GWR01
Introduction

01PDF

GWR02
Paradigms

02PDF

GWR03
Religious Attributes

03PDF

GWR04
Religion Divides

04PDF

GWR05
Denominations Empires

05PDF

GWR06
It is Finished

06PDF

GWR07
Clergy & Laity

07PDF

GWR08
Religion a Cistern

08PDF
GWR09
Today's Pharisees

09PDF
GWR10
Religious Behavior

10PDF
GWR11
Looking at Externals

11PDF
GWR12
True & Untrue Vines

12PDF
GWR13
Relgious Terms

13PDF
All Titles

and Commentaries

 

Click titles to go directly to topics
Chapter 1
An introduction to thinking about religion a new way

When Christianity Becomes A Religion

The God Quest; Searching for God

Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

The Miracle of Transformation Through the Power of God

New Believers are Tender Saplings, Easily Bent

Three Guides to Determine the Right Gospel

This World and Worldly Values and Viewpoints

How to Awaken Faith and Belief

Kinds of Christians

The Role of The Profession Clergy

True Believers are an Entirely New Creation


Awareness of Our Sinful Nature Leads to Repentance

One god Equals any Other, a secular argument

The Gospel is the Power of God at Work

Beginning Your own Spiritual Quest


I will make a statement that you may not have heard: No human being in their natural state is interested in God. They are not moved to pursue spiritual matters. Our natural inclinations are not to live in Godly ways! In fact, the Bible reveils that all human beings since "the fall" are born in a "fallen state." We are born spiritually dead and totally incapable of anything but of self-serving and ungodly behaviors. Yet, among these natural men and women, many seem to exhibit "moral values." These have received guidance through religious activities that have provided a standard of morality. Nevertheless without "redemption." Natural human instincts remain ungodly. We shape our lives into a superficial veneer of morality through religious practices. The prophet Isaiah declares; We are all gone astray. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) The prophet points to the future redeemer who will deliver us from our fallen state. God loved the world enough to send His son, incarnated in human flesh, to open our blinded eyes and bring us out of darkness into newness of life? Religious practices of any description, have an appearance of godliness but in themselves can not provide a remedy without allowing God's power to transform us.

When Christianity Becomes "RELIGION"

What does it mean to be a Christian? Being a believer and follower of Jesus the Messiah is actually quite simple. We need to know who this man is and why we need his gift. Religion has made becoming a believer difficult. Formalism can be a hindrance to becoming a new creation. Religion has over centuries, developed a church structure that adds a burden of obligations and rituals to earn our redemption."

The protestant reformers departed somewhat from the formalities and structure of the Roman Church. Thankfully, Martin Luther, Calvin and others opened the door to 'faith alone,' 'grace alone,' and 'scriptures alone, but retained sacramental-ism and sacerdotal-ism, which retains a form of the priestly officiant.

Jesus, Yeshua of Nazareth, did not come to establish a religion but a called-out supernatural priesthood of believers. (Exodus 19;6) The Gospels reveal Christ's identity as the Son of God, divinely begotten in human flesh. He was born to fulfill one purpose, to be presented in due time as the Messiah and king of Israel. Jesus was revealed as God's sacrificial lamb, see Isaiah's prophecy in c.53. John the baptist received this revelation and proclaimed it. Jesus of Nazareth carried the fullness of the Holy Spirit and provided all humanity with his transformational GIFT. Jesus brought the gift of REDEMPTION that was promised prophetically and prefigured from Genesis and all of the Old Testament.

Today people have all kinds of notions about what it means to be a Christian? This is usually connected with traditions of institutional Christian sects called denominations. Some may believe they are Christians by virtue of faithful church attendance. Christians can be caught in the web of religious requirements, sacramental laws that are thought to guarantee God's approval and eternal life. Jesus advised the disciples to extend the gift of salvation to encompass a body of believers by making disciples in all the world. Jesus is the head of the body.

An officiating priest class has assumed the accepted mode for instructing and maintaining the faith since before the time of the first Christian emperor, Constantine. The so called protestant reformation did little to change Christian religion. The clergy (priest-overseer) still continues as the authority and headship over the laity. However, the reformation did make one important breakthrough, namely it gave common people access to Bible texts making it possible for anyone with the knowledge of reading to grow in the knowledge of God's Word of Truth.

Perhaps you are among those questioned or rejected Christianity because of formalism and rituals. These can be a distraction to some while others find comfort in them. One can only imagine that God has any interest in what goes on in that church house, even though it is commonly called "God's house." There was a time when the Almighty manifested his presence in the temple or tabernacle. In the first days of the birth of the church God showed Himself with great manifestations of the Spirit. Some say those days are past. They that hold such doctrine are called secessionists.

While God does not seem to be present anymore among most churches congregations seek leaders who offer them something to make the visit to that church on Sunday worthwhile. So they search for well-spoken and eloquent men who can promote a relevant message presented in a pleasing and entertaining way. Church or temple or mosque attendance for a millions is a matter of mandatory participation.

Searching For Something to Persuade Us of the Reality of GOD
Among the populat
ion of the planet, millions have been brought up in religious traditions of one sort or another. Today more are brought up with less or none. As we grow up many feel no further need to pursue the knowledge of God? Individuals conform to the familiar which may include no religion or interest in a spiritual life of any sort. Not everyone will show an inclination to search out the greater questions of life; who are we? where did we come from? And where are we going?

This business of going on
a God Quest is tricky. It can lead us to many unforeseen destinations. It can lead you to India to search for an enlightened guru; It can lead you into a cult-like organization like the Jim Jones cult that ended with death of hundreds of faithful. You may discover a commune in a place like Antelope, Oregon where the followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh lived in an unhampered "love-in" day after day. The New Age, with its siren call, promising divine revelation from Ascended Masters promising higher
wisdom. Psychics and spiritualists open doors of darkness. These forms of godliness all offer something that promises spirituality, truth, peace of mind, or fulfillment. Why not choose any that appeals to you, choose one, or choose none.
It is after all, your soul.
It would that there are many ways to find the truth.

Then
we come to hear about something called "the Good News." This points to the Holy Bible and declares that this is where Truth resides! This truth, as we read further, resides in a person,
Jesus, the Son of the highest. In the gospels declares with total assurance "that none come to the Father accept through me."

If He calls you, you will find your life taking an amazing change in direction, from the mundane and materialistic to amazing revelations of Spiritual reality. What effect will religious involvement or church attendance have upon your soul's destiny? Will religion lead us to God and "Eternal Life?" This is an important question.

Anyone who has ever entered a book store knows that there are thousands of books written to address a seeker’s questions. Hundreds of new books are written each year increasing the already glutted archive of RELIGION. The motivations of the authors mostly support traditional doctrines but offer a new insight or understanding. I fear that the principal motivation of most authors is to add to their bank account.

There is in the Christian world today with a proliferation of "Christian celebrities." Their success is measured the way as worldly celebrities, by their notoriety and visibility. Christian conferences are huge money makers. These "big-name" Christians continuously crank out new book titles, videos or teaching series for commercial consumption. The consumption of new Christian knowledge is a massive industry. It is making many preachers and performers rich. Outreach is one thing; gaining personal wealth and merchandising the things of God is quite another!
Christianity has turned again to "a house of merchandise." (John 2:16)

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

I believe that what I will share here will echo other voices who are expressing a view that the "spiritual life" can exist and flourish outside of formal and institutional religion. Make no mistake, I became a believer in Jesus and the Bible only by the grace of God. God called me aside to my own "burning-bush" encounter with a Holy God. I am one more voice that testifies to a transformed life through the "power of God." God calls and provides the power to be "saved" or born again. Sadly, many church goers take offense at the notion that some Christian claim to be "Born Again."

First, let me affirm that traditional Christianity that has been the sustaining foundation and moral backbone of America. America has been blessed by God and has stood as a righteous nation and a light to the nations of the world. Since the Pilgrims, Christian teachings and beliefs have provided a framework of righteousness and justice that elevated the United States. Clearly, the Christian Religion, even with its shortcomings, has provided a social foundation endorsing morality, justice and human rights for millions. Children are best nurtured in a home where Bible based values are practiced. Unfortunately the moral foundations provided by Christian values are rapidly dissolving with the onslaught of a secularism. A sentiment continually reinforced by public media having a political, anti-Christian bias. The secular, anti-Christian United Nations is now promoting the view that Christianity is actually a danger to society and equivalent to terrorism.

Unlike the world of sixty years ago, we are continuously bombarded with media music, imagery and stories that are an offense to morality. "The thoughts and imagination of their hearts were only evil, continually." (Genesis 6:5) While church houses are losing membership their leaders seek new ways to attract congregants and doing so, move farther from the essentials of the Gospel. Today, tens of millions of nominal (religious) Christians remain 'faithful church goers,' but of these, too few seem passionately interested in Biblical Christianity. How many are so immersed in worldly views and interests that they set aside seeking first God's Kingdom. Few seek to grow in the knowledge of God unless God personally draws them by His Spirit. Elsewhere on this site, I share howGod worked to transform my own life.

Information About God
Information about God can not replace knowing God. The power of God is transformative. Those who truly know God can testify that they have personally tasted the Grace (provision) and goodness of God through Jesus Christ the Messiah.
*
Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:5, John 8:42

Testimony of The New Life
Many, many believers have a story of how they experienced a supernatural God event; an experience of new and transformed lives that provide an assurance of salvation. I found God or should I say, God allowed me to find Him- at a time in my life when I was at an emotional low point, in a desperate state. Emotionally depressed and spiritually empty I entered into the stage of readiness. I was humbled enough to change my mind and give up all that I knew and believed. It is then that we can make our first serious effort to seek God. It is true that we will give little thought to God when things are going great. It is when fiery trials come that we call out to be rescued by a power beyond ourselves. This turning point of seeking God may be the result of the prayers of others on our behalf. The Grace of God is set in motion by these prayers. It is this Divine Grace (an enabling gift) from God that brings us to spiritual renewal, awakening. Once our hearts are prepared, it takes but a moment for God to answer our heart's cry and bring us from darkness into light. In my case, this preparation of my soul was slow in coming. Pride and idolatry is common to everyone. That self sufficiency is the first hindrance to overcome.

The Miracle of Transformation Through the Power of God"

"The Gospel IS the Power of God"

God has always loved us. ("God so loved the world.. "John.3:16) He grieves the fact that humanity exists in a fallen state, with darkened minds and weakness. What we call The GOSPEL is how the Almighty in ages past foresaw the need of retrieving humanity from its fallen and accursed state. The WAY is through His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. It is God Himself, who provides the necessary 'measure of faith to enable those who seek Him.

