Scripture: Psalm 78:1

While today's young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate studies are indicating that parents and mentors have an important role in passing on faith to the next generation.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5:4

Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32, Acts 2:14-2:21

For two thousand years Christians have celebrated Pentecost to commemorate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all the disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Pentecost is the celebration of Jesus' ongoing presence among us. In the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus dwells with us, establishes a new family in Christ, and empowers the Church for its mission in the world.

Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32

Pentecost Sunday is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the church. It is a celebration that we often forget and yet it is the reason that the church exists today. We celebrate the gift of God's presence dwelling powerfully among us to build up the church and glorify God.

Scripture: Joel 2:28-2:32

Pentecost Sunday is a Christian celebration commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples after He died, rose from the dead and ascended back to heaven, thereby establishing the church. We continue to celebrate and remember this critical event because it reminds us of God's powerful, indwelling presence among us, which is necessary to build up the church, glorify God and make Him known in the world.

While today's young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate studies are indicating that parents and mentors have an important role in passing on faith to the next generation.

Scripture: Psalm 78:1-78:8

The story of salvation impacts every believer and calls them to share their faith with the next generation.

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18:20

Some people see Church Discipline as punishment and would argue that since Jesus is full of mercy, love and forgiveness, he wouldn't punish his children. Others simply don't know what to do with forgiveness and grace within the context of the church when sin arises in their members, so they resort to ignore sin with the expectation that love will cover a multitude of sins. But is that what the Bible teaches? As we explore the words of Jesus we'll learn that church discipline is not about punishment but it is in fact a rescue operation in love.

Scripture: John 13:34-13:35

Broken relationships are a sad reality of the world we live in. Few are those who have not experienced the hurt of family relationships, friendships and even close relationships in the church. When we're hurt we can easily be tempted to discard those relationships and guard our hearts. God longs for us to respond in love to those who have hurt us so as to bring about reconciliation. This is only possible as we understand and experience Christ's love for us.

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18:20

There are often two extreme reactions to sin in the church: [1] Harsh legalism (putting everything under the microscope); or [2] Overlooking everything (using grace as a license to sin). Neither are helpful. Rather, when Christians sin the church should engage in a loving process of confronting and correcting that brother or sister in the Lord with the hope of gaining them back and restoring them to full fellowship with God and the church family. This is the way of Jesus.