This Week's Bulletin

Out With The New; In With The Old
BRAD GREEN

To most, the title of this article probably seems reversed. The phrase, "out with the old; in with the new," is a common one. This phrase is customarily used in regard to the always changing and progressing industries of technology.

Computers, cell phones, I-pods, and Blackberries sold today will be obsolete tomorrow. New cars become "used" cars immediately after they are driven off the lot. The world's obsession with having the newest and best (and more of it) has driven the current downturn in the U.S. economy. People were buying new cell-phones rather than paying their debts. They were buying homes with prices far exceeding their reasonable ability to pay, with no money down, and with the encouragement of liberal Congressional leaders like Reps. Barney Frank and Maxine Waters. The problem is not man's desire to have a home, but man's inability to be content with what he can afford (Phi. 4:11). The problem is not having things that are new, but rather it is the misplaced trust and love in the physical which leads man to do things he ought not (1 Tim. 6:10). The rich man who tore down his old barns to "build greater" (Luke 12:18) did not sin in that act. His sin was in placing his trust in himself and his earthly treasures rather than laying up for himself "treasures in heaven" (Mat. 6:20). Jesus concluded that this man's error was that he was "not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The same mentality has led to "new" innovations in the religious world as a means to attract and retain people who were supposed to have been converted out of such (Acts 3:19; Col. 1:13). In the minds of many, the Gospel is not powerful enough to save (Rom. 1:16) and new programs and sources of entertainment are needed to "keep up with the times." Many in the Church are saying, "out with the old; in with the new." There exists a solemn need for the Church to respond forcefully " "No! Out with the new; in with the old." The prophet Jeremiah states, "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls" (Jer. 6:16, emphasis B.G.). Dire consequences await if there is not a restoration and return to the "old paths." The restoration led by King Josiah should serve as an inspiring Scriptural example. The restoration began with the reading of the Word of God (2 Kin. 22:8-11). This remedy is so simple to understand, seeing that the "new" innovations being introduced in worship and practice are themselves a product of disregarding the law of God. Next, Josiah proclaimed, "out with the new." "Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel" (2 Chr. 34:33). Josiah then proceeded to enact the "old paths" by re-instating proper and authorized worship to God (2 Chr. 35:1-19).

Sadly, our call to oust the new and return to the old will we be received the same way it was in the days of Jeremiah. "But they said, We will not walk therein" (Jer. 6:16). However, our cause is just. Let us continue to plant, water, and let God give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6) as we walk in the "old paths".