Mark 7:1-5

SERMON #1

TITLE: Well Intentioned Dragons TEXT: Mark 7:1-4 PROPOSITION: In every group there are some dragons. QUESTION: Who? KEY WORD: Descriptions READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Every church has them (Dragons)

2. Read quote from page 11.

3. How can you recognize a dragon?

Hunting Dog

1. 4-legged kind point where the hunter should shoot

2. 2-legged kind become the ears, eyes, nose of the leadership

3. Point out problems that need to be dealt with

4. You need to check on Mrs. X, marital problems

5. Why doesn't someone do something about _ _?

Wet Blanket

1. A negative disposition that becomes contagious

2. It is no use even trying. Won't work

3. We tried that once

Captain Bluster

1. In attitude, if not in word, they are right and all others are wrong

2. A steamroller who flattens anyone in their way

3. Negotiation is a dirty word; compromise is unspeakable

Fickle Financier

1. Uses money to register approval or disapproval

2. Think money means clout - voting power

Busybody - tells others how to do their job Sniper - avoids face-to-face; shoots behind people's back Bookkeeper - keeps a written record of everything Merchant of Muck - willing to listen to everyone's gripes Legalist - kind of car to drive, what songs to sing, etc. at infinitum BEST DEFENSE

1. Don't become bitter - Hebrews 12:15 “see that no bitter root grows up”

2. Encourage a positive attitude - Look for the good, spit our the bones

3. Reinforce productive members - bulletin, rainbows, plaque, honor them

4. Share outside interests - find a common ground

5. Cultivate personal trust - Dig beneath the surface

“Within the church, they are often sincere, well-meaning saints, but they leave ulcers, strained relationships, and hard feelings in their wake. They don't consider themselves difficult people. They don't sit up nights thinking of ways to be nasty. Often they are pillars of the community - talented, strong personalities, deservingly respected - but for some reason, they undermine the ministry of the church. They are not naturally rebellious or pathological; they are loyal church members, convinced they're serving God, but they wind up doing more harm than good.” Well Intentioned Dragons, Marshall Shelley, page 11

SERMON #2

TITLE: Traditions - What are they? TEXT: Mark 7:1-5 PROPOSITION: We must learn the difference in a custom and a tradition. QUESTION: What? KEY WORD: Kinds SCRIPTURE READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

Study two words - Tradition, Custom

Tradition - four passages.

1. Matthew 15:1-9 and Mark 7:1-13 - Same event described

2. Galatians 1:14

3. Colossians 2:8

Custom.

1. Long standing practice - Matthew 27:15; Mark 10:1

2. Law - Luke 1:9; Luke 2:27; Luke 2:42; Luke 4:16; Acts 6:14; Acts 15:1

3. Religious practice - 1 Corinthians 11:16 “we have no custom”

4. Religious teachings - Acts 16:21; Acts 21:21

Definitions.

1. "Tradition" Vine - "A handing down, a handing over"

2. "Custom" Vine - "A custom, habit, manner, see 'wont'."

3. "Wont" Vine - "As he had ever done; as was his custom; to be accustomed"

Two kinds of "traditions".

1. Good - 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:15

2. Bad - Mark 7:4; Mark 7:8; Colossians 2:8

Do we have any traditions?

Yes. Some good. Some WRONG! Are we REALLY Tradition - Bound? YES!

1. When to stand; Order of service; Closing prayer; Invitation song

2. Wednesday night Bible Study; Sunday night worship; Statement at a baptism

3. Baptism must be: At a worship service

Tradition does not make the thing right or wrong.

1. It makes "you" wrong in binding it.

2. Legalism is wrong.

3. Formalism is wrong.

4. Isaiah 1:10-17 GOOD ADVICE FOR US TODAY!