Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving (Part Two)

In our physical bodies service and supply always flow from members which have to those members which lack or need that service or supply.

The lungs always have an abundance of oxygen and the cardiovascular system is continually moving that oxygen from the place of abundance to the places of need (every cell in the body).

The stomach and intestines are regularly supplied with food/nourishment/fuel. The cardiovascular system continually moves that nourishment from the place of abundance to places of need (every cell) throughout the body.

When one member suffers (an itch, a wound, a break) other members which are equipped to render service or supply to the suffering members do so.  A fingernail scratches a mosquito bite to relieve the itch. When an ankle is sprained - the hands bind it up and the other leg and the arms share the weight of the body to allow that ankle to rest and heal. If an arm or leg is broken, it is immobilized and other members of the body bear its responsibilities while it heals.

So also in scripture we see that service and supply in the Body of Christ is to flow from abundance to need:

     -from the fed to the hungry,

         -from the watered to the thirsty,

              -from the hospitable to the stranger,

                  -from the clothed to the naked,

                      -from the healthy to the sick,

                          -from the free to the prisoner,

                               -from the strong to the weak,

                                    -from the comforted to the troubled.

Below are a number of scriptures which outline instructions and commands which have been passed down to us by the apostles to guide us in the matter of giving. As you read them, ask: “Is this apostolic perspective on giving the same as or radically different from what we have been traditionally taught regarding giving, to whom we are to give and whom we are to support?”

Acts 20:33)  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34)  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35)  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 15:1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Corinthians 8:9)  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10)  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12)  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13)  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14)  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15)  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Ephesians 4:28)  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29)  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use (need) of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Thessalonians 5:14)  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1 John 3:17)  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

How do these apostolic commands differ from what you have traditionally been taught about giving? To what kind(s) of people did the apostles say we should give?  To what kinds of people have we been traditionally taught to give?

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving: (Part One)

I am discovering that traditions of men are almost always contrary to apostolic traditions! Traditionally we have been taught that, in Christian ministry, giving should always flow from a large group of people to a small group of people and that the needs of the small group are to be met differently than are the needs of the large group. In this post, I simply ask you to consider some questions I’ve been asking myself as I’ve been seeking answers in the scriptures.  I hope this will spark your interest in searching the scriptures for your own answers and then hopefully we can discuss what we have discovered in future posts!

How are the needs of elders/overseers/pastors to be met? (Acts 20:28-35)

Do apostles, prophets, evangelists or teachers have a right for their needs to be met in a different manner than those of local elders/overseers/pastors?  Yes/No

If so, what scriptures set forth such a right?

If not, what scriptures teach the wisdom of the needs of both being met in the same ways? (Acts 20:33-35; II Thess.3:6-15)

Which apostles demanded or used such rights?  (Acts 6:2,4;  I Cor.9:4-6,12)

Which apostles did not demand or use such rights?  (Acts 20:33-35; I Cor.4:9-17;  I Cor.9:6,12,15,18;  II Cor.11:7-9; II Cor.12:12-19; I Thess.2:1-9; 4:9-12; II Thess.3:6-15)

Are there any good reasons to surrender such rights and not demand them?  (I Cor.9:12,15-18)

Did any apostle, whose needs were met differently than those of elders, teach others to follow his own example? Yes/No

Are apostles. prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers to be hired, paid and even fired by other believers? Yes/No

If so, what scriptures would teach these things?

If not, who calls, appoints, sends and rewards apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers? (Matthew 10:16; 23;34; John 20:21; Acts 20:28-35; I Peter 5:1-4)

Who gave such men to the Body?  (Ephesians 4:10,11) Who is then responsible to see that they receive their hire or reward for their labour?  (Matthew 16:27; 20:1-16; I Cor.3:18; I Tim.5:18; Rev.22:12)

Are the financial and material needs of widows, orphans, the weak, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned and the poor to be supplied by believers?  Yes/No

If not, what scriptures teach this?

