The "Traditional" Church (Part 2)

According to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul is exhorting the church at Thessalonica and making them aware of the "men of lawlessness" that were at that time preaching a different gospel. Paul tells the church in verse 3, "Let no one in any way deceive you..." We are living in a day and age where it seems as if people can't think for themselves. People will hear of something or read of something and take it as the "gospel truth" without looking into what was spoken. This form of false teaching was happening during the time Paul wrote to the church. Thus, Paul gave a charge to the church and said the following in verse 15, "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." Notice the word "tradition." Paul uses the Greek word "Paradosis" for the word tradition, which means "the substance of a teaching." Paul in essence is saying "hold to the substance of our teachings which you were taught." As a church, we are to stand upon and hold on to the "substance" of the Word of God and teach it to each other. So in turn, to be a "Traditional Church" means that we be a church that teaches, preaches, worships, and lives holy lives with substance. My job and honor as your pastor is to teach you the "traditions-substance" of God's Word and in turn you teach it to others as well. This we do so that we may be a people that may think for ourselves and not necessarily be a people that can easily be deceived by any form of "doctrine" that attempts to make its way in. So, to be a church of tradition means to be a church of substance. My desire is that when the Word of God is taught, that we don't take it as "just a story" to be heard, but a tradition that we must live out. I praise the Lord for you as I have been receiving great reports of those who have been faithful attending 9:30 a.m. Essentials Class. I also thank the Lord for those who have been faithful in attending the Home Studies during the week. It is through the lives of these individuals that "tradition-substance" will be understood. My prayer for these 34 days has been a constant "cry" in the ear of our Lord as I have pleaded on your behalf by saying, "Father, show them who You are, teach them what You said, move them where You are going, fill them with Your love, and let Your Word be real in each of them!" You see, Paul knew the dangers of false teaching and even the greater danger of a lack of substance in the people of God. I challenge you to to challenge yourself that you would desire to be a student of "tradition" so that "substance" would be evident in your walk, speech and character. May we hold fast to the "Paradosis" that is given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Until Next Time- Pastor Sammy