HOME | INFO | ARTICLES | LINKS | MULTIMEDIA | ABOUT US
GUESTBOOK | CONTACT | SEARCH | PRAYER REQUESTS
ORGANIZED RELIGION VS. CHRISTIANITY
by David Yeubanks
CONTINUED FROM HOME PAGE
This site intends to be a resource for people who are on a journey to discover real Christianity and are not interested in mere organized religion... for, in truth, the New Testament Church began as a movement of passionate followers of Jesus and only later ended up as an institution. What we have today that calls itself "the church" is something that was created essentially by man about the 4th century A.D. Much of its program, believe it or not, is actually derived from pagan cultural influence! This is an historical fact. It has no root in Scripture and no requisite significance for the true believer despite the claims that some men have made concerning its supposed essentiality. Early Christian history confirms that believers did not build or attend institutional churches and there was not even such thing as a "professional pastor", routine Sunday services or monetary tithing, until literally hundreds of years after Calvary! Yes, hundreds of years after! Does all of this shock and amaze you? It does a lot of folks who remain plagued by ignorance because of what tradition has taught them for so long. The sad thing is that many professional pastors know this history (it exists in black and white on the shelves of their office libraries) and yet choose not to talk about it or they minimize its importance to justify the modern system. Here, we will talk about it. Why? Not because we have anything against pastors (for we also know that many are sincere, do love God and intend to serve His people) and not because we think it's "evil" to gather with other Christians on a regular basis to sing together and enjoy fellowship, but because we believe it's time to refocus our primary attentions on the ONE thing that matters (Christ Jesus as Lord) and cease with the distraction of organized religion (which is a concept that forces itself inbetween believers and their Lord, asserting that it is essential and that one cannot grow effectively spiritually or mediate their relationship with God without its programs, rituals, buildings, and hierarchical forms of government). We believe that what is essential is that we get on with the Christian life - which is all about relationship with Jesus and a revelation of who we are as the family of God. This requires no building and no program! We believe that TRUTH is more important than a false security of religious belonging. Many people, MANY CHURCH PEOPLE, are going to hell because of this false sense of security they have in the System and this is the great danger and the great heresy propogated by this System; that belonging to the organization makes you right with God. This is a lie! Only the righteousness of Jesus Christ places you in right standing with God. Organized religion largely preaches a gospel of works righteousness, but only through the grace of Christ are we saved through faith in Him. Our submission, as believers, is intended to be to One Lord, not any other. Buildings and programs can be used by God, but they are NEVER essential and they, quite literally, have NOTHING to do with what the Bible calls "the Church" and they are absolutely NOT ESSENTIAL to salvation!!! The minute ANY organization begins to blur these lines, IT IS AN OBSTACLE AND SHOULD BE DISCARDED BY THE TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST!!!
We believe that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to draw all people unto Himself, that He died to save them and that He is not willing that anyone would perish (John 12:32; Matthew 18:11-14; John 3:16-18; 2 Peter 3:9). We believe that the Lord's intent from the very beginning was to establish a "spiritual" house of "LIVING" stones, headed by Christ Jesus, not to define His body in terms of religious buildings, programs and laws (Hebrews 7:19; Acts 7:48-49; Colossians 2:20-23; 2 Corinthians 3:6). We believe there is only ONE Church, ONE body of Christ, and ONE Head over it (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 12:22-24; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; etc.). We believe there is only ONE flock and only ONE Master Shepherd over it; Jesus Christ (John 10:16). We believe that a system of institutional Christianity, marked by a hierarchical, professional clergy-laity system, is contrary to the teaching of Jesus and is, therefore, heretical (Matthew 20:25-28; Matthew 23:8-12; John 10:12-13; 1 Peter 5:1-3). We believe the Bible when it says:
Colossians 2:16-23 - So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ. Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us. So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? "Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!" Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important. (The Message Translation)
The Christian life was never intended to be bottled up within the walls of a religious organization. Jesus intended for us to walk with Him and to let the light of that relationship shine openly so the world around could see Him in us. When we try to encapsulate the Christian life in a building and a religious program, all we shine forth to the world is the light of religion, which really isn't light at all. It's more like a bucket that we attempt to carry God in.