If so, what scriptures teach this? How and by whom are such to be supported? (Matt.25:34-46; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30; 20:35; Rom.15:25,26; I Cor.16:1,2;  II Cor.8:13-15; 9:12; Gal.2:9,10;  Eph.4:28; I Tim.5:3-15)

 For what reason should some such not be given anything? (II Thess.3:10-15; I Tim.5:9-14)

What does scripture teach us…

- about “saving” for the future? (Matt.6:19,20;  10:7-12; Luke 10:1-8; I Cor.16:1-3; II Cor.3:13-15)

- about saving for known needs (i.e. storing crops for use in the winter when they won’t grow, for meeting the current known needs of one’s own children, elderly or widowed parents.)  (Prov.6:6-11; II Cor.12:14; I Tim.5:3-16)

-about saving for unknown needs (“for a rainy day”, for possible “emergencies” or catastrophes, for security in old age, for children’s education etc.)

“Saving” is not mentioned in scripture. But the Lord Jesus and the apostles did instruct us regarding “laying up”. Is “laying up” an equivalent to “saving”?  How is “laying up” the same as or different from “saving”?

Is fundraising (the act or occupation of asking, pleading, appealing or making known needs for funds) for ministry scripturally justified? Yes/No    If so, what scriptures teach us …

- how to do it? Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- to whom such appeals should be made? Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- by whom such appeals should be made? Acts 11:27-3                                                                                    - the reasons for generous response to such appeals? Luke 6:28-38; II Cor.9:6;  Gal.6:7-10.

The reason why the promise of Phil.4:19 was made to  saints at Philippi and not to others is found in Phil.4:14-16! This is entirely in keeping with the teachings of Luke 6:28-38, II Cor.9:6 and Gal.6:7-10!

 - the reasons for which some such appeals should be rejected? Prov.1:22-33; II Thess.3:10

What scriptural commands teach how the needs of the following are to be met:

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?  All of the above are instructed by Matt.6:3,4 & 19,20;  Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Luke 6:30,31,38; Acts 20:33-35;

What scriptural examples show (right or wrong) how the needs of the following have been met?

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?

Does any historical event or practice recorded in scripture establish an apostolic tradition which is incumbent on believers today, or must such responsibilities be established by an apostolic command?

What kinds of people are scripturally entitled to receive financial assistance? Poor saints Romans 15:25-27; those who preach the Gospel I Cor.9:9-14; those who teach Galatians 6:6;  faithful widows                        I Tim.5:3-14; elders who labour in the word and doctrine  I Tim.5:17,18

What apostolic traditions (commands of the Lord through the apostles) give us guidance in these matters? (the texts immediately above)

Who serves the Lord? Who are “the servants of the Lord”? (Col.1:1,2 with 3:24;  Romans 12:1,11)

Who is to “live of the Gospel”?  Who are those who “preach the Gospel”? (Evangelists?, Sunday school teachers?, parents who teach their children their need of a Saviour? Christians who are faithful witnesses to co-workers etc?)

What does “living of the Gospel” mean?  Does it mean -charging for preaching? - receiving a salary or wage for preaching?  - being hired to preach? - looking for one’s reward from the hand of the One who appointed the preacher? - something else?   If so, what does it mean?

What does the negative command “muzzle not the ox that treadeth out the corn” mean for us? 

-Does it mean positive commands such as: “Pay the apostle.” -“Pay those who preach the Gospel.”or -“Pay the elders who labour in the word and doctrine” ?  If so, how are they to be paid, how much and by whom? 

Or does a negative command teach us there is something we are NOT to do?  If so, what are we NOT to do regarding apostles, those who preach the Gospel, or elders who labour in the Word and doctrine?  What does this mean in practical ways….how will this affect our care for such? 

   -When one literally muzzles an ox, what does one do and why?

   -When a believer or an ekklesia “muzzles” an apostle, a Gospel preacher, a teacher or an elder who labours in the word and doctrine? What do they do? Why do they do it?

Specifically, what are we NOT to do in this matter regarding apostles, Gospel preachers, teachers or elders?

As you have considered these questions in light of what scripture says, have you been surprised? Have you had any long-standing ideas challenged by the scriptures?  If so, share your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email at bwood4d@gmail.com

APOSTOLIC TRADITION: NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN CLERGY AND LAITY

Probably the most prevalent and damaging tradition of men among churches of the Lord’s people today is the distinction between groups called “the clergy” and “the laity”. According to this tradition “the clergy” are those normally referred to as “the ministers”, “servants of the Lord” those who are “ordained”, those who are in “full-time Christian work” and who are normally paid for their ministry or service and many are given titles such as “Reverend” or “Father”.

By way of contrast “the laity”, according to this tradition of men, are those who are “ministered to”, “served” by the clergy, “unordained”, employed in “secular work”, and if they do any service in the church it is usually as unpaid volunteers.

But such a tradition was not passed down by the Lord Jesus or the apostles! Rather they clearly taught that the laity (The Greek word LAOS) or “the people” of God and the clergy (the Greek word KLEROS) or God’s  “inheritance”, “heritage” or “appointed lot” were one and the same group of people!!!

The following are just a few examples where God, through His apostles and prophets, refers to believers as “my people” (LAOS) or “the people (LAOS) of God”:

Romans 9:25)  As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people (LAOS), which were not my people (LAOS); and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26)  And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people (LAOS); there shall they be called the children of the living God.

2 Corinthians 6:16)  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (LAOS).

1 Peter 2:9)  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (LAOS); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10)  Which in time past were not a people (LAOS), but are now the people (LAOS) of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

All believers are not only called God’s people or LAOS, they are also included in His inheritance or KLEROS!

The Lord Jesus, speaking to the apostle Paul told him that believers would not only receive forgiveness of sins but also inheritance (KLEROS) among them which are sanctified by faith! (Acts 26:15-18

The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Colosse, told them that the Father had made them partakers of the inheritance (KLEROS) of the saints in light.  (Colossians 1:9-17)

And the apostle Peter, writing to elders of the churches in I Peter 5:1-3, clearly instructed them that they were not to be “lords over God's heritage (KLEROS)”, but rather to be “examples to the flock.”   Thus we see that, according to the scriptures and apostolic tradition, the laity and the clergy are not two different groups of people but are two terms used of all believers!

Not only are all believers both laity and clergy, but all are ordained of God! The Lord Jesus, in John 15:16 said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

Not only are we all clergy which have been ordained by the Lord Jesus but we also are gifted by God for ministry! Every believer is equipped for ministry to others in the Body and have thus been made stewards of the manifold grace of God. “As every man (each one) hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  (I Peter 4:10,11)

The apostles not only taught that all believers are God’s clergy, that they are ordained, that they are ministers but they taught that all believers are also holy and royal priests! See I Peter 2:5&9

The main reason why “burnout” among Christian “pastors/clergymen” has reached epidemic proportions is because this tradition of men has placed such a heavy burden on such leaders which God never intended that they should carry! Ministry is designed by God to be shared by all the members in the body, not just one!

According to apostolic tradition, church leaders were never to be hired by the flock, saddled with all the responsibilities of ministry and fired when they did not meet the high expectations placed upon them!

Rather elders (a plurality of men who are “home-grown” rather than called from elsewhere) are to be recognized by God-given qualifications (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1) and are to serve together as they oversee the flock,  to work with their own hands to meet their own needs and minister to the weak among the flock. (Acts 20:28-35)

When ever God’s simple instructions for His flock are obeyed, both sheep and shepherds flourish. But when traditions of men replace apostolic traditions great damage is done to the shepherds and great havoc is worked among the sheep!  Oh may we have courage to repent of traditions of men and return to the simplicity of apostolic traditions for all of our church practices!

You are invited to comment below or email me at bwood4d@gmail.com

FEATURES OF THE APOSTOLIC TRADITION OF BAPTISM:

We have seen previously that every apostolic tradition is: (1) based on a command of the Lord

 Jesus,  (2) communicated to us by the spoken or written words of an apostle and (3) has been

delivered or entrusted to believers of succeeding generations to be practiced by us.

