Looking Back with Different Eyes

To obtain an accurate view of what I learned over the semester in this class, I surmise that I must not look back at my notes. I must not review the books. I must not reread the blog. Rather, I must think, without aid, about what has changed. For that which comes to mind now is most likely that which will come to mind years from now when I have forgotten the blog, the notes, and perhaps even the class.
So here I will begin. Entering this fast-closing semester, I was uncomfortable with drama, mega-church videos, and the like being used in corporate worship, but I could give no concrete reason for this discomfort. The discussion concerning the regulative principle contributed to my beliefs, providing foundation for an existing structure. The Word of God is the only infallible truth, and corporate worship is the body’s affirmation of that truth to its Head. Therefore, all of worship must be governed by that which God has commanded. As far as I can tell, that is the heart of the principle.
Let me be clear that I am not questioning the motives of those who rethink “how we do worship.” I’m sure some of them are attempting to honor God with their performances. However, that which distracts or detracts from the unchanging message of God, leaving behind theology for cultural, therapeutic appeasement, is wrong. Churches must sing to God, sing His character, sing His deeds, sing His Word. Logocentrism seems a lost cause today, but I know that the words of God will never pass away. The church is called to proclaim those words. Any other pursuit which causes this one to be neglected or minimized in any way is of no eternal value. No other gospel saves. No other gospel can glorify God.
The church does not exist for self-satisfaction or self-help. True, “there is great gain in godliness with contentment.” That’s real satisfaction. The cross, “my grace” God told Paul, is sufficient. No other help, from within yourself or without, can be of any help at all. Sola Scriptura. Soli Deo Gloria.