I am sure there will be people who want to argue this.... begin a religious debate. I am not entertaining a religious debate. I am fed up with religion. The people who claim only one "religion" is going to heaven. Uh...let me say, I can assure you some of you will be shocked, surprised and confused if/when arriving to heaven and seeing, several religious affiliations who were baptized in Jesus name, walking those same streets of gold. Oh, what a day that will be (yes, I just sang that!)
I was raised in a Pentecostal home. A very strict hell fire and brimstone Pentecostal , bring down the hammer, (yes, just said that in my best WWE voice) type house. I've been a member of an Assembly of God, and baptist. I've attended a catholic Church as well. Currently a member of a Baptist church I am not saying any one of these "religions" are wrong. I am not say anyone is right. What I am saying is this......
Religion is man made. Not God made. I've never read a scripture and believe me I've looked. Religion causes division and confusion. God is the author of peace and unification of his people. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 it it clear, saying, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" . We are called to Love one another, and into a relationship with him. Not a religion with him. John 13:34 says, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Any, religion, pastor or person teaching and justifying and condoning hate, discontentment and discord is not seeking or praising the same God we read about in the bible. Growing up we were taught to fear God. Not as in reverence. It was a fear that was created by man. A fear that if we did not obey all the "rules & laws" he would literally smite us. Figuring I was too imperfect, and could never live up to Gods expectations, why should I bother? God loves us, as we love our children. He desires a relationship with us. He loves when we talk to him, seek him for advice. Just as we do when our children reach out to us.
vg
It took me many years. Unhappy years in church. Singing, praising and serving with a hesitant and very unhappy heart. Finally, leaving it all behind. Determined to find that joy, peace and happiness wherever, with whomever I could. Spent several unhappy years seeking joy, peace and happiness in the world, before I picked up my bible and studied for myself what God wants, and requires from us. I know so many people who leave church because of religion. Why, it's confusing. It is scary. It is not worth it. Seriously!??!! People believe this. And, it wasn't just me. There is a whole world full of lost and hurting people who are turning to drugs, alcohol and sex in a slight attempt to feel something. To feel the love, acceptance and peace that can only be found in the arm of the father. Not everyone has a seed planted as a child. Then they are hit with all the religious mambo jumbo. And, run.... Yes, run like Forrest Gump.
Because of that seed, when the bottom fell out of my rock bottom. I decided to seek for myself. See an ye shall find, right? YES, right! Once I learned it is all about a relationship with Christ and not religion, learned his desires for us, with us and in us. My relationship with him truly began. I began to fear the Lord as in reverence to him. I learned a love through respect. I learned my prayers do not have to be eloquent, nor do they have to be long and drawn out. They only have to be sincere. The rest came natural. Listed are a few scriptures that help me find my way. Helped me realize it is a relationship NOT religion.
Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.
Proverbs 14:26 - In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Job 28:28 - And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.
Psalms 33:8 - Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Deuteronomy 10:12 - And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
Proverbs 14:27 - The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 3:7 - Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Psalms 25:14 - The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Luke 1:50 - And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Psalms 111:10 - The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.
Psalms 86:11 - Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
In Philippians 2:12 it says "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".
Today, I pray this blog helps/blesses someone who may be struggling with relationship vs. religion today. I pray that you will seek it for yourself. Talk with someone you trust. To learn as much as you can. To help you understand only a relationship with Christ can help your road to heaven. Do lose heart, seek God and continue to grow.....
Blessings,
Hollie Kate
No comments:
Post a Comment