History has a way of repeating itself, doesn't it? In April 1865 Moses E. Lard, one of the "Pioneer" preachers, was disturbed as he saw various things happening. He referred to certain developments as "ill-omened symptoms in our ranks." Among other things he cited weak and effeminate preaching, the "pastor system" in many congregations, instrumental music, and other unauthorized practices as he deplored the changes that were coming over the brethren in many places.
Lard remarked: "He is a poor observer of men and things who does not see growing up among us a class of men no longer satisfied with the ancient gospel and the ancient order of things. These men must have changes; and silently they are preparing the minds of the brotherhood to receive changes. Be not deceived, brethren, the Devil is not sleeping. If you refuse to see the danger till ruin is upon you, then it will be too late." Lard was correct in his appraisal of his times. A new generation of seminary-trained, liberal minded, young preachers had come along. Dissatisfaction with the ancient gospel became more evident and digression spread rapidly as innovations were introduced into one congregation after another. The result was inevitable – DIVISION! There were those who were insistent upon following the Bible pattern opposed the[se] innovations and strove for the purity of the church of the Lord. But the majority embraced the digressive move toward change.
What happened in the late 1800s has happened in the mid and late 1900s and continues to the present. There are those who are no longer satisfied with the ancient gospel. Those who have been anxious to put the church "on the march," or to create a "a better image" for Christ’s church, or to involve churches in all sorts of projects, have slowly had their effect on the people. Simply put, too many people in too many churches are being taught by those who do not respect the authority of the Scriptures. It is no surprise that we have division.
There are still many congregations which have not followed the digressive pattern of the day. There are many who still believe that we must "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4:11) and that we dare not "go beyond the doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9). A firm, Bible-based conviction is the only thing that will preserve a congregation from apostasy. It is faith in "what is written" that causes a church to avoid the many innovations. It will never be out of place for Christians to ask for Bible authority for the things churches may begin to undertake. And it will always be right to resist and oppose any changes which involve a surrender of the all-sufficiency of Divine revelation, God's word. What Moses Lard saw in 1865 is likely to be seen in any age. Let us take ample warning from the lessons of history.
In our present time, there is a lack of knowledge and respect for the church that was in the mind of God from the foundation of the world -- the church which Jesus promised to build and which He established and purchased with His precious blood. Many today see the church as place for social activities; a place where the worship services must entertain and incite the emotions. The church in many places has become a baby sitter and a student activity center. Is it too late for many congregations to ask themselves just what is the purpose and work of the church? Does God judge the faithfulness of a congregation based upon the number of members, the size of the contribution and the multiplicity of activities? Such was not the standard by which the Lord judged the seven churches of Asia . The standard was faithfulness to the Head of the church (Jesus Christ) by submitting to His authority in all things.
The Lord's church was not established to take over the work of the home or the government. It was not established to entertain or provide physical recreation. It is the place where God's people are commanded to assemble on a regular and faithful basis to worship and serve their Lord. It is the pillar and the ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
When Christians assemble as the church, they do so to give praise and thanksgiving for all that God continually does for them. They assemble to fellowship and to feast on God's Word, to jointly pray together, to sing songs of praise, thanks- giving and edification, to commune with Jesus Christ in observance of the Lord's Supper, and to return joyfully, and liberally a portion of the material blessings that God has so richly bestowed upon them.
When Christians assemble with the right attitude they will find the worship services rewarding and fulfilling. "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him" (Col. 3:17). We strive to uphold the authority of God as revealed in His Word in all that we teach and practice. If you have a desire for simple worship, why not visit us and investigate for yourself?
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