“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10
I was talking to my pastor last evening about this very subject. As many of the older generation pass off the scene, we see a younger generation of church goers who know nothing of the works of the Lord. They are unlike those who remember the great revival campaigns, who remember when holiness was not a thing to be scoffed at and the world was the enemy of the church not something to be incorporated into it. Those who loved and believed the Bible to be wholly inspired and the only guide for the Christian. There is a generation in the church today that does not know the Lord in terms of a life changing relationship with Him, and they have not seen the mighty works He did among His people. They rejoice but it’s a false rejoicing because as in the days of Ezra when the foundation of the second temple was laid, there is a generation who remembers the glory of the first temple. We need to look back at what the Lord has done for His church in the past. The vogue thing to say is “you can’t live in the past but look to the future” however, in Scripture we see a different command. We are told to do the first works(Rev. 2:5) Follow the example of those who came before(Heb. 13:7) and to remove not the ancient landmark that our fathers set(Prov. 22:28)
The new generation does not wholly believe the Bible or use it in everyday living. They don’t believe in personal holiness but live like the unsaved world and follow it’s philosophies. Sermons that once contained the power of God are given now as “talks” by “life coaches.” Pastors try to dress as culturally relevant as they can and the pulpit has been replaced with a chair from which to deliver their “talk.” Music resembles a rock concert and people are told to “worship in your own way” instead of seeking worship that pleases Him. Repentance has been replaced with “pray this prayer” and we rejoice at churches feeding the homeless while most of them fail to share the living Bread for fear of offending someone. I cannot rejoice at the church today because I am one who has seen the glory that was.
The Gospel Beacon 