The Miracle of God’s Highway to Heaven - Part1

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, Where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued in his Sermon series: "I need a miracle” and pointed out that the "general" definition of "religion" is any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and other beliefs, as well as of Christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the "world religions" as well as of the Christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion. As defined by Webster’s dictionary, the Christian Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of His will to mankind, in man's obligation to obey His commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountability to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to His will or commands, is not religion. Therefore, Christianity is not as much a general religion, as much as it is a genuine relationship with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

Psalm 3:8 “Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people.” 

The old saying goes, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”. The true Christian religion is not about following religious traditions. Walking into a church doesn't make you a Christian, just the same as walking into a garage doesn't make you a car. It’s not about not being as bad as others or being better than others; forgiveness and redemption unto salvation is available by God to all sinners through Jesus. It’s is not about godly activities and good works, with no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Living out the Christian faith is not checking off items on a "Things-to-do-today" list. It’s not trading one religion for another, while lacking loving obedience to the Lord. This is not “The God Show” and if we have a non-repentant faith, then we are not on God’s side. Make no mistake: we all need the Divine guidance of God, but being a Christian is not what we do; it is who we are. 

Joshua 24:14 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!”

Only a true relationship with God, not an empty general religious system, can get us there in a real relationship with Him. We should not expect much from God when we’re not in a authentic relationship with Him. We need to remember that we live in a fallen world and the Lord works on His timing. Sometimes, it will feel like we’re not getting anywhere … going around and around. But, it’s often when you are about to breakthrough, when you feel like quitting the most. It is said that it is the darkest before the dawn, and we can get frustrated with the obstacles and fast pace in life. The ends justify the means on the Highway to Heavens for our eternal perspective, but God’s plan is much bigger than that; we are here for a good and godly reason.  

Let's continue Pastor Kyle's message on 'The Miracle of God’s Highway to Heaven" on the next post.

In Christ, Brian