Easter Sunday and Parenthood

What a wonderful Palm Sunday worship celebration we had, especially the baptisms! I'm looking forward to this Easter Sunday as we begin a new series entitled, "Parenthood." This Sunday we will deal with the parent's two priorities in raising their children. Let me encourage you parents to be here Sunday with your family. I'm going to share an interesting study Sunday. You've got to be here this Sunday to fill in the blanks, but here it is:

Kids Who Become Active Christ-Followers As Adults
If mom and dad went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If mom only went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If dad only went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If neither mom nor dad: __________% of kids will as adults.

I promise the percentages will surprise you and are a big wake up call for all of us! One final thought; what does a series on parenting have to do with Easter? Well, I believe that because Jesus rose from the dead, He can help us with our families. Scripture says in Ephesians 1:18-20,  18) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19) and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20) which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." Because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead, the penalty for our sin has been paid for. And because He rose from the dead, for those who have believed in His name (like many of the parents at Ridgeview), they have the power to lead their families; the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!

Praise God! You may be struggling in your parenting skills but you have help available. You have God's Word and you have God's Spirit that gives you power. I look forward to seeing how God's Word and God's Spirit come together as we share principles from Deuteronomy 6 on effective parenting and praise the Jesus who gives us all hope!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy