PASS IT ON

APRIL 18

Psalm 78

Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

Asaph understood the history of his people well. He recognized that their ancestors were a “stubborn and rebellious generation” (Psalm 78:4), repeatedly turning away from God despite His miraculous interventions. Time after time, they tested God with their lack of faith and disobedience, forgetting His works and suffering the consequences. To prevent future generations from following this same destructive path, Asaph emphasized the importance of teaching children about God’s laws and His mighty deeds (Psalm 78:4-6). He sought to build a foundation of faith that would endure.

The Puritans who founded Harvard University in 1636 shared a similar vision: to educate young men in knowledge and godliness, particularly for training ministers. The Harvard Charter of 1650 explicitly stated the university’s mission to educate both English and Native American youth in the Christian faith. Its original motto, “Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae” (Truth for Christ and the Church), reflected this commitment.

John Harvard, a Puritan minister, played a crucial role in the school’s survival and growth. Upon his death in 1638, at just 30 years old, he left half of his estate (equivalent to about $2 million today) and his personal library of 400 books to the young institution. His generosity helped Harvard establish itself as a center for Christian education. However, much like the Israelites in Asaph’s time, Harvard gradually drifted from its founding mission. By the 19th and 20th centuries, theological training had diminished, and secularism had taken root. Today, Harvard has essentially abandoned its original purpose of educating students in Christian faith and godliness. Instead, it now fosters a secular academic environment, severed from the biblical foundations upon which it was established.

Just as Asaph warned against forgetting God’s works, Harvard’s transformation serves as a modern example of what happens when truth is not passed on. Asaph’s call to teach the next generation remains just as relevant today, reminding us that because of sin and the relentless work of the enemy, without intentional efforts to preserve faith and godliness, they will inevitably be lost.

“Truth must be told, and teaching must be strong, or the next generation will drift.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: It was the heartfelt desire of the psalmist to pass on truth to the next generation.  We have too often neglected that important principle today.  What steps can you take to better engage with the youth in your life in passing on the truth of God’s Word?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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