THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER
"Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. " (John 5:39)

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 14, MAY 5, 2002

YOU CAN’T STOP PROGRESS  

            I always thought that I was a pretty “progressive” kind of guy.  I liked the new conveniences that came out, anything that made life easier got my vote.  I jumped right on the bandwagon with video games and electronic toys.  But to tell you the truth, I hate computers.  One of my least favorite phrases is “Can you e-mail that to me?”  Recently I agreed to do some writing for a few publications and both of them wanted the articles sent via e-mail.  I hate e-mail!  There is a little monthly paper I do that is called “The Searcher”.  It only has a circulation of a little over one hundred and it is free to anyone who knows about it and wants it.  Every now and again someone who has subscribed to it will request that I send it to them via e-mail, and if they insist – I just remove their name from the mailing list because that is one thing I still have control over.  The little old Searcher will not go on-line.   

            I know that I am a computer fuddy-duddy, but I like hard copy.  I like to hold a bulletin in my hand.  I like to go out to the mail box and get a letter.    I even like to talk on the telephone, and I don’t like that very much, more than I like to write e-mail.  However, I am slowly being dragged, kicking and screaming and complaining every step of the way, into the evangelistic computer age.  

            You really can’t stop progress.  A person is foolish not to use everything available to help in the spread of the gospel.  When Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation “, He authorized us to use any method to “go”.  It would be foolish to limit ourselves only to those methods available when Jesus made that statement.  The command to “go” authorizes us to go by car, boat, donkey, foot, plane, jet, or any other method that does not change the nature of the command.             

            How we are to preach also includes all the methods available to us that do not change the nature of the command.  That is why we can preach from a wooden pulpit or out by the seashore.  That is why we can utilize radio and television, newspapers and magazines.  That is why we can use blackboards and overhead projectors and yes – even Power Point, (provided that the method of presentation does not become a show and detract from what is being presented).  I was once frightened away from a congregation that had just spent several thousand dollars on a computer projector, automatic screen, and a computer laptop to be used from the pulpit with Power Point.  I figured if they had just spent that much money they would want the preacher to use it.  I suppose as time goes on I will learn how to use that program, but I still believe that the power of the spoken word of God is unmatched, even as I admire those preachers who effectively use the computer in their preaching.  

            What we are to preach is where the line has been drawn.  We are not free to add to or take away from the gospel of Christ.  If progress in preaching means changing God’s Word in any way, then this is where progress must be stopped.  If progress in preaching means that we preach only that which is positive and never makes anyone uncomfortable, then that kind of progress must be stopped.  If progress means that our preaching looses the distinctive sound of the faith “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), then that kind of progress must be stopped.  If progress in preaching means that we no longer clearly and openly condemn the social and moral issues that God’s Word clearly condemns – either specifically or by implication – then that kind of progress must be stopped.   

            I am reminded of the words of the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah to the southern kingdom in Jeremiah 6:16 , where we find, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old path, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”  Consider also the words of Jeremiah 18:15, where we read, “Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, in a way not cast up;”.  

            Let only the ancient sounds of the certified gospel echo forth from the pulpit of the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ, whether it be literally in this building, or figuratively as we are out individually talking to people about their souls.  That is the method that I am convinced is still the most effective.   

            Sometimes it can seem like the gospel is not as effective as it used to be and there can be a tendency to try to spice it up, to make it more palatable for the 21^st century palate.  If “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is not enough to get the number of people through the door that folks want, then try something else.  But Jesus Christ and Him crucified is all that we are authorized to offer, and anything different from that is not progress – it is perversion.  

            Our job is still to preach the Word, whether folks want to hear it or not.  It is our job to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ.  It is to God to give the increase – not us.  

                                                            Greg Litmer

If everybody in this congregation attends the meeting like I intend to attend it – what kind of meeting will it be?

If everybody in this congregation invites the same number of people to the meeting that I invited, how many folks will have been asked to come?

If everybody in this congregation offers the same amount of prayers for the success of the meeting that I do, how many prayers will God hear concerning it?