The Gospel Without Religion
INTRODUCTION

Did You Know
Human beings in their natural state are not interested in G-d. They are really not interested in learning about deeper spiritual matters. They are not inclined to follow G-dly ways to seek after Him!

HOW THEN CAN ANYONE BEGIN TO DRAW CLOSE TO THE ALMIGHTY, HOLY, G-d OF HEAVEN AND EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO SAY THAT WE PERSONALLY KNOW HIM? HOW CAN WE HAVE INTIMACY WITH HIM?

Christian Religion even weakened by its detriments, has provided a social foundation for millions. Children are nurtured in homes where traditions of church life are practiced. For generations the values system of Christian teachings and beliefs have provided some moral framework and influence to the culture of nations. But having said this it remains a tragic misfortune that the social foundations of Christianity are rapidly dissolving in the face of secularism and unbelief. The Spiritual truths of Christianity are steadily being exchanged for a system of secular values promoted in education and in the popular media. Eventually fewer and fewer will be able to say I am a Christian believer and know what that means. That meaning is that we have personally tasted of the Grace and goodness of G-d through Jesus Christ the Messiah.

Even religious people are not really passionately interested in G-d.
None of us would seek to know G-d unless G-d personally draws us. 

  Some of you may have a life history similar to mine. I found G-d or should I say G-d allowed me to find Him - at a season in my life when I felt a spiritual emptiness, a hunger, a thirst, a desperate need. It is at such a time that we make our first serious effort to seek after G-d desperately, to ask, and to knock! The quickening of this inner desire to know G-d may well be the result of another believer's prayers on our behalf. The Grace of G-d is set in motion by these prayers. It is this Divine Grace (an enabling gift) from G-d which brings us to a new human state of awakening. It only takes a moment for G-d to answer our heart's cry and bring us from darkness into light; but it may takes years to prepare your soul to be ready for this transaction. Pride and idolatry in its many forms must be first addressed. 

G-d has always loved us. He loves us all. He grieves humanity's loss of understanding and weakness. He has made a way of rectifying this fallen and alienated state. The way is through the Messiah. The measure of faith is given to help those who seek to find the answer to their spiritual hunger. A supernatural transformation is available once someone believes in the Gift of G-d. Do you believe in the Son? He will open your eyes. He will speak to you. His name is Jeshua, Jesus. It is through him you will partake in the wonders of the world to come. Through the Grace of G-d we experience that supernatural event, the miraculous change in our spirits called "the new man, or the new creation." So re-quickened by Almighty G-d, we are inwardly compelled to grow in the knowledge of this life giver. We have seized the life ring thrown to us. This is the beginning of the Spiritual life. We have opened the door of the Kingdom of heaven and discovering our status as a Son of G-d or a Daughter of G-d.

From this divine beginning we, as a new tender sapling; can be bent many ways: We can be taken prisoner by those who preach other gospels. We can be snared by an incomplete "Gospel" and incomplete form of G-dliness; or we can follow the spirit of Christ with the spirit of liberty accessing the Word of Truth with proper mentors, there is a whole new spiritual world OF LIFE to discover. There is a life of blessing and hope to access.

The true Gospel hasn't changed but it has been dangerously distorted or in some cases nearly lost by religious tradition.  The Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d is the same presented to the first disciples by Jesus Christ.  What I will share here is shared in humbleness and simplicity. It may be too simple for some, lacking intellectual rationality.

What I share on these pages is also didactic, meaning that it asserts to be both accurate and factual. It is shared not from intellectual knowledge accrued from second hand accounts, but from serious study of scripture as well and experiences that
bear witness to the realities of Christ and the Kingdom he rules. Study of Scripture can illuminate the believer as the Holy Spirit brings light and understanding. There are experiences which follow those who act upon the Word of G-d.

Thus these commentaries are not the product of religious indoctrination of any denominational slant but reflect the truths written of and spoken of by the Apostles and prophets of old who proclaimed the True and Living Way. For my part, these writings, though certainly incomplete are presented as valid and experienced as truth and validated by the Word of Truth.