In view of the above, we see that the apostolic tradition of baptism is established by the

commands of the Lord Jesus and the apostles Peter and Philip and delivered to us in the

following scriptures:

Matthew 28:16  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19  Go ye therefore, and teach  (i.e. make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them (baptized disciples) to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I  (Jesus) am with you (disciples) alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of  (in response to the authority of or in obedience to) Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:35  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 10:44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the

word. 45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with

Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46  For they

heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid

water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of (in response to the authority of or in

obedience to) the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

From these scriptures we learn the following truths regarding baptism:

(1) The people who are to be baptized are disciples (followers) of the Lord Jesus.

(2) The people who are to do the baptizing are other disciples of the Lord Jesus.  (There is not a line of scripture from the mouth of the Lord Jesus or the pens of the apostles that teaches that the act of baptizing is restricted to male believers, “credentialed” leaders, apostles or elders as has traditionally been practiced.)  Rather the Lord and the apostles clear teach that this responsibility lies upon “disciples” apart from any other requirement.

(3) Being baptized is not an option for any believer but a direct command to be obeyed.

(4) The result of any baptism is that the object of baptism (by definition of the word) is in the medium of the baptism.  Baptism may be done by “dipping”, “plunging” or “burying” the object into the medium or by “pouring” the medium upon the object so that the object is “in” the medium. (Sprinkling a few drops on one’s head does not accomplish this result and so sprinkling is NOT baptizing!)

(5) This next point may be surprising to many Christians, but the medium of the baptism of believers was never specified by the Lord Jesus or the apostles. In all the recorded instances of people being baptized in the NT where the medium is also recorded, it was water.  However, we have also noted that historical records of events do not establish apostolic traditions. Only divine or apostolic commands establish such. While in most instances water is certainly the most readily available and inexpensive substance to be the medium for baptism, we cannot say that baptizing in some other medium would be disobedient. For example, there are believers who live in the desert of the Australian “outback” who baptize by actual burial in soil!  Water is so scarce, precious and valuable that large enough quantities for baptizing are just not readily available. So these folks baptize in soil. The use of  soil is a very apt and appropriate medium for an action which is to portray death, burial and resurrection and is in no way a violation of apostolic tradition!

(6) The order of the divine and apostolic commands are as follows: (1) making disciples, (2) baptizing disciples and (3) teaching those baptized disciples to observe all that the Lord Jesus commands them.   To delay baptism for the purpose of teaching new converts anything is contrary to the divinely established order of these commands!

(7) There is no scriptural basis, reason or excuse for delaying baptism of a professed disciple for any reason!  Every person who professes to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus and desires to be baptized has every right to ask the question asked by the Ethiopian of the apostle, Philip: “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” The apostle made perfectly clear that there was one and only one pre-requisite for baptism, i.e. faith in Christ.  If any preacher, teacher, elder or church leader gives any other answer to such a question than that given by the apostle Philip, they have departed from apostolic tradition in the matter! To delay obedience in the matter of baptism on account of one’s age,  in order to give them further teaching, in order to allow their profession to be tested and proven, or because of some sinful habit over which they have not yet gained the victory is to stand in direct disobedience to the command of God and apostolic tradition!

May we have the humility to bow in obedience to the commands of the Lord Jesus relative to

baptism and the boldness to stand against any and every tradition of men that would run

contrary to His commands!

Just as in assembly/church/ekklesia gatherings,  we all retain and benefit far more from

conversations in which we have been active participants than we do from simply writing or

reading articles or speaking or listening to messages apart from interaction with others

on the subject matter!

So with this in mind,  I invite and encourage your comments, questions, challenges  or

objections to anything written in this blog.  Your interaction on the subject will be beneficial

for both of us and for others who read it. You may enter such as comments below or send

them in an email to me at bwood4d@gmail.com    

Doug Comments on the Church: Part Two

My friend, Doug,  continued,   “I would be very curious if you have put together (from SCRATCH) your own theory as to how a biblical body should be put together under the headship of Christ and what passages of Scripture do you use to get there....     How do you handle the passages that others try to use to prove otherwise?    I would be fascinated to see your model.     As soon as I complete Acts and ask my co-teacher to take the next session, I am going to "flesh out" my thoughts on paper and create what I see as the biblical model and try to show how it is Biblically the closest I can come and practically how logical and wise it would be to "organize" in this way....     I will share it with you for critique when I get it done.”

