A. INTRODUCTION
1. The 4/14 window. Most receive Christ between the ages of 4 and 14.
2. There are 50 percent more grandparents today than in 1950.
3. Most become a grandparent at age 47. The youngest grandparent-generation ever.
4. Today’s children are a lost generation, who are the rebellious baby boomers, also called a loss generation.
5. Two myths about grandparenting:
a. The grandparent’s main task is to enjoy grandchildren (no heritage builders).
b. Grandparenting is a leisure life (no, disciplining).
6. According to a survey, very few grandparents feel they are influential.
7. The main task for each generation:
Father/husband The head (leader) of the family
Mother/wife The helpmeet
Children Learn and obey
Grandparent Heritage
8. 35% American children live in a single parent home. They need grandparents. Some states have 50%.
9. 10% of American children are being raised by grandparents.
10. A larger percentage of grandparents move in with their children to raise grandchildren.
11. Grandparents grieve the loss of their children’s marriage.
12. Most grandparents are as clueless about how to influence their grandchildren for God as they were with their own children.
B. FOUR THINGS GRANDPARENT SHOULD DO
1. Bless their grandchildren. More than money, things or food, give them spiritual security, a significant purpose in life, and sufficient resources.
2. Leave a legacy. When they get the phone call, “Gramps died” what will they remember most about you, and miss the most?
3. Carry the torch, pass it on. The gospel is the torch, don’t drop it, hide it, and don’t change it.
4. Communicate a standard of moral living in an immoral world. Be their spiritual GPS Gramps.
C. TEN POINTS OF LIGHT FOR GRANDPARENTS
1. Grandparents can best show a vision of the future. They view the future through the lenses of past failures and successes.
2. Grandparents are effective because they get a second chance.
3. They set a moral example for children and grandchildren. “Life is tough, but it is tougher when you are stupid” ~John Wayne
4. Grandparents are more like God than when they were parents. As parents, produced community, set rules, enforced rules, punished, rewarded. As grandparents: they listen, give good things, fellowship, are patient, show grace, overlook faults, etc. God doesn’t mock, put down or criticize.
5. The joy of grandparenting is blessing them, “add value.”
6. Grandparents communicate the values and attitudes of tradition by example, gifts, actions, and love. Heritage makers in lives.
7. How they feel about their grandchildren is how grandchildren will feel about themselves.
8. God has a plan for each grandchild; it is the responsibility of grandparents to help them find it.
9. Grandparents can be the kindest, most patient generation.
But a few decide to be crotchety.
10. Grandparents can be a Bridge Over Troubled Water:
When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I’m on your side, when times get tough,
And friends just can’t be found,
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out,
When you’re on the street,
When evening falls so hard,
I will comfort you,
I will take your hand
When darkness comes,
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
~Simon and Garfunkel
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
