That’s a weird title for a sermon, isn’t it? Aren’t preachers supposed to be urging people to keep the rules? Isn’t that what religion is all about? God proclaims the rules on how to be good (some are actually carved in stone) and then religious leaders — and whole societies — are to enforce those laws. Right?

Now, is the preacher saying that we are supposed to learn something by being law-breakers?!

Note, though, that Jesus was hounded, opposed, and eventually arrested and executed in part for breaking the rules! The rules said don’t work on the Sabbath; don’t associate with those rejected by the community for moral reasons; don’t arouse the attention and opposition of powerful Rome; and show respect for social hierarchies and religious elders. Jesus wasn’t good at any of those.

Does that mean we can be antinominalists? (That’s a fancy, historical term for those who believed we should ignore all laws and norms in preference for… inner guidance.)

The Apostle Paul comes very close to saying just that [Galatians 3:23-29]. The law of Moses acted as a kind of custodian, keeping us between the lines until Christ came. But now we know we are saved by trusting in Christ, not be keeping the law. In fact Paul explicitly rejects inherited divisions between those who keep kosher and those who don’t; between those who abide by social rankings and those who don’t (especially poignant near the anniversary of ‘Juneteenth’); and between roles we’re supposed to fulfill according to gender expectations. What do you do with all of that?

Meanwhile, Jesus walks right into forbidden gentile territory and heals a dangerous man [Luke 8:26-30], leading the community to ask Jesus to leave… now.

So, are there not recognized, general rules for being right with God that we should obey and teach our children to obey? Are we just to ‘play it by ear’?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.