The Perils of Next Generation Christianity

Guiding Question: What kind of faith and leadership does the next generation of Christians need to resist spiritual decline and carry the church forward?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis uses humor, cultural critique, and biblical insight to deliver a sobering and urgent call for the next generation—particularly those under 40—to wake up to the dangers of spiritual drift. Through a satirical opening commercial for a fictional "pious pill," he illustrates the tendency of modern culture to seek artificial shortcuts for deep issues, including spiritual maturity.

The message pivots to the biblical examples of Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31, and Paul and Timothy in 2 Timothy 3. Lewis warns that every generation faces powerful cultural currents—what he calls the "undertow"—that pull believers away from authentic faith. He describes a four-generation cycle from spiritual excitement to eventual emptiness and argues that only by becoming a renewed “first generation” church can younger believers break that cycle.

Outline:

1. Satirical "Pious Pill" Sketch – Critique of easy spiritual fixes.

2. Artificial Maturity – Cultural obsession with shortcuts to growth.

3. Undertow Metaphor – Spiritual drift illustrated through generational flow.

4. Deuteronomy 31 – Moses’ warning to Joshua: Stay faithful to “the Rock.”

5. 2 Timothy 3 – Paul’s charge to Timothy: Resist cultural corruption.

6. Four Modern Spiritual Currents:

   • Corrupt personal values (self, money, pleasure).

   • Corrupt behaviors (pride, irreverence, gossip).

   • Formalized religion without power.

   • False teachers offering spiritual tricks.

7. Call to the Next Generation:

   • Be Standard Bearers: Hold firm to Scripture.

   • Be Personal Trainers: Disciple others deeply.

   • Be Generous Givers: Time, money, and energy for the Kingdom.

   • Be Risk Takers: Bold, creative, globally-minded leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Spiritual maturity can’t be manufactured with shortcuts; it requires discipline and authenticity.

• Generational drift is natural unless intentionally resisted through biblical conviction and courage.

• Leaders must prepare for cultural and theological challenges that mimic spirituality but lack truth.

• The next generation can become a renewed "first generation" if they commit to deep personal growth and bold faith.

• The church's future vitality depends on young Christians stepping into leadership, with courage and vision.

Scriptural References

• 2 Timothy 3:1–9 – Warnings of cultural decay and false spirituality in the last days.

• Deuteronomy 31:15–23 – Moses warns of Israel’s tendency to forget God.

• Deuteronomy 32:4–18 – God as “the Rock” and Israel’s rebellion.

• Joshua 1:8–9 – Be strong and courageous; obey the Word.

• 1 Timothy 4:12 – Young believers are called to be examples.

• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrust the faith to faithful teachers.

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Wealth should be used to build God’s Kingdom.

• Hebrews 1:1–2 – These are the “last days” where God speaks through His Son. Recorded 2/20/05