A supernatural transformation is available for those who come to believe the Truth. He rewards those who seek. This is "the Gift of God." If you believe in the Gift whose name is Yeshua (Jesus), God's Son, will open your eyes. He will speak to you through the Holy Spirit. (John. 9) His name "Yeshua" means "Jehovah is salvation." The Greek version, "Jesus" is the Christianized version. The Greek translated name Jesus does not immediately associate with "Salvation." (Christos -Greek- means anointed one.) I believe that title can hinder some from understanding his correct name and title. Of course he hears and responds to both names, He will act to let you partake in the gift and wonders of the eternal life to come. Through the Grace of God we may experience that supernatural event, a miraculous change takes place in our spirit. Regeneration is also applies begining the life of "a new man (or woman)”. With the regenerated spirit, through the power of Almighty God, we are inwardly impelled to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. If we choose to seize the life ring thrown to us, we can begin a new Spiritual life. We open the door to the Kingdom of heaven and begin gradually discovering our status as a saint and disciple of God.

New Believers are Tender Saplings Easily Bent

See
my link to "
A Disciples Handbook." From this supernatural beginning new believers, are tender saplings that can be bent many ways: "Baby Christians" can easily be mis-guided, even taken captive by those who preach other gospels. In the beginnings of our faith we can be snared by a false or incomplete Gospels with competing definitions of Godliness. We recognize the spirit of Christ as possessing the spirit of liberty. The new believer needs mature mentors who have understanding of the Word of scripture to guide and nurture us in the Word of Truth. There is a new Spiritual world to discover. The fellowship of the body of believers supplies nurture through many Spritual gifts. Some institutions suppose that a short religious course will meet that need. I dare say that is foolishness. Time and experience bring maturity to believers. Christian maturity in the faith brings fruitfulness and fulfillment of callings that bless and bring hope to others. (*2 Corinthians 11:3) Discernment from the Holy Spirit of Truth operates to provide discernment. Not all teachers or pastors possess the mentoring gift.

Three Guides in Discerning the Right Gospel

*The true GOSPEL is defined by the Right Jesus; the Right Gospel; and The Right Spirit.
(2Cor. 11:4)

Judging whether a person is adhering to the RIGHT GOSPEL is not an easy thing. We are charged by the original apostles of Jesus to make this judgment. 1. Believe in the right Jesus: Who is this Jesus? What are his credentials? Is he just a teacher; just a prophet; or the sinless, virgin-born Son of God? 2. Understand if it is the right Gospel? What are the attributes of the gospel? Are there mandatory obligations to perform to earn righteousness and salvation? Is there liberty through grace; or a combination of law and grace? The tension between Biblical authenticity and spiritual error (apostasy) has been ongoing since the days of the first apostles. 3.Discern is it of The Right Spirit must be demonstrated by the members and their spokespersons of that gospel. Does it advocate behaviors that are worldly, sensual or devilish. Is the flesh exalted. Does it de-emphasize the finished work of the cross? (2 Corinthians 11:4)

The true Gospel of Grace hasn't changed but it has been dangerously distorted. In some cases demolished by religious traditions. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God still remains. Jesus taught his disciples to pray for the Kingdom to come and be established on earth as it is in Heaven. We who believe in a future millennium view of scripture still await the day when Messiah, Jesus, will sit upon the throne of David and physically rule over a transformed earth. He will rule and reign literally upon the “Throne of David”.

Jesus (Yeshua of Nazareth) was and is the "King of the Jews" just as Herod inscribed on the cross. Upon this cross he bore the sin of all humankind. Herod asked Jesus, "Are you a King?"Jesus answered, "You say it rightly, but now my kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my people would fight, but now it is not of this world." We look forward to the day when The King will come in power and great glory. He will bring supernatural destruction upon those who chose to reject the Messiah's gift of salvation and have chosen the lie to serve and worship a false messiah who those dwelling upon the earth will welcome. At the second advent Jesus will reign in righteousness with a rod of iron. Every knee will bow in recognition of that fact.

The gospel of grace has extended to the time of this writing. Jesus when he announced his ministry, quoted Isaiah C. 61 "the acceptable year of the Lord." It is the year of God’s favor which we proclaim. (Isa.61v1 and v2 in part) From the church age dispensation until the removal of that body we are and have been living in "the acceptable year of the Lord" or the age of His favor. The time of the Lord's favor extends to the end of the "church age."

My intent here in writing this, is to proclaim those first principles that were taught by the disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus' half brother Jude, told us to 'earnestly contend for the faith once and for all given to the saints.' (Jude vs 3) These writings are not subsidized by any religious body or denomination. I leave it up to the Holy Spirit to propagate and affirm the understandings shared here. It is also the domain of the Father to CALL those individuals who He chooses to read and to inspire.

You will find the teachings I share are didactic, meaning that they are presented as entirely accurate and factual. These are not theological, philosophical or theoretical opinions. This knowledge was not gained from second hand accounts or through religious indoctrination, but from more than thirty years of serious scripture study.

I will occasionally share some Spiritual experiences that bear witness to the realities of Christ and the Kingdom of heaven that He rules. I shall promote the study of God-inspired scripture as absolutely valid to illuminate the believer. The Holy Spirit brings light and understanding. (
Psalm 119 ).
I believe these precepts and understandings reflect the same truths revealed by the first apostles who proclaimed the True and Living Way. For my part, these writings are only a taste of the myriad revelations contained in the Bible. Any Spiritual experiences, described by me or anyone else, must be validated by the Word of Truth.

