moments together, discussing how God brings joy that's a safeguard from empty happiness of the world apart from Christ.
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