Traditions are practices handed down to us by our forefathers. Are traditions harmful to us or a blessing from God?
Scriptural doctrine must be the bedrock of our traditions. Traditions are not to be held equal to the Holy Scriptures.
Worldly traditions:
Is God honored by my practice on special national holidays?
Religious traditions:
Religious traditions become a deadly poison when:
Tradition is more authoritative than the Holy Scriptures.
Doctrines become the commandments of men.
God's commandments are rejected in favor of man's commandments.
Man's rules and regulations are practiced at the expense of God's ordinances.
A large amount of man made rules and regulations become burdensome to carry.
A hyper-literal practice of tradition with the express purpose of increasing political position among men.
Tradition blocks the primary purpose of Jesus Christ and the fruits of the Spirit.
Tradition blocks or hinders the plan of salvation.
Mouth confession but the heart is far from God.
Godly traditions:
Godly traditions are attractive when every person in the church is born again:
We personally believe the doctrines of the Bible.
We cheerfully and willingly practice the doctrines of the Bible in everyday life.
We beautify the inward man with the holy virtues.
We keep Jesus Christ as our primary focus.
We lovingly submit to keeping the standards of the body of believers.
We treasure unity and orderliness in the body of believers.
Converts should feel the practice of the fruits of the spirit in the church.
Mouth confession of Jesus Christ is supported by daily Christian living.
Conclusion: It is our choice collectively as a church whether traditions are harmful to us or a blessing to us.