Living in a Changing World

Living in a Changing World

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." – Hebrews 13:8

The Struggle with Change

Church, we live in a world that is constantly changing. Some changes are good, some are unnecessary, and some challenge us to rethink how we do things. But let’s be honest—change is hard. Many of us have seen the world shift drastically from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s to today.

And when it comes to the church, many feel uneasy. We see new church service styles, new ways of preaching, and new technology in church services. Some worry that we are losing the reverence of God's house. But before we judge these changes too quickly, I want to ask:

Have we not accepted change in nearly every other part of our lives? Do you not update your kitchen? Do you still wear the hairstyles and clothes from your childhood? Are you still using a rotary phone?

We’re going to examine whether we are rejecting change for the right reasons—or if we are guilty of embracing it everywhere else while resisting it in our church buildings.

I. The World Has Changed, and We’ve Adapted

Let’s start by looking at some major changes in our everyday lives that most of us have willingly accepted:

1. Communication

Then: Rotary phones, handwritten letters, face-to-face conversations.

Now: Smartphones, texting, video calls, social media.

Did we reject it? No! Many of us now text our grandkids, use Facebook, and FaceTime loved ones.

2. Transportation

Then: Classic cars with manual transmissions and no seatbelts.

Now: GPS, backup cameras, automatic transmissions.

Did we reject it? No! Most of us enjoy modern cars.

3. Shopping & Money

Then: Cash-only transactions, layaway, physical stores.

Now: Online shopping, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay.

Did we reject it? No! Many of us shop online.

4. Medicine & Healthcare

Then: House calls from doctors, simple treatments, home remedies.

Now: Advanced medical scans, robotic surgeries, online doctor visits.

Did we reject it? No! We’re thankful for modern healthcare when we need it.

5. Entertainment & Media

Then: Black-and-white TVs, record players, newspapers.

Now: Streaming services, podcasts, digital news.

Did we reject it? No! Many of us use Netflix, listen to podcasts, and read news online.

6. Household Appliances

Then: Washboards, iceboxes, manual lawnmowers.

Now: Washing machines, refrigerators with touchscreens, robotic vacuums.

Did we reject it? No! We enjoy modern technology in our homes.

7. Banking & Bill Payments

Then: In-person banking, handwritten checks, paper bills.

Now: Online banking, automatic bill payments, mobile apps.

Did we reject it? No! Many of us now manage our money with a few taps on our phones.

8. Navigation & Travel

Then: Paper maps, asking for directions, travel agents.

Now: GPS, Google Maps, online travel booking.

Did we reject it? No! Most of us rely on GPS to get where we’re going.

9. Photography & Memories

Then: Film cameras, photo albums, waiting weeks for film to develop.

Now: Smartphones, digital storage, instant photo sharing.

Did we reject it? No! We take pictures on our phones and share them instantly.

10. Music & Radio

Then: Vinyl records, cassette tapes, AM/FM radio.

Now: Spotify, Bluetooth speakers, satellite radio.

Did we reject it? No! Many of us use Alexa or Bluetooth to listen to music.

We didn’t reject these changes—we embraced them!

II. The Hypocrisy of Picking and Choosing Change

Here’s the tough question: If we’ve accepted modern technology, modern medicine, and modern conveniences in everyday life, why do we resist every change in the church?

We love online shopping, but we don’t want screens in the sanctuary.

We enjoy modern medicine, but we reject modern worship music.

We use GPS, but we think people must navigate the Christian life using only 1950s traditions.

The problem isn’t change itself—it’s that we are more comfortable with change when it benefits us personally but resist it when it challenges our traditions.

III. What Should Never Change?

While we can accept some change, there are things that must never change:

The Word of God – The truth of Scripture does not bend to culture.

The Gospel Message – Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

Holiness and Righteousness – Living a life set apart for God is still required.

Prayer, Worship, and Fellowship – These have always been part of God’s design.

But the way we deliver the message can change. Jesus didn’t use microphones, but we do. Paul wrote letters; now we send emails. The method is not sacred—only the message is.

IV. A Call to Grace and Understanding

For those who struggle with modern changes in the church, I encourage you to be patient and open-minded. Ask yourself: Is this change truly unbiblical, or is it just unfamiliar?

We are one body in Christ, and our goal is not to defend traditions, but to bring people to Jesus.

Conclusion: The Gospel Is Our Focus

If we can accept modern technology, modern medicine, and modern conveniences in our daily lives, we can also trust that God is working through new methods in His church.

So before rejecting something just because it’s different, ask:

Does it bring people closer to Jesus? Does it honor God’s Word?

If the answer is yes, then maybe our resistance is not about God—but about our own comfort.

Let’s hold on to what matters most:

Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.