Eveing Prayer 1-25-11

Reading:
Romans 14:1-23

Often times within the Church there is discussion around what is adiaphora.  The term adiaphora, essentially refers to things are not forbidden nor commanded by God's Word.  But this term has been applied rather loosely in many circles of today's Church.  Essentially, at times it has come to mean that everything is up for grabs in regards to rituals and practice within the Church.  This is not really what the Augsburg Reformers meant by this, and this is probably what St. Paul is speaking about in today's lesson.

St. Paul is reminding the Christians in Rome that we are not judge those that do not fast like they fast, or that abstain from foods, or keep or don't keep certain Holy Days.  For in and of themselves these things are not what saves you.  This does mean that days of Obligation that are imposed on the Christian should be avoided because you do not have the command of Holy Scripture to demand it of someone.  Commonsense would tell you that if you are not attending Church and you are staying away from God's means of grace, you should be questioning where your faith lies.  But those that keep Holy Days are not sinning if they are trusting by faith that God is there are present and not trying to earn themselves before God.

Often times people use this chapter of Romans to try to water down the faith.  For example, if someone is living and adulterous life, this person should be called on it.  This chapter does not mean that it is license to do what you want, because well they may walk away from God.  Because again, certain things are commanded by God or forbidden by Him in the Scriptures.  These we can not water down, if we do water it down, we are truly neglecting the faithful of the Word of God and denying its power to save.

Do not be afraid to hold fast to the Word of God and declare this to the world.  This what we are commanded to do by our Lord.  We are teach them (the world) all things that He have commanded.  Do not be afraid to give a confession of your faith.  But do not put up man made rules that you must eat foods, or that you must go to Church certain days to be saved.  Because often these things creep in like a work, and man will take their eye off the perfect Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross for the sins of the whole world which is our only hope.