Religion and Jesus Christ How Do They Fit Together?

Greetings and Blessings to my readers.I am humble and grateful you came for a read. I had no idea when I woke this AM I would be writing a hub. I have a new hub in the edit mode and that was the plan. My plan. Gods plan was different. Nothing new and different about that is there? lol God is truly amazing and I am Blessed in the Lord, beyond measure.

I received a comment on my hub yesterday, 'The Self Righteous Christian' I had to read the comment many times over to comprehend the words written. It was clear the 'reader' objected to the hub I wrote. I am not all that so truly if someone is in disagreement with me I can take it. I may learn and grow from criticism; constructive or not, because any arrows ping off of me because of the armor or God He so freely has given His Children to wear. We are His warriors, so with that comes the gear. I was not angry or harmed by his words, just like whoa! A part of me wanted to ignore his comment with none back. I wondered if it was worth the effort. Then I was nudged by the Holy Spirit on my heart to respond. In a few hours after Bible research and putting other 'errands' to the side I not only had a comment but decided to publish it as a hub. I am winded, if you have not noticed but I sincerely tried to keep my comment back to 'reader' relevant to the context of his comment. Glory to God.

The comment for me was a challenge indeed. Writing can be like that, hey? We can push ourselves to strive to thrive or rest on our laurels at any given time and give it a rest or a simple reply. The choices are many. For me, it is the 'wonder in writing'. Oh Glory to sweet Jesus, I will exalt my Lord God and Savior.

These are just a few of his words to my hub. If you choose you can link back and read the rest of his lengthy comment.

Skye, you write "Christianity is not a religion but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ"

This statement is very misleading and ambiguous, to say the least. Religion certainly contains rules, rites & rituals, but religion is by no means summed up by these activities. What you (and others Christians) are in essence doing, is to set up a false definition of what religion is in order to de-emphasize it’s importance. The phrase sets up a logical fallacy known as "false dichotomy" or "black-and-white thinking" and implies that there are only two possible outcomes: It’s either a religion or a relationship. In reality, there are more than just two choices. In reality, there’s a third choice which is closer to the truth: It's religion and a relationship (albeit imaginary). Christianity continues to thrive because of religion

In any case if you do not understand the meaning of the words 'ambiguous' or 'false dichotomy' like myself I left the Websters definitions for you.

'Ambiguous' usually suggests a deliberate intent to mislead by avoiding clarity.

'false dichotomy" also called a false dilemma, either or, black or white, the missing middle you are presented with two choices, when in fact there are more than two choices.

My message to Paul.

The Word of God is true. This is the truth and it is cut and dry or as the word 'dichotomy' implies; black and white. There is no middle of the road road with God. Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14 For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:13

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17 NKJV) Yes we are commissioned to fellowship and share the Gospel. Christians are to be 'soldiers' for Christ. It is not always easy to find a Bible Based Church these days in a society that is worldly and large on a GOD devised for the st century or one of your own making or convenient to lifestyle. Many are misled and one day the man at that pulpit will answer to God.

On its surface this proclamation by Paul is simple and so easy to understand and yet the failure to grasp its implications has brought much division and strife among those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. Faith and the opinion of man get mixed and it seems few are able to separate the two. It appears to the many that one man’s faith is another man’s opinion and that it is nearly hopeless to find objective truth.This confusion comes not from God but from Satan himself. God’s Word is quite clear. He calls His creation to come to Him.

Religion is mans dogma of His belief in a God. That is simple, is it not? Some religions do teach that Jesus Christ is the way, truth and life and have moved around other words to suit their needs for whatever else and it is utterly absurd. Other religions do not teach Jesus at all or teach Jesus was a profit and not the Messiah. Other religions make an objection to God Himself or Jesus so go figure. There are probably more religions then I care to count. Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15,16).

Jesus makes this very clear. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. " But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 5:5-6

Christians are commissioned to fellowship.in worship and Praise and Truth. It is not a requirement but a desire and yearning to know and glorify the King of Kings. He sent His only begotten son so we could live life eternal. Sing it Church. I go to a church that teaches the Living Word. verse by verse chapter by chapter from the Living Bible.(NKJV) We do not open a red book of theology on religious doctrine. We open the Bible. We are taught truth and we reach for the Savior of the World Jesus Christ and share the Good news of Salvation and abundant life, in the Savior, Jesus. He died a brutal death so we could be spared Hell and damnation.

If any other church teaches different, then God has a Word for them. I did not write this. You can find reference to this, open Revelation Chapters 1-3. John writes each one of the 7 church's a God inspired and breathed letter. A 'report card' of their teaching's. He is not happy with the majority of the church's and heeds a warning. Since this is in Revelation (Unavailing of the Truth) Revelation pertains to the Church in the Bible as it also pertains to the Church today. Revelation is written prophecy of what is to come.and much has come to pass! The time is getting closer to the return of our Lord and Savior of the WORLD, Jesus Christ. I think one only need to look out of the Blinds to see the World is 'at large' chaos.

People are searching for the truth in these most perilous times we live. It is in Jesus Christ we are made new and born again. SO many people are hopeless, sad and angry and in fear of the future. Many that I talk to go to a religion church and are like a baby in the woods. They need not be frightened. God, 'will never leave nor forsake you' when you are His Child. Hebrews 13:5 Christ tells us, 'I have for-told you of all things. Mark 13:23 My diligent prayer is that those that who do not know of the true Salvation in Jesus Christ are led to the truth and a Bible Based Church that teaches the simple truth. John 3:16 God sent His only begotten Son to the World so that he who believes in Him will never perish but have Everlasting Life.