Matthew 5:14-16 - (Jesus said) "...You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (The Message Translation)
Take this city
A city should be shining on the hill
Take this city if it be Your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart, And make it break
From the song "Yahweh" by U2
As "Christians" we should consider the name we title ourselves by. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the term (though I am still subject to the habit of frequently using it myself). Why would I say that I am not a big fan of the term "Christian"? Well, the world today has something in mind when they hear the term "Christian" and "Christianity" and it does not often resemble anything we read about in the Word. To their mind, Christianity is a system of organized, institutionalized religion and those who are its members (the propagators of religioin) are Christians. I no longer identify with this concept of Christianity because I do not believe it has anything to do with the Truth. So many believers today have such a fascination with titles and labels. They think we must have some formal designation in order to be a legitimately recognized follower of Jesus. In the first century, however, the term "Christian" was actually a kind of ridicule of those who followed Jesus because their lives and their conversation so identified with Him that the world would say, "look at those little Christ-ians... they act and sound just like Him all the time..." Are you seeing this? It wasn't something that believers decided to call themselves to let other people know who they were... They just were! They lived it! And it was the world who ended up giving them the label. Unfortunately, this is not often the testimony the world has about so-called "Christians" today. Jesus said that others would know we are His disciples, NOT because we build great religious organizations, sacred buildings, fantastic programs and church services, and turn out scores of professional pastors through our Bible Colleges and Seminaries, but because we love one another the way He demonstrated his love for us (John 13:34-35), because of the fruit our lives bear (John 15:8), and because we hold fast to His teachings (John 8:31). If we continue to busy ourselves with religious organizing, that's all the world is going to see (and that's essentially all the world does see now). I pray there might be a day when the term Christian once again identifies, not those who are about the business of religion, but rather who are so enamoured with Jesus Christ that the only thing that world can think to say of us is, "look at those Christ-ians; they walk and talk like Him all the time." Maybe the term won't even be "Christian" but maybe it will be something else. But in order for that to happen, they're going to have to see Him somehow in us and I fail to see how that will be possible if we keep distracting them with all of our religious organizing.
God truly loves people and the only service that pleases Him is such that is reciprocated by sincere love - not by adherance to laws, formulas and pious behavior (the kind of thing that most of organized religion has taught us all for many years). We cannot and did not earn our salvation; He gave it and gives it freely. Neither can we earn His favor or blessing, but He also gives it because of His great love. He forgives our sin, washes us clean, makes us His own special people, adopts us as sons and daughters and enables us to live in truth and sincerity before without concern over our still present hangups and flaws. Day-by-day, as we walk with Him and draw nearer to Him, He changes us - from the inside out (not the other way around) and He is patient and merciful in our shortcomings (Hebrews 8:12). Who can resist such amazing grace?
This is what the world needs to hear! This is the good news of the ages; that Jesus died for sinners! Real day-to-day Christianity is about a person's response to the Spirit of Christ. God isn't looking for people who can put on a good religious show and act like Christians; He is looking for those that will come to Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth!
The clergy-laity distinction (something that Christ NEVER intended for His followers) has only served to divide Christ's people and give them an unhealthy perspective of one another. Many Christians today have no idea about the actual origins of the hierarchical church system and the clergy-laity division; that it was brought into existence by men who presumed another leader besides Christ was necessary for spiritual growth and development. They forgot the Scriptures:
Matthew 23:10 (MSG) - And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them--Christ.
1 John 2:26-28 (NLT) - I have written these things to you because you need to be aware of those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you all things, and what he teaches is true-it is not a lie. So continue in what he has taught you, and continue to live in Christ. And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
Matthew 23:8-12 (NLT) - Don't ever let anyone call you 'rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are on the same level as brothers and sisters. And don't address anyone here on earth as 'Father,' for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. And don't let anyone call you 'Master,' for there is only one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
When was the last time you saw a shepherd spoon-feeding sheep? You've never seen that? Don't the sheep go in an out of the fold and graze for themselves? But today's so-called shepherds want the sheep pinned up in the barn and force fed at their hands. An interesting truth you may want to note is that sheep are not fed in sheepfolds! They graze freely in the open fields! Another interesting point about sheep is that, when they graze, they will often step forward with each bite without looking up. The shepherd, therefore, watches out for danger as the sheep feed. Furthermore, they are led, not driven. Butchers drive sheep to market. Shepherds simply walk and the sheep follow. The biblical kind of shepherd leads by example (as he also is following the Great Shepherd). He watches over the sheep; caring for them; looking out for wolves. The shepherd (i.e. pastor/elder) is really nothing more than an "under-shepherd" of the one Great Shepherd, the Senior Pastor - Jesus. The "under shepherd" is not a mediator between the Great Shepherd and His sheep (and he certainly is not the Great Shepherd himself)), but he (or they - for there is no picture in Scripture of a one-man pastor/elder figure) serves them and the Lord by encouraging them to keep their eyes and ears fixed on the Great Shepherd. It is the Lord who is responsible to ultimately lead His sheep. They will hear HIS voice and they will not follow any other false shepherd. This is repeated time and again throughout the New Testament.
John 10:7-16 (MSG - emphasis added) - "...I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good--sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for--will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him. I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd."
1 Corinthians 1:3-13 (MSG) - May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. Every time I think of you--and I think of you often!--I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There's no end to what has happened in you--it's beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. Just think--you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I'll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. I bring this up because some from Chloe's family brought a most disturbing report to my attention--that you're fighting among yourselves! I'll tell you exactly what I was told: You're all picking sides, going around saying, "I'm on Paul's side," or "I'm for Apollos," or "Peter is my man," or "I'm in the Messiah group." I ask you, "Has the Messiah been chopped up in little pieces so we can each have a relic all our own? Was Paul crucified for you? Was a single one of you baptized in Paul's name?"
1 Corinthians 3:4-9 (NLT) - When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I prefer Apollos," aren't you acting like those who are not Christians? Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building-not ours.
My good friend, brother Tuck Tellier, had the following to say in description of the differences between "leaders" and "bosses." His description refers to leadership in its biblical fashion, which is that of a servant. The Institutional Church today relies heavily on concepts predominent in the world and has in view "bosses" more than it does "biblical leaders" though it still ascribes to itself biblical terminology.
The Difference Between A Boss and A Leader
The BOSS:-----The LEADER:
drives his men-----coaches them
depends upon authority-----depends upon good will
inspires fear-----inspires enthusiasm
says, "I"-----says, "We"
assigns the task-----sets the pace
gives the orders-----makes suggestions
says, "Get here on time"-----gets there ahead of time
fixes the blame for the breakdown-----fixes the breakdown
knows how it is done-----shows how it is done
pushes people-----persuades people
gets compliance------gets cooperation
says, "Get going"-----says, "Let's go"
builds machines------builds people
The world needs LEADERS-----Nobody wants a BOSS!
So, are there leaders in the body of Christ? Certainly there are; however, the biblical concept of leading is quite different than what we often have seen modeled by today's "church leadership." If you take the time to browse some of the articles on this site, you will discover more about what biblical leadership really looks like - according to how it is taught in the Scriptures, despite the confusing image that tradition has instilled in our minds. Biblical leaders are those who do so by example. They take the initiative to go on ahead and live a servant's life; essentially modelling the real thing. Their leading then is not a "lording over" but one that "guides" by setting first the example and encouraging others to follow as they follow Christ. This is not a profession; something a man should take pay for. It is something a man should live for. A true pastor is one that shepherds because that is how God has gifted him. It is not an official title or position of professional ministry. In truth, a pastor is no less than a brother and an elder. He is not a separate class of Christian who presides over others and issues orders and collects a paycheck for his rulership. That kind of "leadership" is utterly foreign to the New Testament.
One of the problems this system has created is that it has provoked followers of these "leaders" to live up to man-made standards and expectations. Believers are taught that Christianity is a religious system of morals and ethics and regulated living, intended to effect good in the world and compell others to follow Christ by submitting to "the Church" (i.e. the institution that calls itself "the Church"). It motivates fraudulent behavior though in that it creates a mass of individuals who become obsessed, often subconciously, with performing religiously to please God and men and to make themselves look and feel "holy" and acceptable. It is a great deception that divides believers and stiffles true Spiritual growth. It is indeed a dangerous heresy for it is actuated in the name of Christ but is the device of demons and pure carnal invention.
But here's the truth: Acting like a Christian is for actors. It's for people who are interested in trying to look pious and act religious; thinking that such things impress God and make them spiritual. Did you know that the biblical word "hypocrite" is literally translated from a Greek word that simply means "actor"? Religiosity doesn't impress God and "acting" like a Christian is no sign that a person IS a Christian. The Pharisees were the perceived religious leaders in Jesus' day and were respected by most of the people, yet Jesus called the lot of them hypocrites, frauds and vipers! He saw through their pious show and exposed the true motives of their hearts. Jesus even said that prostitutes and thieves would likely get into the kingdom of heaven before they would (Matthew 21:31-32)! That's how great religion stinks in God's nostrils.
