Ch. 1
Slogans Replace the Word of God
Congregations
are indoctrinated with slogans and a few isolated Scriptures rather than being
instructed in the whole counsel of God’s Word, which would lead them to
holiness. Echoing through the towers you hear: “Christians aren’t perfect;
they are just forgiven”; “Everyone sins”; “Once saved, always saved”;
“Well, after all, nobody’s perfect”; “Don’t doubt your salvation; I
heard you pray the sinners prayer”; “It’s easy to be saved; all you have
to do is follow me in this prayer.”
The
religious structures today become an expression of a form of godliness through
their traditions, doctrines and rituals, rather than becoming an expression of
Jesus Christ (which is true godliness).
These structures lead people to make a commitment to the structure rather
than to Jesus.
Then the structure becomes an idol in their (in our, mine) hearts.
It
does not really matter how the church member lives, or whether they have
unforgiveness one towards another.
It only matters that they show up for the religious exercises and tithe.
When
this happens in a congregation, a spirit of sleep and darkness covers them.
The Spirit of God can have no control over their lives.
They are lords over their own lives and live in spiritual darkness.
Jesus said: “…This people honor me with their lips, but their heart
is far from me.
Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men.
For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men”
(Mark 7:6-8 )
It
is only through God’s Word showing us the true motives of our heart that we
are ever able to turn from sin and walk in righteousness. It
is only as the Word divides spirit from soul and flesh that we can learn to hear
the Holy Spirit speak to us. We can
then turn aside from soulish and fleshly religion and walk before the Lord in
holiness and purity, putting to death all the deeds of the flesh. “As obedient
children, not fashioning yourselves according to the formal lusts in your
ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner
of conversation; Because it is written, Be ya holy for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:
14-16)
The
Pharisees were blinded to righteousness and holiness because of their religious
structures. Those structures led them after carnal traditions and fleshly
desires. Because they were blinded, they could receive no more light from the
Word of God. The Word could have no
place in them, because God did not have their hearts: “He that is of God hears
God’s Words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John
8:47).
It
is no different today for people whose hearts have been captured by carnal
traditions, which lead people after fleshly lusts.
They will hate everyone who brings new light contrary to their religious
structures: “But if our gospel is hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:3,4). Satan
and the powers of darkness blind the minds of all who receive their lies.