Have you noticed how many churches are trying to “repackage” what they offer to make it sound more modern and attractive to people? A denomination in one town has signs out that it has changed its Bible class time to “Foundational Studies,” and worship time is now “Fellowship Opportunities.” It reminds me of a billboard that I saw a while back; it read, “Church 2.0: Upgraded for the new millennium.” Of course, it was a play on computer language to attract attention. It certainly caught my attention. Does the church need upgrading?
Well, since the church is comprised of people, in a sense, we all need upgrading. If we think of the term upgrade as a synonym for growth, there is always room for improvement in our lives. We are to measure our lives by Christ (Ephesians 4:15), which continually encourages us to reflect more of Him in our lives. In our attitude to please God, we should excel still more (1 Thessalonians 4:1). In our love for each other, we can excel still more (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). In the flesh, we have a constant battle with sin. If we’re honest with ourselves, there is always more we can do to be like Christ.
On the other hand, if we are thinking of the doctrine and practice of the church, of something different than that revealed in Scripture, then to upgrade is to destroy the Gospel message and forfeit our salvation. Jude reminds us that the faith has been “once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Paul warned the Galatians that anyone preaching a different gospel, either himself or an angel from heaven, would distort the Gospel of Christ and fall under God’s curse (Galatians 1:6-9). Paul exhorted Timothy to hold fast the pattern or standard of sound words that he had taught him (2 Timothy 1:13).
Unfortunately, it’s in this second sense that the billboard speaks. In an effort to attract numbers, the authority of Scripture is quickly abandoned. Salvation, worship and Christian living are all brought in line with what’s palatable to modern ideas. This may appeal to the sensibilities of humanity, but not to God. Salvation, worship and Christian living are to be God-focused. It is Deity who is to be worshipped, not human will (Colossians 2:23). When we substitute our ways in place of His way, we’re the ones who loose. Church 2.0? No thanks. I prefer New Testament Christianity, and the assurance of eternal life it alone provides.
