Adventure in the Ascent

"God’s intent is that each generation would stand on the spiritual shoulders of the generation before them, reaching ever increasing heights in their walk with God... Simply taking them to church each week will not get that done. We need to talk regularly with our kids about God and His ways." -Richard Blackaby

• Commitment to Spiritual Legacy:
  • Dedicating children is a pledge to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, not just through church attendance but by living out the Gospel daily through service, repentance, and worship (Deut. 6:1-9, Psalm 145:4).
• Love God Supremely:
  • Parents must love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, making Him their greatest treasure. This love shapes family priorities and enables faithful parenting (Deut. 6:5, Matt. 6:21, Matt. 13:44).
• Model Faith Authentically:
  • Children learn faith by observing parents’ actions—how they handle challenges, make choices, and rely on God’s Word. Hypocrisy undermines teaching; genuine faith shines (Matt. 5:16, 1 Thess. 2:8).
• Teach Purposefully “As You Go”:
  • Diligent, consistent teaching happens in scheduled (family devotions) and unscheduled moments (daily conversations), seizing every opportunity to point to God (Deut. 6:7-9).
• Practical Ways to Build Legacy:
  • Memorize Scripture as a family and display it in the home.
  • Discuss justice and God’s value for all people, taking action where possible.
  • Foster gratitude through daily prompts and shared conversations.
  • Help children identify their God-given gifts and purposes.
  • Engage in missions through prayer, giving, or family mission trips.
  • Conduct spiritual checkups to support children’s faith journeys.
• Eternal Impact:
  • A spiritual legacy, like C.T. Studd’s, prioritizes faith in Christ over material wealth, creating an atmosphere where faith flourishes (Psalm 112:1-3, 2 Tim. 1:5).
• God’s Promise: Prioritizing God brings blessings to families, as obedience to His commands leads to flourishing (Deut. 6:3, Phil. 3:8-10).

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• Be Led by the Spirit
  • Like Jesus, who only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19), Christians must follow the Spirit’s guidance rather than initiating plans and seeking God’s blessing after (Romans 8:14, Isaiah 30:21).
• Obedience May Lead to Storms
  • The disciples faced a fierce storm while obeying Jesus’ command to cross the lake (Mark 4:35-41). Storms don’t always indicate disobedience; they can be used by The Father (John 16:33).
• Trust God’s Promises
  • Jesus promised they would reach the other side (Mark 4:35). God’s promises are sure (2 Corinthians 1:20), and He is present through trials (Hebrews 13:5).
• Declare Peace in the Storm
  • Jesus calmed the storm with “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), demonstrating Heaven’s peace. Believers are called to speak Christ’s authority into chaos.
• Divine Appointments Await
  • Crossing the lake led to the deliverance of a demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20). Obedience positions us for God’s purposes, bringing wholeness (sozo in Greek, meaning salvation and wholeness).
• Be Christ’s Ambassadors
  • Christians are called to follow the Spirit’s leading, preservere through challenges, and bring Christ’s transformative power to others (Colossians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:20).
  • Listen for God’s voice, obey even when tired or uncertain, trust His presence in trials, and pursue divine appointments to see lives transformed.

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“I guarantee you that if you are intentional about meditating, fixing your mind, your heart on God’s word in the beginning of your day, at the end of your day, and thinking through how can that saturate your life during the day, I guarantee you, you will see, discover, experience this word as delightful. Full of delight.” -David Platt

“So someone may ask: How can I come to delight in the word of God? My answer is twofold: 1) pray for new tastebuds on the tongue of your heart; 2) meditate on the staggering promises of God to his people.” -John Piper

Key Points of the Sermon

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:24, Matthew 7:13, Jeremiah 15:16, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:18

1.Two Paths of Life: Psalm 1 contrasts two ways to live—following the world (independence from God) or following God’s Word (dependence on God). There is no third option.

2.Biblical Blessedness: The term "blessed" in Psalm 1 (from Hebrew esher) means happiness, contentment, and being "right" or "straight" with God, not material wealth or superficial blessings.

3.What the Blessed Avoid (Verse 1):

No to Ungodly Counsel: The blessed person rejects advice from those who oppose God’s ways, seeking instead godly counsel rooted in Scripture (Psalm 119:24).

No to the Path of Sinners: They avoid lingering or "loitering" in sinful ways, choosing the narrow path of righteousness over the wide path of destruction (Matthew 7:13).

No to the Seat of the Scornful: They refuse to join those who mock or criticize God and His followers, proudly standing for Christ (Spurgeon’s quote).

4.What the Blessed Embrace (Verse 2):

Delight in God’s Word: The blessed find joy and pleasure in God’s Word, seeing it as a source of life and a way to encounter God (Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:103, Jeremiah 15:16).

