progress or digression??

Here in the Dominican Republic the front page new yesterday was the signing of an agreement with the countries of Central America to work toward a union, much like the European Union, with a common market, a common currency, etc. In these tough economic times such a union may open markets to the Dominican Republic, where there are a number of factories, but in the future I perceive that may reverse itself, as labor costs in most Central American countries are lower than they are here. Is this progress or not? The various political parties will no doubt discuss this ad nauseum, but only time will tell.

There is a movement among churches of Christ to "progress"--to change worship to "what the people want" instead of what God wants. Baptism as a condition of salvation is not taught so much, even by some of those who believe (more and more do not). The question we must ask ourselves though is this: Is this progress or digression? Your answer to that will depend on your view of authority. If you believe God expects us to obey Him in all things, then you view such changes as digression, if you believe God isn't overly concerned if we do exactly what He says, then you probably view these changes as progress.

The Bible consistently teaches that God expects us to obey Him and shows the punishment of those who didn't in the past; even those with good intentions. Nothing in 2 Sam. 6:3-7 indicates that Uzzah had anything but good intentions when he touched the ark of the covenant to keep it from falling, but God struck him dead on the spot.

Why do we still worship the same way we've always worshipped? Could it be that it is what God has authorized, and nothing else? I answer with a resounding yes.

Tol