Passing on the Faith
The Bible speaks about the importance of passing the faith from one generation to the next. In fact, it has been said that the Christian Church is only ever one generation away from extinction. Fortunately, the Church has been around for over 2,000 years and there is every indication that she will continue on until Jesus Himself returns to bring all things to a conclusion as promised in Scripture.
While God has a relationship directly with each person, when children are small the faith and beliefs they hold seem to be a reflection of that held by their parents. The parents tell their children that God exists and that He wishes to give every person in this world the blessing of His presence in their life and to be there to greet them in eternity.
While not being theologically correct this diagram seems to me to reflect how it is that the faith begins in the life of a child as noted above. The parents can model the faith to their child by daily Bible reading, daily prayer, weekly worship, and pass on the faith to their children who both see and absorb these faith practises. When it comes time for the child to have a faith independent of their parents they are then equipped for a relationship separate that is centred on God.
The Church does all that she can to support the parents as they pass on the faith to the next generation. However, the reality is that the parents are the single greatest faith influencer in the life of a person. Research demonstrates that when questioned, the majority of adults ascribe their faith to the teachings and examples of either their mother or father or preferably both.
As parents we want the very best in life for our children – so too it is with God. God also wants the best in life for us and that is the reason that we celebrate Easter. Easter was God’s gift to each of us assuring us of God here and now in this life and the certainty of being welcomed by Him when we step into eternity – if we wish to have Him as part of our life.
As you celebrate Easter with family and friends, remember you have the opportunity to attend one of our Church services and give thanks for all that God has done for you.
Thursday 5th April 7.00pm Grace, 19 Ipswich Street, Riverview
Maundy Thursday
Friday 6th April 8.00am Bethany, 86 Raceview Street, Raceview
Good Friday 8.00am St Johns, 32 Roderick Street, Ipswich
Sunday 8th April 6.00am Grace
Easter Sunday 8.00am Bethany
8.00am St Johns
10.00am St Johns
Pastor John