Friday, April 6, 2007

I'm not interested in Religion

. . . but I am deeply interested in the Gospel.


Religion: I wouldn’t cross the street for another Religion.
Gospel: However, I would circle the world for the Gospel.


Maybe you have wondered, So what’s the difference?


Religions are man-made; the Gospel is God-given.
Religion is about what man does for God; the Gospel is what God did for man.
Religion is a long quest of people seeking harmony with a god; the Gospel is God seeking us.
Religion has man climbing up the ladder of his own self-righteousness, hoping to meet God up on the top rung, but the Gospel is how God came down the ladder through the incarnation of Christ to meet us sinners at the lowest rung.
Religion professes good views; the Gospel is good news.
Religion has some remnants of good advice; the Gospel is a glorious announcement.
Religion takes a man and leaves him as he is as lost from God; the Gospel takes a man as he is to give him salvation.
Religion leads to an outer reformation; the Gospel leads to an inner transformation.
Religion fails to grant real peace; the Gospel leads to the peace that passes understanding in the Prince of Peace.
Religion whitewashes sin; the Gospel washes white.
Religion ends as a farce; the Gospel is God’s force, the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Religion emphasizes doing; the Gospel is about being.
Religion claims our merit; the Gospel calls for mercy.
Religion says, “Do good, keep doing good, and eventually you will become good.” The Gospel says, “Become good by trusting God’s grace, then you will want to do good.”
Religion says, “Tell the truth, keep on telling the truth, and then you will become honest.” The Gospel says, “First be honest in your heart, then you will tell the truth.”
Religion says try; the Gospel says trust!
Religion says develop yourself; the Gospel says deny yourself.
Religion says you will need to join in with God to save yourself; the Gospel says surrender yourself to God.
Religion says attain; the Gospel says obtain!
Religion says attempt; the Gospel says accept!
Religion says, “Do this and do that and you might make it.” The Gospel is Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!
Religion has many requirements and rules that eventually become a real heavy burden, but the Gospel is a relationship that will bless you forever!
Religion can give something to live by, but the Gospel gives you something to die by.
Religions have lots of gospel speculations, but God is clear about the only one Gospel that saves (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Religions are many, but there is only one true Gospel.



WHICH CHURCH WILL LEAD ME TO HEAVEN?
Religions demand that you to follow their way: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Pro. 16:25). Christianity believes Christ who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Religion deifies man while diminishing God; Christianity teaches the sinfulness of man and the sovereignty of God.
Religion programs families to be offended if someone spots a problem, Christianity says better to flee God’s wrath.
Religion love-bombs visitors but often destroys the dignity of the member who leaves; Christianity practiced correctly loves everyone and seeks to restore the wayward.
Religion will give a bit of truth, but genuine Christianity in God’s Word is altogether true.
Religion is paranoid, claiming bashing if you examine the claims; Christianity invites you to freely investigate truth.
Religion often teaches about becoming gods; Christianity reveals the true God who knows no other (Isaiah 43-45).
Religions lead to human books of instruction; Christianity teaches God’s holy Book of inspiration.
Religions glory in the legacy and tradition of their forefathers; Christianity glories in the cross (Gal. 6:14).
Religions point to the speeches and graves of their leaders, but Christianity points to the empty tomb.
Religions include a variety of choices; Christianity alone is trustworthy, unique and final.
Religions often demand your tithes to the church, while real Christianity honors your choice about giving to God.


Are there many ways to God? A broad interstate of life leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-23). Jesus denounced and exposed false leaders. “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matt. 23:33). Dear soul, which way are you headed?


The way to a glorious destiny is not through a Religion. Generally, to be born in Iraq is to follow Mohammed. To be born in Rome is to follow the Pope. Is it strange? Where were you born and who do you follow? The way to God is by trusting Jesus Christ of the Bible to the exclusion of others. Religion emphasizes principles, precepts, codes, temples, and creeds; the Gospel points to Jesus Christ. Religions glory in teachings, saying, “Accept these! Believe and follow them.” The Gospel says, “Accept Christ! Believe and follow Him.” Is Jesus your own personal God as He was to His disciples? “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29) Jesus endorsed trusting Him as “my God”, promising an equal blessing if your faith is exactly the same. Friend, now is the time! Personalize your faith. Make Jesus your Savior as “My Lord and my God!”


Article submitted by Brother "C.B."

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