Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Being Delivered From A Religious Mindset, pt.1

For the past three months, we looked at how we need to operate in the Kingdom of God through our speech. Now we are going to look at the topic of religion, what it is and the necessity to be free from it.
If you have been raised or taught to believe religion is a good thing, please stay with me while I explain what I mean. We have to look at the true meaning of the word religion. Religion means to bind again or man's attempt to reestablish a relationship with God.
The essence of religion is that man is trying to do things his own way, but still have a relationship with God. Luke 16:16 AMP; Matthew 11:12 AMP
The first example of religion we see in the Word of God after man fell is in Genesis 4:2-7. Cain thought he could do things his way and still be right before God. 2 Timothy 3:1-9 KJV & AMP gives us a picture of the times we live in today and man still trying to do things his way rather than God's way.
There are no amount of works or good deeds you can do to be in right relationship with God. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. John 14:6
Having a standard of holiness does not mean you are religious. We are still supposed to live what the Word of God says. John 14:15 We must not allow religion or the traditions of people to hold us back from God's best for our lives. 1 Timothy 4:1-8 AMP
When you are introduced to and receive the Kingdom of God through Jesus, you are free from religion. Matthew 13:44-46; John 3:1-12; Luke 4:31-37, 43; John 10:10