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Religion or Salvation?
by Olawale Ogunsola In a certain country,the President constituted a body to be in charge of preparing his food everyday,breakfast,lunch and dinner.He authorised the Governing council (GC) of the body to employ competent people for the assignment.The work must be carried out to the satisfaction of the President. The GC swung into action and got everything in place for the work to commence earnestly.Competent hands were engaged to cover different sections and units. The whole people involved were hardworking,competent and commited to the work.They were 'loyal' to the President and they tried everthing humanly possible to 'satisfy' him.Everything was perfect EXCEPT that the food is prepared in a filthy environment as good as an unkept public toilet. As soon as they finished preparing breakfast,they will start preparation of lunch and immediately they finish setting the table for lunch,they will commence dinner assignment.They were so busy and committed. Unknown to those people involved,the President was aware of the condition of the environment where his food comes from. Hoever,each time he came to eat the food,he directed his personal aids to dispose of the food.Dear reader,can you eat any food prepared in a toilet? That is religions for you. A Presidential aid told those people of their foolishness,but they insisted on doing things as before because the President was satisfied.Are they right? The Lord said in Isaiah 29:13 "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths,And honor Me with their lips,But have removed their hearts far from Me,And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men." Mankind in their commandment are busy laying upon themselves greater burdens than necessary in an attempt to worship or serve God. Instead of this,they need to purify their hearts by giving it to God for purification.Proverbs 23:26 reads, "My son,give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways." Therefore,"Men,why are you doing these things?...you should turn from these useless things to the Living God,..."Acts14:15 "But if you do not do so,then take note,you have sinned against the Lord;and be sure your sin will find you out."Numbers 32:23 It is what God wants that matters and not what you want.Deuteronomy 10:12 reads, "And now,Israel(mankind),what does the Lord your God require of you,but to fear the Lord your God,to walk in all His ways and to love Him,to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." The state of your heart is important to your Creator;that is why He states in Mark 7:20-23 that "What comes out of a man,that defiles a man.For from within,out of the heart of men,proceed evil thoughts,adulteries,fornications,murders,thefts,covetousness,wickedness,deceit,lewdness,an evil eye,blasphemy,pride,foolishness.All these evil things come from within and defile a man." He adds in verse 8, "Laying aside the commandment of God,you hold the tradition of men-the washing of pitchers and cups,and many other such things you do." He discloses in verse nine, "All too well you reject the commandment of God,that you may keep your tradition." What is His commandment? "This is My beloved Son,in whom I am well pleased.HEAR HIM!" And the Son commanded, "Most assuredly,I say to you,unless one is born again,he cannot see the kingdom of God." He adds in verse five, "unless one is born of water and the spirit,he cannot enter the kingdom of God." In conclusion,according to Him,"You must be born again." For your worship or service to be acceptable to Him,you need to take this step.Your heart will be washed clean with the blood of Jesus Christ.You will become a new person.Your past misdeeds will be forgiven you. It is then you will be able to walk with Him and when He shall come back to take His saints,you will be counted worthy. NB: Bible verses quoted are from New King James Version. The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |