The Next Generation

Sermon Topic, Sunday March 10, 2013
The Next Generation
Society today is on a course of ENTROPY (from http://www.universetoday.com/51887/define-entropy/#ixzz2NRW60GNp What is entropy? The most way to explain it is to say that it describes the natural tendency of the universe to fall apart into disorder. A well known illustration is the messy room concept. You know that you need to constantly work at keeping your room clean and well arranged. However, you know that if you don’t keep up with the routine the room will gradually return to its messy state. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_entropy)
There have been great promises and blessings extended to this generation – salvation, the power of God
There have been great events within the last few years, particularly surrounding Israel
There will be prophecies fulfilled in the next generation – new avenues to deliver the Gospel around the world – the church growing rapidly in areas around the world
Pray for ministry to be called, and pray for those that are called
We need to be concerned for and involved with the next generation – we looked up to the former “Pillars of the Church” – will the next generation regard us as such?
We have WITNESSED the miracles of God in our lives and times; now we need to testify of them.
Deuteronomy 11:1-6 The children of that day did not see the miracles performed upon Egypt; and the former generation were not permitted to cross the Jordan into the promised land (except Joshua and Caleb). Moses (who also was forbidden to enter the promised land) told the older generation “You saw these miracles; therefore serve the LORD and keep His commandments.” (see also Deuteronomy 6:20-25 msl)
The Nile River watered Egypt; it’s the LORD Himself who gives rain on the promised land, so be faithful to Him.
We are His PECULIAR (1 Peter 2:9) people (peculiar: Strong’s G1519 eis; an intensifier; and G4047 peripoiesis; acquisition, PURCHASE, possession) and we have been blessed above all others … not materially so much … but can any of us buy a miracle?
If the Spirit of the LORD is not on us, how will our children learn of Him?
Mosiah 7:114 … Abinadi quoting God’s commandments, from Deuteronomy 5 … for He is a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers on following generations, and also passing the blessings of the fathers to following generations
Enos 1-10 Each of us needs to define and live out OUR OWN faith (as some say, God does not have grandchildren msl). Enos was thankful for the way his Godly father raised him, but he had to WRESTLE over his own soul, and CHOOSE to have faith himself.
Society is “evolving”, and so is the acceptance of change by Christians. We need to remember, our LORD does NOT change (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8) (There are those who say that the Church must change to be “relevant” to the times … there’s a great old Greek word for that – “hogwash” msl)
We need to preserve, teach, and stand firmly upon the beliefs of the Restoration … the Principles of the Gospel (Hebrews 6:1-2); the Book of Mormon; non-paid called Ministry; Scriptural doctrine; the reality of the LORD’s Zion; the New Jerusalem (3 Nephi 10); continuing revelation and fulfillment
Remember the Covenants of the LORD … teach the children of our rich heritage … we need to be willing servants, fit for the Master’s use
3 Nephi 9:89-94 He will show forth His power unto the Gentiles on this land, who would then bring these things unto the House of Israel on this land – the TRUE POINTS of His doctrine.
1 John 4:7-8 … verses on love … knowing the facts is not enough … we must love as He loves, and teach our children of His love, as well as His doctrine
1 Timothy 4:12 … Paul reminds Timothy to be an example to the church, and to not let anyone despise him for his younger age
3 Nephi 8:52 Pray in your families, that your wives and children may be blessed … this is a Jewish tradition that is still practiced in Jewish families msl
Pray that your family members come to the LORD in faith … let Him have sway over you, directing your affairs
Moroni 10:24-26 His Word shall go from generation to generation