This Present World; Worldly Viewpoints - -
Link to study of the attributes of the fallen world

Today, according to theologians, we live in a
post modern world view that has grown to reject a world governed by absolutes in favor of a cornucopia of opinions. Any suggestion that truth is 'black and white' is rejected in favor of 'nuanced' points of view. Today as I write, we are witnessing the perilous times spoken of by Paul. In his letters to Timothy (Timothy 1:4 and 2Timothy chapter 3) Paul describes prophetically the devolution into darkness which will pervade latter day society. It is a time characterized by living out their darkest nature. (Jesus said, “As it was in the time of Noah..“ The demise of "truth" bears witness to a belief that any viewpoint is valid and the greatest virtue is to be tolerant of people whose truth is different from our own. Christianity today is viewed as the one religion that is characterized by intolerance to the degree that its followers must by surveiled and suppressed. Yet, Islam which holds that unbelieving infidels die violently, is condoned, even given privilege by current government policy. The question asked Jesus by Pontius Pilot is all the more relevant today, "What is truth?"

The Gospel however, is not subject to redefinition or updating. Its proofs are borne out by first-hand experience. According to ancient law, the truth is verified by the testimony of two or more reliable witnesses. These witnesses remain the Holy and long-standing voices of the Word recorded in Scripture. These voices are a more sure testimony and become the litmus test of any doctrine or experience that one might promote. The way of truth in God is known in varying degrees by shockingly too few. The apostle Paul states the reality that, "We know in part. "The masses have been victims of religious paradigms shaped by church-house religion over the past 17 centuries.

Yet, I believe there is today a growing remnant awakening to a desire to return to the roots of Christendom. The paradigm of religious formalism is now being challenged by many who gather in small Spirit-led groups. For these, there is a hunger for true spiritual fellowship that offers more liberty, more simplicity, more understanding and more power. I would pray that traditions be replaced with fellowships that experience the living presence of God. Simply being a spectator in a church service (program) should be replaced by a desire to participate actively as a true disciple of Christ and grow in the God centered life. The religious creature, is tenacious and any changes are always met with resistance. This is a creature of deeply invested interests. I anticipate that whatever I write here will be challenged by theological orthodoxy. Religious leaders, experts, theologians, academicians, are invested in the institutional church and profit from their doctrines and dogma. Truth, however, is the final arbiter and it is upon that basis that each of us will be judged for what we have done and said.

The calling out of the saints: 1 Corinthians 1:26:
"For consider you who were called, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth." Every true disciple is called out of the world by God. This means that a young person, man or woman is God-chosen to be part of his Holy Family. The "church" is translated from the Greek (ekklessia or ek-les-si-â meaning called out ones.) Those who God calls he anoints and appoints and sees to it that they grow into the purpose for which they were called. A believer is never to be a passive bystander. No one can pluck from His hand those who are chosen. (John 10:28) Those who are not born of God exist outside of the Body of Christ. They may exhibit a form of godliness but exist only in institutional religion and are subject to following any wind of doctrine.

How and When Do We Awaken to Faith and Belief?

Religion abounds in the societies of the world. It is inextricable part of the cultures of most nations. It is a full time concern to many who see religion as a life style or a career path. Several definitions seem apropos to Religion, one might be a codified belief system meant to draw people into favor with their God/god. It is a platform from which debates and disagreements are launched which can result in violence even warfare.

The Gospel without Religion is not a book about theology. I am not a theologian. I have no required seminary credentials. This is one man's testimony of God's kind interaction with one person by what we call grace. Moreover, his love and grace have empowered me both to seek him and to know him and draw wisdom and understanding from His Word. I believe that this message can encourage those who, like myself, were never given satisfactory answers to deep spiritual questions and remain hungry, asking, "Is there is a God, and if He is, does he even notice me?"

Awakened from Dead Religious Tradition

My questions and spiritual curiosity were not answered by denominational churches that I attended from my youth through adulthood. The services or ceremonies that were offered on meeting days revealed nothing of God's reality or demonstrated his 'presumed' love and power. It was however, God who I ultimately met and who impacted my life, personally and powerfully outside of religion. May these experiences bring hope and assurance to others.

Receiving This Message

Readers will likely have various responses to this message:
Those who are perfectly happy and comfortable with their own religious involvement may register mere indifference. They probably won't be reading this. Others have had Bible training or studied theology and established their own theological conclusions. More formal theological training, in the case of ordained clergy, disdain. These individuals may have become modern versions of the Pharisee and are guardians of Christian "religion."

Yet there are a few looking for the authentic Christian, spiritual life without the flimflam of religion. It is these who, I believe, will receive it. Inevitable criticism may result from this writing, and it will no doubt be harsher from those ensconced in institutional religion. The Pharisees of of today hold on to their hard won credentials that set them apart from the common folk. And of course, there is always that population of unbelieving secularists (most political quarters) who are disinclined to read anything of this topic in the first place. The heart of this Jesus Gospel (good news) has always been predicated on being simple, gentle and peaceable, but none the less, it always meets with resistance and "offense" because of its spiritual nature. The age we are living in, as mentioned, is turning away from the simple, essential gospel principles described in Hebrews 6. The apostasy is growing more acute, departing from the faith. They seek to have their ears tickled by feel-good preachers who teach a gospel of love and acceptance, without judgment.

It is human nature to fight to defend one's own beliefs. People have been fighting and dying over what they consider to be "right and true" for thousands of years. Opposing belief systems especially religion does not give up without a fight. Our highly charged human egos are born and nurtured within the domain of materialism, worldliness, and self-serving, within the status-quo of its institutions. Religious institutions today, are imbued with this world's thinking, attributes of worldliness. They seek worldly influence, worldly recognition, earthly rewards. The world's religious systems have their own vested interests. To be blunt, religion as we know it represents a significant economic and political power. Christian theology today is becoming increasingly a repudiation of Apostolic doctrine. Emergent Christianity blends other faiths with Christian traditions and is quickly departing from the belief in Biblical Inerrancy. The simplest belief system is that God is good and he loves everybody and would not send someone who lived their best life to an eternal hell. This is universalism.

TGWR is written principally for unbelievers at least those individuals who have not experienced God's presence and power. I am aware that there are "tares" who populate churches. There are unbelievers both in and outside of the church experience. Too many do not realize to what extent they have been blinded by church house traditions. For unbelief is the enemy of church people as much as for 'unbelievers.' For church house Christians, both laity and clergy it is a terrible thing to know about God only in religious terms but not know God!
For the Lord has declared, "Many will say in that day, Lord, Lord -, but I will say, "Depart from me I do not know you." (Matt. 7:23)

Among all the billions of people upon the earth, knowing God is not an ultimate priority. Everyone will eventually be confronted by this reality and I pray it will not be too late. As it is written, "every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord." For millions this knowledge will come too late and the door of life will have been closed. There is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God.

The Confusing Disparities of Christian Religion

The world of religion, What a world! Almost everyone is in their own particular place regarding a search for a personal belief system. How would we graph our place as a believer or an unbeliever? Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you hold these beliefs? Some have a belief in a God of some description, others may not. Some pray, some believe in an afterlife, while others have no faith in any God nor any life following this one. There are so many religions inside and outside of Christianity. There are so many named gods and paths to appeasing them. Within these myriad forms of belief or worship some have developed a set of moral values in accord with these beliefs. Indeed many of these values promote peace and brotherhood in the greater community. Meanwhile, other religious beliefs may generate hatred and intolerance toward those outside of that faith. Now some religions compel its followers to convert the world to their viewpoint and to, in a word, force the whole world to believe according to that religion.

Religion may be an intellectual study for some, a career preparation for others. From an anthropologist's point of view, religion simply revolves around the belief in "spirits" as defined by Margaret Mead. Religions lead to wars and conflict. The crusades were a terrible demonstration of wrong Christian beliefs. Inhumanities have been wrought through religion and never in conformity to the Gospel of Christ. The crusades, persecutions and slaughter of the Waldensians and Reformers; and the inquisition were chapters in Catholicism that further demonstrated an ungodly abuse of power under the rule of God on earth. Beware when religion is politically empowered on earth.

Christianity in the age of grace presents a message of love, acceptance and forgiveness. There is no murder, or violence in the practice of Christianity. It does not extend its membership through conquest and forced submission as Roman Catholicism has practiced and Islam yet practices. Destruction and judgment against unbelievers has never been a part of the true Gospel. God in his own, will judge each living soul.

In the Gospel of Grace, there is an invitation to come freely and receive. We partake in the power of Jesus' love, and forgiveness. Swords are not instruments to convert the unbeliever, but rather the demonstration of the supernatural power of God motivated by Love. It is this that converts the heart and persuades each that there is a loving God in heaven. Our loving Father desires that no one dies under condemnation. "God so loved the world.. ," John 3:16 is the often quoted text extending God's offer of redemption.

There is still great ignorance and confusion about Christianity. Christianity has come to be viewed only within the limiting frame of institutional religion not its true Spiritual aspect that is both simple and profound. The true church is a Spiritual body of which Christ is the head. The world knows Christianity as a system of belief as well as traditions and lifestyles associated with particular churches. America was founded under Christian precepts as our founding fathers made clear testimony. But at the present time, if the truth were known, I believe that we would have far fewer true Christians than any census documentation reveals. Those who are called Christians in polls and surveys most often reflect an involvement with church membership and activities. Membership roles are quite irrelevant to being or not being a Christian. Those who profess to believe in Christianity are made up of three distinct breeds:

Kinds of Christians

Political Christians: This category designates to distinguish them from other ethnic or cultural sects. We see these referred to frequently in the media to designate the sects within countries or political regions. Most of the time these are contrasted with contrary ideologies; often at war, or embroiled in strife with other groups. Typical of political religious rivalry such as that of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, which dates back to the factional disputes of the 15th century. Here are three ethnic factions, Muslims, Serbs and Croats, religious- political groups seemingly without any knowledge of a spiritual life and peace. In Ireland divisions remain after generations of religious and political strife, Irish Catholics in hatred and strife continue to war against Irish Protestants and Protestants against Catholics. In the decade prior to World War 2, so-called German Christians began to commit outrages against German Jews in the name of racial purity. For over 2 centuries 'Christian' crusaders waged Holy Wars against the Muslim Turks in the Holy Land and at the same time thought it was pleasing to God to torture and destroy any called Jews.

Religious Christians are actively involved with some form of institutional Christianity. Within this group are tens of millions of church-goers who fill the pews in hundreds of church congregations each week. Each of these religious 'churches' or denominations follows long-held traditions of their respective denomination. Christian denominations have extensive power and interests both social and economic. The business of religion still maintains at its heart a sense of morality and righteous principals.

Do Church Leaders Qualify As Spokespersons for God?

