I blame my generation and the church; I grew up "spiritually" as non-denominational churches began to grow. I rejected the traditions that many denominations, such as the Baptist church my family came from, held dear without evaluating why such traditions existed or how they developed.
MATTHEW 15:1-6 THE EXPANDED BIBLEThe Expanded Bible uses the term "rules" instead of "tradition" it makes it easier for the reader to understand the Pharisees and teachers (scribes) were following rules of religion even when it did not agree with the commandments of YHWH. I like the Expanded Bible, the comments are within the verse itself with the "L" -literal translation; "C"- Comment on the subject at hand; and even "T"-Traditional translation.
Then some Pharisees and ·teachers of the law [scribes] came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him, “Why don’t your ·followers [disciples] obey the ·unwritten laws which have been handed down to us [L- traditions of the elders]? [L- For] They don’t wash their hands before they eat [C- a Jewish ritual for ceremonial purity].”
Jesus answered, “And why do you ·refuse to obey [break; violate] God’s command ·so that you can follow your own teachings [L- for the sake of your traditions]? God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother [Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16],’ and ‘Anyone who ·says cruel things to [speaks evil of; curses] his father or mother must be put to death [Ex. 21:17; Lev. 20:9].’ But you say a person can tell his father or mother, ‘I have something I could use to help you, but I have ·given [dedicated; devoted] it to God already [C- a practice known as Corban; see Mark 7:10–12].’ You teach that person ·not to [that he need not] honor his father or his mother. You ·rejected [invalidated; canceled; nullified] ·what God said [L- the word of God] for the sake of your own ·rules [tradition].
The dress code is an example of a tradition that has gotten out of hand, particularly with women.
1 TIMOTHY 2:9-10 THE VOICEThe last denominational church I attended was one in which the women had a Pharisaical mindset of dressing. The rules were not written but implied:
Women, the same goes for you: dress properly, modestly, and appropriately. Don’t get carried away in grooming your hair or seek beauty in glittering gold, pearls, or expensive clothes. Instead, as is fitting, let good works decorate your true beauty and show that you are a woman who claims reverence for God.
- Don't wear the same outfit more than once a month.
- Your hair should be done Get your hair done before church- at least make it look "presentable"
- The best dressed women wore ensembles: hat, dress or suit and shoes.
- Some churches women must wear stockings, even when it was 90 plus degrees outside!
- Some churches women were not to wear pants.
There were many such rules that turned many women, such as myself, away from denominations and church in general. When non-denominational churches began to grow many returned to church coming "just as I am" as the song goes. But it was not just about what a person wore. Many Christians had lifestyles or knew of someone who had a lifestyle that the old churches preached against even if the church leader was living what he said was wrong.
I grew up aware of the hypocrisy in the pulpit, which included adultery and homosexuality. I saw Church Leaders living prosperous lifestyles while their congregants lacked the basics. I refused to be a Baptist because like many people of color we grew up among Baptist. I learned over the years there was a systemic problem in all the churches, this is why I am so passionate about personal Scripture study. Many in my generation grew up with similar experiences and we have raised our children under this cloud.
Our children are raising children that do not appreciate the commandments of YHWH. Is it because the commandments are found in the Old Covenant and this was looked upon as not necessary? We are New Covenant Believers.
Traditions are not commandments yet should we reject everything in order to do a new thing? Is there any value in attending church dressed so as not to attract attention to yourself? Should we look at our church leader as a shepherd or a buddy? Today we call the church leader by his first name as if we are best friends. Both parents and Shepherds are to be treated with respect but we have allowed our children to call us and them by first names- a new tradition.
A hybrid Christian picks and chooses what part of the Bible is acceptable based on his or her lifestyle. Many of today's believers do the things that they believe Christians are expected to do:
- They own a Bible
- They attend Church regularly, or often enough
- They give money
- They participate in a church activity
These same believers do things that are not pleasing to YHWH.
- They are having sexual relations outside of the covenant of marriage
- They are living a homosexual lifestyle
- They have had an abortion
- They do not honor their mother and or father
- They have not forgiven and refused to forgive
These 20 something and 30 something individuals are following the crooked path my generation and the generation before me paved. Personal faith has been replaced by personality faith. The infallible word of YHWH has been challenged based on the fallibility of the translators of Scripture. The Old Covenant has been challenged because the New Covenant is newer. All of this because generations before me had developed a do as I say not as I do mindset and my generation pointed out the hypocrisy.
The birth of liberalism within the political system is a direct result of the church turning their back on sin. Many Christians do not think it a contradiction to support a political party that supports abortion, transgender lifestyles, pedeophila and rebellion against authority. The bottom line is there is no such thing as a hybrid Christian- either Yeshua is the Lord of your life or you are of your father the Devil.
ECCLESIASTES 7:16-18 THE VOICE
So my advice? Do not act overly righteous, and do not think yourself wiser than others. Why go and ruin yourself? But do not be too wicked or foolish either. Why die before it’s your time? Grasp both sides of things and keep the two in balance; for anyone who fears God won’t give in to the extremes.
written by Marsha L F Randolph
NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.
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