05.12.11 - Screw Religion

My biggest pet peeve when talking about Jesus and Christianity is religion. I honestly believe that Satan has created, condoned, and implemented religion in the world specifically for church people. It's a way for him to help put a stop to the church being able to reach anymore people. The root meaning of the word religion means to "return to bondage". I am 100% certain that Jesus Christ did not come to the world to die for religion. He came to die as a pardon for our sins and to offer a RELATIONSHIP with the God of the universe.

Gossip in church, putting rules on church (ie dress code, worship times, don't break us of our traditions, etc), stature socializing (country club churh), committees, blah blah blah....these things KILL the message of Jesus in the world. What better way to turn someone away from visiting then to show them (through our actions) that "if you fit into our mold and the way we like things, then you are welcome here" is our message?

How dare the church decide how people have to be before they can come. How dare the church not be willing to do whatever is necessary to reach the lost and hurting. How dare the church allow themselves to become so consumed by what they feel is "our church way" of doing things.

These things are TOXIC to the message of Jesus. All these things we do, Jesus did NOT do. Do we honestly believe that if something is uncomfortable then it's not right? When was the last time God said everything should be easy or routine? When Jesus went to the sick and afflicted, was that comfortable?

Get over yourselves. Take up your cross and follow Him.

Want more? Check out this video sermon... http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch/toxic/5