Preserve these Things

The church has always been charged to preserve the teaching and commandments of the Bible.  Along the way the laws of God became mixed with the customs of men, and various traditions; the result was religion.  This continues even until today where many gatherings are nothing more than man-made religion; while few will allow leading of the Holy Spirit.  This being true, there are also “churches” which pride themselves so much for not being a traditional church, that they allow all manner of sin and polluted actions to occur within their fellowship.  So the question becomes, “What is it about our church, worldwide and at Rowletts, is worth preserving?”

Scripture – The Bible is the Word of God, His revelation to us, concerning Himself and instruction for our living.  Our focus should be to ensure our devotion to teaching and order for our lives, stem from the scriptures.  The tradition of man holds no weight if it does not have scripture for its foundation.  Long-established customs lacking a Bible foundation which are splitting churches include: worship or preaching styles, and methods of prayer.  If you have a conviction about a certain practice – be sure you have a scriptural foundation.

Mission – Or our Great Commission.  We, the congregation, are the evangelical arm of the church.  We have been charged to take the gospel to those who have not heard and/or believed.  Then once they believe we are to make disciples.  This would be where we most often find non-scriptural tradition.  When making disciples we should teach the “why” of a practice, more than the “how” of a practice.  Paul left Titus to teach and set in order the believers at Crete.  This included a commitment to good works, an avoidance of sin, and a way of living in expectation of the Kingdom to come.  Let us be sure to establish things to accomplish our mission, and not to institute our traditions.

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--” Titus 1:5

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus 2:11-15

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:8-9