Last Wednesday I spoke at my church regarding generational thinking and liberty that brings unity. In light of events that occurred the very next night I thought it appropriate to share what was taught.
The first three chapters of Genesis gives God’s plan for mankind and reveals Satan’s ever present tactic. We all are familiar with the creation story but if we will look at it in a deeper way we will see how his commands to Adam and Eve apply to us today.
In Genesis 1:27-28 God says to Jesus and the Holy Spirt His desire to make man in His own image and so He did.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and govern it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
Here we see that God commanded that they be fruitful and multiply which is very straight forward but then He says “and replenish the earth”. This implies something more than just birthing children which be fruitful and multiply already covers. It has more to do with verse 27 and the image of God in which we were created.
Replenish has to do with multiplying His image in our children which will then eventually cover the earth. How, you may ask, is this done? As parents we are to teach, train and disciple our children so that we are literally putting the image of God within them. We do this by reading scripture to them and instilling a love for God’s word in their hearts so that they receive salvation at an early age. Then we disciple them so they make their decisions based on the principles found in the Bible. As they grow in wisdom through His word they will have greater ability to resist the world’s indoctrination that is contrary to the Word of God.
The ultimate goal is that they understand they are responsible to do the same for their children. If each generation had been faithfully following God’s command to teach their children we would not have the many problems we are facing today.
God’s plan is that each generation would be responsible for three generations. We know this because He referred to Himself in the Old Testament at the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, we are responsible for three generations with the third generation continuing on for another three generations. Each generation was to take all their parents knew and build on that and their children were to do the same. This creates sustainable prosperity and greater revelation of the mysteries of God available to each generation. Wow, how powerful is that?
We were also to pass to each generation a true knowledge of their American heritage and understanding of liberty. In other words a love of God and Country.
If we had been obedient to God’s commands we would not have the plague of fatherlessness in this nation which is the root of all the social problems. We would also not have allowed all of our institutions to be taken over by secular humanists.
Then God says “and govern it”. This refers not only to self-government, family government etc. but civil government. So this is our command to be involved in civil government and vote. I was asked recently by a twenty-two year old where in the Bible it says we should vote. I gave her Genesis 1:28. She looked downcast because I actually had an answer. Obviously, she was looking to get off the hook for voting.
I think she is not alone judging by the millions of Christians that do not vote. How can we logically think that by not voting we will have righteous leaders that will work to keep Americans free? When we fail to vote we are in essence actually voting. Usually that vote will fall in favor of the least righteous candidate. To be perfectly honest not voting is a sin.
The reasons most don’t want to participate in our Constitutional Republic are 1) they don’t think their vote matters, 2) they don’t want to take the time (sacrifice) to educate themselves on the issues and candidates and 3) they are waiting for the second return of Christ. Jesus clearly stated we are to “occupy” until He comes not sit in a rocker waiting for His return.
Many elections are won by slim margins, even just one vote. So it is important to vote. Because of the internet it is easier than ever to find out where candidates stand on issues. Plus there are websites that do all the work for us by putting out scorecards on incumbent’s votes and questionnaires on candidates running for the first time.
Lastly, Genesis 3 reveals the strategy of Satan against man. He comes between the man and the woman enticing her with lies so that she eats the forbidden fruit. Then he goes on to come between the brothers. His strategy has not changed from the beginning of time. Wherever there is a difference he tries, and usually succeeds, to create division.
So basically the generation gap theory is just a ploy to divide the generations and create rebellion in the young. The same with racism. These are demonic forces to keep us divided and in strife instead of living together in peace, respect and love. God loves diversity and created each one of us unique and with diverse gifts and talents that we are to use to bring Him glory.
I went into great detail about ten months ago regarding a revelation God gave me on His desire for the Body of Christ. I will re-post these in the next two weeks. They paint a beautiful picture of what we are to strive for in maintaining peace and unity with all brethren. If we will examine our own hearts and then purpose to obey we will become “one” body representing God in the earth.
Dinner Table Discussion: Discuss how can parents can do a better job of discipling their children in today’s culture? What is my biggest challenge in committing to voting and voting for those who carry God’s principles within them whatever their political party?