This is not to suggest that there are no sincere and godly ministers out there because there are! What I am suggesting is that often the most apparently religious are many times trying to fit into a religious mold that God did not even ordain for them and is Himself opposed to (Matthew 25:25-28 & 23:8-12). They also, many times, try to press this role (a role created by men and not God) upon others and get the masses to bow to it - under the guise that the role (and subservience to it) is commanded by God. And when they buy into this deception and propogate it, they become more a part of the problem than they do the solution. Their very "position" becomes an obstacle instead of a help in nurturing faith and maturity in Christ. This religious role is as damaging to them as it is the rest of the people under them. Instead of living a simple and humble Christian life as a fellow brother or sister in the Lord, they think they require titles, positions, rank, payment and authority over others in order to be regarded as legitimate "leaders" in the body of Christ. But God is not interested in men's performance and position... He is interested in their hearts. He's not impressed with religious titles and He doesn't hand out special favor and anointing to those because they think they hold lofty positions of authority over His children.
Jesus pointed out the sad fact that it's usually the religious who walk right past the sinner because they're too "good" to take the chance of getting contaminated or burdened down with having to extend a hand to them. In other words, they exhibit that they know or care nothing about true Christianity. As you might imagine, Jesus' comments in this regard offended the religious leaders of His day greatly. Many of His parables involved priests, levites and pharisees in a most derogatory way. Today, many religious folk would rather stay isolated and safe within the walls of a church than have anything to do with non-Christian people. They think Christianity is about church services, pastor-following, rule-keeping, morals, and religious talk. Unfortunately, these people have neglected to realize that they are rejecting the very heart of Jesus when they refuse to extend their lives, even if inconvenient, to others outside their walls.
Remember the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)? Once again Jesus uses one of the most despised and un-religious of people (in the minds of Jewish folks in His day) to put to shame the religious. Read the story again and see! Then, for another eye-opener, read what Jesus says is going to happen to those that do religious things, but fail to minister to Him through reaching out in love to other people; Matthew 25:31-46 & 7:21-23. Christian people reading this: Please don't be offended and think that I mean to point fingers at you. I am speaking what I relate to so well myself. We who have spent our lives in organized religion have (whether knowingly or unknowingly) transformed Christianity from what God ordained it to be and made it into something else; a system of religion that, quite honestly, doesn't even require the Spirit of God to continue in operation at full speed. It is a self-sufficient farce! A lie! A total distraction from the truth! I know these are hard words, but I believe they are true words. We have placed the creation of carnal, religious men upon lofty pedestals and dared to call the doctrines and commandments of men the commandments of God. It's time to throw it all out! In this case, the baby must go with the bathwater, 'cause none of it was birthed by God and none of it has any life in it.
Matthew 15:6-9 - And so, by your own tradition, you nullify the direct commandment of God. You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings."
Some of you may not have realized that this stuff is really in the Bible. You can see that not too much has changed. And I believe that the words of Jesus are just as true and applicable today as they were then. Many religious men have found (or at least tried to find) ways to deter people's focus away from these things and have convinced them that it doesn't apply to the religious leaders today and that there really aren't still pharisees today. Don't you be fooled... they're everywhere. I'm not trying to get you to stop trusting pastors, I'm just hoping you will no longer be held in ignorance of the truth. Stay alert and never take your eyes of Jesus! He alone is the author and finisher of our faith! Other believers, like pastors and teachers, may help to encourage us to draw closer to the Lord - but the second they get in the way is the second you get out of theirs:
Matthew 15:12-14 - Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."
Jesus said, "just leave 'em alone... don't even bother with them anymore, 'cause if you do, you'll just fall into the ditch with them." We don't have to get mad at them. We don't have to organize efforts to publicly rebell against their sham authority. We just need to get out of their way and get on with Jesus. The Lord knows well how to deal with pharisees... that doesn't need to be our concern. It's good to be alert, to know truth from error and to encourage one another with these things, but let's not waste our time and energies trying to fix a system that God never built in the first place. Let's just heed His call.
