scope. Christian fellowship is some times unfortunately broken just be cause someone else may not share our precise convictions concerning some form of methodology in Christian witness and outreach. The problem is, we are creatures of habit with a tendency to attach a great importance to the past when it may not be fully warranted. There must be new ways and new meth ods to reach men and women for God. This ordeal of change can sometimes be painful and difficult. Can you as a group or a church look critically at the activities you are pursuing to determine your ef fectiveness for the Lord? Are you simply perpetuating things that are quite ineffective and are producing few results? There should be goals established seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit if we are to reach our objectives. Robert Moses de clared, “Have no fear of change as such. On the other hand, take no liking for it merely for its own sake." That is good advice. In our churches we desperately need to look at change from a utilitarian point of view. Is what we are doing really effective? There are some who continually improve their ways of doing things without ever really knowing what they are trying to accomplish. Dr. Albert Einstein put it succinctly by writing, “Few things so characterize our day as the per fection of means and the confusion of goals." We do instinctively resist change. For this reason we must discipline ourselves, thinking objectively as to the desired results. All variances from the past must be measured and evaluated in the light of God's eternal, infallible Word. We must not forget the theological abso lutes, but seek for that victory and
power which Scripture promises will be ours by faith. THE CARE OF THE CHURCHES Unquestionably the church is the object of severe attacks today from from different quarters. The enemy of our souls is constantly raising his objections. The pressure against the organization God has ordained comes from within as well as from without. We cannot escape the Bib lical fact that Christ founded the church. It is His instrument for the accomplishment of His eternal purpose in our desperately needy world. Some time ago I was invited to preach for a friend whom I have known for many years. Arriving at his place on Saturday, we talked about the following day's activities. As to my responsibilities he pointed out, "Now, Olan, we have a service in the morning at 11:00 which is for worship, and at which time we observe communion. The evening should be an evangelistic mes sage." This seemed questionable to me in such times, so I asked him, "Why is the thrust in the eve ning on evangelism?" He was somewhat taken aback and could only respond, "Well, because we have always had one then." I pressed on, "But is that when you usually have the most unsaved in your services?" He thought for a moment and had to respond in the negative. He was getting the point as he realized the danger of resist ing change which might ultimately result in less effective testimonies for the Lord. We must not mistake precedent and practice for doctrine and absolutes. Evangelism in the evening service was begun before the days of television and even long before the automobile was in-
Page 32
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker