Friday; June 1

Should our religion change with the times?  As I stare at that question, I can see it being answered in so many ways depending upon how and when it is answered.  On one hand, there is an appeal to doing things the same way the New Testament church did things, but technology and social capabilities have changed through the years.  On the other hand, we have to be relevant to an ever-changing world if we want to have any hope of reaching the lost.  If we never changed our worship would probably need to be conducted in house-churches, listening to the gospel being preaching in Greek or Aramaic while chanting the psalms, but if there is nothing sacred,  then there can be no limits on how far (or how far-out) we can go. It is difficult to balance those things that must remain constant with those that open to adjustments. 
          Through the years I have tried to develop a mindset that allows me to feel comfortable with my understanding of religion.  At the heart of the approach is, “What does the Bible say?”.  If there are implicit commands or examples of what needs to be done and how it should be done, we’d better remain true to the Word.  But, what should we do when the Bible is silent?  Several years ago there was a movement that asked the question, “What Would Jesus Do?”  (WWJD).  As I pondered the issue of the modernization of religion, I was drawn to this concept.  If Jesus was going to join us in our Christian worship, what would He feel comfortable doing? 
          The church in the First Century was challenged, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”. (Hebrews 13:7-8)  As we approach our spiritual living, let’s not place an emphasis on being pleasing to the world or true to our manmade traditions, let’s seek to please our Lord.
Think About It!

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