NEXT Generation Destiny

Psalm 71:18)

¹⁸ ”Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

There is something which everybody wants and yet almost everyone fears: growing old. Old age has many frightening aspects: from aging body which is more susceptible to illness; declining strength; feelings of uselessness (especially after retirement); but this truth should not hinder us from preparing the NEXT generation. In the recent research of Christian Research Institute (CRI) reveals that we are realistically in danger of not passing on biblical Christianity to the next generation. Both an overexposure to worldly philosophy and an over dependence on church programs have caused us to fail in our task to hand off a vibrant, kingdom-focused faith. God is a generational God.  He always has been and He always will be a generational God. For this reason, we at His Life are challenged to adopt an all network perspective in preparing the NEXT generation.

 We must provide opportunities for those older and wiser in the faith to impart a spiritual legacy to the next generation.  There should be a continuity in teaching and training the next generation. We have to keep in mind that, (as Andrew Fox puts it) “ that a younger man will grow and eventually succeed his mentor. And soon he will himself develop, teach and train other young men to succeed him – from generation to generation.”

Emile Durkheim

"Each new generation is reared by its predecessor; the latter must therefore improve in order to improve its successor. The movement is circular."

TWO TYPES OF DESTINY

1. Predetermined. 

This is determined by God alone.

Job 23:14

“¹⁴ So he will do for me all he has planned. He  controls my destiny.”

Ecclesiastes 6:10 [NLT]

“¹⁰ Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny.”

2. Outcome or Consequence.

This is not predetermined, but the outcome of our doing and chances that God has given us to grow and to pass on.

Proverbs 24:3 TLB

“³ Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.”

What do you envision for the destiny of our NEXT generation can be prepared today.  Raising the next generation to trust God and leave all the consequences to Him doesn’t require a degree or special training. It requires simple faith, lived out with courage every day. Learn to pass on your faith.

Discussion

1. How do you think God has uniquely gifted you, positioned you, or impassioned you to reach and teach our NEXT generation with the Lord Jesus’ love, healing, and hope?
2. Are there two or three practical ideas of how you and your  life group can thoughtfully engage your office, school neighbors for Jesus ?