It's no wonder that the world often mocks Christians and has such a dismal view of Christianity. Much of the time we have not demonstrated anything more than fraudulent religion, legalism, pride and pure hypocrisy. Dear friend reading this, I want to tell you that Christianity (real Christianity) is not about religion at all... It's about CHRIST! And what Christ has to say about the relationship He desires with you is often 100 times different than what much of organized institutional Christianity has been peddling for many years. Not all of us are frauds and none of us are perfect. Many of us are as sick of hyocritical Christianity as you are. I want to invite you to look deeper and discover the truth about Him; Christ. Plenty of church folks might not like me putting things in these terms, but I don't care. I'm not trying to offend them, I'm just speaking what I sincerely believe the Lord has shown to me through His Word. Jesus is so wonderful and I place far greater importance on what He thinks and what He says is true than what 100 religious dudes may say because of traditionalism. Don't get me wrong, I love the religious folks too (and God loves them - because they are people that Jesus died for too). I was one myself for many years and some of that stinky blood still pumps in my veins. God is changing me day by day and He has much grace and I know it is vital that in our changing we remember to extend grace to others. When I speak derogatorily about religion I am talking about this "thing" that has posed itself as being the essence of Christianity. I'm not talking about the people themselves though many have fallen into religion's trap. My prayer is that God will deliver us all from the chains of religion and draw us into the freedom and joy of walking with Him. I don't want to offend anyone, but I don't care at all if I offend the image of religion itself; something I believe was wrought right out of the mind of Satan to keep people in bondage, away from a growing intimacy with Christ.
A lot of religious folks have been deceived to think that doing good things, attending church, singing in the choir, paying tithes, watching Christian TV, going to Christian conferences, and reading their Bible every day is what makes them right with God and guarantees His favor and blessing. In fact, some spend a fair amount of effort chastising and criticising those that don't live up to their list of standards. In doing this they fail to exhibit evidence of true faith - but only insecurity and enamourment with rules and law-keeping. Their view of God is, unfortunately, one of misunderstanding. They see Him as one who can be manipulated with formulas, rituals and levels of pious performance. Sadly, they also believe He looks at them through the same legalistic lense. But true Christians know that we are saved only by God's grace through faith and it's not of ourselves or by the works we do, but it is the gift of God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). True believers know that God loved us long before we cared anything at all about Him. In fact, the Bible says that He loved us and died on the cross for us while we were still sinning and rejecting Him (Romans 5:8)! That's the real good news of the Gospel; Christ loves sinners and gave Himself so that all might know Him.
Many well-meaning Christians get caught up in a mindset of works-righteousness. But all Christian works must flow out of the believer's SINCERE love relationship with Jesus (who approved of us without any concern for our deeds). All that other stuff is just stuff! The Bible even tells us that if we try to live by religious works, thinking that those works give us favor with God, we demonstrate only that we don't truly know Him and we walk contrary to His Gospel of grace. It also says that as many who try to live according the works of the law, are actually under the curse (the curse that was applied under the Old Covenant for breaking the law) - because they think that by keeping a system of rules and regulations this buys them favor, blessing and protection by God. Don't you believe that! IT IS A TOTAL LIE! Anyone who tells you that you must "perform" in some way to gain God's favor, protection, anointing and/or blessing they are either severely ignorant of the truth or just flat out lying to you! They are living under the curse and trying to draw you in with them. Flee this nonsense! Stay safe in the arms of God.
Galatians 5:4 - Those of you who try to earn God's approval by obeying his laws have been cut off from Christ. You have fallen out of God's favor."
Galatians 3:10-11 - Certainly, there is a curse on all who rely on their own efforts to live according to a set of standards because Scripture says, "Whoever doesn't obey everything that is written in Moses' Teachings is cursed." No one receives God's approval by obeying the law's standards since, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith."
There it is; FAITH! That's what pleases God. Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Keeping laws has NOTHING to do with faith! God rewards those who seek Him because they desire Him and believe Him, not because they perform well. So without further adeu I want to welcome you to this site. May you find the real joy there is in walking with God. He loves you with the most amazing, incomprehensible love. Bless you!
CLICK HERE To Return To The Home Page
© 1995-2007 TruthForFree.com & The Prayer Shack. All rights reserved. Contents of this article may be copied freely without permission from the author. It is only asked that quotes be taken in their proper context and if copying, storing, sharing or re-printing the entire document, no changes are to be made to the text without obtaining permission from the author. This article is a free publication and must not be sold for any reason. TruthForFree.com, The Prayer Shack and design logos are trademarks owned by TruthForFree.com and The Prayer Shack, Pasco, WA. Other site graphics are either used by permission or assumed to be in the public domain. If you see an image that you think should not be here, please contact the webmaster at info@truthforfree.com.