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INTRODUCTION As one preacher said, "The winds of change are blowing." Another preacher said, "The cold winds of change are blowing." It seems to me there are those who are terrified by the changes taking place in the Church. Others welcome these changes. I think change is inevitable. I see changes taking place all around me. Each time I look in a mirror, I see change taking place. Unfortunately, change makes us feel uncomfortable. We like to stay within our comfortable zone. I think it is safe to say, forty years ago you could visit most congregations of the church of Christ and expect things to be done, for the most part, like things are done at your home congregation. People liked it that way and most people wanted it to stay that way. Those days are gone. When you visit sister congregations of the church of Christ today, one is not sure what to expect. Changes are taking place in the brotherhood of church of Christ. I know of congregations where the members clap their hands when they sing and freely express emotions. Congregations are allowing and encouraging women to take a more visible role in the Church. These are just a few of the changes that are taking place in the Church. CHANGES ARE CONSTANT I grew up in a little wide spot in the road called Minor Hill, Tennessee. I attended the Minor Hill church of Christ as a boy and remember it with fondness. I can visualize in my mind sitting inside the Church building and watching the men of the congregation conduct the worship service. Three men would come forth and give thanks for the fruit of the vine and the bread before the congregation would partake of the Lord's Supper. In those days, a white spotless linen cloth was used to cover the communion. It was fascinating as a child to watch the designated brother meticulously take the white cloth and neatly fold it and place it aside. The last time I visited the Minor Hill congregation the white linen cloth was no longer used. Why? Change! I wasn't there but I can imagine there were those who did not appreciate the change. I can imagine there were those who did not want to give up that linen cloth. WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT ALL THESE CHANGES? I believe we should ask ourselves three questions before we make changes or accept change in Church: 1. Are these changes we are wanting to make or expected to make a plan violation of Scripture? We are warned in 2 John 1:9 - 11 to be careful for, "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son." We must first and foremost ask, "What will the Lord think about this?" It doesn't matter how appealing an idea is, if doing it violates a clear Bible principle, it must be rejected. We must remember, our ultimate purpose is to please the Lord and then outselves. 2. Are changes needed? The old saying, "If it's not broken, why fix it?" A Church does not have to change simply because a sister Church has decided it is in their best interest to do so. 3. How will these changes help us to better worship God and serve others? WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN METHODS AND PRINCIPLES. Another key element in answering this question concerning change in the Church is to understand the difference between methods and principles. A method is an application of a biblical truth or principle. What is most important, a method or principle? A biblical principle is most important of course. A biblical truth or principle for example is the Communion or Lord's Supper. We are not only told to do it; we are told how to do it. We are also told when to do it. "And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered to break bread." (Acts 20:7) We know from Scripture that we are to use the "fruit of the vine" and "unleavened bread." We are taught in Scripture to do it with one thing in mind. "...the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup after supper saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me" (1 Cor. 11:24-25) Question: What would be wrong with using milk and cookies instead of "fruit of the vine" and "unleavened bread"? The answer is obvious. You might say, "I like milk and cookies better than juice and bread." My answer to you is after church go home and have your milk and cookies! Now with that said, is there anything we can change about the Lord's Supper? We can decide not to drape a white linen cloth over the communion, or to partake before or following the sermon. We can do things differently as long as we do not tamper with the truth or undermine God's pattern for worship. CONCLUSION I personally believe some change is necessary in order for the Church to reach more people and better serve one another. I think every congregation should examine what they are doing and how they are doing it. I think leaders should ask themselves, "Is there a better way?" Finally, I am not convinced change or simply doing things differently is the solution to the problems confronting the Lord's Church. I agree some changes are inevitable and perhaps necessary. However, I think it is our attitude that must change first. If we, the members, were more committed to the Lord and His Church all our problems would be solved. |
| IS GOD AGAINST THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN HIS CHURCH |
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| Member Wildwood Valley church of Christ |
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