We have studied many areas in the church and examined them in accordance to the Bible. We have taken a fresh look at salvation, singing specials in church, women singing specials in church, passing the plate for the offering, the invitation, public praying, the Lord's supper, bus and Sunday school give aways, children absent from our church services, and our missions programs.
Missionary Brian Elam recently visited our church and I greatly enjoyed our time together. In one of our conversations, he stated, "We do not need to ask ourself if something is wrong, but rather, 'What does God think about this'?" I believe that statement truly wraps up my intention for the past four month's posts. I have endeavored on cozaddale chronicles to take a fresh look at these areas in relation to God's Word.
The question is, are we so ingrained in our traditions that we will not consider change, or will we be sensitive to the teachings of God's Word?
In regards to salvation, are we consumed more with the lost saying a prayer and finding assurance in their prayer, or rather obtaining an understanding and repenting and believing? Far too many are doubting their salvation today because they have been told to base their salvation on their prayer and not on the finished work of Christ.In regards to ladies singing in church, are they not "teaching and admonishing in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs"; and is a woman supposed to teach a man?
In regards to prayer, our Lord specifically instructs the disciples not to pray as the hypocrites, standing up publicly with repetition. There are no Scriptures to be found of public prayer in the church. Nor are there Scriptures for passing an offering plate, bus give aways, jr. churches, or mission boards. The question should not be "Is it Wrong?" Rather, what does God think on these matters? Are there principles and commands in Scripture that the above not align with? If so, should we not change?We cannot allow traditions and 'the way we've always done it' to rationalize our practices. Men's ideas and philosophies, if contrary to Scripture invalidates our worship. Matthew 15 reads,
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
So, how many Baptist does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: 'CHANGE?????'
