Unwelcomed Changes
by an Old Disciple
“Meddle not with them that are given to change.”~ Prov. 24:21
“Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?”~ Jer. 2:36
“[He] shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and law.”~ Dan. 7:25
Change can be for the good or bad. When the latter, it is to be avoided. Now in my late 80’s and having preached some 65 years, I have had time to observe such changes in the church of God. Hindsight is a good thing if used for a good thing!
In this article, I would like to mention ten unwanted changes that have plagued the Church of Jesus Christ these past years. This is generally speaking; thank God for the few exceptions. Sad to say, they are few.
1. We have exchanged preaching for teaching, in order. Whenever Paul mentions his gifts, he always puts being a preacher first. Teaching keeps you right, bur preaching gets you right. We have put the ox before the cart, so to speak.
2. Many assemblies have become commercial centers rather than Christ-centered. Filthy lucre takes precedent over the Holy Child Jesus!
3. Co-operation among churches is no longer a reality. When I was first saved, any time our church held a revival we would have 25 churches visit, unsolicited. They consisted of Church of God, Nazarene, old-time Methodist, etc. What sweet fellowship!
4. Pastors are planners and administrators today, not men given to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
5. It seems we are no longer interested in building up people, but building buildings.
6. Entertainment is the ‘draw card’-- not receiving a blessing. Just as long as our foot pats, it matters not if our hearts do not pant.
7. We have a form of knowledge but no power. We sit before imitation fireplaces every Sunday.
8. God’s people are no longer participants in the services but only observers.
9. Everything is youth oriented with an over-emphasis on the younger generation, giving a pat on wisdom’s grey hair once in a while.
10. Sin, death, repentance, judgment and hell are foreign words to the people in the pews. Yet the Word of God (1611 K.J.V.) is replete with these words
In closing, let me assure my readers in writing this article that I did not dip my pen in acid, but tears.
“For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.”~ 2 Cor. 2:4
You write the truth, Preacher. It’s sad what is happening in the churches that were once on fire for God.