The early church would form many traditions to remind them of faith. One of the first traditions was commune established by Jesus Christ himself before His death. The tradition of songs and hymns being sung in church, prayer, and reading of scripture is all part of the basics of tradition. Some point the annual play or music cantata became a tradition of the church. The flag waving the dancing in some churches became a part of the expression of faith. The anointing with oil was a part of tradition of prayer. Not all churches anoint with oil or holy water any more. Nether do we take mud or salve on the eyes of the blind and pray in the name of Jesus. Are these traditions necessary for faith, or only a reminder of God’s healing power for the weak of faith. A point of contact, or a point of establishing the beginning of faith. Some needed not the spit and dirt to see, but others did. No doubt others would follow putting mud on eyes with no faith. Yet unless there was a reason medically mud work it have no effect without faith, no without the healer touching the eyes by Spirit or reality. The healing virtue flowing through the Holy Spirit or the hand of our Savior. Of course someone not totally blind putting mud on their eyes would make them unable to see and washing would restore original sight before the mud, but there is case of blindness where Jesus healed twice and the man was able to see more clearly the second time. The lack of faith of miracles comes only with the second healing sometimes. Following in Christ example of mud and spit only takes a minute, but a miracle last a life time or for God’s purpose. A tradition that was never followed or recorded being followed after the Gospels.

Point is some traditions is done away with over the years. See mud looks like a cheap parlor trick in our world today. The mud itself would be examined under a microscope. Perhaps that why some things Christ did is not in practice, does not mean it does not happen. Yet the establishment of reading scripture, singing and prayer are a part of tradition along with the Lord’s Supper. Traditions to remind us of Christ and the stories of old. Things handed down beyond scripture is important as well, and often lost over time.

Holding to the traditions both old and new that produce faith. Faith meaning helps one to believe. Testifying is old tradition in church, not one always seen today. Speaking the wondrous works of God so others might believe in the relationship that can have with the Lord Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sin by and through Christ death and resurrection. Holding to the claims of faith, because of the evidence and spiritual proof in one’s life that one serves a living God. Standing on the Chief Cornerstone of faith who His Christ Jesus. Whether oral tradition, or written in the scrolls I matter not. God’s word is the same yesterday, today and forever. God’s healing is not a cheap parlor trick.

Dear Heavenly Father enable us to be steadfast in your word holding to the traditions of faith both verbal and written. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study for Devotion: