The Candlelight Sanctuary

February 10, 2009
Tuesday

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.

    — C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963

Topic: Scripture or Philosophy

(John 21:16) He saith to him the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus ask Simon Peter this question three times. Each time Peter answered in the affirmative. Each time Jesus responded with either “feed my lambs” or, “feed my sheep.”

As C. S. Lewis pointed out many decades ago, Jesus’ commandment was, “Feed my sheep” not, “Perform experiments on my rats” or, “Teach my dogs new tricks.” Sadly, the latter two practices have only become a more grievous concern in most denominations since Mr. Lewis penned those words.

Our Creator has given us a love of permanence by assuring us that He is unchanging and that His Church is built upon a rock. Centuries of tradition gave our ancestors security in their faith. However, today, not only is time honored tradition being attacked, but the true understanding and teaching of the sacred Scriptures is being perverted as well. Insidiously, “new age” preaching of a “watered down” gospel is portraying the “tried and true” as merely sentimental non-sense and those with a desire for change, novelty, entertainment and experimentation are easily deceived by wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The Church must always be immovable and remain unchanging in its teaching and worship practice. It cannot change with every wind that blows to accommodate a corrupt and immoral world. After all, the Church is here to conform the world to the image of Christ. Man’s opinion must stop taking precedence over the Word of God. Men, called by God, must feed His sheep from the Word instead of man’s philosophies and worship services must follow a familiar pattern.

If the service is unfamiliar, it becomes a distraction and a hindrance to worship. One should never have to think about what comes next; it should be as second nature to the congregation as one tying his shoe after slipping it on his foot. It must follow a familiar sequence. Doing something different each week may be novel or even entertaining, but it most certainly cannot be conducive to dedicated worship.