Passing the Baton: Cultivating Faith for Future Generations

Devotional

Day 1: Passing the Baton of Faith to the Next Generation

The faith we hold today was handed to us by those who came before, and it is now our responsibility to pass it on to those who come after. Just as a relay race depends on each runner successfully handing off the baton, so too does the endurance of faith depend on each generation intentionally sharing the story of God’s faithfulness. Even when our own lives feel messy or imperfect, God can use us to impact the next generation. If we neglect this calling, we risk a future where young people grow up not knowing the Lord or His mighty works. Let us remember the importance of sharing our faith stories, celebrating what God has done, and ensuring that the next generation knows they are part of God’s ongoing story. [13:51]

Judges 2:10 (ESV)
"And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel."

Reflection: Who is one young person in your life you can intentionally share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week, and how might you do it in a way that helps them feel included in God’s story?

Day 2: Running the Race Together, Not Alone

Faith is not a solo sprint but a relay run with others—past, present, and future. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and our journey is strengthened by community. The call is to run with perseverance, not in isolation, but alongside others who encourage, support, and challenge us. Our faith is both received from those before us and passed on to those who follow. In this shared race, we are reminded that we are not alone, and our endurance is multiplied when we run together, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. [07:40]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: Who are the people running alongside you in your faith journey, and how can you encourage or support one of them this week as you run together?

Day 3: Tethering Faith to the Person of Jesus

The foundation of our faith is not a book, but a person—Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. While the Bible is true and trustworthy, our hope is anchored in the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection, witnessed and testified to by those who were there. This focus allows us and the next generation to wrestle with doubts and questions without losing sight of the core of our faith. When we tether our faith to Jesus Himself, we create space for honest exploration and enduring trust, even when we encounter things we don’t fully understand. [24:04]

1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV)
"And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus this week from abstract beliefs to a deeper relationship with the living Jesus, especially when you face doubts or hard questions?

Day 4: Moving from Belief to Following

Believing in Jesus is important, but following Him is where faith becomes visible and transformative. The next generation is watching to see if our actions match our beliefs—if we serve, give, love, and live as Jesus taught. Faith that is only intellectual can be fragile, but faith that is lived out in daily choices is strong and compelling. Let us be people who not only say we believe, but who follow Jesus in ways that can be seen and experienced by others, especially by those who are looking for authentic examples of faith. [25:42]

James 2:17 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to put your faith into practice, making your belief in Jesus visible to someone else?

Day 5: Creating a Place of Belonging

Everyone longs to belong, and Jesus modeled radical inclusion—welcoming those who were different, marginalized, or unsure. The church is called to be a place where people feel they can belong even before they believe or behave a certain way. When we create environments of safety, joy, and acceptance, we reflect the heart of Jesus and open the door for people to encounter Him. Let us be intentional about making space for others, especially those who may feel like outsiders, so that they too can discover that God is for them and so are we. [02:16]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection: Who is someone in your community or church who may feel like an outsider, and how can you reach out to help them feel a sense of belonging this week?

Sermon Summary

Who first made you feel like you belonged? That longing to belong is something God placed in each of us, and it’s what made Jesus so compelling—people who were nothing like him wanted to be around him, and he welcomed them before they believed or behaved a certain way. That’s the kind of community we’re called to be: a place where everyone, especially those who aren’t sure what they believe, can know they matter to God and to us. Our mission is to encourage, equip, and lead people to follow Jesus, and our vision is to create a place unchurched people love to engage. Everything we do, including our “For St. Joe” initiatives, is simply a tool to show our community that God is for them, even if they’re not sure about God yet.

Looking at Hebrews, we see that faith is a relay race, not a solo sprint. The heroes of faith passed the baton from generation to generation, and now it’s our turn. Even if our own lives are messy, God uses messy people to carry and pass on faith. But if we fail to intentionally hand off a vibrant, enduring faith to the next generation, we risk losing the message of Jesus in our community, just as Israel did when they neglected to tell their children what God had done.

The next generation faces unique challenges—mental health struggles, exposure to violence and tragedy at younger ages, and relentless social and academic pressures. They need adults who will help them process life, teach them the wisdom of Jesus, and show them that God is for them. To pass the baton well, we must tether faith to the person of Jesus, not just to the Bible or to beliefs that can be easily shaken. We must emphasize following Jesus, not just believing in him, and keep our doors open when culture and faith collide, choosing conversation over public critique.

