Historical Posts
Form or Substance?
The apostle Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without selfcontrol, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NASB).
What I find so disturbing about that warning is the fact that Paul was writing about religious people, men who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. That simply means they wouldn’t let their religion interfere with their lives and be a driving force in their lives.
Paul could not have described more vividly current conditions in the religious world if he had written those lines yesterday. Folks want Christianity without inconvenience or interference. In most churches today Sunday night and Wednesday evening services are a thing of the past. People have become too busy to attend, so the services have been eliminated. Instead, Saturday night and early Sunday morning services are now in vogue so that folks can free up the Lord’s Day for golf, fishing, boating, and family outings. It would appear that religion is fine as long as it doesn’t interfere with our lives.
The same seems to be true in regard to morality. Christianity no longer demands upright living. Right and wrong are relative issues. What may be wrong for me may be right for you. Live your own life, do your own thing. Folks, that simply is not true! Christianity and morality are inseparable (Titus 2:12).
Do you have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof?
Is your religion one of convenience or conviction?
Do you have the substance of Christianity, or just an empty shell?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Pure Religion
The modern approach to religion is to argue that there is good and bad in every religion. As long as one is religious, it matters little what religion is chosen.
However, the New Testament clearly differentiates between religion which God accepts and that which He does not accept when it refers to pure and vain (worthless) religion (James 1:26, 27). From the Sermon on the Mount it is clear that Jesus was in full agreement with the concepts presented in the epistle of James (Matthew 7:13-23).
Further, the exchange between Jesus and certain scribes and Pharisees over His disciples failure to wash their hands before eating also confirms what James wrote (Matthew 15:1-14).
Practicing Pure New Testament Christianity Demands Four Specific Things
- Pure religion demands a bridled tongue (James 1:19, 26). The tongue is important because our words are a reflection of our hearts (Matthew 12:34, 35). An unbridled tongue nullifies our religious profession. Christians are commanded: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).
- Pure religion demands a compassionate heart (James 1:27). God has always demanded that His people be compassionate toward those in need (Deut. 24:19-22). This was at the heart of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). We cannot practice pure religion and turn our backs on those who are truly in need.
- Pure religion demands a morally upright life (James 1:21, 27). This theme pervades the entire New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19). We must not allow ourselves to be contaminated by the sins of this world (immorality, materialism, unbelief, etc.).
- Pure religion demands an obedient spirit (James 1:22-25). This is the message Jesus used to close the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27).
The point is this: All the ritual in the world is no substitute for a heart of service and a life of purity and obedience. Are you practicing pure religion?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Church Scandals
For several years now the Catholic Church has been rocked by scandals. Literally hundreds of individuals have come forth claiming to have been sexually abused by their priests. Many of them were children at the time the abuse occurred. It seems that the crimes not only happened, but that a deliberate attempt was made to cover them up. Huge financial settlements have been reached with some of the victims, but the problem seems to be so widespread that some dioceses simply lack the financial resources to compensate victims. Compounding the problem is the realization that some of those involved were allow to continue in the priesthood long after their sins were discovered.
The Catholic Church is not the only religious institution to be scarred by the immoral and criminal conduct of its leadership. Protestant institutions have also had their share of scandals. No one claiming allegiance to Christ can take delight in these kinds of things. I know my Catholic friends are just as shocked and saddened by these things as we all are. There is no defense for what has happened, and no defense for those who knew about the problem and failed to take action.
Only the devil and those who side with him can take delight in these kinds of things. I’m sure there are many who see what has unfolded in relationship to these scandals as an indictment of all religion. Those in whom they placed their greatest trust proved untrustworthy. This is not new, nor is it an isolated problem. It is always a mistake to put too much trust in men. Long ago David wrote: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9). Men sometimes disappoint us, but God never does.
We would all be better served by listening more to God and less to men. From a Scriptural perspective, there is no special virtue in celibacy. Those who argue that there is are in error (1 Timothy 4:1-3). May God help us to put our faith in Him and in His word. He has given us His will in written form. We can read, understand and respond to it.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Christ Centered Religion
Christ Centered Religion – No creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His!
We can never overemphasize the importance of being obedient students of the Bible. In God’s great scheme for the salvation of man, He provided for the preservation of His divine will through the written word. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the word of the Almighty. It should be studied, learned, obeyed, and lived.
