12/06/21 Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 13

Luke 6:1-11 contains two specific instances wherein Jesus did something which did not fit the traditional understanding or interpretation of one of the Ten Commandments

TRADITIONS THAT GO BEYOND SCRIPTURE… If Jesus were to visit your church this week, what are some of the things your church “traditionally” does that are not mandated by Scripture, but might be currently “treasured” as unchangeable as though they were mandated by Scripture? (In other words, some people might be upset if you don’t do these things anymore; or some people might be tenaciously insistent that these things never change.)

Can you recognize that things we often cling to, that do not come directly from Scripture are often some of the things that need to change in your church if you are going to experience REVITALIZATION? If not, ask Jesus to open your eyes to this reality, and then pray this prayer…

PRAY… Heavenly Father, I believe the testimony of Your Word – that indeed You created the heavens and the earth and that Your creative work was performed through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe and affirm that through Christ all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, both visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; that all things have been created through Jesus and for Jesus. He knows best about all the rules that should be associated with His creation and His church, which He bought with His own shed blood. Therefore, Father, today I surrender all the preconceived ideas which me and my church have added to Your design or to Your specifications in Scripture by way of our “sacred traditions.” I submit myself once again to the full authority of Christ and His Word. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.