Brother, theories or opinions are like noses, everybody has one! So my theory would be no better than anyone else’s. But what the Lord Jesus and the apostles taught us is of utmost importance.

First of all, I don’t believe it is our job to “put a Biblical body together under the headship of Christ”, for God has already done that!  We are never instructed in scripture to “plant”, “institute”, “organize” or “put together” such a body. We are simply instructed to “keep” (guard) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  (Eph.4:3)   When a baby is born, it’s physical body is complete. It’s unity is already established. It is not yet mature but it is complete.

The church is God’s creation, He has established its unity and our responsibility is to guard the unity of that body (not create it!)

Secondly, as far as scripture is concerned there is only one body (The church which is Christ`s Body, Eph.1:22,23, which He said He would build is the only body in which we need to have membership.)   A church in your town or mine is not a “body”, but such churches are part of the Body of Christ.  Otherwise we would have many bodies with one head!   Scripture only speaks of “membership” in the context of a body which has a head.  Only two such are mentioned in the Bible:  (1)our physical bodies have members (eyes, ears etc) I Cor.12, and (2) the Body of Christ has members, believers in the Lord Jesus who are in vital union with the head, Christ.  So “church membership” as the term is most commonly used today, i.e. membership in a local congregation, is not a scriptural idea at all, but simply an invention used to exercise control by dispensing “membership privileges” to those who wish to “sign up”.  I am not a member in any church or gathering of saints except the one I was made a member of the day I got saved!  Nor do we seek to have any control over other saints by inviting them to “become members” of “our church”!  The church is NOT ours at all!

Thirdly, in order to “keep/guard” the unity of a living body  (a little baby’s body or the body of Christ) we need to recognize what that body is ( a living man).  Then we need to recognize that the proper functioning of that living body needs care (in keeping with its design)  and that the health of that body can be threatened, endangered or crippled by abuse or lack of proper care.

I believe that the commands and instructions of the Lord Jesus which he gave to the apostles are the divine guide for the care of Christ’s Body.  The church which is Christ’s body, the church in your town or mine, and the church in your house or mine will thrive as those instructions are followed and obeyed. But when a baby is “cared for” by instructions created and suited for a corporation, the baby will suffer from severe neglect and abuse.  (Precisely what happens when “church” is organized, operates, and functions according to traditions of men rather than according to apostolic traditions received from the Lord Himself!

Traditions of men, which are designed to guide the functioning of corporations, bring horrible abuse upon members of Christ’s body. After long exposure to corporate traditions, many believers are atrophied from lack of use or paralyzed from abuse, joints with other members of the body are dislocated, disease is common and communication with the Head is almost non-existent! So the only way for believers to begin to function in a healthy manner as members of Christ is to purpose to listen to Jesus, obey whatever He has said and then teach others to do the same.  (That’s basically the idea of the “great Commission”!)

“Church services”, “worship services”, clergy/laity distinctions, denominational distinctives are a few of the traditions of men that are foreign to scripture. In their places believers are to assemble together to minister one to another (Hebrews 10:24,25) as good stewards of the grace of God which is given to each one (I Peter 4:10,11),   the people of God (LAOS) I Peter 2:10 are the same group of people as God’s inheritance (KLEROS or clergy) over which elders are forbidden to be lords! (I Peter 5:3) The use of any names which distinguish Christians one from another or which exclude others from their fellowship are forbidden. (I Cor.1:10-13)  Pastors/elders/overseers are males who are “homegrown” and thus well known by the believers they serve (not unknown and imported from elsewhere). They are recognized by God-given qualifications (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1) NOT hired according to preferences of the sheep and they work diligently with their own hands to meet their own needs and also to be able to support weak ones among the sheep(Acts 20:33-35). Finally, elders do not function alone. No NT church had only one elder. Rather the churches which resulted from the ministries of the apostles were guided by a plurality of elders who laboured together to care for the flock.