We involve young people in serving as early as possible, knowing that serving grows faith. We recruit and train great small group leaders who invest in kids and teens, modeling a faith that lasts. And we resist the pull to politicize the church, keeping our focus on Jesus rather than parties or agendas. The kind of faith we hand to the next generation—fragile or enduring, political or Christ-centered—depends on us. We cannot drop the baton. We must let the next generation know: God is for you, and so are we.

Key Takeaways

1. Belonging Precedes Belief and Behavior Jesus created a space where people felt they belonged before they believed or behaved a certain way. This radical hospitality is the foundation for a church that truly reflects Christ’s heart, inviting everyone in, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. When we prioritize belonging, we mirror the irresistible nature of Jesus and open the door for authentic transformation. [01:15]
2. Faith Is a Relay, Not a Solo Race The journey of faith is not meant to be run alone; it’s a relay passed from one generation to the next. Our responsibility is not just to run our own leg well, but to ensure a successful handoff to those who come after us, even if our own stories are messy. God has always used imperfect people to carry his message forward, and our willingness to pass the baton is what keeps faith alive in every age. [09:38]
3. Tether Faith to Jesus, Not Just to Doctrine Many lose faith when their understanding of the Bible is challenged, but the foundation of Christianity is not a book—it’s the resurrection of Jesus. By anchoring faith in the person and work of Christ, we give the next generation room to wrestle with doubts and questions without abandoning their relationship with God. This approach fosters a resilient faith that can withstand cultural and intellectual challenges. [20:26]
4. Serve Early, Serve Often: Faith Grows Through Action Serving others is a catalyst for spiritual growth, especially for young people. When we invite the next generation to serve alongside us, we not only help them develop a lasting faith, but we also model what it means to follow Jesus in practical ways. Faith that is lived out in service becomes real, tangible, and enduring. [29:44]
5. Resist Politicizing the Church—Keep the Focus on Jesus The temptation to align the church with political agendas is strong, but doing so risks alienating the very people we’re called to reach, especially the next generation. By refusing to play political games and keeping our message centered on Jesus, we create a space where all can encounter God’s love without barriers. Our mission is not to take sides, but to point people to Christ, who transcends every human agenda. [33:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - The Power of Belonging
[01:15] - Why People Were Drawn to Jesus
[02:16] - Creating a Church Where All Belong
[03:14] - Vision, Mission, and “For St. Joe”
[04:48] - The Church’s Fading Message and Hebrews’ Challenge
[06:22] - The Hall of Faith and the Relay Race
[09:38] - Passing the Baton: Our Responsibility
[13:27] - God Uses Messy People
[14:33] - The Consequences of Failing to Pass Faith
[16:39] - The Unique Challenges Facing the Next Generation
[19:07] - Six Ways to Pass the Baton
[20:26] - Tethering Faith to Jesus
[24:49] - From Believing to Following
[26:25] - Navigating Culture and Faith Collisions
[29:44] - Serving as a Catalyst for Faith
[30:43] - The Power of Small Group Leaders
[33:41] - Keeping the Focus on Jesus, Not Politics
[37:45] - What Kind of Faith Are We Handing Off?
[38:42] - Prayer for the Next Generation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) — > Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Judges 2:10 (ESV) — > And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.

Observation Questions

In Hebrews 12:1-2, what does the author say is the key to running the race of faith with endurance? How does the passage describe the role of Jesus in our faith journey?
According to the sermon, what made Jesus so attractive to people who were nothing like him? ([01:15])
What happened to the nation of Israel when one generation failed to pass on their faith, as described in Judges 2:10 and referenced in the sermon? ([14:33])
What are some of the unique challenges facing the next generation, as described in the sermon? ([16:39])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the author of Hebrews use the metaphor of a relay race instead of a solo sprint to describe the life of faith? What does this imply about our responsibility to others? ([09:38])
The sermon says that belonging comes before belief and behavior. Why is this order important for the church, and how does it reflect the way Jesus interacted with people? ([01:15])
The speaker emphasizes tethering faith to Jesus rather than just to doctrine or the Bible. Why might this be especially important for the next generation? ([20:26])
What are the potential consequences for a church or community if it becomes too focused on politics rather than on Jesus? ([33:41])

