Tradition - the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation: a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present.

 

Traditions and customs, we all have them. Some are good, and some are bad. And, some traditions really don't matter one way or the other. The Bible says in  2 Thessalonians 2:15, "Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." But in Colossians 2:8 it says, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Therefore, to determine whether a tradition should be kept or discarded, we must find out why and where that tradition started and secondly examine where that tradition has lead to and what overall effect it has had on those who have held to that tradition. "Because of your traditions you have destroyed the authority of God's word. And you do many other things like that." Mark 7:13 (GW translation). Traditions that have been taught and passed down by our fathers that have had positive long-lasting benefit may be upheld. On the other hand, traditions that have their beginnings among worldly minded men, and are contrary to the teachings of Christ must be forsaken and truth embraced. Many of these types of traditions have greatly hundred the church's outreach.

 

In the coming weeks and possibly in the coming months, we will be posting scriptural based articles that bring to light the error of various "church traditions", some of which we held in time past. Truth liberates and sets free. Jesus said "ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." The greatest restraint to the progress of truth is traditions.

 

As our religious upbringing was among a conservative body of people, some in that community of believers will read this introduction article up to this point and will immediately raise red flags. Out of fear, some may read no further than this introduction. Sit back, relax and take a deep breath. Rest assured, we have not forsaken any truth that has been revealed to us by God. However, since we have come out of the institutionalized church, which is defined as a church operated after the pattern of worldly organizations rather than a divine living organism, admittedly, we have come to a greater understanding of truth and have laid aside (or are in the process of laying aside) some of the traditions that we deem to be contrary to the foundational teachings of Christ. In this we are not ashamed.

 

We challenge you to read these articles and search them out by the scriptures. We have said for many years that "the Bible is our rule of faith". If so, we should not be afraid to look into the Bible. Christ said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life." What we know and what we think we know are not always in line. In some cases, tradition has clouded our thinking.

We are not saying that everyone must be like us for each individual will give an account to God of his understanding and obedience to His Word. One can only walk in the like that is given individually. On the other hand, just because someone is different than ourselves, or does not practice our traditions, that does not make them wrong. Where there are traditions that are not spelled out in the Word, there must be liberty to either keep or to discard that tradition.

With that introduction, we hope you enjoy this new adventure as we look at various traditions in light of the Word of God. When all is said and done, some will no doubt love us more and some will probably......... well,........ love us less! Such is the life of truth seekers.

 

Tradition 1	The Lion Shall Lay With The Lamb	Click Here For Explanation
Tradition 2	The Devil Is A Fallen Angel	Click Here For Explanation
Tradition 3	The Church is a Building	Click Here For Explanation
Tradition 4	The Christian Tithe	Click Here For Explanation

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this website are those of Gospel Outreach ministry, and do not necessarily represent the views of those with whom we worship. Void where prohibited by Law!

 

 

PS: The background music that is playing was selected from the classic musical play, Fiddler on the Roof. This musical is about a poor dairyman named Tevye who is trying to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of growing anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty.