The Weekly Focal Point - January 16
Intellectually Engaged
Jesus told us that we are to love God “with all of our mind” (Mt.22:37). Of course, he listed other aspects of our humanity with which we are to love God, but this one (our mind) may seem odd, especially in a day when many people perceive their relationship with God to be an emotional or purely “spiritual” endeavor. If we don’t recognize the responsibility to fully engage our minds as we seek to draw near to God we will surely miss out on what it means to really love God. While his transcendent nature may have several aspects which are “beyond tracing out” it is the “depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” that call our limited minds to bow in respect and adoration of the inscrutability of our amazing God (Rom.11:33). So whether it’s at a Bible study, in a worship service, or during a prayerful walk in the park, make sure your brain is never checked out as you aspire to connect and commune with our great God.
-- Pastor Mike
JANUARY OFFER
Nothing has the potential to capture your heart like a brand new baby—especially when it is your own. Seventeen years ago I experienced the joy of being a dad for the very first time. I can still remember that cute little guy all bundled up in blankets snuggled with his mom. He looked so small, so helpless, and so innocent. But I knew better. He might have been tiny and dependent, but he was not innocent, at least not in a theological sense. From the very moment of his existence, my son, like every other child, was a sinner.
As parents, one of our primary callings is preparing our children for conversion. Unfortunately, we are incapable of saving our kids. It is the Holy Spirit alone who convicts the heart and brings people to repentance. But we can equip our sons and daughter with a clear understanding of who God is. It is never too early to begin teaching your kids sound theology.
Our passion for helping families understand and communicate the gospel message is reflected in the book we chose this month. We would like to send you a copy as our “thank you” for your donation to Focal Point. Written by Marty Machowski, the book is titled Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God. This substantial devotional provides 78 weeks of interactive material on biblical stories that all point back to the gospel message. As you read through with your family, you will have opportunities to study Scripture, discuss questions and pray together. Of course, this book is not just for parents. It is a useful resource for grandparents, aunts, uncles, Sunday school teachers, childcare workers, and anyone who has an opportunity to influence children and prepare them to know and follow after God.
Request Old Story New with your donation of any amount this month.
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