Making people disciples of Jesus is a responsibility that ensures the survival of the Church by sharing the truth of God with the next generation. The Israelites were exhorted to do this: "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you" (Deuteronomy 32:7). At an advanced age King David prayed: "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, o God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come" (Psalm 71:18).

The first stage for sharing the truth with the next generation is the family unit: "And it shall be, when your children say to you, What do you mean by this service?" (Exodus 12:26, referring to the Passover). "So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, What is this?" (Exodus 13:14, referring to the Exodus).

Some in the church are formally entrusted with the task of passing on the truth to the next generation: "And the things that you [Timothy] have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). But we should all always be ready to explain our beliefs to other people: "Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

How well do we know some of the basic teachings of Christian living? For example, the "first lessons of the Christian message" (Hebrews 6:1; Good News Bible) such as repentance from dead works, faith, baptism, resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment? If anyone asks us about these teachings — or other basic teachings — can we give a clear, biblical, well-founded answer?

If so, then congratulations! We are able to share our faith with the next generation.

If not, we have some work ahead of us so that others, in asking us about our faith, may experience the fulfillment of the passage in Exoduss 32:7: "Ask … your elders [in the faith], and they will tell you."

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!