What the Church Needs

“Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar”

Proverbs 30:6

    It is presumptuous at best to assume that man can say, “You know what I think the church needs?” Yet this is what has happened since near the beginning. The Judaizers came and said, “You know what the church needs? It needs these Gentile converts to be circumcised, keep the Law, and become Jewish-Christians" (cf. Gal. 5:1-6). The Corinthians said, “You know what the church needs? It needs her members to divide based on their favorite teachers, or, perhaps, even who baptized them. Cephas-Christians, Paul-Christians, and even Christ-Christians” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10-13)

    Today, even amongst our brethren, the cries of, “You know what the church needs!” are being raised again. Many are saying that the church needs the mechanical instrument to be more modern, more inviting, and more relevant. This is not new but has been a source of division for many years. We know from the Scriptures in Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16, and 1 Cor 14:15 that the only music authorized by the New Testament is to be vocal and congregational. Additionally, Galatians 1:6-9, just like the Proverb above, tells us that no one can change the Word of God without sinning. This is regardless of education, fame, or feeling. After all, it is written, “God is not a respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34)

    Now brethren, in all things, let us remember that our priority is to worship, teach, and serve God according to how He has commanded us to do so. We owe Him this because of the great sacrifice He gave on our behalf. We have been called by the grace of Christ to live honest and holy lives. I pray that we all will earnestly seek God truthfully and that none of us will be found a liar. Do you know what the church of Christ needs? Honest, scriptural, and dedicated Christians.

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers