I would not be exaggerating in the least bit if I said that 2010 brought about some major changes and challenges in the life of my family. No the changes might not have been many, but they were big. Two especially stand out. First, in April we welcomed Kenadie into the world. And while we certainly have no horror stories of late nights with a sleepless baby or days of seemingly unending sickness, the presence of a baby to first-time parents is never going to be without its difficulties. Secondly, with said baby in tow, we packed every possession we have and moved to work with a new congregation. Enough said. We moved, started the work, finally sold our house, and settled in to our new lives. And while there are, again, no regrets or stories of an experience gone bad, there was the challenge in the difference. Changes were many and varied for us this year, and no doubt, in many ways, for you. Change can, at times, be unsettling. There is a degree of fear in the unknown. And really the only things that can get you through such changes are the constants. So while there were many changes in 2010, there were many more things that did not change:
God has not changed. He is indeed “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is constant in His existence, His nature, His concern, and His love. His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136). He shall never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His promises are sure (2 Peter 3:9).
The church has not changed. Yes, there have been individual congregations that have fallen to the wayside, and their sin affects them as well as others. But the church at its core remains the same. It is still the blood bought vessel of the saved (Acts 20:28). It remains the body of Jesus (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is still ruled by the authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:18). It is still overseen by godly elders meeting divine qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). It is still served by deacons, preachers, and devoted members each committed to its purity and uniqueness (1 Timothy 3:8-16). It is still going to heaven (Ephesians 5:23).
True Christian worship has not changed. Yes, again, some have changed their own worship into that which displeases God. But the worship prescribed by God never will. The Father is still seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and according to truth (John 4:24). And in such He finds those who still sing without any additions [mechanical instruments, clapping, humming, etc.] (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); those who pray fervently and unceasingly (James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17); those who commune weekly (Acts 20:7); those who give un-begrudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:7); and those who teach and preach the unaltered and unalterable word of God (2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19).
God’s design for the home has not changed. He still expects one man to cleave unto one woman for life (Genesis 2:24). Any altered plan for the home is still an abomination (Romans 1:18-27). He still expects husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25) and for wives to submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). He still expects children to respect and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1) and for parents to lovingly provide for and guide their children (Ephesians 6:4).
The Bible has not changed. The words that were spoken to be spirit and life still remain (John 6:63). God’s word is eternal, which shall never pass away (Matthew 24:35). It still contains all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It still contains the message that saves (Romans 1:16).
Yes, 2010 brought about many changes in our life and in the lives of us all, but we can take eternal comfort in knowing of these constants and many others that are faithfully guiding us heavenward.
-Andy Brewer