He who rejects the Bible and the Christ centered religion that results makes a terrible mistake. Paul wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The fact is that our eternal well-being depends upon our devotion to the sacred text. It is through the Scriptures that we learn of the Savior. We cannot know God’s will apart from His word. Therefore, we must be careful students of the Bible. All that we believe, teach, and practice must originate in the Bible, which will cause us to have a Christ centered religion. Peter wrote, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
The churches of Christ make a concerted effort to be governed by the Bible, and the Bible alone. We have no creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His! If you are interested in a Christ-centered religion, then give us a try. With Paul we say, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Religion and Life
I get the distinct feeling that many people want the blessings and privileges that come with faith, but they desire few of the responsibilities of discipleship.
These folks want the Father close at hand, but never take the time to talk to Him in prayer. They want to be spiritually alive, but spend little time with the “bread of life” (the Bible). They want a faith that will sustain them in times of trouble, but have little thought of God when things go well. They want worship to be exciting, emotionally fulfilling, and spine tingling, but are spectators not participants in the assembly. They talk about the importance of Christ in their lives, and then crowd Him out of their lives. Paul described these folk as “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).
Faith in Jesus Christ is life changing, or at least it was meant to be.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). To follow Jesus requires that we rid our lives of all that is contrary to His will and nature, and that we imitate His life, His love, His devotion, and His compassion. He gave us the perfect example to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
As Christians, our purpose is to do the will of Him who died to save us.
We are not people pleasers, but God pleasers (Galatians 1:10). What we believe and stand for is not determined by public opinion and popular vote. We believe the Bible to be the word of God. We honor God by honoring His word. It is our rule book for life. It tells us how to live, what kind of people we are to be, how we are to treat one another, and what is required of us in order to live eternally. It is impossible to share in all the blessings of Christ, while rejecting the responsibilities of discipleship. Thus, the light of every true Christian will shine brightly each day.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Christianity is Not a Holiday Religion
Not a holiday religion
Today, December 25, the world will pause to remember, amidst the gifts, the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. He is what Paul called God’s unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I am always thankful when men are reminded of Jesus and what He means to humanity. At the same time, I am saddened to know that so much of the spirit of Christ will be forgotten when the season has passed. I know that is not what our Lord desires. His is not a holiday religion.
Aristides wrote of Christians (125 A.D.): “They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another. They despise not the widow, and grieve not the orphan. He that hath, distributeth liberally to him that hath not. If they see a stranger, they bring him under their roof and rejoice over him as if he were their own brother: for they call themselves brethren, not after the flesh, but after the spirit of God: but when one of their poor passes away from the world, and any of them see him, then he provides for his burial according to his ability: and if they hear that any of their number is imprisoned or oppressed for the name of their Messiah, all of them provide for his needs, and if it is possible that he may be delivered, they deliver him. And if there is among them a man that is poor and needy, and they have not an abundance of necessaries, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with their necessary food.”
Has Jesus made an impact on you?
If Jesus has not made the kind of impact on our lives that causes us to be kind, considerate and caring the year round, He really hasn’t made an impact at all. Open your heart to the hurt of others. Be responsive to their needs. Give yourself. The love and compassion of Christ are as needed in July as they are in December. He cared; so must we!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Too Much, Or Too Little Religion?
Just playing it safe?
Someone has written: “The most uncomfortable person in the world is one who has just enough religion to make him uneasy, not enough to be enjoyed, and too much to be ignored.” It’s sad, but true! For many religion is little more than a passing aberration. Going to church is their way of playing it safe, just in case there really is a God. As a result, they never experience the hope, joy and peace of true Christianity.
New Testament Christianity was never intended to be a hobby
It was designed to be a way of life. When one becomes a Christian he becomes a different person. The apostle Paul wrote: “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is why Jesus spoke of the new birth and told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Jesus demands a wholehearted commitment, not a halfhearted faith. This new life will be reflected in the way we treat others, in the way we face discouragement and defeat, and in the way we radiate the love of Christ to those around us.
How much religion do you have?
Do you believe with all your heart that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 8:37)? Have you changed your mind, and in turn, your life to conform to His image and example? That’s what the Bible calls repentance (Acts 2:38). Do you have the courage to confess your faith in Him (Romans 10:9, 10)? Will you be baptized as He demands (Mark 16:16)? Will you put Him at the center of your life (Matthew 6:33)?
You need a genuine commitment
You can experience the hope and joy of Christianity, but not without a genuine commitment to Him and His cause.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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No Problem with God, Just Religion
TIME, in its November 21, 2011 edition, asked ten questions of Sting (born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), the famous English musician, singer songwriter, activist, actor and philanthropist.
Among them was this query: “When asked your religion, you write “devout musician.” Does that mean you pray to Angus Young?”
