So often, we get caught up in religion (or religion rule) whereby we forget in whom we first believed. We relegate to a lesser position our Lord and Saviour in order to impress our religious peers. In this latter role, we try to justify ourselves by adhering to either the law and commandments, or the works of the law. We attempt to remain in good standing with our worldly endeavours instead of trusting fully in Jesus, the Rock of our salvation for all aspects of our life.
But to be clear, the scriptures -- His Word -- repeatedly tells us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He that cometh to Me shall never hunger and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
At no point, does Jesus point us toward institutionalized or form religion. Instead, He invites us into a personal relationship with Him -- He that is the King of kings and Lord of lords wants us to become His sons and daughters. The same Almighty God in the flesh who willingly gave His life for you and I.
In fact, Jesus stated that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the "bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:41, 48) The bread that cometh down from heaven -- "that a man may eat thereof and not die. I [Jesus] am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, He shall live forever and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:48-51)
Again, note that Jesus didn't give us religion. He did not give us form and long-standing traditions. Rather, He asked us to believe in Him by faith and seek His righteousness so that we could become "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called [us] out of darkness into His marvellous light." (I Peter 2:9)
Not man-made religion or theological institutions but rather He gave Himself so that we could know firsthand that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. It is Jesus that gives you and I the inner source of joy that we long for. He that knew no sin became sin so that we could be at peace even when we live in a world dominated by strife.
Therefore, in the days ahead, "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ... but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given Him a name which is above every name --- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)
But to be clear, the scriptures -- His Word -- repeatedly tells us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He that cometh to Me shall never hunger and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
At no point, does Jesus point us toward institutionalized or form religion. Instead, He invites us into a personal relationship with Him -- He that is the King of kings and Lord of lords wants us to become His sons and daughters. The same Almighty God in the flesh who willingly gave His life for you and I.
In fact, Jesus stated that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the "bread which came down from heaven." (John 6:41, 48) The bread that cometh down from heaven -- "that a man may eat thereof and not die. I [Jesus] am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, He shall live forever and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:48-51)
Again, note that Jesus didn't give us religion. He did not give us form and long-standing traditions. Rather, He asked us to believe in Him by faith and seek His righteousness so that we could become "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [we] should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called [us] out of darkness into His marvellous light." (I Peter 2:9)
Not man-made religion or theological institutions but rather He gave Himself so that we could know firsthand that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. It is Jesus that gives you and I the inner source of joy that we long for. He that knew no sin became sin so that we could be at peace even when we live in a world dominated by strife.
Therefore, in the days ahead, "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ... but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given Him a name which is above every name --- that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)
And then let "the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)
Stand in the offering plate.
Stand in the offering plate.
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