That the next generation might know. Psalm 78:6
The John Newton Challenge
John Newton will forever be known for writing the incredible hymn Amazing Grace. Many who have studied this great man and know he was passionately convicted regarding where learning about this “amazing grace” should begin—in the home.
John Newton (1725-1807)
“I think, with you, that it is very expedient and proper that reading a portion of the word of God should be ordinarily a part of our family worship; so likewise to sing a hymn or psalm, or part of one, at discretion; provided there are some people in the family who have enough of a musical ear and voice to conduct the singing in a tolerable manner: otherwise, perhaps, it may be better omitted … If you read and sing, as well as pray, care should be taken that the combined services do not run into an inconvenient length.”
Numerous scriptures anchored Newton’s belief: Deuteronomy 6.4-9, Psalm 78:5-6, Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, and Joshua 24.15. Various other places in Scripture point to this wonderful gift which God has entrusted to parents.
Church fathers, pastors in former centuries, and theologians saw family worship as a very important priority for the family. These great preachers spoke with clarity and conviction on this subject because they possessed a great theology of family which understood and taught that parents have been commanded and blessed to be the primary disciplers of their children.
I do not know of a pastor today who isn’t seeking to better equip parents. Many share the concern that very few Christian families today have an intentional plan in place to disciple their children. Blame it on busy schedules, sports, work, convenience, or the dog – the simple truth is that for many it is just not happening. Excuses don’t hold up in this discussion. I personally believe that until parents embrace their God-given responsibility we will continue to lose this generation of children.
What if many families and churches across our country reclaimed this spiritual discipline? What if churches presented this message faithfully? What if our families were radically connected to the Word of God? How would that change our children, churches, the world, and eternity?
The John Newton Challenge
Purpose:
To give parents a free 52-week Bible reading plan that allows them to intentionally disciple their children. Our hope is that this simple reading plan will be used by parents as a resource so they can recapture a tremendous gift that God has given to each of them.
We have worked hard to provide for you a simple resource that you can use to encourage the parents and families that you shepherd. Within the first 10 days of introducing this challenge, people from almost all 50 states had committed to be a part of it.
Are you in?????
Are you up for the challenge? Click HERE to view the Bible reading plan and leave a comment below to let us know you or your church is in. Your comment will be an encouragement to many others!
Challenge Promotion:
The John Newton Challenge banner on Lasting Divergence was made to post on your blog, website, business site, family web page, My Space, or Facebook. God has provided so many outlets – are you willing to use them? By placing this banner on your site, you will be a tremendous help to us as we seek to encourage families with this free resource.
The Banner Code:
Click Here For Banner Code
A promotional video is also available at www.lastingdivergence.com.
May God bless your ministry as you seek to lead those who are given the primary role of spiritual discipleship for their children.
John Newton (1725-1807)
“I think, with you, that it is very expedient and proper that reading a portion of the word of God should be ordinarily a part of our family worship; so likewise to sing a hymn or psalm, or part of one, at discretion; provided there are some people in the family who have enough of a musical ear and voice to conduct the singing in a tolerable manner: otherwise, perhaps, it may be better omitted … If you read and sing, as well as pray, care should be taken that the combined services do not run into an inconvenient length.”
Numerous scriptures anchored Newton’s belief: Deuteronomy 6.4-9, Psalm 78:5-6, Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, and Joshua 24.15. Various other places in Scripture point to this wonderful gift which God has entrusted to parents.
Church fathers, pastors in former centuries, and theologians saw family worship as a very important priority for the family. These great preachers spoke with clarity and conviction on this subject because they possessed a great theology of family which understood and taught that parents have been commanded and blessed to be the primary disciplers of their children.
I do not know of a pastor today who isn’t seeking to better equip parents. Many share the concern that very few Christian families today have an intentional plan in place to disciple their children. Blame it on busy schedules, sports, work, convenience, or the dog – the simple truth is that for many it is just not happening. Excuses don’t hold up in this discussion. I personally believe that until parents embrace their God-given responsibility we will continue to lose this generation of children.
What if many families and churches across our country reclaimed this spiritual discipline? What if churches presented this message faithfully? What if our families were radically connected to the Word of God? How would that change our children, churches, the world, and eternity?
The John Newton Challenge
Purpose:
To give parents a free 52-week Bible reading plan that allows them to intentionally disciple their children. Our hope is that this simple reading plan will be used by parents as a resource so they can recapture a tremendous gift that God has given to each of them.
We have worked hard to provide for you a simple resource that you can use to encourage the parents and families that you shepherd. Within the first 10 days of introducing this challenge, people from almost all 50 states had committed to be a part of it.
Are you in?????
Are you up for the challenge? Click HERE to view the Bible reading plan and leave a comment below to let us know you or your church is in. Your comment will be an encouragement to many others!
Challenge Promotion:
The John Newton Challenge banner on Lasting Divergence was made to post on your blog, website, business site, family web page, My Space, or Facebook. God has provided so many outlets – are you willing to use them? By placing this banner on your site, you will be a tremendous help to us as we seek to encourage families with this free resource.
The Banner Code:
Click Here For Banner Code
A promotional video is also available at www.lastingdivergence.com.
May God bless your ministry as you seek to lead those who are given the primary role of spiritual discipleship for their children.
2 Comments
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Comment by Lori Adkins on December 29, 2008 at 9:53am - Looking forward to my family growing spiritually this year. I pray that this is a great first step for us. From Northside Community Church, East Liverpool, Ohio
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Comment by mel on January 1, 2009 at 6:27pm
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My family will be using this, and I am so excited! I look forward to reading the Word more with my husband and kids this year. And I am also looking forward to reading more from your blog. Getting families in the Word is so needed today. Young people need to be grounded in the Word so they KNOW what they believe.
I'll be sharing this with my homeschool group also. Hopefully more and more families will join this challenge!
In Christ Alone, mel
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