Sting replied: “It’s not a frivolous answer. I’m essentially agnostic. I don’t have a problem with God. I have a problem with religion. I’ve chosen to live my life without the certainties of religious faith. I think they’re dangerous. Music is something that gives my life value and spiritual solace.”
Men are free moral agents
Sting has a right to live his life as he sees fit. God has never forced Himself on anyone. No one has ever been compelled to be a believer. What I found interesting in his response is how many times I’ve heard similar things from others.
Agnostics say that we cannot know if God exists
We must accept Him on faith, and that means for many “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” Ambrose Bierce’s definition comes to mind. He argued that faith was “belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge of things without parallel.” Those who accept this premise won’t dismiss God outright, but they also won’t let Him intrude into their lives.
No problem with God, just religion
Like a lot of other folks, Sting has no real problem with God, but he does have a problem with religion. That is the same thinking that causes a man to reject the church and worship on the Lord’s Day because he says he can commune with God just as intimately on the golf course, the river, or in the great outdoors. It also explains why so many who claim to be believers never involve themselves with organized religion.
Finding spiritual solace?
Sting finds value and spiritual solace in music. Others find it in yoga, meditation, the contemplation of nature, or some other outlet. It is impossible to really get away from the innately human need for life to have a spiritual dimension. Men yearn for something higher, better, and eternal. Christianity satisfies that longing better than anything else.
We can know God is real
In response to Sting, and all who share his skepticism, I would argue that we can know that God is real based on abundant and unassailable evidence (1 Peter 3:15). Further, I would insist that there is something in our collective worship which we will not find on the golf course, the lake, or simply sharing in the beauty of nature (Hebrews 10:22-25).
No substitute
There is no substitute for the assembly of the saints to draw us nearer to God, to encourage us to faithfulness, and to stir us to greater love and good works.
–Roger
JANUARY 8, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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James 01:26-27 Religion, Pure and Undefiled – audio
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Text: James 1:26-27
Introduction
1. What kind of religion do we have? Is it like a:
a. SPARE TIRE (used only in the case of an emergency)?
b. WHEELBARROW (easily upset and must be pushed)?
c. BUS (ridden only when it goes your way)?
2. Whatever kind of religion we have, it is of no value unless it is pleasing to God in heaven
3. We can find what constitutes pure and undefiled religion before God – James 1:26-27
4. To be sure that our own religion is acceptable before God, let’s notice some attributes of pure and undefiled religion
a. Indicated in this verse
b. It’s immediate context
Body
I. A PRACTICING RELIGION
A. IT INVOLVES DOING SOMETHING ON OUR PART
1. This is clearly implied in the phrase to visit, and to bridle our tongue
2. The context prior to this verse also makes it clear that we must be doers and not hearers only – James 1:22-25
3. This echoes the teachings of Jesus Himself – Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46
B. IF WE ARE NOT DOERS, WE ARE DECEIVING OURSELVES (James 1:22)
1. And usually, it is ONLY ourselves we are deceiving!
2. We are certainly not deceiving God, nor Satan
3. And it unlikely that we fool others, especially our children
II. A PRACTICAL RELIGION
A. GOD DID NOT INTEND FOR OUR RELIGION TO CONSIST SOLELY OF GOING TO CHURCH
1. Extending OUR HEART TO GOD IN WORSHIP is certainly important
2. But so is extending OUR HAND TO MAN IN SERVICE! – James 1:27
B. THROUGHOUT THE N.T., MUCH EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON DOING GOOD
1. From the writings of Paul – Galatians 6:10; Titus 2:14; 3:8, 14
2. From the author of Hebrews – Hebrews 13:16
3. From the apostle John – 1 John 3:17-18
III. A PERSONAL RELIGION
A. IMPLIED BY THE USE OF SINGULAR PRONOUNS IN THE TEXT
1. anyone – James 1:23
2. he, his – James 1:23
3. himself, he – James 1:24
4. he, this one – James 1:25
5. anyone, he, his, this one’s – James 1:26
6. oneself – James 1:27
B. NOW, THERE IS A PLACE FOR CORPORATE GIVING
1. That is, where we give in conjunction with others to meet a need
2. For example, in helping needy Christians – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
C. BUT IT WAS NEVER INTENDED TO REPLACE OUR INDIVIDUAL AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
1. Some might think:
a. That their giving on Sunday fulfills their responsibility to the poor, the widows, and the orphans
b. That it fulfills their obligation to preach the gospel
2. God still expects us to fulfill our personal service to the poor, widows, and orphans as we have the ability and opportunity
3. Just as we find in the Old Testament
a. Though the third year tithe was for the widows and orphans – Deuteronomy 26:12
b. They were to always help them whenever they had the opportunity!