The clergy, our familiar religious leadership, has long been esteemed has a high and noble calling, although a skeleton may turn up occasionally in the closet of a clergy person now and then. The lands and real estate assets of churches are vast. Each denomination builds great buildings as centers of worship and strictly supervise and train their clergy to act as priests-overseers of the faith. The sad reality is that the denominations of today are little different from any ancient priesthood. The Scribes, and Pharisees of Jesus' day had authority over the people but the Lord Jesus had little good to say about them. Clergy for the most part are approved by human authority. They are credentialed religious institutions.

Today I believe that traditional forms of religious Christianity may be the single greatest hindrance to effectively experiencing God. In this nation as well as others, Christianity in its formal traditions is the accepted norm . Let us not be confused to believe that the Gospel is a philosophy or an intellectual concept. It is breakthrough discovery that the Gospel demonstrating the Power of God will impact our lives at the deepest possible level. In its true operation, the power of the gospel can transform us into an adopted son or daughter of God.

Church ought not be a place where Christianity is practiced and administered by priests. Jesus called his followers to become disciples who would grow and minister their gift and experiences with others (Ministry is through edification by and of the body.) Those who Jesus calls he also equips. Who knows how many in active leadership are called? Only Jesus knows. How many are equipped by the Holy Spirit to know and to minister The Way? Sadly I suspect, only a few. See Isaiah 1:9 - -Unless the Lord of hosts Had left to us a very small remnant, We would have become like Sodom, We would have been made like Gomorrah."

Religion: a metaphor: It seems as though religious Christians have been injected with something which seems to make them immune to experiencing the authentic Spiritual Life of the Kingdom of God. However, there are many believers among the denominations have received the knowledge of God through the Lord Jesus Christ in a profound and intimate way. The kingdom and the power of God are not the privy to any brand of religion but work around and through it.

Third Category: Authentic Christians

What is A Christian? Are we born Christians, Are we Christians because we were not born Buddhist or Muslim? Are we Christians because our parents were Christians? Are we Christians because of a religious rite? The Bible reveals that we become Christians not by a religious rite, but by a spiritual encounter authored by Almighty God.
God receives us in "friendship" and extends sonship and fellowship to us. This fellowship is granted in the name of the only begotten son of God, namely Jesus, Yeshua of Nazareth. Having this knowledge is one thing but receiving the power of Grace is quite another. The Gospel is a gospel not only conceptual fact but actualized in power. It is a life-changing, spirit-renewing power, that sets on fire the love and life of God within a believer. This life-changing encounter is what I hope to present in this writing, and I will cover it broadly if the following pages. A believer, in actuality, has no religious rites or obligations or rules to follow in order to win God's approval. A believer's job is to believe. Faith is choked by unbelief! Through faith we gain access to the scriptural promises of God. These promises are awesome and spectacular and when apprehended can lead us to experiencing the kindnesses of God and entering into our divine inheritance. That is the long and the short of it. Religion in any of its many aspects has entered in obtrusively to complicate or confound the simple way of truth that Christ has made known for all. Now each man, woman, and child can know God and experience wholeness through Him.

My hope and prayer is that those seeking truth, both religious and non religious, Christian and non Christian, continue in the Word which will open the door to the Kingdom of God, with its power and glory of Eternal Life. May the God of all creation reveal Himself to you, draw you into His family, and bring forth His kingdom, love, and liberty in your life. (Luke 4:18)

Reconstruction of the Human Spirit, the New Creation - The Body of Christ

Spiritual Christians are authentic Christians. They are created in no other way than by Divine will and action. These constitute the membership of the Kingdom of God, without regard to any earthly institutional affiliation. The true church is not a building or a piece of real estate. It is a spiritual body, it is called the "Body of Christ. " This body is universal, apart from any designation of race, creed or nationality, it is without any denominational label and without sectarian or geographical boundaries. The Bible reveals that we become Christians not by a religious rite, but by a Spiritual encounter with the person of God. God receives us in "friendship" and extends fellowship of his family to us. This fellowship is granted in the name of the only begotten Son of God, namely Jesus, Yeshua of Nazareth. He is the Messiah of Israel who is coming again to rule the world.

Mentally acknowledging this doctrine is one thing, but experiencing the transformative power of God, is quite another. The Gospel is a gospel not only of intellectual fact but of power. It is a life changing, spirit-renewing power, that sets on fire the life of God within a believer. Those who are born from above are transformed in an undeniable way. It does not have to happen in a church through a human mediator although this occurs often enough. One must believe and knows he believes and then ask for that gift from God. That is how it works. No one can force us to believe. It is a process that God guides within us.

The Power of God Expresses the True Gospel
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 15:19: by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; Ephesians 3:7 ".. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power."

Christian religious 'worship' services today contain a mixture of some gospel teaching along with much human augmentation. This mixture serves to confound the simplicity and freedom that is in Christ. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all the sins of all humanity on the cross. He has made the way for each man, woman, and child to come to God and become a new kind of being in Him. (2nd Corinthians 5:17.) Jesus does not force us to believe. It is a choice to be made. We can continue to struggle to bear our own sins and grief. Or we can bring them to the One who promises to bear our burdens. An exchange awaits, hope for hopelessness, freedom from bondage, peace, joy and liberty in God's presence. My hope and prayer is that those seeking truth, both Christian and non Christian will continue in the life giving word which opens the door to the Kingdom of God. May the God of all creation reveal Himself to you in order for you to continue to bring forth His kingdom.

