Our Heritage

Our Heritage
Thanksgiving!
Terry R. Baughman

“For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name” (Psalm 61:5 NKJ).

A heritage of faith is of great value and should be highly prized. No one has the choice of where they were born, or what their family is like. Some have been born in deplorable conditions and endured great suffering, while others have experienced a loving home and unmatched support through their lives. While we have no choice of our beginnings, many of us have had the opportunity to embrace faith and find a new and welcoming community of believers, that provide that shelter of support and embrace we may not have known previously. 

Some were born in Christian homes and raised to follow scriptural principles and enjoyed the blessings of the church community from childhood. Others have had no knowledge of God and may have even considered themselves atheists, having never been taught biblical stories, or the simple message of the Gospel. However, it is God’s plan that all people may have the opportunity to know Him and come to faith that will completely transform their lives. Peter said that God is long-suffering, One who keeps His promises, and He is, “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJ).

Jesus came to earth to give Himself as a ransom for sin, so that, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ). He also stated, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJ). These truths that may be common to us are new to those who have never heard them. It is our desire to transmit the Gospel story in simplicity and in love to those who have never heard, so they too can come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and share in the born-again experience.

Some of us were born in homes of faith where the Word of God was read, church attendance was practiced, and many opportunities were given to grow in faith and a personal experience of salvation was encouraged. Some Pentecostals today trace their heritage for seven or eight generations. This is an awesome lineage among families of faith. However, it is just as important that each generation come to a place of believing in Jesus Christ and experiencing the New Birth for themselves. No one inherits the Spirit or becomes a Christian by nativity. All must be born again! Jesus said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 NKJ). 

Every child of God is a first generation Christian. All must surrender their lives to Christ and choose to follow Him. Whether we have a family lineage or not, we have the opportunity to have, “the heritage of those who fear Your name” (Psalm 61:5 NKJ). Paul became a father in the Gospel to the young man Timothy. However, Paul recognized the value of his upbringing, and those who had helped to shape his life of faith. Paul wrote to Timothy, “I’m filled with joy as I think of your strong faith that was passed down through your family line. It began with your grandmother Lois, who passed it on to your dear mother, Eunice. And it’s clear that you too are following in the footsteps of their godly example”  (2 Timothy 1:4–5 TPT). Let us be the beginning of a family that loves God, one who passes on the heritage of faith and becomes one who honors His great name! 

Theme passage:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NKJ).