Stanley Weintraub wrote a book

entitled "The Last Great Victory" about the summer of

1945. The book recounts what took place almost day by day during that

critical time leading up to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

In the book is a profound statement

from William Manchester, who says, "In retrospect, the summer of

'45 was a historical hinge. Everything that had been, no longer was; and

everything that was to be, became." The world changed as a result

of World War II and the dropping of that bomb.

Now we're on the other side

of another historical hinge. Sept. 11 was a day that changed the way we

look at life. If you don't believe the world has changed, then take a

flight or even take a walk through Atlanta's Hartsfield International

Airport. You can only go so far unless you have a ticket.

I flew for the first time after

9/11 back in January when I attended a FAITH Institute in Daytona Beach.

At that time heavily armed National Guard troops stood watch over the

crowds. The security measures on a Monday morning caused extra long lines

as only 50 travellers at a time were ushered through security check points.

You needed to allow two hours to make your flight on time.

Coming back from Daytona, we

were leaving just before President Bush and Air Force One were taking

off for Atlanta. In that smaller airport the crowds usually show up for

one flight at a time and things are pretty quiet between arrivals and

departures. Our party arrived at the security gate and were cordially

greeted by about six airport security personnel and two national guard

troops who carefully examined carry on bags and who sized up passengers.

We were slowly and patiently

moving through the metal detectors when I was the random, lucky passenger

who was singled out.

"Sir, please step over

here," the guard said. "Please stretch out your arms."

So I stretched out my arms

as they waved the wand over and around me.

"Now, sir, step over here,

place your hands on the counter and raise your left foot. Now raise your

right foot." They checked my shoes for explosives.

"Now, sir, we're going

to pat you down." And they proceeded to pat every part of me except

for a certain place, and they came pretty close to that. As this was going

on, they were also analyzing my briefcase. Finally I was cleared.

I said, "Are you all doing

this because of President Bush's visit?"

"No, we're have some new

trainees." I was relieved. I thought they thought I was a threat.

See, whether we like it or

not, things have changed.

Most people don't like change

and naturally resist change. The routine is comfortable and sameness means

stability. Yet we live in a changing world in which the only constant

is change.

Times change. Society changes.

Culture changes. Therefore, we must know what time it is, especially when

it comes to doing church.

What does it take to reach

people these days? What security measures must be taken to ensure the

safety of preschoolers and children? What risk management steps must be

taken to protect the church in this day and time? What worship adjustments

must we make to strike a balance between ministering to church folks while

also appearing relevant to the unchurched crowd who may be seeking truth?

Each church will have to work

through these issues in its own way with much prayer, evaluation and soul-searching.

However, to do the same things in the same way that we've been doing them

for years just because we've always done them that way may demonstrate

that we don't what time it is.

In the midst of all of these

changes, is there anything we can count on that doesn't change? Though

the methods may change, the message of the Gospel will never change. Though

times may seem uncertain, Jesus is always certain. He will never change.

His love will never change. And His promises will never change.

As Hebrews 13:8 reads, "Jesus

Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Thank God there

is something we can count on!

Dr. David L. Chancey is

pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, 352 McDonough Road, Fayetteville.

The church family invites you to join them each Sunday for Bible study

at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m.

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