My Thoughts On Church And Religion

My Thoughts On Church and Religion By: Stan Carlock

People ask me all the time, "What religion are you?" They sometimes look at me puzzled when I tell them "I don't have a religion, I have a relationship - I hate religion and so does God." They can see the difference that Christ has made in my life, but have no idea what it means to have a relationship with Him. It does not matter one bit what "Name" you have plastered over your church door or even if you go to a church for that matter. Don't misunderstand me here - I believe we need to get together regularly with other believers to worship. It just doesn't have to be at a church building that tradition calls "A house of God". I'm quite sure that the damp caves and dark catacombs that early Christians met in were "Houses of God" although they lacked the comforts that many of todays churches offer. What then makes a church? I think any group that knows Jesus Christ personally and worships Him in one mind and one accord can call themselves a church - whether they meet in a fancy building, a rented storefront space or in member's homes.

I have seen time and time again how that, when churches allow traditions of men to guide the direction in which the church is heading, they become nothing more than hollow shells of what Christ intended - full of religion and full of death. The Pharisees were very religious. On the outside they looked great, at least to the ones on the outside looking in. Jesus however, saw through their religious desguises and told them they were like "Whited schepulchers - clean and pretty on the outside, but full of dead man's bones on the inside". That's the majority of churches today - full of dead, dry bones! The truth of the matter is...Religion kills!!

The word of God tells us in James 1:27 - "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Most churches today focus on the importance of money, how to get more money for ourselves and why we should give more money to the church. I firmly beleive in tithes and offerings. I also believe in sowing and reaping. The problem is many have taken their focus off true ministry, living lives of holiness and purity and true from-the-heart worship of God and turned to "going -through-the-motions" religious acts just to see what they can "get" out of it. Pastors are afraid of mentioning the words "sinner" or "hell" because they do not want to offend anyone. Nobody wants to do the work of the ministry anymore - they just want to be ministered to. I'm sick and tired of church the way it is today. I don't care who knows it! If going with the flow is what it takes for you to love me, I'd rather be hated! I can't stand being quiet any longer, sitting in a padded pew on Sunday mornings, while the world around me is going to hell - literally!!

I know that posting this blog is just my feeble attempt to try and turn a light on in somebody's head in order to reveal the truth. But, no matter how insignificant it may be, I have to say what I'm feeling. Take a good look at your church. Why do they do the things they do week after week? Is it because that's the way they've always done it? Or, is it because they have a clear vision for the direction God is taking them that is birthed out of a genuine relationship with Him? Do they just "follow orders" handed down from headquarters or are they taking orders straight from the King of Kings? I know this is a thought provoking subject and I welcome all your thoughts, questions and comments. Until next time, I challenge you to be free from religion and become intimate in your relationship with Jesus by worshipping Him from a heart of love. He is waiting.

I love you all......................Stan