Today, modern societies have grown to reject facts in favor of a cornucopia of opinions. Facts in living black and white are rejected. The Gospel is nevertheless born out by first hand experience but more importantly is verified by reliable witnesses. These witnesses are the holy and long standing voices of the Christian faith who recorded in Scripture. These voices are a more sure testimony and become the litmus test toward any doctrine or experience that we may promote.

The truth of G-d is known in varying degrees by many, though shockingly few, of professing Christians. These masses have been in the grip of the religious paradigms that have grown all too familiar over the past 16 centuries. Christian Theology today is becoming less a verification of Apostolic doctrine than a repudiation of Apostolic doctrine.

But the religious paradigm is gradually passing away. There is more hunger and more thirst for more fellowship, more liberty, more simplicity and more power in the place of fellowship. Traditions are being replaced by the living presence of G-d. Being a spectator in a church service (program) is being replaced by participation of the life of G-d.

What is written here may well be condemned by religious experts, theologians. academicians, and those who can embrace only the doctrines and dogma they were taught. From the beginnng a population of religious people respond to this kind of attack on their beloved religious paradigm, by killing the messenger. Remember this Gospel fact, shared by the apostle called Paul, in his first letter to Corinth, "Man through knowledge can not know G-d." But the Spirit of G-d can turn ordinary people into instruments of His Glory!

PREFACE to "The Gospel Without Religion"

What do you think it means to be a Christian? Are you one? Perhaps you are among those who has rejected Christianity because of empty forms and rituals of the institutional church? Are you searching for proof that G-d is real? Where will that search take you? What will be the end of all of this? What will be the ultimate destiny of your soul?

There are probably millions of writings that have been produced under the already glutted archive of  RELIGION. There needs to be the breaking up of some new ground. That new ground, I believe is  viewing  the " spiritual life" as something that can only exist and flourish outside of religion.

In the following text we will take a look at some of the topics below:
The Confusing World of Christian Religion
What is A Christian
Searching For G-d
What Are Features of the True Gospel?

The Dawning of Faith and Belief

Is G-d an interesting subject? Yes, Infinitely. Do questions about G-d and His reality affect us or impact our lives? Yes, absolutely and eternally. Is the subject one that we should resolve within ourselves? Yes, imperatively, yes!

Religion abounds in the societies of the world. It is inextricable in the cultures of every nation. It is a full time concern to many who see religion as a focus of life or a career. Religion as a codified belief system is the platform from which debates and disagreements launch and one person finally vents his spleen to smash the face of another ideologue.

Thousands of books have been written about G-d in an attempt to offer spiritual answers to those who are seeking a spiritual life. Additional thousands of titles are directed toward the subjects of World Religions, Comparative Theology, or Biblical Study or Analysis. It is not my wish to write a book about theology because I am not a theologian, I have none of the required credentials, nor do I have any desire to become one, to seek certification or to be  approved by theologians.

I am one little known voice in the marketplace of ideas, another voice, crying out in the wilderness, I give thanks to G-d for allowing me to experience the force of G-d's guiding hand, an interaction with the human race that we call 'grace.' Moreover, his love and grace have empowered me both to seek him and to know him and draw wisdom from His Word. Moreover, I believe that this message can encourage and aid those thousands who, like myself, were never given answers to deep spiritual questions but who remain hungry, asking, "Is there is a G-d, and if He is, how can I get Him to notice me."

My questions and spiritual curiosity were not answered by the churches that I attended from my youth even through my adulthood. The services or ceremonies that were offered as programs on meeting days revealed little of G-d's reality or his presumed love and power. It was ultimately G-d, however, whom I met and who impacted my life, outside of religion, personally and powerfully. It is these experiences that I offer to bring hope and assurance to others.

How will you receive this message?

Among you who read this there might be several responses to these writings: From those who are perfectly happy with who they are and the way they believe, indifference; from those who have established their own theological conclusions, particularly through formal theological training, outrage: (such persons believing that what I say here is shallow, presumptuous, misleading or even dangerous); and finally, from those who have been looking for a spiritual life without the flimflam and falderal of religion, gratitude.

