Heart Connex Parents Page - November 6-8, 2011 - Finding Your Just ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE November 6-8, 2011 Finding Your Just Cause—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: When you leave home, our house will probably stay cleaner longer, and we will buy fewer groceries. But all those issues don’t compare to having you in our home. When you leave I know I will miss . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Malachi 3:5 and James 2:14-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects believers to go beyond just believing in justice to acting in ways that bring justice to those who need it. Untruths • As long as I support the idea of justice, it doesn’t matter if I actually get involved. • Religion is mainly an attitude, so I just concentrate on that rather than action. • There is so much wrong that it’s a waste of time to even try to change things. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Malachi 3:5. Remind your family that this passage was written to God’s people, not unbelievers. Ask these questions: • To whom did God compare those who refuse to work for justice? (Sorcerers, adulterers, and those who swear falsely) • Who did God mention to represent people who need justice? (Widows, the fatherless, and those who do not receive fair wages) • What did God see as the root problem with those who do not work for justice? (They do not fear Him.) • What did God threaten to do if people did not change? (Come in judgment) • In general, does God consider it a big deal for His people to work for justice? (Yes) 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Read aloud James 2:14-17. Discuss how these verses relate to the idea of bringing justice to others. Say: Scripture is clear. If you are a child of God, evidence of that relationship will include direct involvement in bringing compassionate justice into the lives of others. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless each member of this family for the practical ways they work for justice. Parent Tip: Wise parents do not speak critically about ministers and church leaders in the presence of their children. Such conversations can damage the relationship between children and their leaders. This can lessen the spiritual impact produced in the lives of these young believers.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE November 6-8, 2011 Finding Your Just Cause—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: When you leave home, our house will probably stay cleaner longer, and we will buy fewer groceries. But all those issues don’t compare to having you in our home. When you leave I know I will miss . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Malachi 3:5 and James 2:14-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects believers to go beyond just believing in justice to acting in ways that bring justice to those who need it. Untruths • As long as I support the idea of justice, it doesn’t matter if I actually get involved. • Religion is mainly an attitude, so I just concentrate on that rather than action. • There is so much wrong that it’s a waste of time to even try to change things. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Malachi 3:5. Remind your family that this passage was written to God’s people, not unbelievers. Ask these questions: • To whom did God compare those who refuse to work for justice? (Sorcerers, adulterers, and those who swear falsely) • Who did God mention to represent people who need justice? (Widows, the fatherless, and those who do not receive fair wages) • What did God see as the root problem with those who do not work for justice? (They do not fear Him.) • What did God threaten to do if people did not change? (Come in judgment) • In general, does God consider it a big deal for His people to work for justice? (Yes) 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Read aloud James 2:14-17. Discuss how these verses relate to the idea of bringing justice to others. Say: Scripture is clear. If you are a child of God, evidence of that relationship will include direct involvement in bringing compassionate justice into the lives of others. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless each member of this family for the practical ways they work for justice. Parent Tip: Wise parents do not speak critically about ministers and church leaders in the presence of their children. Such conversations can damage the relationship between children and their leaders. This can lessen the spiritual impact produced in the lives of these young believers.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
