“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Are you a religious person? I don’t know about you, but I hear that question fairly often and I cringe just about every time I do. I know what most people are really asking: “Is faith important to you?” But the word religion is such a loaded word because every person has a different experience. For some, religion is mindless obedience. For others, it’s sleeping through Sunday morning service. And yet for others, it’s a different expression of worship altogether, whether it be in a Hindu temple, a mosque, or a synagogue. But the real difference between Christianity and religion is clear. Religion is spelled with two letters: d-o. Do this, and you’ll be a better person, receive blessings, or earn heaven. It’s focused on human achievement. Christianity, however, is spelled with four letters: d-o-n-e. It’s centered around the finished work of Christ on the cross. It’s not about what we can do, but what Christ has already done for us. Praise God today that you’re not enslaved to mindless religious obedience, but are free to pursue a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ! THANK GOD THAT YOUR FAITH ISN'T BASED ON RELIGION, BUT A LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. |
Toughening Up for the Elders
Today's Bible Verse...
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
No
matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no
earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim, you and no
flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have
more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia,
the Christian refugee in Africa, the Bedouin brother in Egypt, the
Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, the high rise business person in Hong
Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, than you do your next door
neighbors if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.
My Prayer...
Glorious God and Almighty Father, I look forward to the day when people from every language, tribe, nation, and language join the angels and elders around your throne and worship you in joy forever. Make us one, if not here, then soon. We ask you Lord Jesus, please come. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated
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