Voice of Truth - Tradition
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There is a trend going in some church circles today, particularly among seeker friendly and emergent churches. That trend says that anything dealing with church tradition needs to be done away with or at least re-evaluated. Conservatives they say hold too close to tradition and should toss it aside to draw people in. As a self proclaimed conservative, I would say that statement is both true and false. Conservatives do sometimes hold so tight to tradition that they refuse to be open to new ways to reach the lost. On the other hand tradition has it's place in the church. We just must be sure that we don't turn tradition into meaningless ritual. We must be sure we are teaching why are traditions are meaningful. I believe the bible upholds the role of tradition.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
These verses I believe show the importance of honoring some of the traditions passed on through early church history. There are certain traditional ways we need to guard closely. Take a look at how marriage, baptism and the Lord's Supper have been changed by those who detest tradition. Same sex marriage is now acceptable in their churches because they believe that traditional marriage is outdated. It is a tradition we hold because it was instituted by God in the beginning.
Take some time to reflect on the traditions your church adheres to. If you don't know why your church follows a certain tradition, find out. If it is not a biblical reason, make sure it is not a stumbling block preventing you from reaching the lost. If the reason for the tradition is biblical, stand firm in the fact you are walking in the ways passed on to us from Jesus and the early church. As the verse says above, discipline a brother who is being unruly and not acting according to proper tradition.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
These verses I believe show the importance of honoring some of the traditions passed on through early church history. There are certain traditional ways we need to guard closely. Take a look at how marriage, baptism and the Lord's Supper have been changed by those who detest tradition. Same sex marriage is now acceptable in their churches because they believe that traditional marriage is outdated. It is a tradition we hold because it was instituted by God in the beginning.
Take some time to reflect on the traditions your church adheres to. If you don't know why your church follows a certain tradition, find out. If it is not a biblical reason, make sure it is not a stumbling block preventing you from reaching the lost. If the reason for the tradition is biblical, stand firm in the fact you are walking in the ways passed on to us from Jesus and the early church. As the verse says above, discipline a brother who is being unruly and not acting according to proper tradition.
Jason,
I came across your blog while reading the church newsletter. Thank you for following God's leadership in your life and writing this blog. Your passion for the truth and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is evident. It is great to see how God has worked in your life. Keep sharing the truth!
Thanks, pastor Duncan. It is great to hear from you. I want to thank you, because my Christian journey started under your pastoral care. I appreciate everything you taught me as a new believer.