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THE DANGERS OF RELIGION - THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

DATE: SUNDAY, 5TH DECEMBER, 2021 (SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT) 

TOPIC: THE DANGERS OF RELIGION

TEXT: JOHN 5:36-47

36.  "But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish -- the very works that I do -- bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.
37.  "And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.
38.  "But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.
39.  "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
40.  "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
41.  "I do not receive honor from men.
42.  "But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.
43.  "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.
44.  "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that [comes] from the only God?
45.  "Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is [one] who accuses you -- Moses, in whom you trust.
46.  "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.
47.  "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

MESSAGE:
The Jews of Jesus' day were religiously zealous by all human standards. Most of them prayed at least three times each day and attended temple worship every Sabbath. The religious leaders among them were generally versatile in their "knowledge" of the Scriptures; many of them had even memorized significant portions of Scriptures. But that is not enough. Jesus put forward accusations against them that should send "cold shivers" down the spines of those of us who wish to take our spiritual lives and growth seriously even today.
           
They had read the Scriptures cover to cover several times, but, said Jesus: They had never heard the voice of God! They had never personally encountered God in their own lives.  The word of God (which they handled every day) does not abide in them (vs.37-38) This is what is called empty religion: "Having the form of godliness but denying the power thereof.. "(2 Tim. 3:5). This is the challenge for both clergymen and lay. Any knowledge of Scripture that merely ends in the head, with no effect on the heart, is empty religion. Our knowledge of Scripture should help us to hear the voice of God each day, and the words we study must find a dwelling place in our hearts. This will then translate to a lifestyle of love, truth, righteousness and justice. If this does not happen, then our religious practices are but empty and powerless!

PRAYER: 
Lord, may I be transformed and regenerated by Your Word. Amen.

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