It seems that people today are always seeking something new to entertain their fancies. They want new clothes, new cars, new houses and new ways to worship the Lord. It is evident that people have not learned what Paul had learned. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11). Contentment is a great virtue for the child of God as it brings peace of mind and stability in difficult times. The worship of the Lord in the assembly of saints should be a time of peace and contentment and we are given plenty evidence of the New Testament pattern of worship. It is too bad that people aren’t satisfied as David was with the house of God. David said, “… we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” (Psalm 65:4). David was satisfied with the goodness of God’s house.
People today aren’t satisfied with the goodness of God’s house as something new is continually being added. The apostle John tells us the seriousness of adding anything to the clear instructions in the word of God. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:” (Rev. 22:18). By the same token, those that would take away from the book of prophecy will have their part taken out of the book of life (not Lamb’s book of life) and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. The modern worship service doesn’t even begin to resemble the worship service that is recorded in scripture.
They are desiring things new today and they were wanting things new even in the Old testament but what does the Bible say? Jeremiah admonishes the people of God: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jer. 6:16). The old paths are those instituted by God and are found in God’s word. Not only do people want new ways but they want leaders (ministers) to encourage them in their scriptural deviance. Paul writes Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” (II Tim. 4:3). Israel of old did not want the prophets to really tell it like it actually was. Israel’s attitude was: “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” (Isa. 30:10).
I see new places of worship sprout up in new areas and they must be disgruntled believers who have become disenchanted and desirous of something new so they will start their own church. The truth is it is not “our church” but the Lord’s church and He has given us a pattern to follow that is complete. As the song says, “If it was good enough for Paul and Silas, it is good enough for me.” David was satisfied with the goodness of God’s house and so should we. ‘There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12). The old adage “the bigger the better” is not always true as Jesus describes what the true kingdom of God consists: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). Notice it is a little flock; it is not a Mega church. Money is the name of the game in the Mega church and this is only reasonable since they have so many “new” things they have to support.
The church is the ship of Zion and it sails on troubled seas. It will be fine as long as the water stays outside the ship, but when it begins to seep into the ship, it is in danger. The church is in the world; that is true; however, when the world gets into the church, there is danger. Remember it doesn’t take a lot as “a little leaven leaventh the whole lump.” The Bible tells us to prove all things and God’s way has always been proven to be the right and best way. Stick to the old paths and maintain the course and not be led astray with those that are continually seeking something new in the Lord’s house.–April 5, 2018–Elder Larry Wise
