Christianity minus Christ equals religion.
Maybe the Pharisees get something of a bad rap in the Bible, I don't know. We pick on them a lot. Probably deservedly, but still ... what do we know about them?
They were sincere in their beliefs. That's good.
They were a zealous, enthusiastic, passionate bunch. That's good.
They were meticulous tithers and gave beyond requirements. That's good.
They upheld a strong moral code. That's good.
They believed in the full authority of the Hebrew scriptures. That's good.
They believed in miracles. That's good.
They were arduous prayers. That's good.
They were strongly Messianic -- they longed for Israel's redemption. That's good.
We might do well to ask ourselves what brand of Christianity most closely resembles this form of spirituality? To which we must surely answer, "It is Bible-believing Christians." US.
And the most frightening element left out of the above list is that THIS group is the one most responsible for putting Jesus on the cross. They were hell-bent on murdering Jesus! So there's the rub, eh?
They are us, or at least what we can become if we aren't attentive to the dynamics involved in the slow erosion of faithfulness down into 'religion.' They are living mirrors of what can happen to every well-meaning, sincere, enthusiastic, passionate, meticulous giving, moral, Bible believing, praying person who loses focus of the central issues of faith.
And be blessed.
1 comment:
Yeah. We have a greater desire to be faithful when we see how much Jesus loves us. One way we see (understand) His love is thru the people we share life with (environment). But not everyone gets the same fair chance. God can change the fact that it’s colder where some people live. People everywhere have a longing to know both the ‘love’ and ‘rightness’ of God. Do you think Jesus loved the Adulterous Woman more than Pharasees? He didn’t side in with anyone… He asked EVERYONE in His presence to acknowledge their sin...and He was writing their names in the dust as they turned and walked away...like so many still do. But one woman stayed for the GOOD part. He looked right in her eyes, loved her and said, “Go and sin no more”. The ‘release’ was wrapped in the command because He spoke with authority.
I believe Jesus knew the real reason the Pharasees were throwing a person ‘caught’ in sin at His feet was really an ‘acted out’ question. The question?
“What do I do with my SIN?!!!”
The RICH YOUNG RULER got a little closer asking: GOOD TEACHER,“WHAT MUST I DO to inherit eternal Life?” Jesus answered with "WHY do you call Me GOOD?"(in other words –“Do you know that I Am God?) Then, He said, Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, then come and follow Me (so he would realize he actually did break one of the commandments--"Do not covet") Another loser...walks away.
There IS a RIGHTEOUSNESS that comes ONLY by faith in Christ.
Who will rescue me from this bond of sin and death? Thanks be to God…
Thru OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!
HE IS GOOD!!! (RIGHTEOUS!)
"Amazing Love How Can It Be...that YOU My King would die for me?"
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.
Mary
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