The Same 'Ol Thing ...

Every day I receive a daily Bible verse from B97.5 and yesterday's verse was 

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

I love this verse. I love the promise and assurance that is found in the consistency of Christ especially in a world that is constantly changing. While I am an old-fashioned, traditional, conservative girl I recognize that change is necessary in pretty much every aspect of our lives and that rings true for our churches today. And as long as that change remains theologically true to the Word of God then I have no problem with it but when we start compromising on the integrity of scripture in order to meet the culture's mandate then we have a problem. When we start incorporating secular business practices in our church's organizational makeup and business meetings then my heart automatically cries 

Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  

Or I think of the catchy phrase, that is based out of scripture, which we so often like to quote that we are to be in the world but not of the world. I understand that the church is a business and that it has to be run well but let's not forget that first and foremost it is still the church. Everything about us should be different - including how the church handles their daily business. It should be marked with love and grace not masked by the name "Christian." Anyway, I digress ... (the pk in me is coming out ... I may need to go have a counseling session with myself. This is what happens when you have to be quiet for most of your life!! Ha!) 

What I want to do today is share about the things that I see that haven't changed in the church that we are still doing "right." 

1. I love the fact that are churches of all shapes, sizes and styles for people to choose from. I'm a choir girl. I like a piano and an organ on Sundays ... give me some drums, a guitar and a orchestra and I'm in heaven! Can I worship if a praise band is leading the worship? Absolutely! But I prefer a traditional setting. I love it. I like a blended worship service ... Because He Lives I know personally that He is Mighty to Save and no matter what comes He is my Cornerstone and that there is always Room at the Cross. I love expository, alliterated preaching! Give me the meat and potatoes! I love walking into a sanctuary and seeing baby faces, hormone-marked faces, weary young parent faces, frustrated "I'm the parent of a teenager" faces, elated empty-nester faces and the seamed by years of living by faith and grateful to still be able to tell the story of His faithfulness in their life faces (a.k.a a multi-generational church). Some of my best memories have been sitting with my grandparents in church. I wouldn't trade that for anything. And I love that an invitation to receive Christ is given at the end of every service. We should never take for granted that everyone present is a believer or that God isn't convicting them or calling them to rededicate their lives to Him. Whoa to us if we ever end a service without giving someone an opportunity to make a decision, no matter what it is, for Christ. 
2. I love that we haven't adopted an attitude that one church must fit all. And I hope that the churches that have found what works for their communities won't seek to change simply because that's the thing to do. That would be like Chick-Fil-A deciding to make hamburgers because their customers want more options. Chick-Fil-A makes great chicken sandwiches, wraps, tenders and salads. If people want a hamburger then they can go somewhere else.
3. VBS - Vacation Bible School (Just in case my brother is reading this!). It still makes a difference in the lives of children and youth. Last night, at my boyfriend's church, I saw at least 10 hands raised when the pastor asked if anyone had prayed to receive Christ. (Yes, I peeked! I'm the girl who's pastor dad told her, in her 20s mind you, "Melody, when I say every head bowed and every eye closed that includes you!") Out of 195 people there last night 10 raised their hands acknowledging that Christ was, at the very least, at work in their lives!!!!!! This is huge. For 5 days or nights out of the year adults gather together and invest in the lives of these young people and while they may not see evidence of this right away the impact is lifelong. I truly believe that the summers I spent in VBS and the Sundays I spent in Sunday School before August of 1993 all had a part in my coming to Christ. It matters. And I love that churches all over America still recognize the impact this ministry has and each year take the time to invest in the souls of their children.

These are just a few of the things that I am thankful for today that are still the "same". Please know that I am not bashing change ... in many ways I embrace it but I do enjoy the familiar. What are some things that have have stayed the same that you are thankful for?

I love you all!

Blessings ...

- Melody Faith