But Continue Thou...

2 Timothy 3:14 KJV

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

I wonder, in the light of passages such as this, how modern pastors believe they can sell their new methods as glorifying to God. One modern pastor recently said in the LinkedIn group, “Web Ministry” that churches who refuse to update to modern methods are destined to die and must be replaced by newer churches using modern methods more glorifying to God. His statement reflects the arrogance of the modern pastor. It assumes that methods leading to growth glorify God and it rejects the principle of glorifying God by faithful continuance in sound doctrine and practice. 

This is not to say that every new method is to be rejected. Far from it. It is however to say that new methods should not replace faithful continuance in old truth. 

·         We must not replace the Bible with newer documents

·         We must not replace worship with man’s workmanship

·         We must not replace soul winning with appeasement of people

·         We must not replace the local church with social club ministry

The good fight of faith swims against the current. It does not rejoice in the benefits and successes of flowing with the stream of worldliness.