Meditate Day and Night: They intentionally ponder and reflect on Scripture, filling their minds with God’s truth, which transforms and renews them (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:18).

5.Results of Delighting in the Word (Verse 3):

Stability and Strength: Like a tree transplanted by rivers of water, the blessed are deeply rooted, stable, and sustained by God’s Word.

Fruitfulness: They bear fruit in every season, impacting others positively through their devotion.

Prosperity: God brings good out of all circumstances in their lives, even challenges, leading to spiritual prosperity.

6.Saying No to Say Yes: To embrace God’s best, the blessed learn to say "no" to ungodly influences and "yes" to delighting in and meditating on God’s Word, leading to a flourishing, abundant life.

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Matthew 25:35-40

The testimonies, the salvations, the stories, all of this is the fruit that all of us get to enjoy, because we are one family in Christ!

This trip was a great step of faith for so many, for those that went, you stepped out in great faith, you trusted the Father, you trusted me, you served with love, you carried the light of Christ very practically into places in great need.

This journey reminds us that mission is at the heart of who we are as followers of Jesus.

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“Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.” -Charles Spurgeon

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” -Billy Graham

Scripture:  Psalm 103:13, Malachi 4:5-6, Proverbs 22:6, John 1:12, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1

• The Fatherlessness Epidemic:
   
  • Fatherlessness is a root cause of societal issues like crime, poverty, and behavioral disorders, as evidenced by U.S. Department of Justice statistics (e.g., 63% of youth suicides, 71% of high school dropouts from fatherless homes).
• Malachi 4:5-6 warns of a curse if fathers’ hearts are not turned to their children, highlighting the need for godly “fathers” to rise up.

• Sonship as the Foundation:
   
  • To be a godly father, one must first be a son of God, resting in relationship with the Heavenly Father (John 1:12).
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  • Accepting Jesus and walking in sanctification enables fathers to reflect God’s heart, as Jesus did (John 5:19).
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  • Charles Spurgeon: “Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself” (Proverbs 22:6).
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• Reflecting the Father’s Heart:
   
  • Godly fathers imitate God’s character (Ephesians 5:1), revealing His love, compassion, and action to their children and others (Genesis 1:26).
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  • Fathers should live authentically, confessing failures and modeling repentance (Proverbs 24:16), so children see faith in action.
• Action-Oriented Love:
   
  • Like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), godly fathers act extravagantly, breaking cultural norms to love and pursue their children.
• Jesus was about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49); fathers should act out of love, teaching, mentoring, and serving (John 3:16).

• Imitating Christ as an Example:
   
  • Paul urges, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Fathers must model faith through devotion, prayer, and service, inviting others to follow their example (Philippians 4:9).
• D.A. Carson: “Do you ever say to a young Christian, ‘Do you want to know what Christianity is like? Watch me!’”

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• Created in God’s Image (Imago Dei):
  • Genesis 1:26-28 establishes that humanity is uniquely created in God’s image and likeness, distinct from the rest of creation. This doctrine, echoed in Psalm 8:4-6, means every person—regardless of race, status, or belief—bears inherent dignity, value, and worth, with a calling to have dominion over the earth.
• Purpose of the Image:
  • Humans are designed to reflect God’s character, glory, and goodness, much like a sculpture (e.g., the Lincoln Memorial statue) reflects its subject. We are “images created to image” God, displaying His attributes to the world.
• Impact of Sin on the Image:
  • Sin distorts this divine reflection, turning humanity inward to worship self or idols (Rom. 1:23). While the image of God remains in all people (Gen. 9:6, 1 Cor. 11:7, James 3:9), it is marred, leading to brokenness in humanity’s relationship with God and creation.
• Restoration Through Christ:
  • Salvation restores this image by conforming believers to the image of Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Hebrews 1:3). Scriptures like Romans 8:29, Colossians 3:9-10, and 1 Corinthians 15:49 affirm that through Christ’s work, we are renewed to reflect God’s glory once more.
• Implications for Human Dignity and Justice:
  • Because all people bear God’s image, every life has intrinsic value, compelling believers to uphold justice and fight against issues like poverty, homelessness, trafficking, and prejudice. Proverbs 31:8-9 and Matthew 25 emphasize our responsibility to advocate.
• Personal Story of Tension:
  • The encounter with Andrea highlights the tension between the sacred reality of God’s image in her and the injustice of her circumstances. This experience reflects God’s heart—compassion, righteous anger, and a call to action. 
• Call to Minister in the Tension:
  • Micah 6:8 provides a framework for living out this calling: act justly (address wrongs), love mercy (show compassion), and walk humbly with God (rely on His strength). This active faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, equips us to minister amidst the world’s brokenness, ensuring God’s image in every person is honored.

