Would you consider yourself religious? - I hope not.   Religion is tied to a set of rules, traditions and your own righteousness.   The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were very religious, and Jesus said, ”that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (cf. Matthew 5:20) -some pretty tough words from the only one that matters!

The apostle  Paul addressed the “religious” of his day, “men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious, for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship…” 

(cf. Acts 17: 22-23)   Jesus does not call humankind to a religion, but to a relationship with Him.  We say that “Jesus is the reason for the season”, but is He really?!   This Christmas season, may we each examine ourselves and our relationship with Christ.   The bible says, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men (humankind) to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man (Son of man - Jesus) whom He has ordained.” (cf. Acts 17: 30-31)  Humankind’s only hope is in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  He calls each one to believe, repent and to follow Him.  The objects of your worship reveals in whom and what you are truly trusting in.                                                                                      “In the morning when I rise…when I am alone…when I come to die…give me Jesus…give me Jesus..” Lyrics, Give me Jesus

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney

inCHRISTalone