That Old Time Religion

That Old Time Religion

Did you know there’s an old gospel song written in 1889 that represents a longing for traditional, simple faith? The chorus goes something like this, “Give me that old time religion, Give me that old time religion, Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me!” That old-time religion doesn’t seem good enough anymore. Now it’s more about a “Show Time Religion” rather than that “Old Time Religion.” It’s about beautiful buildings, exciting social programs, a rock concert environment with loud music, flashing lights, fog, and a short, “feel-good” sermon.  Are we not living in the age which Paul talked about in 2 Timothy 3:4, saying in the end times men would be “…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”?  

Beloved, give me that “Old Time Religion” that keeps us in the word of God, that keeps us on our knees before God, that keeps us out on the streets witnessing to a lost world of the love of God. Give me that “Old Time Religion” that preaches the word of God, and people get saved, marriages get restored, church leaders confess their sins, people are convicted of ungodly living, and repentance is the way of life! Give me that “Old Time Religion!”   

In Acts 2:42-47, you can see how that “Old Time Religion” impacted the 1st-century Church.  You see, they did not come to be entertained; they came to worship the living God! They never had million-dollar buildings; their greatness was not in things, it was in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ! They were all about proclaiming the fame of His Name through teaching God’s word, through fellowship, communion, and prayer. The early Church never had the things modern churches have, but because of their commitment to the word of God, they had the Living God in their midst, and they turned their world upside down for Jesus! Beloved, a “Show Time Religion” can draw people into the building, but it takes that “Old Time Religion” to draw people to Christ! What’s it going to be for you, Old Time, or Show Time? Give me that “Old Time Religion!” 

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries