A Scriptural look at "Religion."

Much of our calamities today are caused by Scriptures being "wrested" from their original meanings, then spoken/taught as truth. 
Lets look at the word "religion", what Scripture says and what "we practice/teach" commonly today.

James1:27King James Version (KJV)

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

This Scripture, (one of the main and most precise), clearly shows "pure religion" as an action of "compassion". "Visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction" takes both a decision and an effort to do so, and is there by proven to be an act of Love, like Jesus did for the multitudes.

The word "affliction" doesn't just mean sickness, but represents every oppression that could possibly befall them. This would include: food, housing, financial aid, clothing, ill health, and all other care that could pertain to this existence. 

Mattew 14:14                                                                                          

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Compassion is Love expressed/shown. There are many Scriptures that show Jesus being moved by compassion to heal, feed, deliver, people that were afflicted with many problems. Only a person "full of the Holy Spirit" will have the kind of "compassion" that "manifests" itself in such powerful miracles. To many times our religion of Love is held back by the great "what if?" What if God doesn't heal, raise up, feed, deliver, when we ask/pray for someone? Well that's a love (small L) that's based on "ourselves" and how we will look instead of God's Love and compassion for the person we are ministering to. Self over God. The only thing that can make us powerless even using the name of Jesus. God forbid. 

Now for "Religion" mans definition:

There is none that matches the Scripture above. To man religion is a name on a shingle outside a building with a cross somewhere on it, and this is what has caused so much division and dissension among believers over the centuries. "What church do you go to?"

"Well this or that one."

"Say don't they believe this or that?" (doctrine in dispute).

Next the debate begins..........then division........then parting of ways.

The Truth being made know: there is no diversity of "faith" in Jesus Christ. All this church name/doctrine stuff is the work of the devil to divide man by the showing forth of pride instead of Love and fellowship. You know that it is True because when you read that last sentence you reacted to it. What's more important to God? Your pride of church or your relationship with Him through Jesus Christ? If the name on the building is reason for argument because of pride in doctrine then get rid of the name and just call yourselves "followers of Jesus Christ." That leaves a lot of room for your doctrine to "grow in Grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ", so only edification can come through "mixed fellowships" of believers when they get together. 

Here is the perfect Biblical example:

Acts 19:2

"He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost."

The only difference between Paul and the disciples in Ephesus was maturity. The disciples Paul met was from a whole different "doctrine" experience, did Paul debate about the fact that they didn't know about the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Did Paul argue with them? Did Paul have to make his point with words? A resounding NO to all the above. So then what did Paul do when he found out? He laid hands on them and they experienced what they had not learned/received up till (again level of maturity) then. Simple right?

So what does that show us here.........? The proof is in the putting on of hands not the argument among the brethren.

Wouldn't that be something if we put our faith in God's Word instead of a prideful rendition of "our doctrine", and why our church is better. Regardless of names there is only one "body of Christ", and His Word is doctrine and DOESN'T need interpretation for us to understand. Remember that God doesn't hide His Word from His people that has the Mind of Christ, (the Holy Spirit). He only hide it's interpretation from those with a "carnal mind", and there are some believers that have a carnal mind.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16King James Version (KJV)

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

This has nothing to do with teaching the Word of God as long as we don't change the meaning of what is written. If you have to explain beyond what's said then "the Interpreter" (Holy Spirit) might just be missing. Above it says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God," and this may be the case in some of our Sunday Schools.

The error lies in the fact that our church doctrines (some) don't teach in any depth on the Scriptural application of the Holy Spirit. That's our fault. To many churches have become social clubs with pastors that cater to their constituents not the Word of God. If you feel uncomfortable with this statement then it's time to humble yourself before God, lay aside your pride, and let God fill you (or refill you) with His Spirit. This doctrinal wresting started back as early as Paul's time. Pastors started allowing or disallowing participation based on their own personal preferences. 

It's beyond the preaching of salvation (milk) that we need to go to "fit the flock for ministry" to make them effective "witnesses" of Jesus Christ. This principle is clearly stated below:

1 Corinthians 2:4-6

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, 

Clearly the Power of God shown, proves that Word of God spoken is the Truth. How can anyone argue that? If our Sunday Schools and our churches "walked in the Spirit" then these manifestation would be common practice....everywhere. God would set the "gifts free" in our fellowships and we would once again experience revival, first in ourselves, then in our country.

What do you want for your household, church, or nation?

Mans way or God's way?

Compassion or debate?

Preaching with power, or powerless words?

The choice is yours. The reaping 30,60,or 100 fold either way depending on your choice.

Choose life,

Choose Love.

Love

J&E in Tn

2 prophesies that are proving true today (short )

Today's actions, as reflected in the "news", are "for told" (prophesied) in Scripture. Here is only a smattering of examples:
Romans 1:28-32 is a good example of the way these moral and lawless dissemblers think, but worse yet whats in their hearts:

Romans 1:28-32,
"28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29: being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30: backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31: undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful;
32: who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Jesus said in Mark 7:20-23,
"20: And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21" For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22: thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
23: All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

So here we stand today on the brink of social ciaos, mind you only led by a few and "without any legal authority", forcing the authorities that exist to act like they are hamstrung. Sorry to say that the "political correctness" that binds them (the authorities), renders them useless in both a legal and common sense. As the Scripture quoted above says it all starts with Romans 1:28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a DEBASED mind, to do those things which are not fitting."

"You reap what you sow, 30, 60, or a 100 fold.
Love
J&E in Tn

2 applications this morning

The Spiritual outpouring that I seek most from God is the continuing revelation of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, and the power to live that revelation.
Doing those things He did and greater things is both a command and a promise from Jesus Christ himself.
He set the bar high, not because it's impossible to reach, but because "the world needs us to", and the Holy Spirit enables us to.
"Pray great things, expect great things!"
"Your prayers prove the measure of your faith."
"Without faith we cannot please God."
"Anything outside of faith is sin."
"Faithless prayers cannot please God and become sin unless they are followed by "help thou mine unbelief."
So "draw neigh to God and He will draw neigh to you."
This is a great "position to be in".
God bless and keep.

If we get up each day and do just what we need to do, with all our heart, mind and strength, giving God thanksgiving for it, then there will be little chance of "Missing God's Will."
God never wastes a passionate and merry heart that's doing and in action.
God bless and keep.
Love
J&E in Tn

A Biblical look at the "use" of Wine, not the abuse of Wine.

What's gained from a glass of wine?

A merry heart which brings about, (next)

Medicinal value, (then)

A deeper reflective state, (plus)

Much needed relaxation.

It's important enough, (in moderation), that Jesus wouldn't let it run out at a wedding, making it's replication His first miracle.

Scripture suggest that it's given to those who are,

Suffering,

Hurting,

Weary,

Sick with stomach problems,

To those who are perishing, and those with heavy hearts,

Used for feasting,

For giving of thanks,

For representing the Blood of Christ as a covenant.

Wine, in moderation bears no evil or sin within these guidelines. Yes there is much warning about it's overindulgence as with anything that is used with gluttonous proportions including food and hard drink. Of course there are other abused areas that can be mentioned here but we will stick with wine for now.

Many churches maintain that one cannot be Holy with the use of wine at any application. Of course this is a "doctrine of man" and not the Word of God. Lending it's viability for control and wresting the freedoms we have in Christ.

Anyone filled with the Holy Spirit will not be "drunk on wine" and will approach all uses of food and drink with the same piety. Moderation is key to all that we partake in here on earth. Whether food, drink, riches, or any other thing that is given us to subsist with.

"Let God be true and every man a liar."

May the Word of God rule over His people with Grace and Love.

Love

J&E in Tn