E-mail Questions Answered by Ken Smith:
1/7/07 Traditions:
Be of the same mind one toward another (Rom. 12:16), or Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord of mind (Phil. 2:2).
 
Be ye all of one mind! (I Peter 3:8).
 
Paul warns us of people who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which they have learned (Rom. 16:17) and he urges us to avoid them, .. they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (Rom. 16:18).

At the time Paul wrote this we can expect that the doctrines of the Christian Church were codified and accepted by all of the Apostles and taught by all in unity.  Also secured by Jude 3 and 2 Tim.2:15. 3:16-17.  The book of Acts is a good record of the unity.  Rom.12:16-18, Phil.2:2,  can not then be expanded to include additional points of reference from a later date of doctrine if in contradiction to the New Testament.

Further to be born from above or born again in the context of John Chapter 3:1-21 is the very same.  This doctrine is nearly 2,000 year old,  how then can it be a "phenomena of the Protestants?"  At the very least Nicodemus was picking up on a superficial understanding of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Verse 6 is explicit by our Lord.  You must have a human birth and a spiritual birth to be ushered into our Lord's Kingdom. There must be a consummation between our spirit and the Holy Spirit for us to have eternal life.  In Adam all die, In Christ shall all be made alive.  John later confirms this very clearly in 1 John 5:4-13

It is difficult for me to believe that Rom.16:17 can logically be used to justify opposing church traditions !  I have read the 7 Councils,  I find very little clear unity and much was left out that is important concerning the New Testament.  It was a Majority Laodicean Vote, Rev.3:14 for the most part and very little New Testament Consensus.  50 Bishops were excommunicated at one point due to a quest to understand the nature of Jesus the Man as the Lamb of God.  We are still trying to understand this complicated spiritual truth today.  Could He have sined?  God can not sin!  Why was Jesus crying out Father, why have you left me!  Could He have said no to the cross as in His prayer?  We see through a glass darkly even today and yet 50 Bishops were excommunicated for not agreeing with Church Tradition.

As to the corrections concerning the Lord's Supper, 1 Cor.11:17-34  there are several admonitions by St. Paul but the one in concern is found in verses 28-32.  The simple indication here is to not partake in the Lord's Supper with sin in your life.  To take time to prepare, seek forgiveness, make restitution's,  forgive, restore what is stolen,  clear up lies and be in fellowship with all of your brothers and sisters.  "To Examine" ourselves in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The is clear, direct and simple.... should be no misunderstanding.

I do hope that all will take the opportunity to look up the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise unto salvation.

1/4/07 Traditions:
Every generation needs a new wine skin, Matt.9:17, and new wine that fits within the faith that was once delivered, Jude 3.  Many of the so called "Holy" traditions are only a "form" (2 Tim.3:5) of godliness and have no Biblical basis in fact what-so-ever.  So no reason to get stressed,  so it would be better to use the energy in searching the Holy Scriptures, 2 Tim.3:16,  and to evaluate the traditions by the "Word Of God" as many have been deceived.  Certainly the religious leaders at the time of our Lord Jesus Christ were totally deceived,  they crucified the Lord of Glory due to their vain traditions.  The Apostles clearly warn us concerning vain traditions that make the Word of God ineffective, Col.2:8,  1 Pet.1:18.  None are worthy except in Jesus Christ.  But in Him we are more than conquerors, Rom.8. 

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