The Next Generation

 "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." ~Psalm 100:5

The next generation. Are we spreading truth to them? This is something that I've been thinking about recently. Many churches are concerned with spreading the gospel to other nations. And so they should be.  However, this verse made me think about this idea when I heard a pastor talking about the next generation. 

Take, for example, a normal gospel-preaching church (normally they're probably going to be Baptist as other denominations don't preach the true gospel) that's pastored by a man on fire for and who loves God and has a passion for worldwide missions. I'm 110% for it. Please don't misunderstand me at all. But I think there's a little disconnect going on in that pastors and the local body of Christ are not as concerned with making sure the next generation know Jesus and the gospel. There's a number of so-called "Christians" that don't know the gospel of the grace of God or how to know for sure one can be saved. How can they then share the gospel when they're confused about it? On the other hand, if a pastor only focuses on preaching the gospel to his congregation every week, where's the edification for the saints? Some Christians don't even know the Bible, much less have studied it or regularly try to apply it to their life. If they do know a few verses they might use them out of context for certain situations. Baby Christians aren't spiritually growing in their knowledge of God or the Bible.  A large percentage of believers have never even read through the Bible. It's very saddening. 

Ephesians 4:11-14 ~ "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

Jeremiah 3:15 ~ "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." In context this was written to a backsliding Israel, but it speaks for today. 

The saints, whether newly saved or mature believers, need to have sound teaching about truth, God, and what God says about topics so they won't be confused when they hear false doctrine. For example, I recently met a newer Chrisitan who's going to a great gospel-preaching church. I've attended this church many times and they are largely focused on the gospel and missions. I love it. I asked the Christian if he's grown a lot in the 2 years he's been saved, and he told me he's grown mentally. 

That's a good thing, but what about spiritual growth? Now I'm definitely not saying all the responsibility is on pastors. Definitely each believer has his own responsibility to have a personal walk with the Lord. But pastors should encourage their congregation to get into the Bible and read it for themselves. They need to feed their congregations with knowledge and understanding. They need to teach truth and expound on passages that encourage growth in the lives of the people. Some young Christians may just be depending on the pastor to teach them what they should do concerning a subject rather than looking at what God says about it. And what if what the pastor tells them is just his own opinion? This is why it is vitally important that every man and woman read and know the Bible for himself/herself. For younger/baby Christians they need to be taught and nurtured and learn how to search the Scriptures.

Here's a great song called Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is. 

Preacher, I'd say it's been a while since you heard this request, but my spirit is tired, and I need your rest. I want to hear from Heaven a clear word from God, a sermon of conviction straight from the heart. 

I've been hearing other preachers say I don't have to change. 

The most eloquent of speakers tell me I'm okay. But it hasn't eased my conscience, and I know it's not the truth. So when you stand before us, can I count on you? 

So open up the word and let the Spirit lead, preach until I've heard God speak to me. 

Don't worry about my feelings, don't worry about my shame, just preach the cross of Jesus and that I'm to blame.

Oh preacher, you say you want to be my friend, don't be afraid to call my sin what it is. 

And preacher, tell me I can overcome, but it's only by the blood of the Lamb. 

Don't tell me like I wish it was, preacher tell me like it is. 

This is what I've been observing - I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you see this as a problem in churches you've visited in your area, or even in the church you attend? Do you think this newer generation is kind-of put aside despite the strong emphasis placed on missions?