Church, Tradition, Bible

It appears that most Churches agree with the Bible but disagree with traditions and doctrines. Why don't we just focus on the Bible in order to have unity. Traditions divides Christians. There are leaders and followers who are depending on the Church's traditions rather than the Holy Spirit who provided the Bible for us. Tradition like the Pharisees have no legitimate place of authority. That's why Jesus' rebuke to the Pharisees because their faith in Rabbinical tradition was in and of itself a seriously out of the covenant and commandments of God (Matt. 15:3). Church is "body of believers". Not a formal organization of any kind. Christians belong to a spiritual Church that Christ have set up. Body of believers (Church) have approved the Bible so that we can use it as our spiritual guidance and spiritual authority. Before Holy Scriptures came along, traditions were relied on. Now that God have provided the Holy Scriptures that have been AGREED by the "CHURCH". Therefore, traditions stays with the denomination of the "CHURCH" while the Holy Scripture in the FINAL authority. We are to Honor the Word (not the Bible). Studying the scriptures requires the Holy Spirit which is inward, not outward. The Holy Spirit is within us believers, Christ dwells in our hearts, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the burning core of the Christian faith. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) (READ your BIBLE and KNOW the Word of God). As a Christian, I must understand God's universal truth, translate it into my own particular situation and live it out. Am I studying the Bible for myself and observing God's Word? Is my personal Bible study a daily discipline for my spiritual growth? The purpose for reading the Bible is to change me as I read, believe and obey. The WORD is Jesus Christ. God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds us deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly. The Bible illumines the dark corners of heart and mind by exposing sin but reveals the way of rightousness. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes in order that we may see our faults. ''Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.'' Psalm 119:105 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Sciptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4). Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Obviously, Christ said there will be false teachers who will use Christ's name. Jesus said in the following verses: Matthew 7:15 [ A Tree and Its Fruit ] "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Other references: 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Christ have mentioned about the dangers of "traditions" as well as the dangers of "false teachers". False teaching often come from WITHIN of Church which historically proven have happened. The Holy Spirit (through Jesus Christ) is the final authority. When Jesus said that the Comforter is coming, He was saying: "The Comforter will not come to stand on His own, to speak on His own authority. He will guide you into all truth-He will speak and act on the authority of the divine Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is. The Holy Spirit manifests Christ into our human spirit, not to our physical eyes. Without the Holy Spirit, human pride often create the confusions and seeing contradictions that are plainly outside the field of human understanding. Engaging in a personal relationship with God is the first and most important step in initiating spiritual intimacy. Two-way relationship with God requires our submission, obedience and love to Him. When I read my Bible, I understand that Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross provides the basis for my salvation and the foundation for me to pursue a life that reflects Christ. The Bible gives me principles and guidelines to live a life of godliness. It is my conviction that God’s design for me is to be radically TRANSFORMED by the renewing of my mind. (Romans 12:2) My hope for this radical transformation is by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) The goal of this pursuit and transformation is that I GROW in my knowledge and relationship with Christ. Humility is putting God first in our prayers while pride is putting God last in our prayers. In Matthew 6:9-13 deals with the first half focusing on God, His will and plans before coming to our personal petitions. God does not always say yes to every prayer even though we expect Him to do so. We are not to have faith in prayer but rather have faith in God and His character. I belonged to a local Church because God told me so through the Word (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church. The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. Its seem strange that EO and RCC do not agree traditionally. Of course traditions are based on man's doctrines. People have shown an attitude that doctrines are more important love. Superiorism in regards to doctrines who have no compassion. Jesus in Matthew 15:1-3. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition (doctrine)?” I don't know in a flesh point of view whether the doctrines I follow are 100% true unless I allow the Holy Spirit to convict my heart to follow certain doctrines. I am 47 years old, I have learned so much about doctrines since I was a teen. God will judge those who explain false doctrines. James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Christians are divided on doctrine issues (teaching issues). This have been going on since the New Testament days (Read First Corinthians 9:11-17). Doctrines (teachings) that impacted many Christian lives and they are using doctrines more than they are using Holy Spirit to guide their Christian walk. Don't get me wrong, doctrines are important and Christians might argue for those issues. But, how far? What shall we unite with and from what shall we separate? While the Bible (Sola Scriptura) is not doctrine, but rather flows from a understanding of Scripture through the Holy Spirit as Authoritative, Divinely inspired, Apostolic, and True - a position held by nearly all Christians. Christian can disagree on doctrines as long as they don't agree on the doctrine of SALVATION and other important doctrines (i.e. Apostle Creed). The Holy Spirit gave me assurance of my faith and doctrines I follow. No Church, No Denomination, No pastors or anyone can do this for me. Holy Spirit is the ONLY person who can do this. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." Truth is, the Holy Spirit that can grasp our inner being only when we submit completely which will allow the Holy Spirit teach us, lead us mysterious and divine where we ought to go. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." — Psalm 86:11. The Holy Spirit that leads my thoughts and shapes my character. Our true moral and spiritual state is revealed by the Spirit through prayer and studying the Word. Eternally, we are "eternal (spiritual) members" in the universal church of Jesus Christ, based solely on His merit and grace. If we are a Christ-follower, then we are already a member. This is eternal and unchanging (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Colossians 1:13-22). Everyone who is saved is a member of God's Kingdom.