Encounter Jesus

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Values/Mission
  • Ben's Blog
  • Prayer

True Religion

3/11/2012

0 Comments

 
"Religion" is not in and of itself a bad word. It is not evil. It is in no way the enemy. In James 1:27, the author speaks of religion that is clean and undefiled before God. It has two distinctive qualities: it shows love to others and keeps one's self pure from corruption.  

The word religion is nothing more than a word to describe a set of beliefs or methods of worship. The enemy has tried to corrupt this word to make it stale, impersonal, institutionalized, programmed and mechanical. Many have pursued religion with passion believing that they will find fulfillment, hope, meaning, relevancy, value, strength and an unending joy. The pursuit of religion often leaves these weary souls discouraged and hopeless. This is because religion has always and should always only be an outflowing of people connected to God's heart. I believe satan has made an all out attack on this word and its meaning to distract us from the heart of God and, thus, rob us of close connection with Him.  

In secular terms, religion is a word to describe the path to a higher power or a path to God.  We know nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus is the path to God. It is only by complete submission and surrender to Him that we can discover salvation, hope, and true life. Christians must be clear that the word religion is and should only be an outgrowth of an inner communion with God. Religion flows from a heart connected with God. 

I invite you not to encounter religion, not to encounter debates, not to encounter just religious practices, but to encounter the very heart of God. Your heart was made to do so.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    George is a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. He is a pastor and has a heart for pastoral counseling. He has provided child, family and marriage counseling since 1999. He received his BA in Youth and Family Ministry from Lubbock Christian University in 1994 and his MA in Counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1999. He has worked as a child care administrator at Boles Children's Home for over 6 years and worked in a Christian private counseling practice for over 4 years. He has also served as an administrator of ROPES course and a disaster response coordinator. George has experience working with foster children, at-risk youth, and adoptive children. He has also worked as a minister and has a passion for the Kingdom of God and God's ability to transform lives.

    George and his wife have been married for 22 years and have two children of their own. He enjoys outdoor photography and spending time with his family camping, hiking and fishing.

    Archives

    August 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012

    Categories

    All
    Communion With God
    Freedom Through Jesus
    Overcoming Stress
    Worship

    RSS Feed