How Do My Sins Affect My Children?
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· 5 viewsAs a parent, I have always known that my choices have a big impact on my children but in this sermon I contemplate to what degree.
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What is gene expression?
Punnett Square
Punnett Square
In high school biology
were were taught
gross over-simplification.
Punnett Square:
Parent’s both bring
genes to table.
Capital letter =
dominant gene.
Lower case letter =
recessive gene.
Typical example:
Brown vs. Blue eye.
Brown is dominant.
In this example:
Mother is bringing
two dominate genes
(brown eyes)
Father is carrying
both options
Brown and blue.
In this case,
child will have brown eyes.
because blue is recessive
mother doesn’t have
recessive gene to give.
There fore 100% chance
children will have
brown eyes.
Now realize,
much more complex.
multiple genes
that affect one phenotype.
Greatest lesson learned
from the punnett square
is that concept
you have gene
but not all of genes
are expressed
at same time.
Additionally,
Gene expression is
affected by environmental
impacts.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics
Epigenetics
Why are some genes
expressed other not?
What turns them on or off?
How do environmental changes
affect particular genes?
Epigenetics study
Dean Ornish
3 month
plant based diet
30 minutes of exercise
6 days a week
stress management technique
support group once per week.
After 3 months
453 cancer promoting genes
were turned off
48 cancer fighting genes
turned on.
Different genes
were expressed
based on
lifestyle changes!
In the past,
people believed
certain diseases
primarily effected by genes
couldn’t control it.
Health future
controlled by fate
inherited from parents.
We now know,
we may get
dealt a bad hand
of genes from parents.
But!
that does not
ultimately decide our future.
By our own choices
we can turn most
of these gene
on or off!
Free Will
Free Will
This leads us to
Biblical teaching of
free will:
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
God allows us to choose
our own future.
Perhaps more important
Ezekiel talks about
how our choices
affect each other:
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
Now,
epigenetics is not just
physical teach but
also spiritual.
God will not
punish you for
the sins of your parents.
I’m thankful for
free will.
I’m thankful that
we are each
in charge of
our own destiny.
Agouti Mice
Agouti Mice
Another epignetic study...
Scientist frequently study
mice called agouti mice.
These mice are
frequently obese
often predisposed to
heart disease
diabetes
cancer.
They like to research
solutions to these
diseases so
like these mice.
Agouti mice have
the agouti gene.
Agouti gene results in:
the tan sick mice.
Scientist found out,
change diet
no longer express
the agouti gene.
They were fed healthy food
they gave birth to
brown healthy mice
These were not
at risk for diseases
of their parents!
Different color hair
skinny
healthy!
What changed?
just the food they ate!
Some have said
4% of our expressed genes
are out of our control
96% of expressed genes
based on our
environment/decisions.
Randy Jirtle
speaks about how
epigenetics is changing
way scientists think:
“Before, genes predetermined outcomes.”
“[We now realize], everything we do - everything we eat or smoke - can effect our gene expression and that of future generations.”
“Epigenetics are proving we have some responsibility for the integrity of the genome.”
The choices we make
good or bad
turn on or off genes.
We pass on genes
which means!
we pass on our choices
to our children
good or bad!
In some cases,
the gene that is turned off
is not passed to progeny!
The title of the sermon:
How Do My Sins Affect My Children?
We previously read:
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
This teaches,
God will not
punish us for
sins of our parents.
If our parents
reject Christ
understand truth
choose hell
we are not damned
for their decision.
But!
That does not mean,
sins of parents
will not affect us!
You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
Here it is clear,
that the sins of parents
affect their kids
to 3rd and 4th generation!
Our sins,
do impact our kids
in multiple ways.
One of those ways
is genetic
predisposition to
the same sins!
Another Example of
epigenetics.
They discovered that
whether a mother
licks her babies will
turn certain genes
on or off.
These genes that are
effected control things like
how mice relate to stress.
Certain mice are genetically
less able to cope with
certain stressors because
their parents didn’t
groom them
with their tongue.
This makes you wonder
how to my actions
affect my children.
Genetic vs. Shared Environment
Genetic vs. Shared Environment
Scientists study
how much traits
impacted by genes
vs. shared environment.
