Adrian Rogers asks, "Have you ever thought about the fact that we’re only one generation away from paganism? That’s all. Just one generation." We read in Judges 2:10, "When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel." It happened then, and it can happen again. Believer, beware. As believers, it is helpful to ask three questions.

Are you modeling the treasure? This speaks of our relationship through the gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:7 reads, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." Matthew Henry explains that the gospel "is a treasure in the heart of every true believer who receives it." Paul exhorts Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul further encourages Timothy, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5). This illustrates modeling genuine faith from generation to generation.

Are you minding the trust? This speaks of our stewardship of the gospel. Paul writes, "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — by professing it, some have strayed concerning the faith" (1 Timothy 6:20-21). Paul writes, "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:6-8). If your gospel message does not focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you are proclaiming a false gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Are you making the transfer? This speaks of our partnership in the gospel. The great commission is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, "'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen." Paul expresses thanksgiving for the "fellowship in the gospel" he enjoyed with the believers in Philippi (Philippians 1:5). Vance Havner said, "It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it."

Keep these things in mind when someone asks, "What about the next generation?"

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah".