"Market Place" Christianity

Many churches of Christ have bought into the philosophy of doing whatever it takes to attract and hold members.  This philosophy may best be summarized as the "market place" approach to Christianity.  Churches using this approach survey the cultural landscape and then seek to provide what "the market" asks for -- regardless!  "Market place" churches, in turn, are driven by "user friendly" people who want to make things as easy and convenient for the members as possible.  And this philosophy is fed by "generic" preachers who refrain from preaching anything doctrinally distinctive or demanding. 

In contrast to the above philosophy Jesus urged, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it"  (Matthew 7:13-14).  Other renderings of this passage use the word "straight" to describe the gate and the way.   Please observe the spelling -- s-t-r-a-i-t.  The word means "narrow, restricted, difficult to navigate."  Jesus never promised his followers any easy, "user friendly" way of life.  This is not to say that we are to make it more "narrow, restricted, and difficult" then Jesus made it, for that would be speaking where Jesus never spoke.  But we must walk in the way as it has been designed by the Lord. 

The "marketplace" approach to Christianity is a philosophy of the modern supermarket where its fruits, vegetables, other products are displayed in such a way to be desired and purchased by the customer.  It is the approach of providing a pharmacy, a bakery, a florist, banking facilities, fast food services along with a host of other services -- all under one roof.  It is the philosophy that says "the customer is always right," and must get what he/she wants.  While this is a practical approach from a worldly business viewpoint, it is the approach that should be characteristic of a church?  Jesus said, "my kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).  Think about it!

Respect For The Lordship Of Christ

Jesus Christ has "all authority" (Matthew 28:18).  "All" infers that no authority is leftover for others to alter or add to what Christ ordained.   Though well intentioned, religious traditions of men are condemned by the Bible.   (See Mark 7:7-9, Collossians 2:8, and Titus1:14).  God demands that ONLY his way be followed.  (See Leviticus 10:1-3, II Samuel 6:7, and Matthew 7:13-14)

God's way is given in the Bible.  (See II Timothy 3:16) It is all sufficient.   (See II Timothy 3:17, II Peter 1:3, and Jude 3)  Hence there is no need for man made creeds, disciplines, articles, confessions or rules.  They are not instituted by Christ, but by mankind.  They formed denominational dividing lines and barriers; and divisions in abhorrent to Christ.  (I Corinthians 1:10) 

The "Churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16) appeal for a return solely to Christ's authority.  Christ is our creed and confession, His holy scriptures our only rule of faith.  We strive to work and worship only in those ways specified by the new testament pattern.  (See II Timothy 1:13, and Matthew 28:20)  We urge you to pursue this goal knowing that many religious people will be lost neglecting God's will, (see Matthew 7:21-23)  and believing that sticking to the Word of God is a way to love and honor our Lord Jesus Christ.  (See John 14:15)

Tradition Is Not A Dirty Word

We have been taught, and rightly so, in the church to question human traditions in order to make sure that our belief system is based on the Word of God rather then on human opinion.  A favorite text is Jesus' word in Matthew 15:6-9 "thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition . . . ."  Tradition can be a dangerous thing. 

However, another verse, causes us to pause a moment, the Apostle Paul, inspired by God, says to the young Thessalonian Church, "therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught  . . . "  (II Thessalonians 2:15).   So here, tradition can be a constructive thing. 

In each passage, "tradition(s)" means teaching.  In the first one, scribes and pharisees have negated the commandment of God by their own teachings.  In the second one, Paul reminds the church that his traditions must be obeyed because they are the very word of God (see I Thess. 2:13).  Obviously, tradition is not a dirty word here.  Our challenge as Christians is to obey God's traditions, and utilize manmade traditions that do not undermine the commandments of God.  

In the wisdom of God, he set in motion in the first century traditions that bless our lives even today.  Our gathering on the first day of the week to eat and drink the Lord's supper in memory of Jesus Christ, to study God's word, to sing and pray, to give back to the Father some of what already belongs to him, to fellowship and encourage one another - all this is a part of a rich tradition set in motion by Almighty God to bless our lives here and prepare us for Heaven.  These are God - given traditions. 

To the dismay of some, we also have human elements mixed in with traditions developed by God.  For example, we have a "church buildings", air conditioning and heating, invitation songs, comfortable pews, Sunday school classes, particular kinds of hymns (classic or more modern), the order of worship, song books, overhead projectors, the procedure we use to serve Communion, the number of cups we drink from, time of day we worship, the way we dress for church, and how we greet one another when we come together, and the list goes on. 

To live free of human tradition, even in the church, is impossible.  Our task, as Christians, is to make sure that human traditions never, I repeat, never undermine the teachings of God or diminish his people.  (Adapted from an article by Howard W. Norton)