This is a long read but worth the effort. CHANGE AGENTS – “Twelve Methods Used By Change Agents to Change the Church” Twelve Methods Used By Change Agents to Change the Church Lesson Text: Ephesians 5:6-7 & Isaiah 5:20 INTRODUCTION: For the past several years it has been clear that some are not satisfied with the New Testament church. There has been a concentrated effort to make changes in doctrine, practice, and worship and to make the church more acceptable to the world. As with politicians who are seeking to replace the established order, the theme of some in the church is, “It is time for a change!” Not all change agents are in agreement on all points, but there are those among them who want to change: a. The role of women in worship. b. Music in worship. c. The style and emphasis of preaching. d. The attitude toward the Bible as authority. e. The place of baptism for the remission of sins. f. The distinct nature of the church. g. The work of the Holy Spirit. The rationale for these proposed changes is that we must have them in order to grow. We are told that contemporary society and our own young people are: a. Bored with the worship. b. Bored with doctrine. c. Bored with preaching. d. Bored with the church. The brotherhood is confronted by those who are endeavoring to change the Lord’s church from what it is in the Bible to what men want it to be today.The purposed desire of these change agents is to redefine the church and fashion it into nothing more than a denomination among denominations. They are repulsed by the established pattern for the New Testament Church. b. They preach their sermons, write their books, pen their articles, conduct their Jubilees and sorted seminars, in order to accomplish their intended goal. Brethren in many places have been torn apart and divided asunder by their sustained efforts. a. Individuals have been swayed. b. Families have been divided. c. Congregations have been divided. d. Communities have been divided. e. A brotherhood has been attacked. f. Truth has been compromised and shunned. g. Souls have been lost. The ultimate question facing congregations of the Lord’s church is whether we will retain our commitment to be patterned after the church revealed in the New Testament . . . or, . . . whether we will be transformed and molded by the standards of this world. METHOD #1 - THEY BEGIN BY CHANGING THOSE THINGS THAT ARE MATTERS OF EXPEDIENCY. A. The are constantly changing the order of worship. 1. Surely it does not matter if: a. We sing two songs or twenty-two. b. If we have one prayer, two prayers, or a multitude of prayers. c. Songs displayed on a projector screen or taken from a songbook. 2. Our worship should be conducted decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 - “Let all things be done decently and in order.” B. God has not commanded any certain order to be followed only that upon the first day of the week we; 1. Sing 2. Pray 3. Teach 4. Partake of the Lord’s Supper 5. Give of our financial means C. Constantly changing the order of the worship service is all being done to get churches into the habit of change . . . constant change. 1. Constant change is different from the occasional change. Brethren, there is a difference in how many songs you sing before the sermon and whether that singing is done by the congregation, a choir, a quartet, or some praise team. Changing matters of expediency and changing those things commanded are not the same. METHOD #2 - THEY DENY THAT WE HAVE A PATTERN TO FOLLOW. A. They preach, teach, and write saying that we do what we do as a matter of our heritage or our tradition. 1. Often in their writings and preaching they speak of what we do as coming from “our heritage.” 2. They begin planting these seeds with the intention of producing a crop of members who believe that we do not use mechanical instruments in our worship because it is “our tradition” not to use it. 3. They question the arguments that have been made to condemn mechanical instruments of music. 4. They never even suggest that singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is a matter of doctrine.” 5. Friends, partaking of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of every week, baptism for the remission of sins, and congregational singing are not matters of heritage . . . they are a matter of doctrine! a. Everything we do must be authorized by Scripture. Colossians 3:17 - “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” 1. That means by his authority. 2. Do it all because He requires and commands it, and with a desire to honor Him. 3. His authority should be the warrant and His glory the aim of all our actions and words. B. If there is Scripture for any practice then by all means let us get busy and do it, but if there is not Scripture then by all means let us forsake it. METHOD #3 - THE WORK TO DIVIDE AND CONQUER. A. This began years ago with the divided assembly. 1. They know that trying to conquer everyone at once is impossible. 2. They desire to get people into the smaller groups where they can begin to change the minds of some. B. They are working diligently among our youth. 1. Many youth rallies over the past twenty years have been havens for these workers of iniquity. 2. They have argued that we needed to do things differently with our youth to keep them. 3. They began bringing in singing groups to replace congregational singing at the rallies. 4. Then singing groups which mimicked the sounds of mechanical instruments began to be used. 5. Groups were encouraged to “let the Spirit move them” as they began to express themselves with: a. Swaying b. Raised hands and arms c. Clapping d. Becoming more and more charismatic METHOD #4 - THEY DENY THE AUTHORITY OF ELDERS TO RULE. A. God’s Word gives elders the authority to oversee, guide, rule within the local congregation. 1. Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” 2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” 3. 1 Peter 5:2 - “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers . ..” B. It is most unfortunate that a number of congregations have appointed men who were not qualified or who were not willing to do the work of an elder. 1. Therefore, elderships in many places have lost the respect of brethren. 2. Elders have not taken the lead and therefore preachers, because of their prominent positions and persuasive speech, have taken over churches. 3 It has been said that some preachers would never work with a congregation that had elders. That speaks volumes. METHOD #5 - THEY TEACH THE DIRECT OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. A. They believe that the Holy Spirit directly guides them separate and apart from the Word of God. 1. They have been teaching this for years and are so persuasive that some among more conservative brethren have been taken up in this doctrine. 2. If the church can be made to believe that these men are directly guided by the Holy Spirit, how can any one argue that what they are doing or saying is wrong? Who can question? If brethren believe that these men have truly been give a vision by God, who can stand in the way of changes. Shall they take us into the changed church as Joseph Smith carried his followers into Mormonism because he had received a “vision” from God.? Brethren and friends, the Holy Spirit works through His revelation, and if when brethren are carried away from the Bible being the standard of faith, we open the floodgates to modernism and denominationalism. METHOD #6 - THEY EMPHASIZE LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, AND THE CROSS. A. Some have even suggested that these are themes brethren have not taught through the years. 1. While this may be true that these things have not been taught as these change agents are teaching them, every faithful preacher has preached on these beloved themes over and over again. B. They deny that the church is under law. 1. The teach that we are not under law . . . any law. 2. They are now saying that we are saved by grace alone, without man adding “one whit” to his salvation. 3. They are arguing that man has nothing to do in being saved. 4. Whenever they mention commands or law keeping they do so in disparaging ways and even mock the idea that we must do anything to be saved. Whenever this happens, the plan of salvation is abandoned and given up. SUMMARY TO THIS POINT: To this point: • They have had us give up the Bible as our standard. • They have worked to corrupt our worship. • They have changed the plan of salvation. • They have changed the organization of the church. Remember that these things are being done in the church. If the devil can cause the church to give up any of these things we have ceased to be the church of Christ. METHOD #7 - THEY ARE REDEFINING BIBLE TERMS, PRACTICES, AND DOCTRINES. A. They take the “doctrine of Christ” in 2 John 9-11 and say this is not the Gospel, the New Testament, but the teachings about Jesus. Let’s read the passage: 2 John 9-11 - “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 1. The passage says in verse 9 “in the doctrine of Christ,” not doctrine about Christ. 2. The doctrine of Christ is the Gospel message. 3. There is a great deal of difference in those things Jesus taught and those things taught about Jesus. B. Bill Love in his book The Core Gospel argues that the faith to which we must subscribe, the one faith, are only the seven ones of Ephesians 4:4-6 as defined by him. 1. Instrumental music, baptism for the remission of sins, etc., are not a part of the seven ones and since they are not, we can fellowship all those who acknowledge that there is one God, one Lord, one Holy Spirit, one faith, one baptism, one hope, and one body. 2. This fellowship extends to all those who believe in these things even when they may be teaching totally contrary things concerning these ones. They teach that denominational baptism is accepted of God. 3. Some argue that one does not have to know that he is being baptized for the remission of sins. 4. They say that whether you believe your sins were forgiven before or after baptism is a moot point. They use many of the denominational arguments for their practices and the sad part is that they have helped to rear an ignorant membership who cannot answer these false teachers and their doctrines. METHOD #8 - THEY TEACH THEIR CHANGE AGENTS THAT CHANGE IS ALWAYS MET WITH RESISTANCE. A. Ronnie White said, “If you change too fast some people will leave; if you change too slow, others leave; either way it hurts.” This is quoted by Lynn Anderson in his article “Change Without Chaos.” 1. This is the principle of the frog in hot water . . . just a little increase in the temperature at a time will not cause the frog to jump. 2. Lynn Anderson suggests that opposition will first come denying any changes being made, but with persistence the opposition will come back with a compromise. a. He further says that a compromise is only a slow down to change and not a stoppage. b. This is viewed as a victory by the change agents. METHOD #9 - THEY SAY CHANGE WILL NOT COME WITHOUT DISEQUILIBRIUM. A. They suggest that changing too quickly will cause folks to dig in their heels. 1. Anderson suggests pushing the church to the brink and then when you see the church about to go over the edge back off and preach on safe topics for a while. 