So, Doug, (and other readers of this blog)… as you look for and seek to be involved in a church which is thoroughly biblical in its practices,  which of those mentioned above would you embrace?  What other practices taught by the Lord Jesus and the apostles would you include? How can you begin to make such apostolic traditions part of your own lifestyle today? As you, personally, obey what the Lord has shown you, how might He bring you into contact with others with similar desires?

Apostolic Traditions (Part Two)

Today we consider a numnber of other apostolic traditions which are still God's design for believers and His churches/assemblies/ekklesias today.  I don't expect to win a popularity contest with these posts as I know they are at odds with many firmly held church traditions today! But I simply ask you to see if they are really what the Lord Jesus and the apostles taught. If you find that they are, I encourage you to embrace them wholeheartedly!

Baptizing Done immediately upon conversion vs. Delaying baptism for any of a wide variety of traditional reasons.  Disciples, those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus, are to be baptized and then taught! (Matthew 28:19,20)  In every case of baptism in the scriptures, believers were baptized immediately. The longest delay (on scriptural record) was three days between Saul’s conversion and his baptism! When Ananias came to him he asked, “Why tarriest thou?” and then commanded him, “Arise and be baptized!” (Acts 22:16)

“Clergy” and “Laity” are the Same People vs. “Clergy/Laity” Distinction. The apostle Peter taught that all believers are the “people” of God (Greek = laos or “laity”) (1 Pet.2:9,10). As an elder himself, Peter taught that elders are never to lord it over God’s “heritage” (Greek = kleros or “clergy”) (1 Pet.5:3). Thus, “clergy” and “laity” are one and the same, and they do not refer to church leaders vs. ordinary believers! This false distinction among the people of God has been promoted and accepted for centuries as a result of religious traditions of men and has wreaked untold havoc among “clergymen” and those that they so often designate as the “laity”!

Elders Appointed by God vs. Elders Hired by Sheep. Local church leaders were interchangeably called “elders/presbyters”, “pastors/shepherds”, or “bishops/overseers” (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet.5:1-3). These elders were appointed by apostles (Acts 14:23) or those they had trained (Titus 1:5) according to God’s requirements (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1). These men (a plurality of males Acts 20:30; I Tim.3:2, Tit.1:6) from within the flock, were appointed by and accountable to God (Acts 20:28; Heb13:17; 1 Pet 5:1,4). But unbiblical religious traditions teach that a lone shepherd, male or female, is called from outside the flock based on qualifications determined by the sheep, is accountable to the sheep, and is hired, salaried, and may even be fired by the sheep!

Unpaid Ministry vs. Salaried “Clergy.” Itinerant apostles worked with their hands to support the weak and taught local elders and all believers to do the same. (Acts 18:3; 20:33-35; 2 Cor.12:14-19; 1 Thess.2:7-9; 2 Thess.3:6-12). Believers who preach the Gospel and teach others rightfully receive gifts from those blessed by their labors (1 Cor. 9; Gal 6:6-10; Phil 4:11-18; 1 Tim 5:17,18; 3 John 1:5-8), but neither missionaries nor elders were paid for their ministries. They labored with their hands (Acts 20:33-35, served freely (Matt.10:8), preached the Gospel without charge (1 Cor.9:18), and served willingly and not for filthy lucre or sordid gain (1 Pet.5:2). So today, missionaries, elders of assemblies of God’s people, and all believers are to have their daily needs met in the same way because all are members in the same body.

