Crossing the Generational Divide

Audio from Associate Pastor Josh Carpenter on Sunday morning January 28th, 2018.

2 Timothy 1:1-5 NIV
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dear son:Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 4:6 NIV
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

2 Timothy 4:9 NIV
9 Do your best to come to me quickly,

1. Our generations are in desperate need of discipleship

Matthew 9:36-38 NIV
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 NIV
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Moses & Joshua (Exodus 24)
Elijah & Elisha ( 1 Kings 19)
Eli & Samuel (1 Samuel 1)
Paul & Timothy (Acts 16)

2. Where there is community there is unity

John 17:20-21 NIV
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

3. Allow your hindsight to be another’s foresight

Psalm 71:17-18 NIV
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray,do not forsake me, my God,till I declare your power to the next generation,your mighty acts to all who are to come.