In order to be more missional and culturally sensitive in
worship, churches around the globe have either changed or are considering
changing worship practices that have long remained the same. What gets little
discussion is what doesn't change. Here are five things that do NOT
change in worship, no matter what techniques or styles are applied.
1. God Himself does not
change.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus' sameness
yesterday, today, and tomorrow is our rock solid foundation - the "rock that is
higher than I." Cultural mores, modes, and methods may change but God means of
forgiveness through Word and Sacrament will never change, His faithfulness
doesn't waver, His promises aren't modified. Whatever He was yesterday, or will
be tomorrow He can always just say, "I AM"!
He who is the Glory
of Israel
does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his
mind.
(1 Samuel 15:29)
2. God's Word does not
change.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God
stands forever. (Is. 40:8)
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of
imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
The Word of God stands inviolable. Heaven and earth will pass
away, but not God's Word. It will never change, and it should never take second
place in our lives. The Word of God is a means that brings us to faith and
feeds that faith for living and all decisions, including those about worship.
3. Sound Doctrine Does
Not Change
Titus 1:9, speaking of
leadership, says, "He must hold
firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can
encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Pilate
and the world may ask, "What is truth?" but doctrinal truth taught in Scripture
does not change nor may it be watered down. It is "God-breathed" and "is useful
for teaching, rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness." Sound
leadership hinges on sound doctrine and those who teach correctly from God's
Word about worship or any other subject are to be cherished.
4. Spiritual Needs Do
Not Change
People of every generation need a Savior because "All have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by
Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24
The Father wills
that all men should hear this proclamation and come to Christ, and according to
his own word Christ will not turn them away, 'Him who comes to me I will not
cast out. (John 6:37)
I've been on numerous mission trips and every time preach or
teach in a foreign land with a translator at hand I am confronted with the
tremendous cultural differences between me and my audience. A lot of preaching
techniques I use in America
to hold attention and advance interest would be totally meaningless to foreign
audiences. Sometimes I start to fret about it and then I remember the great
truths of the passages above. Once I do that I am completely relaxed: they need
a Savior just as I need a Savior and they have human needs just as I do. Suddenly
the gap closes and I remember my preaching style matters nothing in comparison
to their spiritual need for Jesus to be their Lord and Savior - same as for me!
5. Spiritual Hunger
Does Not Change
The Father seeks to draw all people to Himself in every
generation. Paul preached:
"From one man he made every nation of men that they should
inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact
places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find
him, though he is not far from each one of us"(Acts 17:26-27).
