Bridge to the Next Generation - Sunday AM sermon
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a dramatic reading of Deuteronomy 6:1‑25, emphasizing the importance of teaching God’s statutes to children so that they may multiply and thrive in the promised land. Pastor Richard Sutton explained that the Shema (Deut 6:4‑5) commands love for the Lord with all heart, soul, and strength, and that God’s commandments are to be bound on the heart, hand, and forehead (Deut 6:8‑9), serving as an instruction manual for life. He warned against testing the Lord as the Israelites did at Massah (Exodus 17:7) and urged diligent obedience for blessings. The sermon then turned to modern application, presenting research showing that fathers have a profound impact on their children’s spiritual outcomes. Sutton urged fathers to view their role as building a bridge to the next generation—passing on faith, love, and a relationship with Jesus. He encouraged practical steps, likening parental guidance to assembling a swing set with a clear manual, and called each dad to step up, becoming a living example of God’s truth for their children.
Key Scriptures
The Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over to possess it. That you may fear the Lord your God and your sons and your sons' sons by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear, therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children...
Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sight on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.