The Front Page
Changes In The Church

Brethren, do you remember with fondness the time, in the not so distant past, when one could visit in churches of Christ across this great land and find uniformity in worship? Oh, there might be differences in the order of service. Occasionally, you might visit a congregation that used only one cup in the Lord’s Supper. But, generally you knew what to expect when you visited a church of Christ, where ever you might be on the Lord’s Day. A brother in Christ, perhaps one of the elders, would call the worship service to order by welcoming the visitors and making announcements concerning the congregation and it’s work. The service would then be turned over to the song leader, who would lead the congregation in a few songs. At some point an opening prayer would be led, the Lord’s Supper would be served, the contribution would be collected and a sermon preached from the Bible. The non-Christians would be encouraged to obey the gospel and the unfaithful Christians would be encouraged to return to God. A closing prayer would be led and the church would be dismissed. All of this was in keeping with the revealed word of God, Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19, 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 1 Cor. 11: 17-34; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-12.

Unfortunately, things have changed that make it necessary to plan travel very carefully to avoid the surprises of unscriptural worship. The sign outside might still say “Church of Christ” but once inside very little may be familiar. The announcements may be concerning the church members and the Scriptural work of the church, or it could be concerning the church’s participation in the latest Billy Graham Crusade. The song leader may be a man or a woman. The singing may be “a cappella” or they may use instrumental music. Faithful men may serve the Lord’s Supper, or some of the sisters may also serve at the Lord’s table. The preacher may be a man or a woman and he or she may be a member of the church of Christ or a member of some denomination. The Lord’s Supper may be served on Sunday and/or any other day of the week. Perhaps, you have seen some of these changes where you worship.

Why are these changes taking place? Why are preachers taking the lead in promoting unscriptural practices, instead of fighting them? Why are elders allowing the changes to come in, instead of resisting. WHY ARE MEMBERS STAYING WHERE THESE CHANGES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AND IMPLEMENTED??? In my opinion, the main reason for the change is that many churches are made up of brethren, from pew to pulpit, who are more concerned about numbers, popularity in the community and being entertained than they are concerned about a “thus says the Lord.”

Brethren, what we need is to Restore, the Restoration Movement. For almost 200 years, here in The United States, church of Christ pulpits have rang out the cry for the return to New Testament Christianity. Now, at the beginning of the 21st Century many of those same pulpits are ringing out a call to return to Denominationalism. The preachers who promote it, the elders who allow it and every member who stays in those apostate churches will give an account, 2 Cor. 5:10. I am not saying, “Leave immediately!” Stay and fight, fight it as long as you can, influence as many as possible to stand for the truth, try to save the congregation. But, “… do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them," Eph. 5:11. If your efforts are unsuccessful, be willing to recognize the principle taught in 2 Cor. 6:14-18 and “come out from their midst and be separate, Says the Lord.” There are still churches of Christ standing for the truth. There may even be one in your community or city. You may have heard them referred to as “Antis.” You may have heard they were “orphan haters” who don’t believe in “church cooperation.” These churches have not, as predicted “died on the vine.” Remember, in many cases, the same people who told you those things, are now telling you to fellowship denominational people. Can you really believe what they have said? Why not check it out for yourself. Once you meet these brethren, listen carefully to what they teach and apply the Berean test, Acts 17:11. You may be pleasantly surprised. - Richard C. Sims

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