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FAQs -
FAQs
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Thursday, 13 July 2006 |
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Page 3 of 7 Unlike Traditions
After allowing the Gentiles into the church, another hurdle had to be jumped – differences in traditions. Gentiles began pouring into the Jewish cultured church. As time went on the church (especially outside Palestine) became less Jewish and more Gentile in its flavor.
Acts 15 is pivotal chapter in the development of the church. The question of the necessity of circumcision for Gentiles is brought to the leadership in Jerusalem. This is not a question dealing with tradition, best practices or opinion; it is a salvation question. The church was dealing with how to be saved! Despite the gravity of the situation, the congregations of the 1st century remained intact.* They did not split the church and take the easy road. Unity was forged because men were willing to ask about, consider and deliberate on a difficult (salvation) issue. Is it acceptable for us to bicker about lesser issues?
The book of Romans is a study in two cultures, Jewish and Gentile, in the same congregation.** Despite being Christians, their traditions clash. Paul does not acquiesce to the separation of disciples by practice, but calls them together by faith in Jesus Christ and God who raised him from the dead. Romans 3:22
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference…
Modern examples of separation because of traditional or cultural differences include racially segregated congregations in the same community or spawning a new church because of a non-salvation related issue. If Paul were to write a letter to you and your congregation would it praise or challenge your efforts toward unity?
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Last Updated ( Monday, 16 July 2007 )
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