Twin Studies
Identical vs. Fraternal Twins
100% vs. 50% equal DNA.
But generally share
same environment.
Some call this
nature vs. nurture.
How much of
health
character
personality
etc
impacted by
genes vs. family habits.
Studies are not perfect
probably overstate
genetic impact.
Especially because
epigenetic impact on
gene expression
not only affected by
physical environment
and behaviors of
those in their lives.
but also
their own
choices!
Take for example,
that families who
have trends of lots
of type 2 diabetes.
Based on inherited genes
or family choices
how they eat
how they exercise
they they manage stress
typical support systems used
Based on studies
family choices
seem to be
much greater impact.
Not to mention,
change gene expression.
There is an interesting report about an educator studying the needs of the District’s school system.
He had found, in studying the children, that up to about the third grade they were bright, ambitious, eager to learn;
but that somewhere after that, the boys in particular would become apathetic, hostile, antagonistic.
Whatever the reasons, this educator found out that if you put them with male teachers, things changed.
Give them men, and they brightened, they worked, they felt proud of themselves. They had role models.
They saw the same results in After-School programs...Women volunteers tended to be ignored; men get attention.
The children in our society are starving for good role models.
But especially, good male role models!
Men, I’m talking to us.
They discovered significant correlation between those incarcerated and fatherlessness.
There was no significant correlation between incarceration and motherlessness.
Men,
our young people need us!
Our families need
more than providers.
They need role models!
We have a calling.
Not at work.
But at home!
Now, let me speak to mothers.
Mothers frequently
spend more time
with the kids
than anyone else.
This makes your calling
even more important.
“The king upon his throne has no higher work than has the mother. The mother is queen of her household.
--
She has in her power the molding of her children's characters, that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life.
--
An angel could not ask for a higher mission; for in doing this work she is doing service for God. Let her only realize the high character of her task, and it will inspire her with courage.
--
Let her realize the worth of her work and put on the whole armor of God, that she may resist the temptation to conform to the world's standard.
--
Her work is for time and for eternity.”
Thank you mothers
for the sacrifices you make
to not only:
cook
clean
cloth
manage home
more importantly
mold the character
of our children.
To all others,
grandparents
parents of adult children
childless adults.
we all share this role
to a greater or less degree
to model for the children
of our church
and community.
Raluca and I hired a
baby sitter to help
with the kids
not long ago.
I told her.
your job is easy.
You have to
play with kids
put (prepared) food on table
make sure kids do chores
share in their joys
stay off your phone.
I reality
job is not easy
true job:
be a role model.
Kids are watching you
they want to be
just like you.
Model for my kids
character and love
of Jesus.
This applies to
every adult in the world
whether you deal
directly with
children’s ministry
or not.
The Age of Accountability
The Age of Accountability
All of this
Brings me to
another question.
Certainly,
my choices affect
my kids...
But,
at what age
are my kids
judged individually.
And what happens
before that age?
This phrase does not
appear in the Bible.
A phrase we created
to try to understand
more about
the way God judges
human beings
especially children.
Here is the
hypothetical question.
If I have a child that
dies very young,
how will God judge them?
Even in our modern society
our judicial system
ponders this question:
“At what age shall someone be tried as an adult?”
Firstly,
much of judgment of God
is beyond
our comprehension.
On topics we
do not fully understand
often “silence is golden.”
But the Bible does reveal
some information.
Let’s discuss some things
that the Bible teaches.
See if that gives
insight to our answer.
Teachings About the Book of Life
Teachings About the Book of Life
Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul talks about
people working for gospel
names in book of life.
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
Those who are saved
have names in book of life
will never be blotted out.
But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.
Those who sin
reject God
are blotted out.
If the name was
blotted out of
the book of life
that means
it was previously there.
Basic assumption:
Everyone starts life
with their name
in the book of life.
We must
work/choose to
be removed from it.
Conclusion:
newly conceived child
is saved until
they choose not to be.
But when are children
old enough to
accept or reject Christ?
Hence:
“What is the age of accountability?”
Because this is a phrase
that we created
is not in Bible
answer is unclear.
There are some hints.
