Why is evangelicalism dying? Well, it isn’t really dying. Nevertheless: The reality of Christian life is that the soul is designed to need both Scripture and Worship. The Church has always taught a two part service: a liturgy of the word, and a liturgy of communion. Sadly, many evangelicals are undernourished from the lack of the second liturgy, with its solemn depth of worship. Equally ironic is the lack of the former in some “so-called” high churches. There are those who can name law and gospel in every text, yet cannot bring people under conviction with their preaching; or, on the other hand, proclaim the sure mercies of Christ. As long as most Christians are served half a meal on Kyriake (The Lord’s Day, Sunday), there will continue to be wandering from church to church because of starvation. If we want proof from Scripture, we need only look at Hebrews and Revelation afresh, not as books on prophecy, but as books on worship. Revelation presents the closest thing we have to a compete first century worship service: it is most certainly “high church.” Hebrews lays out a detailed theology of worship, replete with tabernacle, ark, and high priest: it is very “high church” as well. Hebrews 12:22-29 provides a thoroughgoing definition of The Church. Call it “high church” or not, it is what it is. We ignore these Scriptures, as with all others, to our eternal peril. No, I did not say you will be damned; but our lack of understanding certainly hurts us. We could be doing much better if we could only find the same page in the hymnal.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:29:32 +0000
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