APPLICATION:

1. Recognize the Image of God in Everyone Reflect: Take a moment to consider people you encounter daily—family, coworkers, strangers, or those in need. How does knowing they bear God's image change your perspective?

• Action: Intentionally show respect and kindness to someone you might typically overlook (e.g., a homeless person, a coworker you disagree with). See them as God’s image-bearer.
• Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to see His image in every person, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs.

2. Advocate for Justice and Dignity

• Where do you see injustice in your community?
• Action: Take one practical step to address injustice. Examples: volunteer, donate to a ministry supporting the vulnerable, or speak up against prejudice.

3. Reflect God’s Character Through Your Life

• How can your words, actions, or decisions better reflect God’s love, mercy, and holiness?
• Action: Choose one way to “image” God this week, such as showing compassion, forgiving someone, or sharing the Gospel with a friend.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live as a “clean mirror,” reflecting Christ’s character in your interactions.

4. Live in the Tension of a Broken World

• Commit to an act of mercy inspired by Micah 6:8. For example, help a neighbor, pray for the oppressed, or support a mission.

5. Share the Restorative Hope of the Gospel

• Share the Gospel with someone this week, even in a small way, like inviting them to church or sharing how Christ has transformed you.

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Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, Hebrews 11:23-29, Proverbs 22:6, Acts 5:29

• Jochebed’s Faith and Vision:
   
  • Jochebed, Moses’ mother, defied Pharaoh’s decree to kill male Hebrew babies, trusting God’s plan (Exodus 2:1-10, Acts 5:29).
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  • Her obedience and closeness to God preserved Moses, the future deliverer of Israel, impacting generations for God’s glory.
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• Identity in God:
   
  • As a Levite, Jochebed was dedicated to God, instilling a godly identity in Moses (Hebrews 11:24).
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  • Parents must pass down true identity in Christ (John 1:12), not worldly or traumatic legacies.
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• Divine Strategy:
   
  • Jochebed followed God’s unconventional plan, hiding Moses and placing him in the Nile despite dangers (Exodus 2:3).
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  • Parents should seek God’s higher strategies (Isaiah 55:8, 1 Corinthians 2:16) rather than worldly logic.
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• Great Faith:
   
  • Jochebed’s faith is celebrated in Hebrews 11:23, as she trusted God over Pharaoh’s threats.
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  • Parents are called to trust God fully (Proverbs 3:5-6), even in risky or uncertain situations.
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• Vision for the Future:
   
  • Jochebed saw beyond immediate threats, envisioning Moses’ role in God’s plan.
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  • Parents must raise children with a long-term vision for godly impact, exposing them to worship, prayer, and ministry.
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• Guarding Against the Enemy:
   
  • The enemy targets children early (e.g., Pharaoh’s decree, Herod’s slaughter, modern challenges).
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  • Like Jochebed and David guarding his sheep, parents must protect and train children in God’s ways (Proverbs 22:6).
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• True Success:
   
  • Success is not worldly achievements but raising children who love and live for God (1 Peter 4:2).
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  • Parents should expose children to God’s presence, fostering a lifelong pursuit of His glory.
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• Call to Action:
   
  • Parents, spiritual parents, we pray for divine wisdom, strategy, and strength to raise godly children.
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  • Seek Heaven’s strategy...
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Comment here

Psalm 119:105- “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” -Chuck Swindoll

Key Points

The Test of Identity (Matthew 4:1-3)

Jesus' identity as the Son of God was confirmed by the Father (“This is My beloved Son”) before He was led into the wilderness to be

tempted by the devil.

The first temptation the enemy presents is to question Jesus’ identity—

"If You are the Son of God..."

Application: The enemy often attacks our identity in Christ, trying to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief, just as he did with Adam and Eve in the Garden.

Countering Temptation with Scripture

Jesus responds to the devil's temptation with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Application: Jesus shows that Scripture is the ultimate weapon against temptation. Our defense against the enemy’s lies is the Word of

God, which is our lifeline.

The Life Source of God's Word

Jesus teaches that God's Word is not just a guide but a life source: “Man does not live by bread alone...” (Matthew 4:4).

John 6:63 affirms that Jesus' words are spirit and life.

Psalm 119:130 and Psalm 119:105 describe how God's Word brings light and understanding, guiding our path.

Abiding in God’s Word

John 15 emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and allowing His words to abide in us.

Application: True transformation comes not from casual knowledge but from letting God’s Word deeply impact us, shaping our lives.

The Discipline of Scripture Memorization

The Bible teaches that Scripture memorization is essential for spiritual growth. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart...”

