Ditch the Religion

January 6

(Luke 3:8b NIV) “And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”

(Amos 5:21-24 NIV) “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. {22} Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. {23} Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. {24} But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Many in Christ’s day thought their religion qualified them for heaven. They thought they were “in”, because they were descended from Abraham, dressed a certain way, ate the right foods, and held the right doctrines. Many Christians today believe essentially the same thing. But both John and Jesus refuted this thinking. Instead, they taught that it is our relationship with God that makes us right with Him. Faith and righteousness are not about what denomination we belong to, what rituals we participate in, or what style of music we use in worship. God did not send His beloved Son into the world to start another religion. He could make better religious people out of rocks, so ditch the religion. What Jesus is looking for are followers who will rebuild their lives around Him. He wants disciples who will let God’s Spirit flow through them like a river. Are you that disciple? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day