People get all messed up with religion because of false teaching and the devil himself 'gloats' that confusion is in the church and that HE causes much division and strife through mans denial, ignorance or self and the free will to choose. He 'glees' that many hate Christians and or God because God loves His creation. The enemy devised evil and confusion, he is the master at it. He is doomed to Hell. He knows His time is coming. He is doomed. Our God is love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, meekness, humility, long suffering and eternal life.

So yes, many do blame the 'Christian's because of religion and or false doctrine. They would never want to be like them. They may wonder why am I here? The Church I attended spoke little of Jesus Christ. Although there was a Cross hanging on the pulpit. Christmas and Easter more was revealed about Jesus Christ in a program or play, but I missed the very essence of the living 'Savior of the World' and the need to be 'born again' and made a new creature in Jesus Christ. I knew very little of this babe Jesus, born in the manger. I followed the rules and doctrine and took many class's to 'belong' to the church and to be allowed to take Holy Communion, so on. I was so empty, I left after 6 months or so. I stayed away for a long time. I proclaimed I was a Christian yet I felt empty like something was missing. Jesus was missing I had not invited Him into my heart as Lord and Savior. I was angry at 'religion and 'Christianity' I truly did not know if I would make Heaven for sure. I memorized the Ten Commands as given by Moses through God for a rebellious world and a firm foundation for living.

Jesus overcome for us. We have victory in knowing Jesus. He is the missing link. to the heart. He is Alive. In Him we are Alive and saved for all of eternity. Our Father knows that all needed to understand and there is only one way to understand to Believe on the name of Jesus. If my testimony can help one that is lost Precious Jesus Alleluia. I know who I am I know my future.

We make a choice who we will follow and I was not clear of who to follow. I had not been 'born again' This is the very essence of God sending His ONLY SON to save the world through Salvation in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. Well Praise God. He did not give up on me. He will not give up on His creation. He chose us first, He loved us first. He knocks at the door and the only requirement is to open it and invite Jesus in.

Oh Praise the Lord of the heavens. I was led into the doors of a Christian Church that taught the The Living word of God from the Bible. 'God turns all things for good for those that love Him' Romans 8:29. If my testimony can help another to be spared harm or division or strife or hell I sing Praise to the Lord of my Soul.

It was the most wonderful day of my life I will never forget it. I was 'born again' the day I walked into the doors. The Church loved me and told me about Gods love for me. I was forgiven. I had a ticket to Heaven. My life had a new meaning, I was made new in Christ. I invited Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I had a personal relationship with Jesus.I was born into the Family of God. I am a 'Child of the Living God.' We Praised and worshiped the Lord who came and died on the Cross for our sins. We Glorified God. Scripture is alive and living. It was not an intellectual decision nor did I need to know the doctrine to 'belong' I only needed to believe.

Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ the son of God. No religion involved here.God gave us a letter called the Bible written with His very breath so we would could have life and might have it more abundant. John 10:10  I have had people ask if I am a Christian and what kind? I tell them there is only one kind of Christian, 'the one that believes in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins and shed His blood so we are made righteous before God Almighty the Father. I ask if there is another kind? I tell them Jesus and His church do not require belonging to a 'religion' to know Him only to believe in Him.God asks that we love Him and love His church. The church of a 'Religion' is a choice and I pray that all who enter are led to Jesus Christ teh son of God who walk into the door. 'We will know them by their fruits' Matthew 7:16

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12 Now this is black and whiteno middle road. No one can take it away from us. Romans 10:8-10 There is no charge or fee.The price has been paid. Oh Sweet Jesus Praise God. You took our sin so we could be spared hell and damnation. All Glory to God. I can only pray the 'religion' teaches the truth in Jesus without twisting scripture or leave out words.

Jesus warns of religious hypocrisy. (4:4-5); Amos Chapter 4 Verses 6-13: See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and labor for that which satisfies not;

Check out the Bible Paul. It is the truth. I pray that you are Blessed and Prosperous in Joy and Peace. The world can not give it to us nor can a 'religion'. God gave it to us through His only begotten Son. When I was 'born again' into the family of God I understood. It does not take a genius mentality to 'get it' God is love not intellect, not mans doctrine. If one looks we can see what mans doctrine gets us. Satin is the liar Not Almighty God. He is the author and finisher of our Faith. Hebrews 13:2. I a sinner am forgiven by the Blood shed not because of my works. I strive to be more Holy. I desire to grow in the Love of the Lord.

The Holy Spirit in us teaches all things, leads, guides and comforts. It is in the Living Word the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit written by the chosen of God. Who would not want the peace and promises of Our Creator ,God the Father? One only needs to open the door and invite Him in by Faith. Jesus is His name. There is no test required or doctrine to study.

There is a longing in every person that comes from our very creation because we were created to be in relationship and to participate in loving and being loved and in giving and receiving and in being heard and hearing others. We were made in the image of God' so in each man is a heart for God. Genesis 1:27 It is in there. It is not found in a religion but in Jesus Christ and relationship to Him. God is our Father, He loves His children. He does not make it difficult. Jesus is the only perfect one and He came in the Flesh sent by God for us sinners. ALL of the World. If one does not have Jesus Christ in their heart they will not see Heaven, "deny Jesus He to will deny you before the Father." Matthew 10:32-33

The choice is not a religious matter.nor an intellectual decision. If a church is bringing many to Jesus Christ then it must be a 'Christian' church. Alleluia and ALL Praise and Glory to the Lord God. Does religion have anything to do with that? No, the Living Written Word of God has everything to do with that. Jesus is the heart mender and the heart changer.

How about this word Paul, pseudo intellectualism? Keep it simple Jesus is simple but His love for all of mankind; unmeasurable. "One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that 'Jesus is Lord".Philippians 2:10. All Glory to God the Father. Praise you sweet Jesus.

Written in Love, Skye

© Copyright 2011 Skye Tudae