One God

Religion?

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Rodnoveri, Celtic pagan, Heathenism, Semitic pagan, Wicca, Kemetism, Hellenic pagan, Roman pagan. Just to name a few. Then in Judaism you have Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative. Just to name a few.

Christianity? Some say there are about 1,200 Christian organizations in North America, and over 30,000 in the world. Yup. Some of the most recognizable...

Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodox and Assyrian Churches, Protestantism, Restorationists, Anglican Communion, Pentecostals, Southern Baptist, Northern Baptist, The Way, ETC. Some even blend in "The Force," with God.

So how does one decide which to follow? Simple. NONE! Do you know where the term Christian came from? Christ. Do you know what Christ means? The Anointed One. Christ is not Jesus's last name. It wasn't Joseph and Mary Christ who gave birth to Him. He isn't Jesus Christ like Jesus Smith, or Jesus Brown. He is THE Christ.

What does The Christ mean? Christ means THE Anointed One. Filled with the power of God. The ability to heal the sick, grant sight to the blind, save the lost. He IS the power to overcome even death itself. So early followers of Jesus started calling themselves Christians. Anointed ones, through and by, the anointing of THE Anointed One Jesus. So what does Christian mean? One that is filled with the power of God. The ability to heal the sick, grant sight to the blind, lead the lost to The Way of Salvation. One who possesses the same Spirit that was in Jesus. The same power. The same authority.

As we do so many times, man changed the meaning of the word. It became a club. Oh? You're a Christian? So am I. Lets get together. But if you want to be part of my group, uh, you can't eat meat on Friday. You can't wear that color. You have to observe these traditions. Oh? But I do eat meat. So I will start my own group. You can join me. We eat meat on Fridays, but you can not drink alcohol. But wait, the Word doesn't say that. So join my group, and you can drink, but you must not say Jesus was God. He was nothing more than a Teacher. So on and so forth it went. We lost the true meaning of what Christian actually means.

We talked about the difference between Religion and true Faith. The fact that there is a major difference in the two. Religion is not Salvation. True Faith is having a one on one relationship with God. Following His Will. Doing His work. Living your life for Him. Not the blindly following of man-made traditions called Religion.

Remember what James said? 

James 1:

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

I say to you, if any among you leave out the key to Salvation, Jesus, your religion is in vain. Remember, Jesus made it perfectly clear.....

John 3:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

"But he that believeth not is condemned already." That is pretty clear. But just incase some didn't get it, Jesus said this when answering Thomas's question.

John 14:

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

"No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There is no other way. He IS the Way. No amount of man-made traditions can save you. For....

Ephesians 2:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Faith in what? Jesus. 

Romans 9:

32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Galatians 2:

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and notby the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Hebrews 6:

1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

So ANY man-made tradition, that leaves out this one key, Jesus, is nothing more than the traditions of man. But what about all those different religious that DO teach about Jesus. Or that DO teach about God. There are so many gods taught about. Yes. however, there IS only one God. Lets look at.....

Ephesians 4:

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

I understand, this may not be a politically correct message. But there IS only one God. There is only one Way. There is only one true Faith. Paul continues....

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The Body of Christ. That is the Church. The Body of Christ. All of us, with our unique gifts, working together, to heal the sick, mend the broken hearted, grant sight to the blind, and lead people to Salvation. Though we are many, together we are one, working together toward the common goal. The Will of God.

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I want to share a story with you. It's one that you may have never heard before. Many say, Peter, was the first Pope. After all, Jesus did say that he was Peter, the Rock, on which He would build His Church. However, Peter wanted nothing to do with the Gentiles. Did you know that? Peter was all about the Jews. Saving them. Teaching them the Truth.

No. I submit to you, that the first Pope, if you will, would be Paul. Did you know these two met? Did you know Paul rebuked Peter? You can find this, along with the fact that Judaism and Christianity merged together for the first time here, in....

Galatians 2:

1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Stop right there for a second. For He, the Spirit of God, that wrought in Peter, gave him power and authority to teach the Gospel to the circumcised, Jews, the same Spirit, was mighty in Paul, to teach the Gospel to the uncircumcised, Gentiles. Non-Jews.

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

OK. So when Paul, met with James, Cephas, and John, who Paul said were "Pillars," or leaders, They, James, Cephas, and John, saw that Paul had the same gifts as they did. They say that Paul was anointed to teach the same message. However, it was Paul that was teaching these things to the Gentiles. By divide direction of Jesus Himself after his Resurrection. Remember Jesus told him: 

Acts 26:

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Now remember this also. God already shown Peter, that the Gospel IS open to all. In..

Acts 10:

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

So Peter knew this truth. Those that were with Peter, saw that Paul was under the same anointing as Peter. However, Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles, so they told Paul, that Paul was now in equal fellowship with them. Back to Galatians 2. Then Paul meets Peter himself.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Then in....

Galatians 3:

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male norfemale: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Also in...

Colossians 3:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

So there is only One God. True and faithful to us in all things according to Him, that created all things. He is the only God that exists. All others are a simple creation of the mind and heart of Man. The Way is Jesus. The Truth is God. Life is the Spirit.

It is not now, nor has it ever been, about the man-made traditions of men called religion. It is not about following man-made rules and regulations. It's not about obeying whatever a religion says. It is about a one on one relationship with the one and true God. Not only hearing His Word, but doing it. Not only receiving blessings for yourself, but so that you may be a blessing to others.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? The True God. Have you accepted "the way, the truth, and the life?" If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10} There is One God. One Truth. One Way. One Love. You are now His Child. BE His Child.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord. He IS Lord of ALL!