How does the influence of family, particularly parents and grandparents, shape the faith of the next generation?

In his sermon, Kevin Swanson emphasizes the importance of multi-generational influence in the discipleship of a child. The role of Scripture is preeminent in this process, and it's often carried out by both the parents and grandparents. Swanson likens this to a double-strand rope, where the faith and love are passed on from one generation to another, thereby ensuring generational continuity in the salvation of children.

Swanson also underscores the importance of both Old and New Testament Scriptures in this discipleship. He rejects the notion of a radical discontinuity between the two, asserting that they present a single faith and a single message. The Old Testament, in particular, is instrumental in conveying the message of salvation and equipping the men of God for every good work. Therefore, both must be utilized in the discipleship of our children.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.'

The scriptures are preeminent in the discipleship of a child and that comes by means of a mother and grandmother. It's also interesting how we have a multi-generational influence upon the children. I think we see something like that in Psalm 78 as well. That's what we've seen in our family. My parents have had amazing influence upon my children.

So it's like a double strand rope, you know, it's not just parents but to godly grandparents that can contribute to the faith and love in the future generations. And on top of that also we find that the scriptures there mentioned isn't just the New Testament, actually Paul is referring to the Old Testament, which is able to make him wise to salvation. So really the Old Testament, New Testament is a single faith, a single message. There's not a radical discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments. I don't believe we see that in Scripture.

So we find the Old Testament is actually quite, quite functional to bring about a message of salvation and to equip the men of God for every good work. That's what he goes on to say in those later verses. So Yeah, the Old Testament as well as New Testament absolutely must be brought to bear in the discipleship of our children.