INTRO: Religious Traditions that are Hurting the Church

- Rejecting Societal Culture/Men For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.1 Cor 9:19-23

- Commenting on Politics
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
- Ranking Sins- (Lacking conformity to Gods character)
For all have sinned and fallen sort of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
- Judging Outsiders. Judge not lest ye be judged”Matthew 7:1
- Refusing to Change Church Structure
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” Mark 7:7-8


ANALYSIS: When Tradition Meets a New Thing!

"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:18-19


1. When Tradition meets a “New Thing” there will be Accusations
Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. Vs 1 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them! Vs 2-3
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.Rev 12:10-11

2. When Tradition meets a “New Thing” there should be Explanations
But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? Vs 4-17
3. When Tradition meets a “New Thing” there can be Celebrations
When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Vs 18

APPLICATION: 6 Healthy Spiritual Traditions to Practice:
1. Practice His Presence (Contemplative Tradition) through prayer, Wed of God, Worship. Its Falling in Love with Jesus!
2. Practice His Compassion (Social Justice Tradition) being a Kingdom change agent. Not aligning with a Political Agenda but a Prophetic Agenda
3. Practice His Virtues (Holiness Tradition)- cultivating habits, lifestyles.
4. Practice His Empowered Life (Charismatic Tradition)- be Filled w/ Spirit, walk in Spirit and bear Spiritual Fruit
5. Practice His Word Centered Life (Proclamation Tradition)- Biblical Word view and Gospel Proclamation.
6. Practice His Sacramental Life (Incarnational Tradition)- no separation of the religious and Secular