Mark 7:6-13

SERMON #1

TITLE: Void the Word TEXT: Mark 7:6-13 PROPOSITION: We can make the Bible void. QUESTION: How? KEY WORD: Methods READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. The Word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12)

2. It is the Word of God.

3. How can one make it useless?

Take out of context - women can smoke (Genesis 24:64)“A text removed from its context becomes a pretext.” Misquote - Revelation 2:20 “forbid that woman to teach” Omit a word, read part of a sentence Eisegesis - read into the text opinions, pre-conceived notions We all come to a text with out own notions. They must be set aside. Explain away - Acts 2:38 - “For” means because of (but not in Matthew 26:28) Many examples could be given - Baptim, Lord's Supper weekly, church organization Reject the source - higher criticism, Paul did not write Romans (written in 4th century) Genesis was written by 4 authors (JEDP theory); Mark wrote - other copied from him Reject inspiration - John 12:48 - Broad sweep - “I don't believe the Bible is from God.” Simple to reject the Bible. Most can't explain WHY they reject. They reject because they disagree. Deny authority - Bible PLUS - tradition, public opinion, personal views“I know it says that, but God won't expect me to obey it.” My opinion carries as much weight as the Bible does. Substitution - tradition (our text) Cancel the command of God to keep our traditions. Addition - Instrumental music added to Ephesians 5:19 Revelation 22:18 Subtraction - Delete “confess with your mouth” from Romans 10:9-10 Revelation 22:19 Spiritualize - read secondary meaning into every text Many explain away by giving “spiritual” interpretation. Dove = Holy Spirit; Water = cleansing; Sword = Word of God; Fire = power from God

SERMON #2

TITLE: Traditions - When are they wrong? TEXT: Mark 7:9-13 PROPOSITION: Traditions can become sinful without realizing it. QUESTION: How? KEY WORD: Ways SCRIPTURE READING: Same

1. This morning we discussed what traditions are.

2. This evening - When do they become wrong, sinful?

When it divides.

1. God hates division. 1 Corinthians 1:10; Proverbs 6:19

2. We should seek unity. Ephesians 4:1-7

3. Examples of the division: One cup, foot washing, break bread, eat in building

When it becomes law and binding as "the way".

1. Methods of evangelism, Worship order, Program of work

2. "There is more than one way to skin a cat." There is more than one way to worship, evangelize, teach a class, serve communion, preach a sermon, etc.

3. What we do is usually arrived at by trial and error. "We tried that many years ago. It didn't work."

4. Doctrines do not change. People do; the world does; attitudes do; methods do.

When it replaces a commandment.

1. Mark 7:1-37 "It is Corban."

2. Most denominational doctrines are traditions.

3. God says "A" and someone teaches "B" about music, baptism, one church, etc.

When we defend what we are (status quo).

1. Restoration Movement - 1790 to 1990

2. We feel we have "arrived" See 1 Peter 3:11-16

When we stop "restoring" the N. T. church.

1. We have restored: Worship, Organization, Name, Salvation plan

2. We have not restored: Fellowship, Zeal, Unity, Spirit of worship

3. 1 Peter 4:11 - Speak as the oracles of God

When we reject things that are "right" because others do it, or do it that way.

1. Mother's Day, Pastors, Bishops, Responsive reading, Say, "Amen”

2. Deaconesses, Testify, witness

When we fail to teach some doctrines.

1. Holy Spirit - Indwelling and work today, Security of believers

2. Priesthood of believers, Spirit of worship, Grace

3. Last things - Judgment, Heaven, Hell

When it causes us to be complacent and apathetic. Survey by tom Holland:

1. Problems the church faces as seen by Elders:

Apathy 55%, Liberalism 30%, Divorce 25%, Unwilling to work 20%

1. Problems of 90's as seen by preachers:

Liberalism, Worldliness, Divorce, Compromise with error, Apathy, Ignorance of the Bible

How to Break With Tradition Without Breaking the Church

Change must come S L O W L Y.

1. People are slow to adjust to changes.

2. Change must be: Prepared for, explained, and given time.

Change must be helpful, an improvement.

1. Change for the sake of change = Chaos.

2. Change is accepted when you can give a valid reason for the need to change.

We must PLAN to teach ourselves better.

1. Sermons, Classes, Programs of work, Personal study