Pharisaical Religion...

Self-righteousness is that righteousness which proceeds from self. It is possible for us to embrace what we believe to be a Christian experience and give up the old sinful life for purely selfish motives. Thus, we serve God only for our own happiness and for what we can get out of it.

This is popular in religion today because self thinks he is getting a real bargain. Unless we can convince some folks that something is in it for them, they simply will not obey God. They want to know what God will give them in return for their service. They don’t love God as much as they love the blessings. This religion proceeds merely from the powers of one’s own mind and will. It is apart from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. A man, within himself, can be strong-willed and self-determined enough to make great sacrifices without loving God.

The Apostle Paul named many spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:1-4: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my good to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth [boasteth] not itself, is not puffed up.”

Let’s remember, as we live for God that our powers of mind, understanding, and will, become stronger in the sense of a habit of living right. We can come to a place where our religion is merely proceeding from self and not through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. When we do that, we lose the heart of true salvation.

Many people’s enlightenment goes no farther than what anybody could understand if they studied God’s Word. However, Christians are enlightened to deeper truths. They see and hear things, which nobody else can see or hear. Christianity is not just historical facts or doctrinal teachings. If we taught in mere abstract doctrines, people would become totally deceived about where they really stand with God.

This Pharisee in our Scripture text was outwardly both moral and religious. He was not unjust. He treated people honest and fair, fasted twice a week, and gave tithes of all he possessed. Yet, Jesus lets know very plainly that he was not justified.

Someone might say, “I get my kicks out of such and such (pleasures of the world and the pleasures of sin), and you get yours out of going to church, preaching, and that sort of thing. But we both are living for the same thing. I’m living for my happiness and you’re living for your happiness. We’re just seeking it in two different ways.” Well, that’s not a true picture! Sad to say, however, in too many cases, some religious experiences are nothing more than just that. Christians are not only changed on the outside, but are changed on the inside.

A person who has traveled the road of sin and found that it didn’t bring the happiness, which he had hoped it would bring, may decide to try religion to see if it leads to happiness. See, we can change our outward life without ever changing what we really live for. Something to think about(?)

[ Regarding today's selection: We're confident Sister Vondi would agree, and you too! We grew up in a very similar environment. Regarding: "having power with God." It has NOT to do with what we do or don't do---put on or take off, but rather the desire in our heart to be fully surrendered to God and what pleases Him. Perhaps we remember the talk on Saturday: Self-Righteousness. Well, surely we understand that "do's and don'ts" can very easily become a worst kind of self-righteousness. "Do's and don't are fine when personal between us and Him. It's when we "go overboard" and begin binding others (or even attempting too) with our personal "do's and don'ts." { Taken from: "What Jerry believes the Bible Teaches" =} ]

Here is one of the studies I found As always, if you can use it, fine. If not, I won't be hurt.
In Christ, love and prayers,
sister Vondi

This salvation is such a wonderful wonderful thing. It fills our souls until there is no room for the world or the things of the world.

There is a song by DS Warner, "This is Why I Love My Savior." It says:

Shall I tell you why I ceased from folly? Why I turned away from sin? 'Twas because the love of my Redeemer Fully won my heart to him.

Do you ask me why I seek no pleasure In things I once did love? 'Tis because I've tasted life's pure river, Flowing from the throne above.

Chorus: This is why I love my Savior, Why I love to follow him; For he died my soul to ransom And he washed me from my sin.

I so wish that everyone could surrender to the place where they can sing this with JOY. Isn't it beautiful to be drinking of that river that flows from the throne! I talk with so many people, even in church congregations, that are so burdened down with the things of life. They just cannot get victory in their life or their Christian walk. Things keep cropping up to trip them. They can't get victory over cigarettes or lust or other things. They are walking on a fence staying as close to the world as they can and still call themselves "Christians." They don't think "this is so bad" and well... and that can't be sin and I don't see what is wrong with something else and it's okay to go down to the club and enjoy the music... and they think God's way is too old fashioned to follow today.

But Praise the Lord, when we let the Holy Spirit move those things aside; when we are willing to set our perceptions aside and follow the leading of the Spirit, there is blessing and glory and Power for us! We can quit the "up and down" and "pastor-has-to-come-and-help-us" and "oh-Satan-is-battling-me!" We can hold up holy hands in victory and praise the Lord with out having to be encouraged. We can be in the center of the Will of God and we be assured of His care. Then the praises can just flow out and out and out. Like that well of living water springing up within us! We can do a work or God! We can be a light and an encouragement to others!

I have known men who wouldn't wear a tie because they felt it was worldly and women who wouldn't cut their hair or wear a ring or even a pretty pin. And the church world looked on them with derision and said that was "going over board." But you know what! They had power with God. A Power that we don't generally see in our congregations today!

Now I don't know if we need to do that or not...And I don't want to have to be like the Amish to wear a certain style and so forth. But I do want and hunger for the victory in God that those brothers and sisters had. And if that is what it takes, I'm willing to do it.( In fact quite a few folks already think I'm waaaay to old fashioned! ) I want to be part of a church that is triumphant! I want to be part of a light in a dying world and a judgement on Babylon! (religious confusion)

The only thing we have to offer the world today, is that Victory, that Joy in the Lord! We can never out-entertain Babylon. We can never "out-minister" Babylon. We can never outdo the World. But all of the ministries and the programs and entertainments in this world can never match the glory of a soul set free! Praise the Lord, we can outshine them! The world is full of Religion but not real salvation. We must have lives of overflowing victory and joy. That is what will build the congregations. Not more fun and games, not more entertainment, not more ministries, but a people that live such close humble lives that we will have that place with God that no power of Satan can shake.

It takes time on our knees and a dedication to do the complete will of God. But when we find that place of victory, nothing else will ever satisfy!

My soul in trouble roamed Upon a weary plain,
And ever restless longed A perfect bliss to gain.

All in this world is dross; its pleasures soon decay;
Its honors prove a snare; Its treasures fly away.

Oppressed with guilt and woe, With fears of hell o'er cast,
My soul no comfort knew Until I came to Christ.

My foolish soul had tho't To fill itself with mold
From earthly mines, yet bou't No true and lasting gold.

Chorus: I have found it, Lord, in thee, An everlasting store
Of comfort, joy, and bliss to me How can I wish for more?
(D.S. Warner)

I'm not looking any more! I don't want anything more!

In Christ and with many prayers,
sister Vondi
aspen@tusco.net
[ The End ]