One of the things that marks the age in which we live is the need to deliver bigger, better, faster and novel products.

We know a movie has failed when we hear "I've seen that all before". A new product on the market is destroyed by the comment "there is nothing new about it".

I feel this too in church life.

I worry when I get up to preach that I am merely saying the same old things. When I listen to sermons I think 'I know that already'. When thinking about evangelistic activities I can dismiss ideas because we have tried that before, or others have already done it.

The bottom line is, if it is not new, it is not worth doing.

But this way of thinking is not the Bible's way of thinking. The apostle Paul says "keep reminding them of these things" [that they already know] (2 Tim 2:14) and the apostle Peter says "I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth" (2 Pet 1:12), and of course the writer to the Hebrews warns to keep reminding people to not harden their hearts as they hear the voice of God (Heb 12-19).

Case against novelty

So why not novelty?

Products need novelty as built in obsolescence sells more goods. It is the need for constant improvement and upgrading that builds the business.

But the gospel is not like that.

God's work of salvation through His Word is never obsolete, and cannot be improved upon. What is required is not a newer version or model, but the great salvation message be appropriated by those who receive it. This happens not by updating but by reminding of the truth, by displaying how the truth affects every aspect of life, and arguing for and exposing why there is nothing better than the gospel.

I worry when we think that novelty sells and that we must try and be more imaginative people. God promises and has told us he will do his work, his way. We just need to get alongside God in His program. We need to do the basics well.

I count success in ministry when a person who goes through the situations and circumstances of life can say "tell me the old, old story again, for this is my comfort and joy".

So when novelty is right?

Some may ask if it is ever wrong to fail to be novel?

The answer is yes -  when we do things the same old way because we are too lazy or unconcerned about proclaiming the truth that we just drop into old ways of doing things.

The message of the cross is too vibrant not to keep thinking about the best ways to communicate it to as many as possible.