Removing Religion

We have been just over three weeks in Uganda. It has been an amazing time. The first week we were settling into the routine and rhythm of the complete immersion by which we move. We have stayed in 10 homes so far with each one of them different and lovely.

Our travel days have been long. Usually with 4-8 hours of travel in addition to preaching and ministering on the front or back end of that travel. Everywhere we go people are so thirsty for the word of God and the core of the gospel; we keep coming back to Jesus Christ.

I am convinced that the ‘wide way’ that Jesus spoke of is religion, while the narrow way is himself.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14

Religion says sacrifice to your god. Christ says “I am the sacrifice.”

Religion says try harder. Christ says “Rest in me.”

Religion says you have failed. Christ says “I am making all things new.”

Religion says obey your pastor. Christ says “I am your priest.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ is proving to be a breath of fresh air over the congregations we have been with. On our part, we are still astonished how hungry we are for this, for Him.

Somehow, within our churches, we have taken on way too much religion. We’ve put special people into special roles, we’ve established hierarchy that does not reflect the heart of God, and we have added to the burdens of people rather than removing them.

“If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness …. then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as noonday.” Isaiah 58:9b & 10b

Thankfully, as we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ the religious spirits over congregations is loosened – we pray it is removed altogether.

Come Lord Jesus Come.

One thought on “Removing Religion

  1. Morning Cyndy On this Thanksgiving Monday morning, I feel this blog arrived at yes the correct timing-Should we be surprised- NO– Truly God had a hand in this message as always. Blessings as you go forward with Nelson & Crystal- Happy Thanksgiving-

    Sent from my iPad

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