October 25, 1998
"Analysis of Change Agent Methodology"
[Editor's note: Many of you have spoken of being away on vacation or business and visiting churches that did not seem to place an emphasis on maintaining the distinctiveness of New Testament Christianity. Hopefully, this article will help you identify "red-flag" attitudes and statements that are characteristic of those who have no interest in seeking "the old paths, wherein is the good way" (Jer. 6:16). JTC]
The "user-friendly" concept of the Lord's church is threatening the brotherhood and making substantial gains in the larger cities in the area (Birmingham, Memphis, Huntsville, Montgomery). This concept is also known as "seeker-oriented." An example of this is the use of Andy Griffith reruns in Bible class by the Twickenham Church of Christ in Huntsville. Brethren must be warned about the advocates of change (1 Pet. 5:8-9). Left unchallenged, this movement will only gain momentum in leading away people from the pattern revealed in the New Testament (2 Tim. 1:13).
In recent years, self-described "change agents" have arisen in the church to alter and abandon the ideals of New Testament Christianity. At the heart of the problem is a lack of respect for the authority of Jesus Christ and His Word (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17). We should note that when men and women abandon the authority of Christ, there is no end to the ceaseless innovations and alterations that will occur. One ingredient in the change agent recipe is the introduction of "contemporary worship services." A number of larger metropolitan congregations are now offering a contemporary worship service in addition to the "traditional" service. Contemporary services generally include applause, clapping during singing, and the raising of hands during the service.
Other groups have even introduced instrumental music into the worship. Some catch-phrases of these groups with reference include: "The Bible is not a blueprint for us to follow, but rather a love letter from God. "While the Bible is given to men out of God's great love for man (Tit.2:11-14), it is more than a love letter. In John 14-17, Jesus told the twelve of His impending departure. In John 14:26, Jesus said He would send the Spirit to bring them into remembrance of everything He had said to them. This included what He said only minutes earlier- "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (14:15) and what He said minutes later- "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (15:14)."Our worship is designed for the ‘unchurched' or ‘the seeker.'
"Question: Since when was worship ever designed to please the "unchurched" or "the seeker?" Worship is mandated by God and by its very nature is designed to please God. What I want is of no consequence! "God is spirit, and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). When men change the prescribed method of worship to suit their own fancy or "felt needs," the worshiper supplants his own will for the will of God and in truth, worships himself! God does not take lightly the alteration or ignoring of His Word (Lev. 10:1-2; 2 Sam. 6:3-7; Rev. 22:18-19). END PART ONE
Analysis- PART TWO
We continue this week to identify "red flag" attitudes and statements that are characteristic of those who do not place a premium on maintaining the distinctiveness of New Testament Christianity and have no interest in seeking "the old paths, wherein is the good way (Jer. 6:16). " It has been well- said, "to be fore-warned is to be fore-armed." JTC]
Last week, we identified and responded to two catch-phrases of change-oriented groups with reference to worship. They were: "The Bible is not a blueprint for us follow, but rather a love letter from God," and, "Our worship is designed for the ‘unchurched' or ‘the seeker. "Here is a new one making the rounds: "Jesus didn't die for a cappella music. "At first glance, that statement appears to have some validity, but careful consideration and a little thoughtfulness will show otherwise.
In addressing the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28, the apostle Paul said God purchased the church with His own blood. In so doing, everything relative to the church is made holy by the blood of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 5:26-27, Paul said Jesus sanctifies and cleanses the church with the washing of water by the word for this purpose- "that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. "Now, consider the following— In John 17:17 Jesus said we are sanctified (made holy and/or fit for service) by God's Word which is truth. In John 4:24 we are commanded by Jesus to worship according to truth. Therefore, any worship not in harmony with the truth of God's word defiles the church for which Jesus died.
By contrast, worship according to truth is holy and makes the participants holy. It is a part of walking in the light, an action which provides fellowship with God and contact with the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7). Conclusion- Jesus DID die for a cappella music, the same way He died for the other acts of worship, the plan of salvation, church benevolence (James1:27), and every other aspect of church life.
Here is another one I hear (or read) on a regular basis: "Instrumental Music is a matter of tradition, not of scripture," or, "Instrumental music is a non-issue," or, "The Bible is silent about music in worship, therefore it is a matter of personal preference. "Paul commanded the Thessalonians to "stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Thes.2:15). In chapter 3, failure to abide in said tradition was grounds for the withdrawal of fellowship (3:6). Paul's epistles (tradition) were also referred to as "scripture" (2 Pet. 3:16). Therefore, a cappella music in worship is a matter of tradition and scripture, for tradition and scripture are one and the same (provided you use "tradition" in the strict sense). (Obviously, this is not what the change agent means by "tradition," but I mention this to provide you with an initial response to this argument.)
A more direct response might be, "The scholars are in general agreement with regard to the early church employing only a cappella music in its worship. "In addition, many denominational "giants" have also condemned the use of instrumental music in worship. Among them, John Wesley (founder of the Methodism), Martin Luther (Lutheran founder), John Calvin and John Knox (Presbyterian), and Charles Spurgeon (Baptist). Though quoting these men ultimately proves nothing, it does show agreement among the "giants" of denominations with regard to music in worship.
Finally, the Bible is NOT silent regarding music in worship. The New Testament specifies congregational singing in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians3:16. When God specifies what He wants, He does so to the exclusion of anything and everything else! An excellent example of the exclusionary principle is the specification of gopher wood in the building of the ark. When God specified gopher wood, he excluded every other type of wood or other material that could have been used in the building of an ark. Never let anyone tell you God is silent on this issue! God has spoken! Brethren, whenever we hear the ‘voices of non-distinction' (1 Cor.14:7-10) in matters concerning the church and its teaching, we must be ready to give an answer! (1 Peter 3:15) TC
Burleson Church of Christ
10655 U.S. Hwy 278
Hamilton, AL 35570