12 or 13
12 or 13
Some think the age
of accountability is
12 or 13.
Remember that Jesus
was first able to
attend passover
at the age of 12.
Fathers were responsible to
sacrifice for the sins
of their sons until
sons could go alone.
Based on fact that
boys were allowed to attend
the passover at 12
it is likely that they
could sacrifice alone
by age 12 as well.
Also Jews have
come of age celebration
for boys and girls
starts around
12 and ends
around 13.
Apparently, bar mitzvahs
didn’t begin until
more than 300 years
after death of Christ.
Doesn’t hold biblical weight.
Age 20
Age 20
After the desert temple
every male
had to be ransomed.
The age that began
was 20.
Everyone who is numbered in the census, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the Lord’s offering.
Later those 20 years and older
are allowed to go to war.
In the story of
the 12 spies
God judges nation.
Because of their
lack of faith
all the adults will
go back to desert
die there
(not enter promised land).
What age is considered adult?
your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and of all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me,
Why were “kids”
not judged the same?
Deuteronomy 1:35–39 (ESV)
‘Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers... And as for your little ones... and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.
Why were 20 >
not tried as adults?
Because they
“have no knowledge of good or evil.”
We might say,
they are not old enough
to differentiate between
right and wrong
on these complex topics.
This is similar to
teaching in Acts
about ignorance.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
In times of ignorance
God overlooks.
(applies to all ages).
Young children
are often
spiritually ignorant.
You are judge but
what you know
(or had opportunity to know).
Children often
know little
held accountable
for little.
Willful Ignorance
Willful Ignorance
Yet,
what is the definition
of being ignorant?
Ignorance is defined by
not having opportunity
to know the truth.
Great Controversy Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard
The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness rather than light.
When we have
opportunity to
know the truth
choose not to.
We reject truth!
Great Controversy Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard
Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of God.
True Ignorance =
lack of opportunity.
Great Controversy Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard
It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right or what the minister tells him is right. His soul’s salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself.
Road to hell
is paved with
“________”.
That’s right
“good intentions.”
Good intentions
do not save us.
Great Controversy Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard
It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example.
Great Controversy Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard
We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.
We must study
on our own.
We alone are
responsible for
biblical conclusions.
So...
What is the Age of Accountability?
What is the Age of Accountability?
I don’t know.
20?
12?
younger?
What about people
with learning disabilities?
It seems to be
based on
level of
ignorance/knowledge
and that varies.
20 seems pretty old
to still be
spiritually ignorant.
But remember
those passages were
referring to moments
when God judged
entire nation.
Our God is gracious
and perhaps he took
oldest age of
child that could
claim ignorance
based on age...
In reality,
God’s judgments are
likely not so simple.
God is just...
He will take
into consideration
many other facets
ignorance/knowledge.
What we do know.
God is love.
God is good.
God is fair.
God is just.
leave rest with him.
Summary:
Summary:
My actions
greatly impacts
my children.
It even appears
my sinful/holy choices
possibly embedded
in children’s genes.
But God is fair.
He does not punish
children for
the sins of
their parents.
Furthermore,
He has empowered us
with free will.
And our choices
can impact up to
96% of expressed DNA.
Meaning:
we are responsible
for our own
spiritual future
even if we were
“dealt a bad hand.”
Familial modeling
seems to have
much greater impact
than genes upon
spirituality of children.
At what age
are my children
judged as adults?
20?
12?
younger?
It’s unclear.
God judges
based on
ignorance / knowledge.
That will be different
for differing children.
(That is the age)
(they should pursue)
(baptism).
Personally,
I think we are
leaning towards
too young
in US today.
Close with this
illustration:
Former NBA star Charles Barkley, the Round Mound of Rebound, as he was called, is famous for saying, "I'm not a role model."
In spite of the fact that young kids wanted to imitate him, he didn't want that responsibility.
He ignored the fact that his high visibility made it necessary for him to behave with at least an understanding that millions of people were watching him.
We may no have
millions of people
watching us.
But
we do have
some very important
people watching.
CHILDREN.
Appeal
Appeal
Let kids be kids.
Let God be God.
Let us lovingly teach
through precept and example
and leave rest with god.
