By Tammy TkachBy Tammy Tkach
It must have been exciting to be part of the early church.
Many had known Jesus, and some had seen him as the risen Lord. The events of the crucifixion and resurrection were fresh in their minds. I wonder if they realized they were part of one of the most important historical events in all history.
Some have characterized the WCG's journey of the past few years as similar to the early church. We spent many years rehearsing and studying Old Testament events. We observed the Holy Days and food laws. Many of our children knew the Old Testament Bible stories better than the life and parables of Jesus.
Like many of us, the first century Christians grew up in the belief system of the Sabbath, the festivals and old covenant regulations. Then like us, they were set free by the grace of the new covenant! I wonder if we realize we are also part of a significant historical event like the early Christians?
It must have felt strange to lay aside old practices and hold onto only Christ. It might be like being used to running with heavy boots on and then taking them off. Wouldn't your feet feel light and different?
God called me to the church at the age of 15. Everything I read and heard fell into place in my mind. I had no trouble giving up Christmas, pork and my vague belief in the Trinity.
It happened the same way when the changes came four years ago. What I read made sense, although I I didn't understand all the places this new understanding would take us.
Looking back, I see that God opened my mind for the sake of my husband, Joe, as well as my own. It helped the transition go more smoothly, at least at our house.
However, in those 20 years of living under the old covenant, I acquired some baggage and false assumptions along the way. I don't usually notice it, but I noticed it when Joe and I were invited to a Lutheran church, and my baggage became extremely heavy.
It started when I read about their communion service. I asked my husband about it because if they believed that the bread and wine became Christ's flesh and blood, I wasn't sure I wanted to participate.
He said that wasn't their belief. As it turned out, communion wasn't taken that day.
As I watched the minister, I again felt uncomfortable, this time because of his clerical robe. I asked the minister about it after the service, and he explained that wearing it was a tradition signifying being set apart as a servant and representative of God.
I had to leave a few bags at the church that day!
It seems the early church had acquired baggage as well. Some, called Judaizers, wanted to promote Christ-plus.
Paul warned gentile believers not to listen to them in Galatians 3:3: "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
The Galatian gentiles knew about the crucifixion. They had heard about the resurrection and believed in Jesus as their Savior. But now they were being told by the Judaizers that they needed Christ-plus, a belief in Jesus plus keeping the laws of the Torah.
Just as the early Christians had to rid themselves of old covenant baggage, we must also get rid of old covenant baggage and false assumptions.
Some of our old ideas just seem to hang on, weighing us down and preventing us from experiencing the joy and the simplicity of Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).
Our race is best run on light feet.
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