Sunday, October 20, 2013

Religion Versus Relationship

Greetings My Friends;
As Christians, many of us want to tell everyone about Jesus and what He has done for us. That is a very exciting thing to do. The only problem is that most people do not share our enthusiasm. Let's take a brief look at the population in general, and see what we are dealing with.
First let us look at the unbeliever. His faith is  denying the need for, or the existence of God. His God is generally the things of the world. His appetite is for the pleasures of the flesh, and he doesn't want to hear about anything that he feels will interfere with his chosen lifestyle.
Most of these people can take the worst abominations, and delude themselves into thinking that everything is okay. A common excuse I have heard many times is, if it is wrong how come it is not mentioned in the Bible? That my friend is no excuse. Every conceivable sin cannot be mentioned for the simple reason it seems new times bring new sins. If you have a conscience, it will tell you what is wrong most of the time. Some people just ignore their conscience. The other excuses, if there is a God, he would send anyone to hell that is good.
The only thing I can tell you is, the Holy Spirit will guide you as far as who to talk to. You cannot  make a believer out of someone. All you can do is plant the seed, that is your job, saving someone is the Lord's job.
Now let us take a brief look at religions. There are many religions out there, and each has a following. Most of them follow the Bible. The way they interpret the Bible is the big difference. Almost all if not all have man-made rules and rituals. Many believe that works will get you to heaven. Some spend very little time with the Word. There are however many people who seem to need the rigidity of most religions. They need to feel that they are doing something that will get them to heaven. They are living under the law of the old covenant. The rules and regulations that they have in their church seems to be a sort of security blanket for them.
There are some people who follow a particular rigid religion who have accepted Jesus as their Savior in every way, but they still need the formal religion in their own mind. They are still saved, and we should accept that. As long as they follow the Word, and have a relationship with Jesus, they are doing what they are led to do.
Christians on the other hand, follow the new covenant. What the Bible says we believe through faith. All of it. We believe Jesus died and rose from the dead for us. We were healed, sins washed away for all time, and we were saved and made righteous by grace through His death and resurrection.
When you believe what the Word says, it is very easy to have a relationship with the Lord. His spirit is in you, and yours is in Him. When you are saved you also receive the Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. You can talk to Him as you would your father. The more you read the Word, the more you will love Him. You end up with peace such as you have never felt in your life, and you are never afraid of the Lord. Because of your relationship with the Lord you do not have any doubt where you will spend eternity.
God Bless You And Remember
 Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation;
"Oh God in Heaven, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus has been raised from the dead. I receive Your Word, and I repent of sin. I renounce the past. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. I receive my forgiveness. I receive the new birth, cleansed and washed in the Word and in the precious blood of Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen"

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