Ministry by Every believer vs. A One-man Show. The apostles taught and modeled ministry by all, not by a few ministering to the many!(Acts 1:12-2:47, 4:23-33, 6:1-6, 13:1-3, 15:4-32, 20:7-12; 1 Cor. 5:4-13, 11:20-34, 14:23-40; Heb 10:24,25; I Peter 4:10,11). “Preaching” to believers was always by dialogue and discussion, rather than lecturing. Paul’s “preaching” in Acts 20 was the Greek word “dialegomai” or dialogue. Also, while religious tradition says that “homilies” (Greek = homileo) are monologue sermons, scriptural “homilies” are always conversations among a number of people! The word homileo is found 4 times in the New Testament and is translated “talked together”, “communed together”, “talked”, and “communed” (Luke 24:14,15; Acts 20:11, 24:26). Although one-way communication was done to evangelize unbelievers (Acts 2:14-40, 7:2-53, 17:22-31), sermonizing to saints is foreign to the New Testament! This is one major reason why the apostles never taught the early saints to buy, own, rent or acquire special church buildings! Believers most often gathered in homes (Acts 2:46, 20:20; Rom 16:3-5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philem 1:2). Even when the whole church in a city gathered together, their venue was not owned by the church! (Acts 2:46, 5:12, 15:12,22,30;  19:9; 1 Cor.11:20 KJV & 14:23 KJV).

Generous Giving vs. Mandatory Tithing. Every believer should set aside and save money as God has prospered them, so they will have resources to give to those in need, rather than being obliged to give a “tithe” or contribute to a collection which is spent on salaries, mortgages, utilities, etc! (1 Cor.16:1,2). We are now the house in whom God dwells (Eph.2:19-22) and are to give to poor saints, rather than giving tithes to maintain an unscriptural clergy class and offerings to maintain “sanctuaries” in which God does not dwell!! (Acts 7:48; 17:24; Heb.3:5,6). 

Giving to the poor vs. Fundraising for the “clergy”, “full-time Christian workers”, or “denominational hierarchies”.  Christendom today has become just as commercialized as the secular business world as traditions of men have usurped divinely given instructions regarding giving and how the needs of God’s people are to be met! (Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1,2; II Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.) But the apostles’ consistent instructions on these matters focus our attention rather on giving to the poor, the needy, the weak, the widow and the orphan.

The Lord’s Supper vs. The Lord’s Snack. We are to remember the Lord as often as we eat our daily meals, rather than practicing a “bite and sip” ritual administered by “clergy” to the “laity” (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:42,46; 1 Cor.11:24-26). Early believers “continued steadfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:41-47). If we only prayed once a year, once a quarter, once a month, or even once a week, would we really be “continuing steadfastly” in prayer? If not, can we claim to be “continuing steadfastly” in breaking of bread if we do it only annually, quarterly, monthly, or weekly?

Unity vs. Denominations. We are to designate God’s people simply as “brethren”, “disciples”, “saints”, “Christians”, “believers”, “children of God” and “sons of God.” This promotes unity, fellowship, and mutual ministry. But names that religious organizations use, intentionally distinguish them from others. The very essence of “denominationalism” is taking names which distinguish one group from others. Apostolic tradition refutes such practices (Rom 15:7; 1 Cor.1:9-13) and commands us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph.4:2).

Scattering into the world vs. Assembling together for Gospel preaching. The Lord Jesus sent his disciples out by twos and commanded them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. (Luke 10:1; Mark 16:15) He met unconverted people “on their own turf” and taught his disciples to do the same. The apostles did the same and the early churches followed their example. The world was “turned upside down” as the Gospel was proclaimed by the seaside, in markets, in public forums, in courtrooms, in prisons and in homes. As a result, “evangelistic efforts” which are so common in our day were totally foreign to the early churches!! The New Covenant scriptures are entirely void of any “gospel meetings” which were advertised and convened by believers in places where the saints were accustomed to assemble or in places which they owned or rented.

The above are certainly not an exhaustive list of all apostolic traditions! I have simply noted some main ones in a very brief format. I plan to deal with them in more detail in subsequent posts. But if you have difficulties, questions, comments to make regarding any of the above, please do so below and I'll seek to respond to your comments in upcoming posts.

So, What Now?

Throughout church history, whenever believers turned from religion and returned to apostolic traditions, they faced persecution from those who treasured men’s traditions above God’s Word. But they also experienced rich blessings from God for their costly obedience, and the church was reformed, revived, and renewed. How will our generation be remembered, and how will our choice of traditions affect future generations?        

