Religion, part two

  Saul, (Paul), see the book of Acts, was taken as member in good stead with the Sanhedrin, a Jew, and with a full Roman citizenship, was sent by our Lord to work his way to Rome itself, all while spreading the gospel, and teaching early Jewish converts about these new believers, and this as an extension of their own religion to the non Jews who need not be made to go through circumcision, nor were they subject to the dietary taboos as set forward by the Torah. In short, they would be free from such things, both Jew and gentile. This was a very hard teaching, because the people were led to worship the law, rather than its' giver. 

  Fast forward to the 21st century, and its' impossible to some believers that rock and roll music isn't evil, or that, should you choose to have a beer at home while watching the ball game on TV, you won't go to hell. Religion is needed greatly as a way of laying that strong foundation, and it is important as a way to gauge yourself and your actions with others. But beyond that, especially in the matters of the Spirit, a dead law is of little or no use. The two things that scare the new Pharisees who now emerge from the Christian ranks, are the truth, even though they understand it in concept, and freedom. People speak glowingly of freedom, but the truth is, when they meet someone who is free, they are taken aback! And yet, by the way they claim to follow, the Bible, they are reassured that when Jesus sets you free, that you are free indeed. 

  But again, and just to be rock solid on this point, both groups who know the Lord and follow Him in their way, both the law lovers, and the Spirit lovers, come together as one, at the wide spread arms of the cross. So in a way I suppose, this is a call for peace between the two sides. The world is more openly evil than it has ever been, as they now look to openly, and unashamedly murder the babies. The good news? Our God and Savior Jesus Christ has never been closer. Now is the time to come together Christian, now is Not the time to squabble over the scraps of doctrine. There is a battle outside that is raging, the monster is just outside the gate, and we his people can only defeat this newly emboldened enemy united as one people under God. Alone, each of us is called to speak the truth in love, but also to not only be aware of, but to keep a keen eye out for the evil that looks to divide us.  Amen