With the advent of Facebook and other social media outlets, communication between all sorts of groups (including preachers and church leaders) has become much easier and more prevalent. This can obviously be a good thing. However, it has also brought even more awareness to the direction that some in the church are trying to go.
Sometimes there are statements like this: “After some time studying this matter, I think I have found a new way of looking at it.” “Does anyone have a new and fresh perspective that you could share on this verse?” “Following several months of study and prayer, we have decided that these particular worship practices are out-of-date and we need to adopt some more innovative worship styles.”
Brethren, can I ask you a question? Why are some folks always wanting some “new” and “fresh” approach or perspective to the Bible and Christianity? Is it that we are being influenced by our religious friends and we want to “fit in” with them? Do you remember how that worked out for Israel (1 Sam. 8:1-22)? Or have we become dissatisfied and apathetic toward the holy and distinctive message of God? Do you remember how that worked out for Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-3)? Now is not the time to waver on Divine truth!
Do we need a new perspective on the essentiality of baptism for one’s salvation from sins? Some think so, but Jesus doesn’t! What He said is still abiding truth—“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Do we need a new perspective on singing as the only authorized music in our worship? Some think so, but God doesn’t! What He said is still abiding truth—“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
Do we need a new perspective on the exclusive use of men in leadership positions in worship and in the church? Some think so, but God doesn’t! What He said is still abiding truth— “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere…And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:8-12).
The Athenians always wanted “either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). Some Christians are like that today. They’re not satisfied with “the old paths” (Jer. 6:16), but seek “another” message that will be new and exciting, forgetting that such has devastating consequences (Gal. 1:6-9). Brethren, let us truly love the truth, that we may not be led astray by any strong delusions (2 Thess. 2:10-11)!