Are we willing to turn from anti-scriptural traditions, inherited from denominations and families, to embrace the traditions modeled and mandated by the Lord Jesus and his apostles? Our behaviour with other saints, in response to this question, will clearly show whether or not we acknowledge Christ as our Head?

Apostolic Traditions (Part One)

I was raised, trained, schooled, “ordained” and served as a “church planting missionary” within religious traditions of men which I believed were truly scriptural. But a serious reading and study of the New Covenant scriptures, especially the Book of Acts, shook my religious beliefs to the core in 1978. Since then, I have been on an ongoing journey seeking to learn and practice apostolic traditions.

Apostolic Traditions vs. Man-made Traditions

Most Christians, like myself at one time, firmly believe that what their church teaches and practices is truly scriptural. But the fact of the matter is that many, if not most, church practices have been derived from traditions of men over the centuries since the apostles first taught the early church how God wanted churches to function. Until we actually search the scriptures and compare apostolic teachings with our own practices, we have no clue whether our practices are truly Biblical or not!

Most Christians believe that Christ is Head of the church, but yet His headship and lordship are actually denied by practices we have embraced which are contrary to His own instructions! How can we truly embrace Christ as Head apart from rejecting religious traditions that are contrary to His commands? We will acknowledge Him as our Head only when we fully embrace the simple yet dynamic practices which the Lord Jesus commanded the apostles to teach.

What is God’s Eternal Purpose?

God has an overriding purpose in Christ Jesus, but it is not simply the salvation of lost sinners! God’s purpose is not man-centered, but it certainly does include us. God loved us so much that Jesus died to save the world (John 3:16). Jesus said that he came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). And God is certainly not willing that anyone should perish (2 Pet.3:9)

But, Paul clearly informs us in Ephesians 3 about God’s “big picture” goal according to his eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s eternal purpose is “that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold [i.e. many-sided] wisdom of God.” (Eph.3:10). This will only be accomplished as we obey Jesus’ commandments given to the apostles (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Cor.11:1,2; 14:37).

What’s the Relationship between Head and Body?

A brain surgeon, for example, can only show his many-sided wisdom as each member of his body obeys the instructions from his head. If his body is healthy, his members instantly obey directions from his head. But, if he is paralyzed or stricken with Alzheimer’s, his body parts will not obey his head as he would desire. Thus, his wisdom and skill will be obscured, rather than manifested.

So too when we, the members of Christ’s Body, are bound by unscriptural traditions, dysfunctional practices, and false teaching, God’s manifold wisdom is obscured, rather than manifested. In Christ’s Body, we can only function properly as we hear and obey the Lord Jesus’ commands to the apostles to be obeyed by all his disciples. Unfortunately, all of us have been “afflicted” by many religious traditions which are contrary to apostolic traditions. In the measure this is true of us, we are disobedient, in opposition to Jesus, and cannot minister as Christ desires!

Did Jesus and Paul believe in Traditions?

The Lord Jesus said, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt.15:3,6,9).

The apostle Paul instructed the first-century saints with many similar words. To the Corinthians he wrote, “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances (traditions), as I delivered them to you.” (1 Cor.11:2). Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to “stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:15).

And Paul told the Philippians, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.” (Philip 4:9). Paul went further and said, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2 Thess.3:6).

Examples of Apostolic Traditions

Although I cannot give a detailed list in this post, here are just a few  (two in this post and others to follow) examples of dynamic apostolic traditions vs. the “man-made” traditions often practiced.

Baptizing Believers vs. Baptizing Infants. We are to practice baptism of believers/disciples who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, rather than baptizing infants or unsaved church “members.” (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38). 

Baptizing Done by Believers vs. Baptizing Done Exclusively by “Clergy”. Disciples who make other disciples are commanded by the Lord to baptize them, rather than limiting the act of baptizing new believers to a credentialed clergy caste (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 8:30-38).

To be continued in subsequent posts