IV. A PURE RELIGION
A. THIS SOUNDS REDUNDANT, BUT IN OUR DAY IT MUST BE EMPHASIZED!
1. Our society has become increasingly immoral and materialistic
2. Such is wreaking havoc upon many in the Lord’s church
3. What we hear and see may only be the tip of the iceberg!
B. OUR RELIGION IS FOR NOTHING, UNLESS IT IS
1. PURE – without blemish
2. UNDEFILED – untainted
3. Capable of keeping us UNSPOTTED from (by) the world
C. BUT IF WE ARE SINNERS (as affirmed in 1 John 1:8), HOW CAN WE EVER BE PURE, UNDEFILED, AND UNSPOTTED?
1. It is possible, only BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST!
a. Which can cleanse us and make us pure if we walk in the light with God – 1 John 1:7
b. This involves keeping the commandments of God – 1 John 2:3
1) For example, experiencing the INITIAL CLEANSING of the blood when we obey the commands to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
2) And, experiencing the CONTINUOUS CLEANSING of the blood when we confess our sins to God – 1 John 1:9
2. It is possible only BY THE HELP OF GOD!
a. Who not only provides the blood of Christ to cleanse us from sin
b. But also a way of escape in times of temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. Yes, with Christ’s blood and God’s help, it is possible to be pure, undefiled, and unspotted by the world!
4. And this is what makes the religion of Jesus Christ UNIQUE!
a. Other religions may be practicing, practical and personal
b. But only the true religion of Jesus Christ can present one pure in the sight of God! – John 14:6
Conclusion
1. What kind of religion do YOU have?
a. Is it a PRACTICING religion?
1) Does it go beyond the walls of a building?
2) Does it go beyond the printed pages of the Bible?
3) Does it go beyond a superficial hearing of the Word?
b. Is it a PRACTICAL religion?
1) Does it consist of more than JUST going to church, reading, and praying?
2) Does it reach out and manifest itself in compassion to those in need?
c. Is it a PERSONAL religion?
1) Going beyond what we may do in conjunction with others?
2) Including our personal involvement apart from what others may do?
d. And is it a PURE religion?
1) Involving our initial cleansing from sin by the blood of Christ as we in faith repented and were baptized?
2) Involving our continual cleansing by the blood of Christ as we confess our sins and repent of them?
3) Does it include a putting away of sin with the help of God so that we might be unspotted by the world?
2. If not, then whatever religion we have is USELESS and we are simply DECEIVING OURSELVES!
3. Let’s always encourage one another to be sure and have a pure and undefiled religion before God!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Religion is Dangerous – Luke 18:11-12
Text: Luke 18:11-12
I think religion’s danger is that it gives us false comfort that this is what it means to know God.
Remember the Pharisee’s prayer?
“God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get” (Luke 18:11-12).
Five!
That’s how many times he uses the first-person pronoun “I” in that short little self-congratulatory prayer.
“Are you saved, Mr. Pharisee?”
“Of course I am. Look at everything I do and don’t do.”
“So you’ve never sinned?”
[Long pause]
“Well, sure, but not nearly as often as most. See that tax collector over there? That’s what a real sinner looks like.”
The Pharisee’s major problem was that his religion had skewed his view of himself
He honestly thought he was on good ground before God because of what he had done, and, perhaps more importantly, what he hadn’t.
The tax collector, on the other hand, who presumably had very little religion, was on much better footing with God. Why?
Because he knew he desperately needed God for salvation. He knew he had nothing to bring to the table.
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!‘ (Luke 18:13)
“Are you saved, Mr. Christian?”
“Of course I am. I’ve been baptized, and my church attendance is almost perfect. And besides, I don’t drink, lie, or cheat on my taxes.”
None of us would say that, of course, but I’m afraid that sometimes we think it, if only subconsciously.
It’s all because we love to create ways to measure faithfulness. We look at things we can see and quantify, like attending church, committing sexual sins, or giving financially to the church. They tell us what we think we need to know about our faithfulness.
But the most important question is this:
Do our hearts belong to Jesus?
If they do, then sure, many of the outward signs will follow.
The problem is . . . in different ways we can motivate ourselves into doing the outward part while ignoring the heart.
That’s why religion is dangerous
It helps us avoid asking the tough questions about where our allegiance really lies.
With God or the world?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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