Searching For God

Highways and Byways in the Quest
Some of us, in our individual quest for truth, look for a religion that will accommodate our own world view or moral viewpoint. All the while in our natural state, we are morally distorted and unregenerate in nature. Some others search for a religious form which promises personal power and influence over others. This power quest has one end; corruption of the soul. Personal aggrandizement leads toward corruption and pride, the domain of the enemy of God. It is the signature attribute of Lucifer. The lust for power characterizes every despot who ever lived. The ultimate desire to control or influence others; power to get wealth is likened to the sin of witchcraft. It is a rebellious snare.

Some search for a religious program which accommodates fame, personal notoriety, adulation or self-worship. Self enhancement is acquired at the expense of coming under God's dominion. For others the search is to find personal healing or inner contentment to salve the yearning of their souls. In Him we find solace, peace, love and wholeness. There are numerous motivations which lend themselves to religious choices. While we say we search for God are we really sincere or insincere? In the final analysis it is we who must conform to God's book and acknowledge His rules and plan for ourselves and not visa-versa.

While we are shopping the smorgasbord of religion there are many choices. How will you choose? What are your criteria for making these choices? Can we choose using our own intellectual motivation ? Those who are proud of their intellectual achievements will probably choose wrongly; since they will choose to remain in control of their own lives through the exalted faculty of reason. The wise of this world say, "Only a fool denies reason."

Some religions make no demands upon us to give up any of our idols, pride, sins, or hatred. We are well satisfied with who we are, with our name, rank, and achievements. We can be puffed up with our own sense of superiority, looks, talents or strengths; How can we choose to believe something which asks us to, "deny yourself, take up a cross and follow Christ?" How do we choose a belief system which states, "In myself, I can do nothing;" or "unless a seed falls and dies it abides alone, but if dies it brings forth much?" Is there any beauty in sacrificing our egoistic selves? How can we as 21st Century beings, choose to decrease to ourselves and choose that which is meek and lowly of heart, not arrayed the outward fashions and finery/ Can we give up displaying intellectual cleverness, and personal flamboyance? "He had no beauty that we should desire Him." (Isaiah 53:3)

So we seek. We shop and we look and we ask about. During this time we continue to retain as much self control, self satisfaction, and personal liberty as any other human seeker. When does the seeking come to an end? Is their a priceless pearl to be found? What is the nature of this pearl of great value? How do I begin my quest for God?

Scripture asks this question, "What does a profit someone to gain the whole world but lose his or her soul?" There is a risk associated with a search that is incomplete. There is a risk associated with substituting the true with the counterfeit and the living with something tainted with corruption and death. There is indeed a true Gospel, having the right Jesus, the right Gospel and the right Spirit. (2Cor 11:3) There is are counterfeit gospels, awaiting any who choose an alternative to the previous 3 criteria. Among these alternatives lies the way to deception or possible destruction.

In this process of seeking, some who hear the message, come to believe in the Lord Jesus, Yeshua of Nazareth called the Messiah or Christ.) The Word of God declares, "Those who seek will find." Those who seek and continue seeking, will find that pearl of inestimable value. It remains hidden to those who are lost. Great hunger is rewarded with satisfying 'manna' from God and great thirst is rewarded with a satisfying drink that Jesus called 'living water.'

Many others never come to believe in or profess biblical Christianity but another belief system. The way of the Christian life once discovered provides a feast for the body, soul and spirit, a feast that brings eternal satisfaction, the knowledge of the friendship of Jesus is thirst satisfying indeed.

The Way, however, remains a narrow one, it is self limiting. It does not accommodate those who wish to retain their own intellectual baggage in, this burden of extraneous stuff must be unloaded. Who among seekers is willing to do this? Who are really sincere and not looking at a superficial curiosity level. Jesus has counseled to walk the crucified life. Daily carrying our cross, dying to self, turning from the raucous cries that would distract us in this world.

I am reminded of the interview which King Herod of Judea attempted to have with Jesus on the occasion of Jesus' trial and Pilate's disposition of this matter of legality. What possible need or interest could this powerful, worldly, self indulgent, sensuous monarch have in questioning Jesus, the Messiah of the Jews? Herod had indeed heard of Jesus. He had heard of his influence upon the people and heard of the signs and wonders worked by his hand. Herod probably was reminded of John the Baptist whose head was the price paid for his stepdaughter Salome's sensuous dance performance. Vain curiosity was probably the motivating factor. Herod may have had some guilt or even fears associated with destroying the non conformist, unyielding, cooperative prophet, John the Baptist.

Herod interviews Jesus: The world against the spirit
It was time for a confrontation, though perhaps not yet a showdown, It was a face-off between worldliness, sensual opulence, and temporal power and the veiled spiritual wonders of the Kingdom of God. It was flesh against the Spirit. What happened in this confrontation of flesh and spirit? How did Jesus respond to the queries of the coarse and curious Herod, did they share an intellectual discourse? Yeshua remained silent. He displayed no heavenly powers. Not a word was offered. What place has the kingdom of God with worldliness or idolatry? Jesus had not one word to share. There was no dialogue. There was no effort made to plead the case for a religious or political agenda. No. Jesus answered not a word! The kingdom of God and Herod's world were irreconcilable. Theirs were worlds apart, kingdoms apart. You see, Jesus will not respond to those whose lives are filled with surfeiting, with self importance or with insincere curiosity. Jesus answered the worldly Herod, not a word! (Luke 23:8)

