Weekly Update – March 26th, 2026
In Joshua 4:2-3, the Lord has Joshua call twelve men from the twelve tribes of Israel to each get a stone out of the Jordan River and lay them on the bank of the river. If you remember the story here, Israel had just crossed over the Jordan River and into the Promised Land (Josh. 3). It was a miraculous event, displayed through the ark of the covenant, representing God, passing before them and parting the river for all of Israel to pass through on dry ground (Josh 3:15-16). But in chapter 4, the Lord does not want his glory shown through his work at the Jordan River forgotten. That means that these twelve stones are meant to serve as a memorial to Israel. Why? So that when the present generations’ children and their children’s children see these stones and they ask “What do those stones mean to you?”, parents are able to proclaim the wondrous work of God on behalf of his people (Josh. 4:6-7).
God wanted Israel to remember his mighty works. Even more though, he wanted the generations to come to hear about his mighty works. Twice in chapter 4, the Lord tells Israel that the stones collected are to be markers so that fathers may tell their children of the mighty hand of God (v.6, 21). But this truth has so many implications for our generation as well. Though we did not personally see the Lord dry up the Jordan River, we as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older singles and so on, have the responsibility to teach not just our children, but the next generation about the mighty works of our Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us that we should diligently teach our sons and our daughters the truth about God and his promises. The way that Moses describes for us to do this is to talk with the next generation in the home, when we are out and about, when we go to bed and when we wake up. These truths should be present in every way through conversations, traditions and activities (Deut. 6:7-9). There is a war present in our children and it is over who will receive glory. We as parents and adults would be naïve to think that the enemy is not working to deceive the next generation. Moses understood this when he wrote Deuteronomy chapter 6 and the Lord knew this when he commanded Joshua in chapter 4. To neglect training our children in the ways of the Lord is to send our sons and daughters into battle against the enemy unprotected and unprepared.
One of our goals at First Baptist is to train up the next generation to fear the Lord. Perhaps you have heard the phrase “family discipleship” a few different times over the last several months. Basically what that means is that we as a church seek to train the next generation, not primarily through programs or events, but through the family in the home. As Timothy Paul Jones says, “Family ministry describes how a church partners with parents so that the Christian formation of children occurs not only at church but also in the household.” It is the process of “intentionally and persistently coordinating a congregation’s proclamation and practices so that parents are acknowledged, trained, and held accountable as primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives.”
Our desire as a church should be the same desire that the Lord had for the children of Israel in Joshua 4. It is a desire to pass down a knowledge of the mighty works of God, so that the generation to come may “know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so they will fear the Lord forever” (4:24). As we continue this week in our brief, two week stint looking at family discipleship, we will build off of the foundation that we saw last week, that is discipleship through grace, and into more of the practicalities as to what this looks like at First Baptist Church, as we seek to partner with families in their home. Ultimately, what we will see (Lord willing), is that the discipleship of the next generation will come, first by God’s grace at work in their hearts, but then second, through our efforts to “discipline and instruct” our children in the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
- Philippians 2:10-11
Announcements:
Prom Dress Giveaway: The prom dress giveaway is in need of volunteers. See Amy Blankenship or sign up on the bulletin board in the hall. Click HERE for more details.
Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, March 27th from 7:00-9:00pm. invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.
Members’ Meeting: Following the morning service on Sunday, March 29th, we will have a snack bar and members’ meeting. Bring a snack to share.
Elder Q&A: The elders would like to nominate Daniel Holsten as a potential elder for the church. There will be a question and answer time during the members’ meeting, followed by a vote. If you have a question that you would like asked, please submit it to an offering box, an elder, or to the office before that date.
Easter Schedule: There will be many opportunities to connect with us this Easter season. First, join us on Palm Sunday on March 29th at 10:30am. Second, Maundy Thursday will be on April 2nd, at 7:00pm. Lastly, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with us on April 5th. That morning we will have our annual Easter Breakfast at 9:15am with our Worship Service to follow at 10:30am. Look for a sign up sheet for breakfast in the hall.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over North America who are serving with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). This year, our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $3000. You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Annie.” Or you can give online HERE and choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Secret Church: On April 17th, beginning 6:00pm, we will join David Platt via simulcast for an intense evening of Bible study and prayer. The study for this year will be over the life of Elijah. Sign up this Sunday if you would like to be a part of this. You can find out more about Secret Church, HERE.
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, and more, right here in our parking lot. We need lots of volunteers. Put this date on your calendar and look for a sign up sheet soon. You can find out more information about Harry’s Hay Days HERE.
Men’s Study: Our next Men’s study will begin on Wednesday, April 8th from 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Ladies Bible Study: On Tuesday, February 17th, a ten week Bible study through the book of Joshua began. There are two sessions, one at 9:30am and another at 6:00pm. You can check out more information about this Bible study, HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Habits of the Household” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.