“Zealous” is not a word you hear very often. Yet we are seeing it in action all around us. The current events have called for measures that are intense, vigorous, passionate, earnest…zealous. Even handwashing is being done with a renewed sense of fervency. We are being reminded that half-hearted, apathetical responses simply cannot combat life and death realities. Zeal is needed.
But the need for zeal is especially called for when it comes to grounding our children in the gospel. David Michael states, “For generations God has instructed us in His everlasting, absolutely-reliable, never-changing Word, that we must faithfully disciple the next generation ‘...so that they should put their confidence in God’ (Psalm 78:7 NASB). The need for our children to be established in truth has always been urgent.”
How zealous have we been in that regard? The temporary disruption of Sunday school, church gatherings, and a myriad of other events presents us with an opportune time to reflect on our priorities and the manner in which we pursue them.
- Are our homes passionately fostering a love of Christ and His Word?
- Do we care more about our children’s spiritual condition rather than their academic performance?
- Do our Sunday school classrooms and mid-week programs vigorously pursue teaching children how to read, study, and apply God's Word?
- Do we use the time wisely in order to point them to the glory of God rather than merely fun activities?
With these questions in mind, Truth78 is pleased to announce the release of a timely new book, Zealous: 7 Commitments for the Discipleship of the Next Generations. In Zealous, David Michael calls upon the church and home to diligently and fervently pursue a biblical vision for the faith of the next generations, for the glory of God. He carefully lays out seven commitments that provide a vision and framework for discipling children and youth:
- Embrace a biblical vision for the faith of the next generation.
- Foster a robust partnership between church and home.
- Teach the breadth and the depth of the whole counsel of God.
- Proclaim the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Disciple the mind, heart, and will.
- Pray with dependence on God’s sovereign grace.
- Inspire worship of God, for the glory of God.
David hopes readers will see the need and opportunity to give children a solid foundation. “The next generation needs parents, teachers, and church leaders who are zealous for their discipleship,” he says, “and who will build something substantial underneath them so that when troubles like a pandemic or even worse come along, their faith will not be rocked, but they will hope in God.”
Here's an excerpt from the introduction:
Additionally, here's a timely excerpt from the first chapter:
Zealous is available at truth78.org/zealous, along with a free digital download of the book and practical support for putting the seven commitments into practice.
