Wednesday, August 08, 2007

WHAT IS RELIGION?

Matthew 15:16 “And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?”

IN this chapter our Lord teaches that true Religion is certainly not a matter of eating and drinking or outward ceremony. It is the intention of the soul, the continual drawing from Christ the life-power needed for our work and ministry to others. It may be illustrated by the experience of the diver, who explores the ocean-bed, but draws upon the breeze that sweeps the ocean-surface.Our Lord did not underestimate the outward observance of the forms of religion; He set us a definite example by His attendance at the Synagogue and the Temple services, by nights spent in prayer, by constant reference to Holy Scripture—but these were only the outward and natural expression of His unbroken fellowship with His Father.

Human love does not consist merely in outward expression, but in the hidden purpose of the heart, and yet, if there be no outward expression the spring will dry up!Perhaps the two greatest definitions of pure religion are these—the first from the Old Testament: “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God.” (Micah 6:8) And the second from the New Testament: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27) But to fulfil each of these we need the aid of the Holy Spirit.

To be truly religious is within the reach and scope of us all; but we must avail ourselves of what Jesus Christ has done to bring us to God. In Him there is absolute forgiveness for all the past, and infinite help and grace for the future. He is willing to be our Surety, Friend, and Helper. Through Him we may become partakers of the Divine Nature, and escape the corruption which is in the world through lust.

PRAYER—Give unto me, gracious Lord, the pilgrim spirit that I may be in the world and not of it. Give me Thy grace to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. May I ever walk worthy of the heavenly calling. AMEN.

By F.B. Meyer

3 comments:

  1. Good message Lee...

    Over the years i've found myself turned off by the word religion. I think its because its being used so loosely now a-days, and, can mean so many different things other then the bible definition.

    You know i read a lot of the writings of the old church fathers...well, when reading their sermons i've read where they use that word often. But what they meant, and what it means today, seems to be two different things!

    Isn't that something?!

    LOL! Sorry if i got off topic.

    I especially liked this part:

    "Human love does not consist merely in outward expression, but in the hidden purpose of the heart, and yet, if there be no outward expression the spring will dry up!"

    Amen. The hidden purposes of the heart. Made me think of the religious men of Jesus' day--the pharisees etc. They had an outward show of religion but did not manifest it through their actions or words [which come from the heart]

    love you brother...

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  2. thanks for your comments, it is a blessing to know you Juanita, look forward to seeing you in heaven, in our resurrected bodies!

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  3. What is Religion and Ponderings on Scripture in Timothy...

    some wonderful points were made here today.

    Thanking Jesus.

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