Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Colossians 2: 14 NKJV
I've heard the question more than a few times. Which is more important, traditions or knowing Jesus. Now, most well meaning believers know that the obvious answer is to know Christ Jesus, but they tend to go about it the wrong way. They tend to think that they are getting closer to Jesus by following man made church traditions. I grew up following such traditions, so I know a little about what I speak. But I still ask, what does following tradition have to do with knowing the man Jesus? For there is absolutely nothing I can see in these traditions that has brought me closer to Christ. Not tithing, nor prayer or gathering together in church. All have led me to follow a church paradigm and not know Christ. What HAS brought me to the realization of who Jesus truly is is the revelation of the Father. The apostle Paul speaks to his own revelation in Galatians. Paul speaks to "when it pleased God" that He would "Reveal His Son in me"{Galatians 1:15-16}. This is how we will come to know Jesus as He is. In fact, many believers may be shocked to know that Jesus wasn't too hip on organized religion. He often took the opportunity to point out the flaws in the religious systems of the Pharisees of His day. His "Woe to the Pharisees" we find in scripture is but a example of how Jesus saw organized religion {Matthew 23:13-36}. No, the gatherings which the church of the early believers of Jesus partook of were far different from the man made church services we see today. Paul gives us a glimpse into the works of this early church in Acts 2. Can you imagine a church service where the congregation shared what they had with those in need? A group of believers where sharing meals and happiness go hand in hand? No, because we have been entrenched in a religious system for far too long to know the difference.
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.
Acts 2: 44 - 46 NKJV
Imagine my surprise as a young believer when I was introduced to the "community" church concept. There were home groups as well as monthly get togethers for all. However, one key stone remained unturned, that is knowing the man Jesus for who He truly is. Most believers who have not delved into the writings of Paul may never come across the revelation he gives us about Christ Jesus in Galatians. It is Paul who introduces us to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}. Yes, Jesus lives in you today. I know, I've heard all of the traditionalists who stick to their guns and make various claims that in their minds debunk the belief that Jesus could ever live in us. First and foremost is our very own sin issue. How can a holy Christ find refuge in a sinner? Simple...we're now dead to sin. Huh? Paul tells us in Romans that the finished work of Jesus on the cross has freed us of sin debt {Romans 6:6}. Our old nature was put on that cross with Christ, that we would no longer be slaves of our sin. This is how Jesus Himself can and does live in us today. So, are Paul's words in scripture just that...words? I don't see it that way. Especially when a tradition based pulpit pounder tells me to accept the scriptures he gives me, but to disregard the words of Paul which I know in my heart to be true. For it is the revelation of the Father that has given me the knowing of Christ Jesus in me. It is this same revelation which will introduce you to the truth of Christ in you.
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment