The Baptist Testimony – Volume 58 Number 5 September/October 2012

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​From The Baptist Testimony – Volume 58 Number 5 September/October 2012

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC Executive Director

“Generations”

The word “generation” can imply different things, both positive and negative, depending upon the context in which the word is used.

​When I was a teenager the term “generation gap” was negatively applied to describe extreme differences in taste and perspective between older and younger generations, especially between parents and their teenaged children. During the same period of time the “Pepsi generation” was a marketing slogan used to promote the consumption of a soft drink, implying that those consuming that product demonstrated great taste.

​“Generation” has also been used to define certain time periods in the history of our nation. For example, “The Greatest Generation” has been used to identify those courageous and pioneering individuals of the World War II era. Subsequently “Generation X” and “Millennial Generation” were used to define the post Baby Boom eras near the turn of the century/millennium.

The Bible uses the word “generation” in both the Old and New Testaments as a term to define specific groups of people with whom God has dealings. The Biblical emphasis placed upon people groups, genealogies, and specific names communicates the significance that God places upon each generation and every person identified therein.

The New Testament church is commissioned by Christ to target each generation within its sphere of influence in order to declare the glories of God through the Gospel. The Apostle Paul acknowledged the church’s critical role in declaring the glorious gospel as he instructed the churches located in Colossae that “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations … has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

And, as Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus he shares this purposeful benediction, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

It is with this prayerful focus that the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches holds its 70th Annual Conference on October 29-30. The chosen theme is “For All Generations: Appreciating Our Heritage and Embracing Our Future.” Pastors from MARBC churches will develop various aspects of this theme. Details regarding the location, schedule, and other pertinent information are included in this issue of the BT.

Will you join us in praying that our time together will be both an encouragement and catalyst for our ministry servants and churches as we seek to honor God through fulfilling His purposes? God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, for His glory!

You have His Word on it! (KEF)