The inevitable criticism of this writing, will no doubt be harsher from those who represent institutional religion or institutional Christianity than from any other quarter, though there will no doubt be some from the the sector of unbelieving secularists (most political quarters) as well but they would be disinclined to read anything of this topic
in the first place. The Gospel of Jesus though gentle and peaceable has always engendered "offense" because of its spiritual nature.

It ís ingrained in human nature to fight to defend one's beliefs. People have been fighting and dying over what they consider to be "right and true" for thousands of years. Opposing belief systems do not give up without a fight.

Our human egos were born and nurtured within the domain of materialism and worldliness, and within the status quo of its institutions. Religious institutions bare most of the attributes of worldliness, worldly power, worldly recognition, worldly rewards. The world's religious systems have their own vested interests. To be blunt, religion as we know it represents a significant economic and political power.

This book is not written principally for believers but for unbelievers. However, unbelievers are not just limited to the unchurched but also to those who are outside of the "life of G-d" although they may be very active in church-life, both laity and clergy. For the Lord has declared,
"Many will say in that day, Lord, Lord -, but I will say, "Depart from me I do not know you."

Among the billions of people upon the face of the earth it is ultimately a matter of knowing and being known of G-d. This knowledge will be imparted to them at some time, but in too many cases this knowledge will be too late and the door of life will have been closed.

Part of the purview of this book is to point out the difference between knowing about G-d and knowing G-d.

The Confusing World of Christian Religion

There is still great ignorance and confusion about Christianity. Christianity is something that has come to be viewed within the limiting frame of institutional religion not its true spiritual aspect which is both simple and profound. The world knows Christianity as a system of belief but more than that as traditions and lifestyles which surround particular churches.

America has been founded as a Christian nation with a history of goodness which was founded on the belief in, and standards of, biblical truth. But at the present time, if the truth were known, I believe that we would have far fewer who would qualify as Christians than census documentation reveals.

Those who are called Christians in polls and surveys most often reflect an involvement with church organizations through membership and activities. This, I would assert is really quite irrelevant to the nature of being or not being a Christian. Among those who profess to believe in Christianity there are three distinct breeds:

Political Christians are so designated to distinguish them from other ethnic or cultural sects. We see these referred to frequently in the media to designate the sects within political regions. Most of the time these kinds of Christians are contrasted with contrary ideologies; often at war, or embroiled in strife with other groups. Typical of political religious rivalry is that of the current conflict in the former Yugoslavia, which dates back to the factional disputes of the 15th century. Here are three ethnic factions, Muslims, Serbs and Croats, religious- political groups seemingly without any knowledge of a spiritual life and peace.

In Ireland divisions remain after generations of religious and political strife, Irish Catholics in hatred and strife continue to war against Irish Protestants. In the decade prior to World War Two so-called German Christians began to commit outrages against German Jews. For over 2 centuries 'Christian' crusaders waged Holy Wars against the Muslim Turks in the Holy Land and at the same time thought it was pleasing to G-d to torture and destroy any of those called the Jews.

Religious Christians are actively involved with some form of institutional Christianity. Within this group are tens of millions of churchgoers who fill the pews in myriads of church congregations  each week. Each of these religious centers follow long-held traditions of their respective denominations. The Christian denominations have extensive power and interests both social and economic. The business of religion is not widely questioned as anything other than established tradition, morally well-founded and righteous. Religious leadership have long been held as the respectable cream of society though an occasional skeleton may turn up in the closet of some clergy person now and then.

The lands and real estate assets of churches are immense. Each denomination builds great buildings as centers of worship and strictly supervise and train their clergy to act as priests or overseers of the faith. The sad reality is that the denominations of today are little different from the priesthood, the Scribes, and Pharisees of Jesus' day, of whom the Lord Jesus had little good to say.

Today traditional forms of religious Christianity may be the single greatest hindrance to effectively experiencing G-d in this nation as well as in all the nations where that institutional Christianity has been exported.

Religion: It is as though religious Christians have been injected with something, call it religious formalism, which seems to make them immune to experiencing the authentic Spiritual Life of the Kingdom of G-d.