2. Then push them back to the brink. 3. Again each time this will take them a little further from who they have been and are. METHOD #10 - MAINTAIN OPTIONS. A. Offer different ways of doing things. 1. A suggestion is made that singing during the Lord’s Supper is met with opposition, but the answer is: this week have those who love their brethren to help them worship silently during partaking of the Lord’s supper then next week to have those silent ones to love the ones who enjoy singing during the Lord’s Supper. 2. One week we sing during communion and the next we reflect silently. 3. Anderson says this keeps options available. 4. He further contends that if you do not want to do this from week to week, it will be because you do not love your brethren. 5. Incidentally, later in his article he mentions how that they used a trio of girls to sing during the communion. METHOD #11 - STAND WITH THE CONSERVATIVE BRETHREN. A. Acknowledge that you feel uncomfortable with instrumental music but show how open-minded you are and therefore lead the more conservative into these questionable practices. 1. You see, the more liberal brethren do not need your leadership, only your support. 2. The more conservative are the ones with whom you must work to bring along. 3. The opposition to change will come from those who are more conservative and the best ways to bring them along is to lead them from within, not try to drive them from without. METHOD #12 - WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS CALL FOR THE UNCHANGING BRETHREN TO LOVE YOU AND HELP YOU TO “PLANT A CHURCH” IN THE COMMUNITY WHICH WILL ALLOW YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF MORE FREELY. A. If you cannot bring change where you are, seek their support to bring it elsewhere. B. I fear that some faithful brethren would be willing to do this just to get rid of the “trouble makers.” C. Brethren, do not forget what the apostle John wrote in 2 John 10-11 about bidding them Godspeed. 2 John 10-11 - “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” CONCLUSION: A. We have noted “Twelve Methods Used by Change Agents” to change the Lord’s church from faithfulness to denominationalism. The twelve methods were: 1. They begin by changing those things that are matters of expediency (in order to introduce change). 2. They deny that we have a pattern to follow. 3. The work to divide and conquer. 4. They deny the authority of elders to rule. 5. They teach the direct operation of the holy Spirit. 6. They emphasize love, mercy, grace, and the cross. 7. They are redefining Bible terms, practices, and doctrines. 8. They teach their change agents that change is always met with resistance. 9. They say change will not come without disequilibrium. 10.They teach that options should be maintained. 11.They teach their people to stand with conservative brethren (to bring them along). 12.When all else fails call for the unchanging brethren to love you and help you to “plant” a church in the community which will allow you to express yourself more freely. (Fund their errors) B. To change from right to wrong may be easier for some than one might think. 1. Twelve of the various methods used have been examined in this study. 2. Be warned: Many people accept change and false doctrine because it is taught by a man they admire or love. a. Some people fall in love with the man and then with his teaching. b. Most false teachers and change agents understand this, and therefore, make themselves as agreeable as possible so as to get a favorable hearing. c. Romans 16:17-18 - “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” C. Brethren: 1. The Bible has not changed! The Word of God does not read differently today than it ever has. Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” 2. The pattern has not changed! 1 Timothy 1:16 - “However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” 3. The Lord has not changed! Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” 4. Let us make sure that we do not change from the pattern given by God in the Gospel. Ephesians 4:14 - “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” D. Brethren, we stand warned from the precious Scriptures of God. 1. Proverbs 23:10 - “Do not remove the ancient landmark . . .” 2. 2 John 7 - “For many deceivers have gone out into the world . . .” 3. Jude 4 - “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” 4. Titus 1:11 - “Paul speaks of those “whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” 5. Hebrews 3:12-13 - “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” E. Our goal is to hear our Lord say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21). F. Friends: 1. There is no substitute for TRUTH. 2. There is no substitute for THE BIBLE. 3. There is no substitute for BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. 4. There is no substitute for BIBLICAL PATTERNS. 5. There is no substitute for GOD’S WAY. 6. There is no substitute for the LORD’S CHURCH. 7. There is no substitute for the GOSPEL. 8. There is no substitute for OBEDIENCE. 9. There is no substitute for FAITHFULNESS. 10.There is no substitute for ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP. 11.There is no substitute for PLEASING GOD. 12.There is no substitute for THE LORD’S PLAN FOR YOU SALVATION. G. Let the Bible change you . . . but you do not change the Bible! H. God’s Plan for Man’s Salvation The Bible! Romans 1:16 For your consideration
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 17:23:22 +0000
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