Passing the Torch to a new generation

2 Timothy 1:1-2
{1} Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, {2} to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

On January 20, 1961 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, became the President of the United States. His election was viewed by many as a changing of the guard in American culture. At the young age of 43 he became our second youngest president, the first President in the 20th century. Regardless of political views his election signaled a new hope for a new generation. The words of his inauguration speech capture the spirit of his day.

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage …

The Apostle Paul was also looking at a new beginning. In the last words of his public ministry Paul longed to pass the torch to a new generation. It was a new day for the church. Although facing persecution on many fronts the church was growing in numbers and influence. There were many believers now who had been born in the years since the resurrection. The Apostles who had made such an impact in theology, practice, and inspiration were passing from the scene. There was a distinctive Gentile flavor growing in the body of Christ and it was expressing itself in some similarities of Jewish Heritage but also learning to sing in the language of a more Hellenized culture. It was fitting that Paul was writing to Timothy, a pastor whose mother was a Jew and whose father was a Greek. Paul admonished Timothy to guard the Gospel and continue to press its heavenly claims to the next generation.

Does the church need to pass the torch to a new generation? The facts speak for themselves. It is estimated that 2/3 of America is unchurched. America is now estimated to be the 4th largest unchurched nation in the world. 70% of our high school graduates will leave the church and only about 1/3 of them will return.

The modern church can accomplish so much. But perhaps our greatest need for the present is to become impassioned about the future. The foundation of the church is the truth found in Holy Scripture. Without the passing on of that truth there is no foundation for the future church.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to pass the torch to a new generation. Let us know your truth. Let us teach your truth to our sons and daughters and to those who will come to know you in the days to come. If the Lord delays his coming and we are translated by death into the glories of heaven, may it be said of us that we cared more for those who come after us than we cared for ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.