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There is a common debate in American churches today. It is the ‘traditional’ versus ‘contemporary’ debate.
How do you define traditional? Wasn’t ‘traditional’ contemporary at one time or another?
Think about it. When today’s ‘traditional’ hymns were written, many in the 1600’s, the hymns were new, right? While these songs are great, they were written by humans, based on their experiences and stories. What were they singing before those new hymns were written? The original worship songs are preserved for us in the Psalms.
Take a minute and look at many of the ‘new’ worship songs. What are the words? “Blessed be the name of the Lord”, “As the dear panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee”, “The name of the Lord is … a strong tower … the righteous run it to it .. and they area saved”, “I will sing of your love forever”. Where do these words come from? The words come straight from the Scriptures. Many, if not most, from Psalms and Proverbs.
Everything old is new again.
With the move to ‘contemporary’ music, there is also a move to small groups that meet outside of the ‘traditional’ Sunday School hour. Much of our older generation is resistant to this ‘new’ concept. They are fearful of what is taught in these small groups that are held outside of the church building.
Again, think about it. Jesus taught throughout his ministry. Did he teach Sunday School classes in the Temple, or did he teach in peoples’ homes and in the community? When people wanted to meet Him or wanted Him to heal someone, did he say, “Okay, bring them over to the Temple during our established meeting times and I’ll see what I can do?” No! He went to where they lived.
Fast forward to the early American days. How did many of our churches get started? Did church buildings instantly appear? Again, no. At that time, ‘circuit’ preachers, traveling mostly on horseback, went to where the people were. They gathered in cabins or homes whenever the preacher made it to their towns, which was usually only once every six or seven weeks. In between visits from the circuit preacher, they would study on their own – where? – in their homes.
Everything old is new again.
What is your preference for worship? What is your preference for Bible Study? Do you think your view is the only correct view? If so, can you back it up Biblically? Regardless of your preference, will you support the work our Lord is doing today through the variety of worship and study styles? Will you help those around you find a worship service where they can participate? Will you help them find a Bible study, either Sunday School or home group, where they can dig deeper into the Word?
Matthew 18: 20 (The Message) And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."
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