"We love our neighbors best, by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ."

This week with continued with our series through Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on Ezra, chapters 3 and 4. In regard to chapter 3, Brett explained how when we focus on what God has called us to do, we can set aside our differences, and that if we hang on too tightly to tradition, it will be harder for the church to reach its goals. As we worked through chapter 4, Brett discussed how, "We're called to be focused and clear on the essentials of the Gospel."

"As followers of Jesus, we are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

This week, Brett started our new series on Ezra and Nehemiah, starting off with the historical background in Jeremiah and 2 Chronicles. 

Jeremiah 25:1-12

2 Chronicles 36:6-23

Jeremiah 28: 3-4

Jeremiah 29:4-13

"Faith is trust and trust is faith."

This week, Lew preached on Psalm 37, the characteristics of the wicked and the righteous, and how this psalm is meant to comfort and encourage.

"It's the parent's job to help the child be obedient."

This week in our Kingdom Legacy series, Brett discussed the process of parenting, citing Ephesians 6:1-4 and Hebrews 12:5-11. In regards to discipline, he explained these principles:

1. Whatever discipline measures you use, should be effective in the short term

2. Discipline measures should evoke a life correction

3. Discipline should build, not diminish, respect for the parent

4. It should punish the child more than the parent

5. Your word has to be gold (you have to follow through)

6. Be consistent

In the final installment of our Kingdom Legacy parenting series, Brett referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:14, which calls us to:

1. Admonish the idle

2. Encourage the fainthearted 

3. Help the weak

4. Be patient with them all

This week, Brett continued with our new Kingdom Legacy series, and discussed the plan of parenting.

"We are to teach God's Word diligently to our children."

This week, Brett started our new series on parenting, referencing Genesis 1:24-28; Genesis 2: 15-25; Deuteronomy 5:1-21;  Deuteronomy 6:1-9; and Deuteronomy 6:20-21. Brett explained that God's first recorded act was to create an environment for man to succeed, and the second thing He did was create a nuclear family in that environment. 

Brett also explained that the love of God should dominate our lives personally  and that "those who love God want to know His Word." :

   1. His Living Word

   2. His spoken Word

   3. His written Word

There's no doubt, every family has its baggage. This is especially true for some of the most well know people in Scripture. Walking through Joseph's life, Jerell shows us what it looks like to deal with some of the ways sin has infected the family unity. In preparation for our Kingdom Legacy series we see an example in Joseph that can lead us to redeem what is broken and forgive those who have wronged us. Genesis 37:1-11