xjwsforChrist

Saw this video last year and again on JW.net.

Had a pretty good message. Many are voicing the truths as to the fruitage of religion!
Just wanted to share
Love Justmom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY

Yes, I saw this some time ago, JM,and thought the same... that even though every detail might not be the same between them all... so many people ARE hearing the call to "Come out of her!"

Hopefully they will continue to follow His voice, and allow Him to teach and guide them into ALL truth, if they so desire.


Peace to you!

tammy

The problem is that he doesn't hate religion, he hates rules that come from organized religion.

We have this discussion over and over and the simple fact is the moment you put ANY structure to a belief system, it becomes a religion.

re·li·gion [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

It is what it is.

The problem is that he doesn't hate religion, he hates rules that come from organized religion.

"By their fruits you will recognize them!"

So the fruitage of religion has shown that it does not belong to Jah and Christ.

Christ has shown us to LIVE our spirituality through Christ. He is the only " structure" that those who belong to him follow then. ( he is the tree of life)

I see your defintion.

I just cannot identify myself as to belonging to CHRIST as the same as religion especially when he has told us to "Get our of her." So as not to share with her in her sins and receive her plagues.

Love to ya
Justmom

Indeed, dear brother P (mornin' and peace to you!). Which is why the TRUE Body never had any "structure." The only "authority" and "leader" was... and is... Christ (Matthew 23:8-11: John 13:13;17; 1 John 2:26-29). The only "building," is we ourselves, Christ's Body, which constitutes God's "house" (Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21, 22; John 14:23; Romans 8:9, 10)... and the only "form" of worship for those OF that House/Body is that which is done in SPIRIT and TRUTH (John 4:23, 24)... THROUGH Christ, the Holy Spirit and Truth (John 14:6)... and in obedience to that One (Luke 6:46; John 10:9, 16, 27).

The only "structure" there is in worshipping the TRUE God, the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies... spiritual, based not on what can be seen (as with worship of a golden calf) but on what is NOT seen... which is primarily His Son, the HOLY One of Israel, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah). Because they are SPIRITS, it is with the SPIRIT that one is in union with them... and thus, our worship is based... solely... on faith. Matthew 6:5, 6; 2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7, 12; Hebrews 11:3, 7 Not BLIND faith, no, because faith is based on the EVIDENT demonstration of reality... even if such is NOT beheld (with the eyes of the flesh).

Which is not necessarily an unfathomable thing because, indeed, even SEEING... is NOT necessarily BELIEVING. John 6:36; 14:9-11; 20:29

The Body of Christ and House of God... the TRUE Israel and those who go with... don't need the structure of religion; indeed, once they hear the voice of the Fine Shepherd call them... BY NAME... they FLEE from such. John 10:1-5

I hope this helps and bid you ALL peace... you and your dear households... today and to time indefinite!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

The question that I always have with that definition Paul (and good to hear from you!)... is what SET of beliefs are we talking about here?

I know that Christianity, the religion, has a set of beliefs; many in fact.

But what "set of beliefs" did Christ give people to follow or accept?

Other than listening to HIM.

I know it might seem like a fine line... but people who believe a set of beliefs (religion)... allowing Christ to teach them, or religion to teach them?


Then there are the ritual observances (though there is partaking of the body and blood of Christ, which is an observance of Him)... but the moral code does not come from without; but from what is within. Religion is 'without'; faith is 'within'.


Peace,
tammy

Excellent points made, thank you both!

Love ya Justmom

Semantics.
I know that we do not like the term religion because of all the negative connotations that have been associated with it, but...
The moment we express our faith in words and deeds and say "it is this and it is NOT that", we have made a religion.
If we have a set of beliefs about God, we have a religion.
Because of the negative view of that word many people prefer "spirituality" but the simple preference has made them "religious" because they are making a concrete statement about what they belief about God, ie: a religion.

I am religious because I believe in God and I am Christian because Christ is my lord and saviour and I believe that He is of God, that He died and was resurrected and will come again.
That is my religion.

Dear PaulS

I see you point, but I must disagree.

It was never our lords intention to institute anther religion after coming fulfilling and prophesying the destruction of what the Jewish religion had been doing by their apostasy and putting Jahs son to death.

It is man over time that has re established this form of slavery and called it the way to salvation.
RELIGION!

Because as you mentioned the connotation and the proven history that is connected to religion, it cannot be something our lord would approve of. It cannot be " of or part of him."

Therefore, I must maintain a non religious form of worship.

Listening and following Christ.

Many may call this still a religion, but it is my faith.

Love Justmom

Please define non-religious form of worship.

CHRIST!

He is everything!

Everything to ME anyways!

Justmom

Is it possible, then, dear Paul (peace to you, luv!)... for one's definition to... mmmmm... precede... perhaps even "evolve" PAST what we know as "religion" for this very reason, all of the negative connotations and thus a desire to not be associated with such? For example, I am often asked what religion I am. Were I to respond "christian," I am certain that what the one asking would take that to MEAN... is NOT what I mean. Indeed, I have been asked such along with "where is your cross?". When I say I am a christian, being such AS A RESULT OF RECEIVING HOLY SPIRIT (i.e, the "choosing"), some either can't wrap their heads around that ("Wait, the Holy Spirit is a PERSON; how can you receive/be anointed with HIM?!")... or take offense ("Oh, so you're saying I'm NOT a christian... because I haven't receive that!").

When I am asked "What church do you go to?" and I respond, "I don't go TO a church; together with others I AM the church,"... well, same thing. THEY reject ME... while I only reject their "form of worship." Which I hear you saying religion is: a form of worship.

For ME, though, "religion"... are those forms of worship... and godly devotion... that prove FALSE as to God and Christ. Since I don't believe my form DOES prove false, then I can't really call it a religion.

Just my $.02, but I hope it helps.

Again, peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar

Great points, sis!

It is interesting when people ask as to our faith.

Religion is truly the

" having a FORM of godly devotion, but proving false to its power." 2 Timothy 3:5. And,

" having a zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge." Romans 10:2

Thanks for your $.02 cents
Love Justmom

And while it might be that the word, religious, may once have meant JUST faith in Christ and God; "she has BECOME a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird"... and so... "Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues..."


Peace,
tammy

Amen!!!



Love Justmom