Traditionalism

[Pastor Dr. Michael M Sherrod]

The work of the Holy Spirit must always be grounded in biblical revelation. This does not mean that the church has said, ''Tradition is the living faith of those now living.'' Tradition says' 'Worship on the Lord's day!'' Traditionalism says, ''It must be at 11:00 am in a building with a steeple and pews.'' We must differentiate between human customs and real biblical truth. Also we must be careful not to press human, denominational, or other parameters onto Scripture. The most difficult task for individual Christians and churches is to embrace change. Though God never changes, human beings must change. The whole concept of repentance reflects this truth. The word repent, metanoia in Greek, means to change one's thinking! Proverbs 14:4 makes a practical observation of life: Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.'' You see, oxen mess up the barn, but that was the high cost the Old Testament farmer had to pay in order to have animals available to help in planting and harvesting. Revival and growth are often messy. We should keep in mind this proverb and remember that where there is life, there will be evidence of life, and life can make things messy.