Let me hasten to say however, that there are believers among the denominations, these are men, women and children who have a knowledge of G-d through the Lord Jesus Christ in a profound and intimate way, not because of their religious affiliations necessarily, but in spite of that affiliation. The kingdom and the power of G-d are not the privy of any religion but work around and through it.

So - - -? 
What is A Christian?

Are we born Christians, Are we Christians because we were not born Buddhist or Moslem? Are we Christians because our parents were Christians? Are we Christians because of a religious rite?
  The Bible reveals that we become Christians not by a religious rite primarily, but by a spiritual encounter with G-d. G-d receives us in "friendship" and extends His fellowship to us. This fellowship is granted in the name of the only begotten son of G-d, who is Jesus, Jeshua of Nazareth. The fact of this doctrine is one thing the actualizing power of it is quite another. The Gospel is a gospel not only conceptual fact but of it actualizes in power. It is a life-changing, spirit-renewing power, that sets on fire the life of G-d within a believer.

It is this life-changing encounter that I wish to present and to describe within the scope of this writing, and I will cover it broadly if the following pages. A believer, in actuality, has no religious rites or obligations or rules to follow in order to "please G-d".
A believer's job is to believe. We gain access to the promises of G-d which are laden in the scriptures. These promises are awesome and spectacular and when heeded can lead us to experiencing the kindnesses of G-d and entering into our divine inheritance. That is the long and the short of it.

Religion in one form or another has entered in obtrusively to complicate or confound the simple way and truth that Christ has declared and made known for all; that each man, woman, and child can know G-d and experience wholeness through Him.

My hope and prayer is that those seeking truth, both religious and non religious,  Christian and non Christian will continue in the Word which can open the door to the Kingdom of G-d, with its power and glory. May the G-d of all creation reveal Himself to you that he may bring forth His kingdom, His love, His life and His liberty and powerfully renew your life. Yes, even outside of the walls of religion.
 

Reconstruction of the Human Spirit
Spiritual Christians are created and established by a divine Grace and action.  Those who constitute the membership of the Kingdom of G-d, without regard to any earthly institutional affiliation. The true church is a spiritual body, it is called the "Body of Christ. " This body is universal, apart from any designation of race, creed or nationality, it is without any denominational labels and without any geographical boundaries.

The Bible reveals that we become Christians not by a religious rite primarily, but by a Spiritual encounter with G-d. G-d receives us in "friendship" and extends His fellowship to us. This fellowship is granted in the name of the Begotten son of G-d, who is Jesus, Jeshua of Nazareth. The fact of this doctrine is one thing the actualizing power of it is quite another. The Gospel is a gospel not only of fact but of power. It is a life-changing, spirit-renewing power, that sets on fire the life of G-d within a believer.

It is this life-changing encounter that I wish to describe and explain in the scope of this writing, and I will cover it broadly if the following pages. A believer follows no religious rites, no legalistic obligations, or rules in order to "please G-d". A believer's job is to believe. That is the long and the short of it. The great liberty which true Christianity offers is beyond the scope of most of our understanding. It is one of the reasons the Gospel is called good news because it offers so much with so little demand required on our parts.

Religion in one form or another enters extraneously to confound the simple truth that Jesus Christ has made a way for each man, woman, and child to know G-d and experience wholeness in Him; to experience peace, joy and liberty in a meaningful life with Him.

My hope and prayer is that those seeking truth, both Christian and non Christian will continue in the life- giving word which opens the door to the Kingdom of G-d. May the G-d of all creation reveal Himself to you in order for you to continue to bring forth His kingdom, which is truly one resplendent with power and glory.

Searching For G-d
Highways and Byways in the Quest
 

Some of us, in our individual quests for truth, may look for a religion that will accommodate our own world view or moral viewpoint. Though in our natural states we are all morally distorted and unregenerate in nature. Some others search for a religious form which promises personal power and influence over others. In such a search the power quest has one end;  corruption of the soul. Personal aggrandizement leads toward corruption and pride, the domain of the enemies of G-d.

Power to control or influence others, power to get wealth for its own sake is as witchcraft, rebellious snare. Some search for a religious program which accommodates fame, personal notoriety, adulation or self-worship also in the realm of self enhancement at the expense of coming under G-d's dominion.

