Happy New Year!
Like many of you, I approach the beginning of a New Year as an opportunity for reflection on the year that is past and pondering the year ahead.
For the last two months the pastoral staff and I deliberated the theme for 2013 that would, in a succinct statement, encapsulate our heart and vision for Hillsdale. Although not originating with us, the thought of “Still Church” resonated with our passion for Hillsdale’s ministries. I do not need to apprise you of the fact that the “Church” in America has dramatically changed in the last two decades. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the majority of America’s churches were rural, community-centered, and protestant in doctrine. The Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Churches differed in mode of baptism and church government; however, most faithfully preached the Gospel, emphasized the teaching of Bible doctrines and worshipped the Lord singing the great hymns and gospel songs of the Christian faith.
Churches that are trendy and contemporary dominate 21st century America. Repetitive choruses and songs void of sound doctrine have replaced the great hymns of the Christian faith. Preaching God’s Word has been minimized to inspirational thoughts; conviction has been replaced with pop-psychology. The result: Church has become an event devoid of holy reverence for God and His Word.
I hope you will join us in worship this Sunday morning and evening as I begin a new series I have titled “Still Church”. If you are looking for a church that is “Still Church” – Still Preaches; Still Sings Hymns; Still Prays; Still Passionate…welcome to Hillsdale!
Psalm 100:1-5 – “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”