Give Me That Old Time Religion

As I read and produce recordings of Charles Haddon Spurgeon sermons, he  frequently refers to ‘religion,’ meaning Christianity and the church. As a boy, I remember folks speaking of Christianity in that way. I remember singing, ‘Give Me That Old-Time Religion.’ Anyway, as I’ve gone through his sermons and record them, I reluctantly substitute the more current word for us. Over the years, I’ve heard us call ourselves just Christians, then ‘Born-Again,’ followed by – ‘Christ-followers.’ I’m sure there are others, but why? The point is, our lives should define our faith and trust in Jesus… called to be holy, meaning set apart and peculiar to the world around us. People should see Christ in me, and yes, if people ask why I seem different, that gives me the opportunity to say – Jesus. He’s my blessed Lord and Savior, coming King of kings.

Indeed, it saddens me that the church has to keep re-branding itself to try to keep one step ahead of its hypocrisy. No title defines me. Christ does, in and through me, to which I sing, Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion, give me that old time, it’s good for me. Amen?