Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Family - Lesson 1 (Deuteronomy 6) Helpful sermon by Pastor JD Howell
What are we really aiming at when we raise our children? In this foundational message from Deuteronomy 6, Pastor JD Howell challenges us to look beyond behavior and ask a deeper question: are we raising good kids, or godly kids? In a world where success is often measured by outward obedience and appearance, this sermon reminds us that God is concerned with the heart. True parenting is not about producing well-behaved children who look right on the outside, but about pointing them to a genuine relationship with God that transforms them from within.
From Deuteronomy 6, we are reminded that the responsibility of spiritual growth in the home begins with the parents. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Before truth can be taught, it must be lived. Parents cannot pass down a passion for God that they do not personally possess. As we walk with God, talk about His Word, and model a real and humble faith, we create an environment where our children are encouraged to follow Him for themselves.
This sermon also confronts the danger of focusing only on behavior. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Training involves more than correcting actions; it requires addressing the heart. Pastor Howell emphasizes that behavior modification is not the same as heart transformation. A child can say the right things and do the right actions, yet still be far from God. Our goal is not control, but surrender. Not rule-followers, but Christ-followers. This message calls parents to guard their children’s hearts, guide them with truth, and live out an authentic faith that draws them toward Christ.
Are you simply raising children who look good on the outside, or are you pointing them to a life-changing relationship with God?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
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pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
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facebook.com/2firstbaptist
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First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
The Family - Lesson 1 (Deuteronomy 6) Helpful sermon by Pastor JD Howell
What are we really aiming at when we raise our children? In this foundational message from Deuteronomy 6, Pastor JD Howell challenges us to look beyond behavior and ask a deeper question: are we raising good kids, or godly kids? In a world where success is often measured by outward obedience and appearance, this sermon reminds us that God is concerned with the heart. True parenting is not about producing well-behaved children who look right on the outside, but about pointing them to a genuine relationship with God that transforms them from within.
From Deuteronomy 6, we are reminded that the responsibility of spiritual growth in the home begins with the parents. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Before truth can be taught, it must be lived. Parents cannot pass down a passion for God that they do not personally possess. As we walk with God, talk about His Word, and model a real and humble faith, we create an environment where our children are encouraged to follow Him for themselves.
This sermon also confronts the danger of focusing only on behavior. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Training involves more than correcting actions; it requires addressing the heart. Pastor Howell emphasizes that behavior modification is not the same as heart transformation. A child can say the right things and do the right actions, yet still be far from God. Our goal is not control, but surrender. Not rule-followers, but Christ-followers. This message calls parents to guard their children’s hearts, guide them with truth, and live out an authentic faith that draws them toward Christ.
Are you simply raising children who look good on the outside, or are you pointing them to a life-changing relationship with God?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
Give on PushPay
pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
Like our page on Facebook
facebook.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Instagram
instagram.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/2firstbaptist
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
