This is from our bulletin:
In Christ, we are free! We are free to live as children of God and not as people trying to earn forgiveness, but if we do not know we are free we will not live free. Galatians 1:1-5 (Talks about Paul not being sent of man or by men, but by God. Also, talks about Christ who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age according to the will of God. Basically this says, God gave us forgiveness through Christ and He sends those who love him to spread the message, not religion of man.) Romans 8:2 "...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Christ has given me freedom from these laws. Why is man creating more laws that are not of Him?) Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly see Him." (without FAITH, not by working your way up the latter of religious regulations)
Religion is man's ATTEMPT to please God by adhering to rules. Galatians 1:6-7a "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-which is really no gospel at all." (The Gospel of Christ! Where in the Bible is there mention that a sinful man or saying this many hail Mary's can forgive you of your sins? Where in the Bible is there not freedom in worshiping with instruments, raising your hands, clapping in praise, or through only one single church or religion one will enter the gates of heaven? There is only grace, forgiveness, mercy, and power in Christ! Mary did not shed her blood, nor take on every single one of our sins. Neither did that sinful man whom some confess there sins to in hopes that he will send that message to God. God knows all, sees all, and created all. He created a Son who became our voice to God. He is the only person who can wash us clean from our sins and present us clean, pure, spotless, and holy to God. NO ONE ELSE can do that for us. If it were not so, then why is his name Savior and Redeemer of ALL.)
The problem with religion......
Religion brings CONFUSION. Galatians 1:7b-8 "Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" (speaks for itself)
Religion proved a system of MEASUREMENT and a false COMFORT....also known as pride. 2 Corinthians 10:12 "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." (Whom should we compare ourselves to but Christ? There is no other comparison for all on imperfect, but Him.)
Religion focuses on man's WORKS. Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Religion is spelled "DO". Christianity is spelled "DONE." (All that is needed is your faith, your love, and your relationship with God. When you except Him, YOU ARE FREE!! There is nothing else you can do to become more of His child than this. He already did all the work for you. The only thing you have to "do" is believe and accept Him.)
Religion is man's attempt to reach GOD. Christianity is God's attempt to reach MAN. (He is reaching for us and all we have to do is step into His hands and instead we are using religion as a latter to heaven.)
Religion focuses on the EXTERNAL. Christianity focuses on the INTERNAL. (Religion causes us to put on a facade of perfection, but no matter how "good" we look on the outside, God knows the intentions of our heart. How can we compare the faith of our hearts? No one can tell externally, only God knows our spirit.) Galatians 1:11-13 "I want you to know, brother that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it." Galatians 1: 15-16, 23-24
Don't let the idea of trying to earn God's approval slip back into your life. Instead let the Holy Spirit lead you into all the freedom you have been given in Jesus.
Questions to ask yourself:
1) How are you working to gain God's approval?
2) What have you been "adding" to Christianity?
Side note: I have been debating on posting this for a while. I have been feeling a tug to do so since I heard the message, but was afraid to offend people. Then I heard a "still small voice" say: "Trisha, the only approval you need is Mine. When you stand alone, I stand with you." Everything in quatations is mainly my thoughts, though some was taking from what I remember our pastor saying after each point.
So, for those who don't know, I grew up Church of Christ. A religion with extended rules and regulations. I grew up believing any other religion was bound for hell and I was to convert as many as possible to the church. There was no instruments allowed, if one praised God with raising of hands or clapping it was considered rude and inappropriate behavior, communion was to be taken every Sunday, prayers were 10-15 minutes long (I know there is a verse that talks about saying short prayers in public and long prayers alone so as to not "show off". Believe me, sometimes it feels like some men in this religion are showing off. One prayer lasted almost 30 minutes...really?!), and nothing was ever deeper than what lay upon the surface. I'm not being hateful, because many of my family still follow this religion and belong to the church. I'm not saying they are terrible people. As a matter of fact, members of this religion are usual the nicest you will ever meet. They are very loving people and love God. I changed my views when I sat down and read the Bible for myself. I started asking questions, which were either shot down or given scripture taken out of context and not compared with all scriptures. I don't believe God wanted us to worship in so many different religions. I hate the word "religion" in general. "One body, one church" is the phrase that often caught my attention. There is only ONE Savior, only ONE body broken, only ONE man who defeated Satan, only ONE risen, only ONE who washes us clean, only ONE way to forgiveness, and only ONE advocate for us whom can present us perfect despite our sin. Therefore, why would we enterprate that to mean there should be more than one way to become saved and stay saved, more than one way to forgiveness, more than one savior, more than one advocate, or more than one "religion" or church? He wants us to believe in Him and the sacrifice of His Son, build a relationship with Him, love Him, seek Him, commune with Him and His children, and tell others of His love and forgiveness. All He wants is for us to live by His Word, not by the words of man. Doesn't it seem quite obvious that Satan is using all these religions against us? There is not a single Christian religion out there that isn't angry at another or that doesn't get into arguements with the other. Why do we label ourselves Church of Christ, Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, etc. and place ourselves in tiny boxes when all God has labeled us is FORGIVEN and FREE?
So, again for those of you who don't kow me. My name is Trisha Quillin. I'm a Christian by day and by night. I love God and my Redeemer with all my heart and will serve Him until He calls me home. I will not be moved and refuse to call myself anything other than CHILD OF GOD! I am FORGIVEN and FREE and I choose to live no other way.
Agape,
Trisha
This song is so beautiful and I think embodies all of what this message says. My mom and I sing a slightly different a capella version (since it is a duet and not a choir). Yes, the melody is beautiful and the voices are pretty, but the words are the most touching and important. (Pause blog music on the media player at the bottom of this site page before playing video. Enjoy the song)
Song: How Could You Say No? (also known as Thorns On His Head)
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