THE GATHERING TRADITION

All of this change has led me to consider our Christian traditions. Specifically, what is tradition and what is not? We know that the word of God says, "The traditions of men make the word of God of none effect." But does that mean that all traditions are wrong? Most of us have probably thought, at some time, that even our gatherings as a body were more tradition than they should be, but when the ability to have that gathering is taken away, the absolute importance of "having church" comes quickly into focus! I know that the church is not a building, that it is not contained within any walls but I also know that when we come together as a body there is exponential strength gained and that strength, that encouragement, that stabilizing atmosphere is not easily attained individually, which leads me to this thought...what have I contributed to the table of the Lord? What have I given to the body? Have I been able to encourage as much as I have been encouraged? Have I contributed? These questions are not directed at anyone else. This is God's question to me. I will cherish the opportunity to gather with my brothers and sisters when it comes again, and it will come again! We will not be together tomorrow but I will praise Him, I will worship Him, I will bow before Him, but I would love to fulfill that Easter Sunday "tradition" of meeting together. Because I have realized that it is not a tradition at all but a necessary and vital part of living in Christ, as are all our gatherings! " Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching."...Heb.10:25.

Ronnie Coleman