“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:1-2

A Needed Renewal !Something Christians can and must do !Constant challenge to accept worldly values !Continue with series designed to help us “Renew Our Minds” as text instructs !Renewing our minds must be intentional, with forethought – since world is constantly filling our minds with secular, material, worldly, carnal material. !Let us “Renew our Minds”

A Renewed Mind Needs Discipline “To give instruction; to guide; to lead” “To give instruction; to guide; to lead”  Teaching is discipline: Bible is basic need Ps. 78:1-8; 119:105  Failure is obvious: rebellion, back-talk; disrespect; lazy, indulged (go to mall)  Parents must be in control to teach  Start early; “too late” comes too soon Eph 6:1-4 We have lost a generation!  Past mistakes may still be corrected

“Renewed Minds” Must Influence Next Generation l l Don’t assume children know what I know l l Godly principles must be taught l Deut 6:4-9; 11:18-19 “Hear, O Israel” “..teach them diligently to thy children”

Moses’ Charge To Israel Jewish “Shema” (“Hear”) Daily Reminder: Morning & Evening Service Asserts Total Commitment to One Jehovah Additional Intent: Dedication of Israel & children - Passing the knowledge to future generations Eph. 6:1-4 Not ritualism, but real piety Mt 23:5

Have We Done This – Diligently? Name all the books of the Bible Name the apostles Quote John 3:16 Give scripture for the plan of salvation Locate Bible books without index Tell Bible stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, David, Rahab, Sarah, Ruth, Mary & Joseph Find important Bible truths

Passing The Torch Glory of Olympic Games – Torch as a Symbol Glory of Olympic Games – Torch as a Symbol Important Not To Drop or Fail To Pass It Important Not To Drop or Fail To Pass It Flame To Be Lit For Future Generations Flame To Be Lit For Future Generations Importance of Teaching Future Generations 2 Tim. 1:5 Importance of Teaching Future Generations 2 Tim. 1:5 Preparation for Timothy’s service – Grandmother, Mother, Timothy Preparation for Timothy’s service – Grandmother, Mother, Timothy

Our Actions Influence Generations Yet Unborn We Fail To Appreciate Teaching Children Christian1 Marries2 Faithful2 Unfaithful0 Has Children3 Total in family 5 G-Children9 Total in family 14 Great G-Children 27 Total in family People: Your Descendants - Faithful or Unfaithful

Whose Children Are These? Liberal Thought “It Takes A Village” Liberal Thought “It Takes A Village” Absentee Parent “Schools Are Responsible” Absentee Parent “Schools Are Responsible” Absentee Christian “Let Church Do It” Absentee Christian “Let Church Do It” Lois & Eunice “My son, Timothy” Lois & Eunice “My son, Timothy” Classes At Home, read, study, instruct Next Generation teachers, elders, preachers A Prepared Vessel, Ready for God…Paul Must not wait until the need arises – too late – Make preparation ahead for the later need

If Paul Came To This Congregation Tonight…. Would there be a Timothy waiting? to start 3 generations back! Have to start 3 generations back! Would there be a next generation? Would there be a next generation? What are “we” doing about it? What are “we” doing about it?  Homes like Lois & Eunice  Do we have the vision to see the need?  Do we have will power to plan, carry out? Count Your Generations: Faithful/UnfaithfulCount Your Generations: Faithful/Unfaithful

Can’t Go Back & Change Past Must Begin Here - Now – Today Must Begin Here - Now – Today  Understand the Need  Use God’s Wisdom Dt 6; Eph 6  “Bring Up A Child..” Prov. 22:6  Your Faith Will Save No One Else  Children Must Realize Their Own Faith -“Genuine faith” in Timothy Implications of Faith Jn 8:24; Heb. 11:6 Implications of Faith Jn 8:24; Heb. 11:6

Where Do We Begin in Renewal? l The “older generation” has had many opportunities to learn this process l Are we preparing the next generation to be able to “renew their minds?” l Our appeal today is to the younger generation to accept the blessing in having a renewed mind. l What are some things involved in preparing another generation?

Renewed Young People Need a Renewed Home Children become what they see & hear Children become what they see & hear  I saw tomorrow look at me Through little children’s eyes And thought how carefully we would teach If we were really wise  Are parents too busy to teach?  Too busy to give proper discipline?  Too impressed with material goods?

Never Forget the Goal l Preparing the church for tomorrow l Preparing the young for maturity m We need more Bible teachers m We need faithful members in the pew m We need preachers, elders, deacons l Are we failing to pass the torch? l Are we losing our children to the world? l Before it is too late, let us “renew our minds” and “Be transformed”