Acts 15:1-11: A Dispute About Tradition
In Acts 15:1-11, we see a significant dispute within the early church. Certain people from Judea came to Antioch and taught the believers that unless they were circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, they could not be saved. This caused sharp debate and disagreement. Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem to discuss this matter with the apostles and elders.
This passage highlights the tension between tradition and faith. The early church struggled with the question of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish customs to be saved. Paul and Barnabas argued that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to the law.
Freedom from Religious Expectations
My ministry focuses on freeing believers from the heavy burdens of religious expectations to truly experience the love of God. Many people are bound by traditions and rules that have no basis in Scripture. For example, some believe that one must walk down the aisle of a church to be saved. However, the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith, not through rituals or ceremonies.
You can accept Jesus Christ as your Savior anywhere—whether in church, at home, or even in your car. The important thing is the condition of your heart and your faith in Christ. There is no scriptural basis for the idea that one must come forward in a church service to be saved. This tradition, while meaningful to some, is not a requirement for salvation.
Breaking Free from Unscriptural Practices
Another example of unnecessary religious expectations is the belief that one must have a preaching license or ordination to baptize someone. If you are a believer filled with the Holy Spirit, you can baptize someone who has accepted Christ. There is no biblical mandate requiring a certificate or ordination for this act. The early church baptized new believers immediately upon their confession of faith.
Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." This means that we are free from the legalistic demands of the law. Our faith in Christ liberates us from the need to adhere to man-made rules and regulations that have no scriptural support.
Freedom from Tradition
In my years of ministry, I have encountered many who are offended by the notion of breaking away from tradition. However, Jesus himself challenged the religious leaders of his day, who placed heavy burdens on people’s shoulders. Matthew 23:4 says, "They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them."
The traditions of men often hinder the freedom that Christ offers. When we hold tightly to these traditions, we risk missing the essence of the gospel. Jesus came to set us free, not to bind us with more rules. The freedom we have in Christ allows us to serve God and others with a pure heart, unencumbered by unnecessary rituals.
Challenging Unscriptural Beliefs
One of the lies that has caused much dissension is the misuse of the phrase "touch not God’s anointed." This has been taught to mean that we should never question or challenge a preacher. However, in Matthew 18, Jesus teaches that if we have an issue with someone, we should go to them directly. No one is above correction, and accountability is crucial in the body of Christ.
The Bible teaches that we should hold each other accountable, including our leaders. Galatians 2:11-14 recounts how Paul confronted Peter when he was in the wrong. This shows that even leaders need correction when they stray from the truth.
Cultivating Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
As believers, we must cultivate an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This means evaluating the traditions and practices we follow to ensure they align with Scripture. Many things we have been taught are not biblical. For instance, the idea that there were three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus is a misconception. The
Bible does not specify the number of wise men, only that they brought three gifts.
Another common misconception is the doctrine of original sin. The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, but it also mentions earlier instances of sin, such as Lucifer’s rebellion. Understanding these nuances helps us to have a more accurate view of Scripture.
Shifting Focus in Ministry
In our ministry, we are shifting away from practices that do not contribute to the mission of saving souls. We will focus on what truly matters: sharing the gospel and making disciples. This means moving away from merely playing church and engaging in activities that have no real impact.
We are called to challenge the status quo and seek God’s guidance in all that we do. Romans 12:2 urges us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves shedding old, unbiblical practices and embracing the freedom we have in Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we must embrace the freedom that Christ offers. This means breaking free from the expectations and traditions that are not grounded in Scripture. Our faith should be based on a personal relationship with Jesus, not on rituals and rules imposed by man.
Let us challenge everything we have been taught and seek the truth in God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and expose anything that is not from Him. By doing so, we can live in the true freedom that Christ offers, serving Him and others with a pure heart.
As we move forward, let us commit to evaluating our beliefs and practices through the lens of Scripture. Let us be open to correction and willing to change when necessary. In this way, we can ensure that our faith is authentic and pleasing to God.
Thank you for joining me today. May God bless you as you seek to live in the freedom He provides. Amen.
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