Application Questions

Who was the first person or group that made you feel like you belonged? How did that experience shape your view of faith or church? ([00:15])
Think about the next generation—kids, teens, or young adults you know. What is one practical way you could help them feel like they belong, even if they don’t believe or behave like you yet? ([02:16])
The sermon challenges us to “pass the baton” of faith. Is there someone in your life you could intentionally invest in or encourage in their faith journey? What would that look like this week? ([09:38])
When have you seen faith become fragile because it was tied to rules or beliefs instead of to Jesus himself? How can you help someone anchor their faith in Jesus? ([20:26])
Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to make faith about politics or culture wars? How can you keep your focus on Jesus and avoid alienating others, especially young people? ([33:41])
Serving is described as a catalyst for faith. What is one way you could invite a young person to serve alongside you, or how could you get involved in serving together as a family or group? ([29:44])
The sermon says, “We cannot drop the baton.” What is one step you can take this month to make sure the next generation knows that God is for them—and so are you? ([38:22])

Sermon Clips

``We want to tether the next generation's faith to the person of Jesus. Our faith, your faith and mine. Christianity. The foundation of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. That is the foundation. In fact, the Apostle Paul himself said if Jesus did not rise from the dead, that then all of this is useless. That was his word. Useless. It's pointless. It doesn't matter. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then nothing else matters. But because he did, the resurrection is the foundation of our faith. That's the roots right there. [00:20:22] (30 seconds) #FaithTetheredToJesus

But again, our Christianity, your faith and my faith, it sits atop an event. It sits atop the event of the resurrection. It does not sit atop the Book. And here's why I say that I do not believe, and we as a church do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead simply because the Bible says so. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead because Matthew, who was there, tells me, and Mark, who heard it from Peter, he tells me that. Who was there, by the way, Peter was there. And Luke, who heard it from hundreds of witnesses who were there, he tells us, And John, who was there for himself and saw it with his own eyes. And he tells us that Jesus rose from the dead. And Paul tells us that Jesus rose from the dead. And James, the brother of Jesus, he tells us that Jesus rose from the dead. And I don't even necessarily believe that simply because it's in the Bible. I believe it was included in the Bible because those people's testimony of their own eyewitness accounts was considered reliable for 300 years before those accounts were ever put into and assembled in the Bible. [00:23:15] (65 seconds) #EyewitnessFaithFoundation

It's really easy to make a point in our world. There we go. It's really easy to make a point in our world, but it's so much better. And you may be right, by the way. You may be right on your side of those issues, but it's so much better to make a difference, and I want to make a difference in the lives of young people and point them to Jesus. [00:29:11] (22 seconds) #FaithGrowsThroughService

I will take a stand. You know what I will take a stand for? I'll take a stand for Jesus. That's what I'll take a stand for. I will point people to Jesus. I will tether my faith, and I'll tether the faith of our church to Jesus. Because if we politicize the church, there's a really good chance that we can say goodbye to a very large part of the next generation. A very good chance. And even if that's not the case, even if the next generation wouldn't walk away because we chose to politicize the church, we just don't have any business politicizing the church. It's not our mission. It's not our mission. It's not why we exist. We do not exist to further whatever political stance we have on anything. Our mission is Jesus. [00:35:59] (44 seconds) #NextGenTiredOfNegativity

And the next generation, young people, I see it in my own kids. They are growing tired and they are growing weary of a church that is constantly against things. They are growing tired of a church that is constantly negative. They are growing tired of Christians that are constantly Pushing their agendas. We have one agenda here. I have one agenda when it comes to the next generation. I want to encourage, equip, and lead the next generation to discover and follow Jesus. [00:37:01] (40 seconds) #WhatFaithAreYouPassing

So what kind of faith. What kind of faith are we handing to the next generation? I'll personalize this. What kind of faith are you handing to the next generation? We cannot ignore this question. We cannot afford to ignore this question. Are we passing to the next generation? Are we handing that baton of faith to the next generation that is fragile, political, easy to walk away from? Or are we handing a baton of faith to the next generation that is strong and that is centered on Jesus and is built to last in their lives? The answer to that question depends on you and it depends on me. [00:37:41] (39 seconds) #DontDropTheBaton

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?