Real Religion!

A friend posted the following on Facebook and I'm not sure of all that might be behind it, but it still got me thinking. The post read: "Jesus teaches us to follow Him through faith, not religion."

It is possible to be "religious" and not necessarily right. Rituals and pious acts can be carried out without one really having a relationship with the Lord or having faith in God. Perhaps the rituals can become the place where the faith rests as if those actions carried out by oneself will save. Then there are religious practices and rituals carried out that are not even set forth in the Scriptures. Still, RELIGION that is BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF GENUINE FAITH in the Lord is PRACTICAL not only for maintaining a right relationship with Him, but also relative to daily living and interaction with others.

James stated. . .
"RELIGION THAT IS PURE AND UNDEFILED before God and the Father IS THIS: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." ( James 1:27 ESV)

James defined RELIGION as that which meets human needs in a very PRACTICAL sense and as being focused on holy living. He went on to also make clear that WORKS are a NATURAL OUTGROWTH of our FAITH. ( James 2:17-26) Though God does deserve the time of our attention in prayer and meditation focused toward Him and His Will, He has not laid upon us rituals or practices to merely take up time. Christian living is to be seen as very PRACTICAL. Following the example of Jesus is just as PRACTICAL today as it was when He walked the face of this earth.

RELIGION based on the FOUNDATION OF FAITH in the truth of Jesus Christ will prompt us to live that faith in very PRACTICAL ways. It compels us to put the Lord and His Will first so that we can live being His feet, hands, and mouth fulfilling His purposes in this realm. May this be genuinely so with each one of us, thus enabling Christ to touch others through us.

Have a great day KEEPING THE FAITH AND SERVING HIS PURPOSES!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Living