Where is everybody, Part III

Hello, hello. What a beautiful morning. As I type this, I can watch out of the dining room window as huge flakes of snow steadily fall. It is the day before Thanksgiving and so my home is filled with the aroma's of the season...my pellet stove burning, a freshly made cranberry and orange relish, and the beginnings of an apple cake. This is a great day. But I have to tell you, in spite of the wonderful day we have planned tomorrow when 12 people will be sitting where I am now and eating a blessed meal, my birthday celebration on Saturday, and perhaps best of all, the presence of my college freshman home for the holiday, my mind is on this coming Lord's day. It won't be a "regular" Sunday, by any means. Because it is the fifth Sunday of the month, we have Youth Sunday. It's a day where the teens are given an extra role in the day's ministry. They lead singing, play music, usher, sometimes teach Sunday school, and especially for this month, present the word of God as the main speaker.

That brings me to another great reason to be in church, not just this week or month, for the holidays's sake, but every opportunity you get. It should be understood that God's plan is for the spreading His gospel to all of humankind and one of the most emphasized methods in the Bible is generationally. Starting with the first family, it was Adam's responsibility to teach his children the ways of God. As the patriarchs of the Old Testament raised their children, they would bless them and encourage them in the ways of God. In Deuteronomy 6, we read of God's plan for His word to be passed on to the next generation...

 Deuteronomy 6:7  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 

In the New Testament, especially in Paul's writing, this generational approach to instructing (which is not just speaking, but a living example) is very clear as he addresses the aged men and aged women. And so the Biblical standard is clear. The members of the older generation have a responsibility to the younger generations as teachers, examples, leaders, and mentors. This is, first and foremost, to be carried out in the home from grandparents to parents to children. Family devotions are the beginning of this teaching, but quickly on its heals is the need to worship together in a church or public setting. Public identification with Christ is completely scriptural as seen by baptism and witnessing. All too often I hear a parent ask the question, or one similar to it, "What happened?" or "Where did I go wrong?" I believe the solution to the problem of the younger generation forsaking the local church, and worse, the faith of their fathers altogether, is rooted in the dedication made evident or shown to be lacking by our interest to gather and worship together. Parents, come to church and bring your family with you. Worship together.

It certainly begins at home, but II Timothy 2:2 gives us a tremendous principle for carrying out local church ministry. Notice the scripture, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." Church attendance gives each child of God the opportunity to directly influence a younger generation. The encouragement offered to children and teens alike, by your attendance and attention is beyond explanation. And believe me, they are watching. They are looking for you when you are not there. THIS Sunday will be a very special chance for you to be a blessing and encouragement to the youth in your church, even if it is not "Youth Sunday" there. If you are an attendee of Franklin Missionary Baptist Church in Darlington, Maryland, you have, not just an opportunity, but I believe a scriptural obligation. From someone who has been involved in active youth ministry, talking, interacting, and even counseling them, for nearly 20 years, that is my perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Please take time to share the blessedness of your life with someone else.