What is more important than shaping the souls of the next generation--Psalm 78-1-8 especially verse 7.-All of the Bible applies to parenting and grandparenting.-Matthew 22-36-39 What is the most important thing- Love God and love others.-Matthew 6-19-34 What are the things of highest importance to your heart-- What to do about competing treasures- -Deuteronomy 6-4-9 What should parents do, primarily- Teach the Word--What is the role of the grandparents- The best thing a grandparent can do for your grandchildren is to love the parents. -Who is the center of your universe- -Family - temporary authority in the home, until children reach adulthood. -Grandparents - have influence and to be honored, but do not have direct authority.-Genesis 2-24 Three levels-Grandparents -his father and his mother--Parents -a man-his wife--Children -young- --hold fast...become one flesh--Key - the relationship of parents to the grandparents. Don't confuse the kids-

We are all blessed to be called by Christ, and we can thank God for each other's rich and various gifts.-1. Thank God for the gifts given to the church. -v.4-5--2. Thank God that the church does not lack any gift. -v.6-7--3. Thank God for future blessings, all the way to the end. -v.8-9-

Jesus' purpose in coming was to call sinners to Himself.-1. Calling one sinning tax-gatherer to follow. -v.13-14--2. Eating with the many following, sinning tax-gatherers. -v.15--3. Explaining that the purpose of the Physician of souls is to heal sin-sick people. -v.16-17-

This vision of Michael shows us that Christ protects us.-1. God protects us in a personal way. -v.1--2. God protects us in particular. -v.2--3. God protects us perpetually. -v.3-4-

Because the message of the gospel is the best gift Christ brings us, let's keep the gospel as our top priority.-1. The miracle - a leper healed. -v.40-42--2. The instruction - don't tell- -v.43-44--3. The obstacle - no longer openly entering towns to preach. -v.45-

Topic- Hope of Glory - how it all ends--Ending our lives well means living well, even as we migrate from supporter to caregiver, to sufferer. -Even as we ourselves go through aging--- James 1-27 - Leviticus 19-32 Proverbs 16-31 If you devalued the elderly when you were younger, you probably now devalue your own life as you are getting older- Repent- Job 12-12 Deuteronomy 10-12-22 -Westminster Larger catechism, questions-answers 124 - 128 - Ephesians 6-1-2 Proverbs 30-17 - Luke 2-51 John 2-1-4 John 19-26-27

To build our lives on the Rock Jesus, we must hear, believe and do His words- -1. Hearing Jesus' words about foundations. -v.24-27--2. Believing Jesus' words about the foundation of my life. -v.24-27- -3. To do or not to do the words of Jesus. -v.24-27-

Spiritual conflict inevitably involves us, and Christ won. -1. Behind the scenes. -v.10-14--2. The influence of prayer. -v.12--3. We are never left alone, for God is with us. -v.8, 15-21-

Christ displayed authority over illnesses and demons, but He insisted to fulfill His mission to preach- -1. Authority to heal one person. -v.29-31--2. Authority to heal many. -v.32-34--3. Meet the deepest need- spiritual healing by preaching. -v.35-39-

Topic- Endurance-How do we endure- Two answers.-I. Christ upholds us. -theology answer--1. Christ's cross, and Christ's ongoing decision to uphold us. 1 Peter 1-5-2. Christ gives us real faith, which will endure. 1 Peter 1-6-7-3. Christ prays for us- Hebrews 7-25 Romans 8-34 1 John 2-1-4. Our prayers for ourselves through Him to God the Father.-5. Others' prayers for us through Christ to God the Father.-6. The Word of Christ. 1 Peter 1-6-8. --II. We participate with Christ in upholding each other. -practical answer-- A new idea - two-person support team for each caregiver. Class-- Starting point - monthly, have 15-minute 3-way phone call for prayer.- Decide to live with God's ratio of rest and caregiving.- Mark 6-30-32 and verses 44-47- Take-home thoughts for both caregivers and supporters- a. Take a look at your life. Balance of rest and work-- b. No easy answers for caregivers or supporters- Accept that.