Did God Create His Own Religion - Discussion

Well, we only got one comment on the “Did God Create His Own Religion” question – I was hoping for a little more interaction. Here are my thoughts…

God gave us the 10 Commandments, so if “religion” is following a set of rules and/or beliefs, then God did provide us with a religion.

We also recognized that none of us has kept the 10 Commandments; so, their purpose must be more than just God giving us rules to follow. These rules reveal to us that we are not perfect (darn!).

So, let’s jump to the New Testament to see how we should apply God’s “religion” to our lives. I’m reminded of three things:

One, 1 John 4 tells us that God is love.

Two, James 1:27 tells us the religion that is good in God’s sight is the one that takes care of the widows and orphans (note how these are people who have lost a personal relationship in their lives and God wants us to help restore relationships in their lives).

And, three, in Matthew 22 Jesus boils it all down to love God with everything you are and love others.

So, did God create His own religion? Yes! His religion is LOVE (love we return to Him and show to others).

Critical question: How well are you loving God and others? If you’re not feeling too good about that answer – what will you do about it this week?

For me, it seems so simple – just love the God who has provided everything in my life and love the others He has created. But, it’s not that simple. I do love God, but I often take Him for granted. I need to work on spending quality time with Him where I slow down enough to allow Him to “speak” to me. I had been blocking out a day a week for this (call it a Sabbath if you like), but I’ve become very inconsistent with this and I know my relationship with God has suffered. And, the whole loving people part… well, that will have to wait for another day. Let’s just say, for me, that’s the tougher of the two.

Pray for me that I will take time this week to just be with God.

/D

Did God create His own religion?

That was the question that came up at our house church this weekend. I have some thoughts, but I'd like to read your thoughts first. So, reply on the "Comments" below.

Remember you can use the Anonymous button to reply without having a Blogger account.

A New Paradigm

I'm finishing up another seminar class. I believe this one has, by far, been the best one I have taken. The material is practical and relevant. It is helping me "put legs on" beliefs and views I have held for a while about church and religion.

I'll be sharing many of my thoughts with you (via this blog) over the next few weeks (or longer).

Dave