For yet others the search is to find healing and contentment for the aching of their souls, to find solace, love and wholeness.

So we see that there are numerous motivations which lend themselves to religious choices. While we say we search for G-d are we really sincere or insincere? In the final analysis it is we who must conform to G-d his rules and plan for ourselves and not vice versa.

Beginning a Spiritual Search

While we are shopping this smorgasbord of religion there are many choices. How will you choose? What are your resources and criteria to make these choices? Can we choose using our own intellectual equipment? Those who are proud of their intellectual achievements will probably choose wrongly; since they will choose to remain in control of their own lives through the exalted faculty of reason. The wise of this world say, "Only a fool denies reason."

Some religions make no demands upon us to give up anything. When we are well satisfied with who we are; when we are pleased with ourselves, with our name,  rank, and achievements; When we are puffed up with our own sense of superiority, looks, talents or strengths; How can we choose to believe something which asks us to, "deny yourself, take up a cross and follow me?" How do we choose a belief system which states, "In myself, I can do nothing;" or " - unless a seed falls and dies it abides alone, but if dies it brings forth much?" Is there any beauty in sacrificing our selves? How can we as 20th, soon to be 21st Century beings, choose to decrease to ourselves and choose that which is meek and lowly of heart, not arrayed the outward trappings of finery; not displaying intellectual cleverness, nor personal flamboyance. "He had no beauty that we should desire Him." (Isaiah 53:3)

So we seek. We shop and we look and we ask about. During this time we continue to have as much power and self control, self satisfaction, and personal liberty as any other human seeker. When does the seeking come to an end? Is their a priceless pearl to be found? What is the nature of this pearl which beyond price? How do I begin my quest for G-d?

Scripture asks this question - -

 "What does a profit someone to gain the whole world but lose his or her soul?" There is a risk associated with the search thwarted or the search incomplete. There is a risk associated with substituting the true with the counterfeit and the living with something tainted with corruption and death. There is indeed a true Gospel, having the right Jesus, the right Gospel and the right Spirit. And there is a counterfeit gospel, alter or exchange any of the previous 3 criteria and we are on the way to deception and possible destruction.

In this process of seeking, some come to believe in the Lord Jesus (Jeshua of Nazareth called the Messiah or Christ.) The Word of G-d declares, "Those who seek will find." Those who seek and continue seeking, will find that pearl of inestimable value. It is only hidden to those who are lost. Great hunger is rewarded with satisfying manna from G-d and great thirst is rewarded with a satisfying drink that Jesus called 'living water.'

Many others never come to believe in or profess biblical Christianity but some other belief system. The way of the Christian life once discovered provides a feast for the body, soul and spirit, a feast that brings eternal satisfaction, the knowledge of the friendship of Jesus is thirst satisfying indeed.

The Way, however, remains a narrow one, it is self limiting. It does not accommodate those who wish to take their own baggage in, this burden of extraneous stuff must be unloaded. Who among the seekers is willing to do this? Who are really sincere and not looking on a superficial curiosity level. Jesus has counseled to walk the crucified life. Daily carrying our cross, dying to self, turning from the raucous cries that would distract us in this world.

I am reminded of the interview which King Herod of Judea attempted to have with Jesus on the occasion of Jesus' trial and Pilate's disposition of this matter of legality. What possible need or interest could this powerful, worldly, self indulgent, sensuous monarch have in questioning Jesus, the Messiah of the Jews?

Herod had indeed heard of Jesus. He had heard of his influence upon the people and heard of the signs and wonders worked by his hand. Herod probably was reminded of John the Baptist whose head was the price paid for his stepdaughter Salome's sensuous dance performance. Herod may have associated this interview with the prophet John. I believe Herod may have had some guilt or even fears associated with destroying the non conformist and non cooperative prophet.

Herod interviews Jesus: The world against the spirit
It was time for a confrontation, though perhaps not yet a showdown, It was a face-off between worldliness, sensual opulence, and temporal power and the veiled spiritual wonders of the Kingdom of G-d; it was flesh against the Spirit. What happened in this confrontation of flesh and spirit? How did Jesus respond to the queries of the coarse and curious Herod, did they share an intellectual discourse? Jeshua remained silent not a word was offered.

