Night of Stories
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We have a Story and stories to tell.
We have a Story and stories to tell.
At Paige Patterson Lectures the question was asked where did Dr Patterson get his interest in Anabaptist history. The answer was in a garden working across from his grandfather. We need to create more reasons to work across from one another and tell stories.
My mom sent me some stories this week. I did not know and cherish.
Every family has a story — and every believer is part of a larger story: God’s story.
Psalm 78 is not just about remembering history; it’s a call to faithful storytelling — to keep the knowledge of God alive by declaring His works to the next generation.
The truth must never be assumed, neglected, or forgotten.
Psalm 78:3–6 (KJV)
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
1. We must remember and protect the truth that was handed down to us.
1. We must remember and protect the truth that was handed down to us.
Psalm 78:3 “3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.”
A. God's works in the past shapes our understanding of the present.
A. God's works in the past shapes our understanding of the present.
"The faith that was once delivered to the saints must be lived and loved again in every generation." — A.W. Tozer
We are not limited to current stories.
Let our kids meet the saints of the past and their stories.
B. We need help seeing what God is doing.
B. We need help seeing what God is doing.
"God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them." — John Piper
Our stories remind us of the unseen hand of God.
If we do not help reveal them they will be hid.
C. Forgetting the past leads to spiritual drift.
C. Forgetting the past leads to spiritual drift.
"When we cease to remember what God has done, we are prone to question what He is doing." — Paul David Tripp
Hebrews 12:1 “1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
2. We must purposefully declare God's praises, strength, and works to the next generation.
2. We must purposefully declare God's praises, strength, and works to the next generation.
Psalm 78:4 “4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
A. Silence is not neutral — it hides God’s glory.
A. Silence is not neutral — it hides God’s glory.
"Train up a child in the way he should go — but be sure you go that way yourself." — Charles Spurgeon
If we do not show God’s strength, the world will show them weakness.
Telling stories is a good way to remember the next generation we have been where they are and were helped by the generation before.
B. Our children need more than morals — they need wonder.
B. Our children need more than morals — they need wonder.
If rules/morals could change your child’s heart, Jesus would have never needed to come.
Children are made to marvel. They’re wired for awe. They ask big questions.
"Christianity isn’t good advice; it’s good news — a story that changes everything." — Tim Keller
Advice says: “Do better. Try harder.” Good news says: “It is finished.”
C. Telling the story is an act of worship.
C. Telling the story is an act of worship.
"Worship is not only singing songs; it’s telling God’s story in such a way that others want to join the song." — Paul David Tripp
Worship is a response to an awesome God. God put Himself into out story, so we could know it and share it.
And the story is awesome:
A King who stepped down from heaven…
A cross where love conquered death…
An empty tomb that shattered despair…
A coming kingdom where all things will be made new.
Kids don’t just need to know what to do.
They need to know who Jesus is, what He’s done, and what He’s preparing for those who love Him.
3. We must pass on truth that outlives us — from generation to generation.
3. We must pass on truth that outlives us — from generation to generation.
Psalm 78:5–6“5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:”
A. The gospel is a relay, not a monument.
A. The gospel is a relay, not a monument.
"We are not keepers of a museum; we are heralds of a message." — Charles Spurgeon
Our calling is active, not passive.
The paint will fade, the building will need replacing, but we can use stories to pass truth from generation to generation.
B. 3 Reasons to Share Your Testimony.
B. 3 Reasons to Share Your Testimony.
1. Jesus commands us to tell what He’s done
Mark 5:19 “19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”
Your story is meant to be shared — not hidden.
"The story of grace you’re living today may be the spark of faith in someone yet unborn." — Paul David Tripp
2. Our testimony helps defeat the enemy
Revelation 12:11“11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Your story has power — it strengthens others and pushes back darkness.
3. Stories are how we share hope with others.
1 Peter 3:15 “15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Your story explains why you live with peace, purpose, and hope.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Psalm 78 is a sacred summons — to remember, to tell, and to equip. God’s truth is not a private treasure, but a public testimony meant to echo through generations. Let us not be the generation that forgets or fails to pass the torch.
Tell your children what God has done. Tell them who He is. Tell them what He promises.
"If you are too busy to share God’s works with the next generation, you are too busy doing the wrong things." — A.W. Tozer
Let the truth of God outlive us — and echo louder than our names ever will.