Chuck Swindoll highlights how memorizing Scripture strengthens our prayer life, enhances our confidence, and solidifies our faith.

Martin Luther’s Example: His transformation was fueled by his love for and memorization of Scripture.

The Power of God’s Word

Hebrews 4:12 says,

souls. "The Word of God is living and powerful..."

—it discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, piercing deep into our

Jeremiah 23:29 compares God’s Word to a fire and a hammer, purifying and breaking through the hardest parts of our hearts.

Not Just for Knowledge—It’s for Transformation

Memorizing Scripture isn't just about intellectual knowledge but about transformation through a relationship with the Author.

Application: The Word of God is living and active—reading and memorizing it allows us to know Him deeply and be changed by Him.

Benefits of Memorizing and Engaging with Scripture

To Be Changed into His Image: 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are transformed as we behold God’s glory.

To Clearly Share the Gospel: Scripture helps us effectively share the message of salvation, especially when we don't have a Bible in hand.

To Defeat the Enemy: Like Jesus, we must use God’s Word to answer the devil’s lies and reaffirm our identity in Christ.

To Triumph Over Sin: Psalm 119:9 teaches that taking heed to God's Word keeps us pure. Ephesians 6 calls it the Sword of the Spirit in spiritual warfare.

To Give Good Counsel: The world needs God’s wisdom, not our opinions. Proverbs 25:11 teaches that the right word at the right time is valuable.

To Know Him Deeper and Enjoy Him: As we engage with His Word, we encounter God Himself, and His presence transforms us.<

Comment here

“If we are to better the future, we must disturb the present.” -Evangelist Catherine Booth

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.“ -C. S. Lewis

Key Takeaways

Growth is a Mandate: Sanctification is a daily process to reflect Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

Identity Empowers: Our spirit is new in Christ; the soul must catch up (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Word Transforms: It divides soul and spirit, healing and aligning us (Hebrews 4:12).

Spirit-Led Living: Feed the spirit, not the soul, for wholeness (Romans 8:14).

Reflect

What area of your soul (mind, will, emotions) feels misaligned with your spirit in Christ?

How has the Word recently convicted or challenged you, and what might God be addressing?

What practical step can you take this week to prioritize your spirit over your soul?

Scripture Memorization

Hebrews 4:12: Understand the Word’s power to divide and heal.

Romans 12:2: Embrace mind renewal for transformation.

Psalm 119:37: Pray to focus on God’s way, not worthless things.

Personal Application

This Week: Choose one practical step (e.g., study a convicting verse, explore a new book) and journal your experience.

How did the Word divide or heal your soul? Ask Holy Spirit to bring truth and healing to EVERY area of your life.

Prayer

Pray Psalm 119:35-37-

“Lord, make me walk in Your commandments, incline my heart to Your truth, turn my eyes

from worthless things, and revive me in Your way. Amen.

Comment here

“We’re standing at the crossroads every day, and God says, ‘Ask for the ancient paths.’ Not the trending ones, not the popular ones, but the ones carved out by His Word and His will. That’s where your soul breathes again." -Paul David Tripp

"The Lord pleads with us to pause at life’s intersections, to seek the old paths of faithfulness and truth—not because they’re old-fashioned, but because they work. Rest comes when we walk where God has already paved the way.“ -Chuck Swindoll

Reflect

1. Your Crossroads: What decision—big or small—are you facing right now? How does it feel like a “crossroads”?

2. Pause: When was the last time you stopped to consider your life’s direction? What keeps you from pausing?

3. Rest: Describe a time you felt God’s peace. How did your choices lead to that?

Dig Deeper

1.Read Jeremiah 6:1-19:

What warnings does God give Judah (vv. 1-15)? How does v. 16 offer hope amid judgment?

Why do you think Judah refused God’s path (v. 16)?

2. Compare Matthew 11:28-30:

How does Jesus’ invitation connect to Jeremiah 6:16? What does “rest for your souls” mean in both?

3. Study Psalm 119:105 & Proverbs 4:18:

How do these verses describe God’s path? How do they encourage you to walk it?

Apply

1. Stop: Spend 5 minutes in silence this week, asking God,

“Am I on Your path?” Write down what you sense.

2. Ask: Pick one “ancient path” (e.g., trust, forgiveness, obedience) to seek through prayer and Scripture. What’s Godshowing you?

3. Walk: Take one step of obedience this week—e.g., reconciling, trusting God in a tough spot. How does it affect your soul’s rest?

4. Share: Talk with someone about a crossroads you’ve faced. How did God guide you—or how can He now?

Prayer

“Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23).

Ask the Holy Spirit: “Reveal the Father’s way for me today.

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