The Doorway of Repentance, Awareness of our Sinful Nature

Eventually in the course of our Spiritual quest we may be convinced of our need for a Savior and the need of salvation. From that point we can change directions in our lives. This is what repentance means. It doesn’t happen over night. The grave clothes of sin and uncleanness fall off gradually. In my case, I had reached a crossroad in my middle years that brought me to 'an end of myself:' When my need was greatest I was reduced to desperation. I finally was willing to take the next step to cry out, "Jesus, have mercy on me!" So? Where the inquiry will take you. Will it be into the wilderness; outside of worldly distractions, where intimacy with God is finally revealed? Or will you be lured into the another religious wilderness imbued with worldly values having no intimacy with God, having no power to fulfill Christ's hope and calling. (2 Timothy 3)

"The Gospel Without Religion" is a series of commentaries compiled from my study of the "Word of God" and personal spiritual insights and experiences. I was not always a believer. Before I became a believer, I was the same as many of you. I followed a form of godliness; I was religious. I was actively involved in familiar church denominations yet without knowing Christ. Nominal Christians are called by any of hundreds of denominational tags, not realizing that Christ is One Spiritual body. Like most religious people they are mostly without a true witness of our own spiritual nature and destiny. We had a notion that God is real but could not be certain.

Hebrews 6:3 is a great proof scripture that explains how to begin the pathway to becoming a Christ follower: If any would come to God, they must first believe that He Is and rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Too few know that being a Christian is more than just attending church, more than learning a catechism, more than going through a rite of membership. Being a Christian is not an intellectual assent to a doctrine or belief where you can say, "Yes that sounds like it might be true, I guess I will join up and become one of them. "You don't join an institution or a church to become a Christian, rather, you are "translated" into becoming a son or daughter of God. You are translated into a different kingdom and a different reality; You become a new order of being. You are translated from death into life, from darkness into light. We who once cared nothing for the life and nature of God now not only share in that life but are consumed by it. It is a work that God does in us and not one that we do by our own effort.

The kingdom of darkness has an agenda, to steal, to kill and to destroy, especially a believer. The spirit of the world is a spirit of self exaltation and pride. Of course modern thought and psychology discredits belief in spirits as a primitive and obsolete belief system. However, it is to be noted that Jesus the Messiah came to "destroy the works of the devil," Satan, the ruler of all fallen beings. It is God's ultimate purpose to restore the proper line of earthly rule under the dominion of Jesus Christ. In due time, nations will recognize him as the Holy One of God, appointed Lord of all things. Evil or wrong spirits include, pride, rebellion, witchcraft, defilement, sensuality, gluttony, drunkenness, etc.

A common Secular Argument: One god Equals Any Other

The broad minded, ecumenical world would like to assert that any god is essentially on a par with any other. They declare that there are many paths and they all eventually lead us to the sublime higher One. Today, I am a Christian believer, but was not always so. Disillusioned by religion, sensing its superficiality, the hypocrisies, and lacking any proof in the God of the Bible I went on searching and doubting, and trusting that I was good enough not to fall into condemnation if and when I came face to face with my Creator. I had heard the term "Good News" referring the Gospel of the Messiah Yeshua. But my experience in Christianity was valued only in a sentimental way. I had memories of church experiences with my family in youth. During these days I would have welcomed the experience of something that was real, powerful and persuasive. This, I believe, is exactly where so many seeking people are at today. Hopeful, wanting to believe, but without proof that God is real or reachable. My religious experience offered no proof of God's reality. I never was taught that any Gospel must be expressed as the Power of God and able to transform human life!

The Gospel, is called the power of God (1Corinthians 1;2-5). The power of Grace powerfully persuades us to believe. Our God of love can impact human lives in remarkable life-changing ways that exist out of the realm of church life. This Gospel is not a shallow, tradition-ruled religion. Rather it reveals knowing God as Savior and Sovereign of the universe. Even more amazingly, the Bible proves itself to be entirely believable and consistent in spite of its progressive detractors. Today when I about a God who walked with man in a spiritually perfect world, called Eden I believe it. When I hear of a God who did wonders in the days of Moses or the prophets I do not doubt that fact for one moment! When I read the infallible prophecies by appointed men of God who declared the end from the beginning I have no doubt in the veracity of any of those words!

God spoke through prophets with inerrant accuracy to declare the Messiah and his mission to redeem fallen humanity and all these prophecies came and are coming to pass. Jesus as the lamb of God came to close the divide between God and humanity. The resurrection of Jesus, as irrational and scientifically unsound as it sounds on the surface, remains the foundation of Christianity. It is the resurrection that establishes the "Power of the Gospel" and enables any believer to partake in Christ’s divine nature.

Christian religions sects, including, Catholicism, LDS Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and most of the protestant denominations distort the simple Gospel. They bring forth errant doctrines, formalism, and human authority. Roman Catholicism is notorious in having church traditions replace Biblical Truth. (See the characteristics of Religion in Chapter2; "The attributes of Religion."

Think about religion. What usually comes to mind? Churches, temples, mosques, buildings and their congregations. These do have something in common formal ceremonies, authorized leaders. It is here that we learn obligations or extraneous formalities that are called worship and proper doctrine. Much of this is contrary to true Gospel and the apostolic epistles which are foundational in the New Testament Christianity. My prayer is that this teaching will take you further in experiencing the Almighty and his free gift of salvation.

c. Pinkney, 2018 - 2024