GIVE ME THAT OLD TIME RELIGION

We live in a new millennium and a changed culture. Although we live in the age of space exploration and the Internet, we have the same ethical, moral and spiritual needs the pioneers had who drove their covered wagons across the deserts and plains 150 years ago. We feel the galling yoke of sin about our necks and long for redemption. We want to spend our eternity with God in heaven, but need a light and a map to guide us safely there.  We want to worship and serve God but cannot figure out how to do so with our limited resources. We have to make hundreds of moral decisions and need a moral compass to help us choose the right.  We suffer from illness and old age, we loose our mates and are left alone, we long for a spiritual family of friends who will stand by us as we approach the valley of the shadow of death. In days past folks could look to their church for the help, comfort and guidance they needed and expect to find it.  Today in many cases, churches don't have much help to offer. Consider the following:

	Surveys reveal that many preachers in the historic denominations no longer believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, actually wrought the miracles attributed to him in Scripture; or that he was really raised from the grave and ascended into heaven. They don't believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative word of God nor do they believe in an actual heaven and hell.
	Many worship services have degenerated into entertainment events with rock-bands, professional singers and Vegas-style preachers leading folks in pep rallies or courses in pop psychology.

I don't know about you, but I go to church to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 8:32).  I want to lift my heart to God in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).  I want to hear a godly man bring a meaningful lesson from God's Word (II Timothy 4:2).  I want to bow my head in reverence as we are led in humble prayer to our Father.  I want to share with others the sacred communion, remembering what Christ suffered for me. I want to give my gifts to God, knowing that they will be used to spread his gospel and help the poor.

I may be hopelessly out of date, but that is the religion I grew up with and that is what I want and need for life in the 21st century. May it always be our goal to practice that old time religion that has blessed and sustain millions across the ages.