The greatest hinderance to our operation of apostolic authority is the traditions of men that are taught as bible truth. Jesus commented to the pharisees that they taught the traditions of men, making the commandments of God of no effect. Here, in my opinion, are a couple more traditions we find in the modern church. Let me know what you think.
A traditional church is one that…
…continues a division between a professional clergy and laity resulting in a one man show. This attitude fosters a control issue, focusing power in the hands of a select few and does not promote a priesthood of believers.
The apostolic church is one that...
…recognizes that we are all one body, with different giftings The purpose of the ascension gift ministries is to equip or fully perfect the saints for the work of service (Ephesians 4:11 NASU). NOT to do all the work of service themselves.
A traditional church is one that…
…does not actively seek an empowerment of the believers. Due to the division of the clergy and laity, there is minimal effort placed on developing the spiritual giftings of the believer. The average believer is seen as a labor force for the programs of the church. Little is expected from them, so little is what they give.
The apostolic church is one that...
…empowers each believer in their spiritual gifting. The saints are to be equipped for the work of service or ministry. Each member is gifted and placed in the body as God chooses (1 Corinthians 12). The body should function effectively as each member is working in their gifting.
Next time, a couple of more traditions that may hinder us.
Martin
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5 comments:
Wow, you're talking about stuff most people don't want to hear about! However very needful. I think the church is finally in a place where it is starting to realize some of this stuff... :) Thank you Jesus!
Calandra,
It is my opinion, that if we are to impact our world we must address the issues that are holding us back. Unfortunately, many well intentioned individuals are just propagating a church model that they were handed by the generation before them.
I think of the scripture about putting new wine in an old wineskin. Many are hungry for more of what God has for us, yet we want to put it in the old wineskins of our traditions. We want to fit it into our structure.
Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming
The first two paragraphs of this post had a "light-bulb going on" effect for me. Just today, I was wondering what had gotten me so wound up about my faith, and so frustrated and disillusioned about a few of my fellowship experiences. I already know that the answer is phariseeism to some extent. This article really hit the hammer on the nail for me. Especially these sentences:
"The greatest hinderance to our operation of apostolic authority is the traditions of men that are taught as bible truth."
"A traditional church is one that…
…continues a division between a professional clergy and laity resulting in a one man show. This attitude fosters a control issue, focusing power in the hands of a select few and does not promote a priesthood of believers."
In general, having examples- comparison and contrast-gives a more detailed illustration of the tradition issue than what I can normally get from conversations with fellow believers on the topic. I appreciate your work any any revelation you have to sort out the issues of traditionalism.
Erin, thanks for the encouraging words. I am glad it was of help to you. My next book I am working on describes a biblical church structure that is designed to empower the priesthood of believers. When we are each operating in our giftings, we are ministering the grace of God and the church will be expressing the image and nature of Jesus.
Hi Bro Martin, this is Joy (who came to your church last year). I am in total agreement with you on the traditions. I hate "the church" as it has been made. We are "The Church" the called out ones by God, to do His work in these days. Too many times we depend on 1 or 2 to do the work of the ministry when we have all be called to be ministers of reconcilliation.
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