Jesus had not one word to say. There was no dialogue. There was no effort made to plead the case for a religious or political agenda. No. Jesus answered not a word! The kingdom of G-d and Herod's world were irreconcilable, worlds apart, kingdoms apart. You see, Jesus will not respond to those whose lives are filled with surfeiting, with self importance or with insincere curiosity. Jesus answered the worldly Herod, not a word!

In my case, when I had reached an end of myself, when my need was greatest, I believe I came into the most advantageous position to make that step of faith which cries out, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"

 So? Let us see where the inquiry takes us. Will it be into the wilderness where intimacy with G-d is the fruit or into the another wilderness of worldly forms and values but having no intimacy with G-d and having no power to fulfill Christ's hope and calling.

The Gospel Without Religion

© 1995-2008 - Charles Pinkney 

"Knowledge makes arrogant, love edifies."

I was not always a believer. What was I before I became a believer, before becoming a Christian? I was the same as many of you are. Before becoming a believer I practiced a form of G-dliness; I was religious.  I was actively involved in institutional forms of Christianity with its many traditions, forms, and flavors and yet without knowing Christ. Before becoming believers, we called ourselves by any of hundreds of denominational names, not realizing that Christ is One and can not be divided. If this state, we had no true witness of the reality of G-d; we had no true witness of our own spiritual nature and destiny.

We did not know that G-d is real nor that He rewards those who seek him with wonderful gifts. Before becoming a partakers in the "gift of G-d", we called ourselves Christians not knowing that being a Christian meant more than just attending church, more than learning a catechism, more than going through a rite of membership.

Being a Christian is not an intellectual assent to a doctrine or belief where you can say, "Yes that sounds like it might be true, I guess I will become one of those. "You don't join an institution or a church to become a Christian you are "translated" into becoming a son or daughter of G-d. You are translated into a different kingdom and a different reality; You become a new order of being. You are translated from death into life, from darkness into light. We who once cared nothing for the life and properties of G-d now share in that life and are consumed by it. It is a work that G-d does in us and not one that we do on our own.  

The world of religion, what a world! Almost everyone is in their own particular place regarding a search for a personal belief system. How would we graph our place as a believer or an unbeliever? Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you hold these beliefs? Some have a belief in a G-d of some description, others may not. Some pray, some believe in an afterlife, while others have no faith in any G-d nor any life following this one.

There are so many religions inside and outside of Christianity. There are so many named G-ds and paths to appeasing them. Within these myriad forms of belief or worship some have developed a set of moral values in accord with these beliefs. Indeed many of these values promote peace and brotherhood toward the greater community. Meanwhile, other religious beliefs may generate hatred and intolerance toward those outside of that faith. Now some religions compel its followers to convert the world to their viewpoint and to, in a word, cause the whole world to believe according to that religion.

Religion is an admirable study for some, a mandatory doctrine for millions. Religion in general revolves around the belief in "spirits" as defined by Margaret Mead, the anthropologist.

The crusades were a demonstration of wrong Christian beliefs. The inhumanities done were done in accordance with a form of religion and not in conformity to the Gospel of Christ. The crusades and the inquisition were chapters in Catholicism that further demonstrated an abuse of power that is presumed when the rule of G-d on earth is assumed in the rulership of a political church on earth.

Christianity at the present time is a message of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Desolations and judgment against unbelievers is not to be exercised by believers in the true Gospel. In the Gospel there is an invitation to come freely and receive, partaking in the power of Jesus' love, and forgiveness. There is no sword to convert the unbeliever, but rather the demonstration of the supernatural power of G-d that converts the heart and pursuades each that there is a loving G-d in heaven who desires that no one dies under condemnation. "G-d so loved the world - - ," John 3:16 is the often quoted basic text. Condemnation never comes from the hand of a believer who is commanded to walk in the same love and forgiveness that Jesus modeled to all.

This true gospel has 3 factors to determine authenticity:

The right Jesus: Jesus the Messiah is not an angel, not a mere prophet; not a great man, not merely a teacher of moral excellence; Not a highly evolved illuminate; but The only begotten Son of G-d, the Jewish Messiah.

The right gospel; The Gospel is a gospel of good news; that humanity may come to the giver of life to receive a supernatural gift; eternal life and forgiveness without cost, without the mediation of a priest; It is not a gospel of works, nor is it a gospel of faith and good works; the door is open to any who call upon the name of the Lord.
The source of truth and understanding of this gospel is the Holy Bible.

The right Spirit; There are many spirits in the world, some of G-d, others demonic. Spirits abound in the atmosphere in individuals, in communites, of every nation. The church houses of religions is also a place where demonic works are likely to be in evidence. These spirit influences have been in existence for thousands of years and continue to impact human life. The same sort of evil spirits addressed by disciples and apostles of Jesus' day, are still present to seduce, impede, and steal from the life, liberty and spiritual potential of all. The kingdom of darkness has this agenda; to steal, to kill and to destroy, especially a believer.

The spirit of the world is a spirit of self exaltation and pride. Of course modern thought and psychology discredits belief in spirits as a primitive and obsolete belief system. However, it is to be noted that Jesus the Messiah came to "destroy the works of the devil," Satan, the ruler of all fallen beings. It is G-d's ultimate purpose to restore the proper line of earthly rule under the dominion of Jesus Christ. In due time, nations will recognize him as the Holy One of G-d, appointed Lord of all things. Evil or wrong spirits include, pride, rebellion, witchcraft, defilement, sensuality, gluttony, drunkeness, etc.

One god equals any other?
The broad-minded, ecumenical world would like to assert that any G-d is essentially at par with any other. They declare that they all are expressions of the same sublime higher One.

Today, I am a Christian believer, but was not always so. Disallusioned by religion, sensing its superficialities, the hypocrisies, and lacking any proof in the G-d of the Bible I went on searching and doubting, and trusting that I was good enough not to fall into condemnation in the event that my presumptions were wrong. I had heard the term "Good News" referring the Gospel of the Messiah Jeshua (Jesus). But my experience in Christianity was valued only in a sentimental way. I had memories of church experiences with my family in youth. During these days I yearned to touch and experience something that was real, powerful and persuasive. This, I believe, is exactly where so many seeking people are at today. Hopeful, wanting to believe, but without proof that G-d is real or reachable. My religious experience offered no proof of G-d's reality. The Gospel expressed as the Power of G-d to transform human life in profound ways was outside of my religious experience.

The Gospel, denoted as the power of G-d, powerfully persuades us to believe, in a G-d of love and a G-d who can impact human lives in remarkable life-changing ways that exist out of the realm of church life. This Gospel is not a shallow, tradition-ruled religion. Rather it teaches knowing G-d who reveals himself as Saviour and sovereign of the universe.

Even more amazingly, the Bible proves itself to be entirely believable and consistent in spite of its progressive detractors. Theologians who work continuously to discredit any belief in Biblical accuracy or consistency. Today when I hear of a G-d who walked with man in a spiritually perfect world, called Eden. I believe it; when I hear of a G-d who did wonders in the days of Moses or the prophets I do not doubt that fact for one moment; when I read the infallible prophecies of appointed men of G-d who declare the end from the beginning I have no doubt in the veracity of any of those words.

G-d spoke through prophets with inerrant accuracy to declare the Messiah and his mission to redeem fallen humanity and all these prophecies came to pass. Jesus as the lamb of G-d came to close the divide between G-d and humanity. The resurrection of Jeshua, as irrational scientifically unsound it sounds on the surface, remains the foundation of Christianity. Resurrection establishes the "Power of the Gospel" and enables any believer to partake in His divine nature.

Religions of the world may vary in name and beliefs but all seek to establish a worldly kingdom. They aspire to have a launching pad to promulgate those beliefs and in many cases, beliefs that are contrary to the Gospel. Christian religions sects, including, Catholicism, LDS Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and most of the protestant denominations distort the simple Gospel. They bring forth errant doctrines, formalism, and human authority. (See the characteristics of Religion in book two. "The attributes of Religion"

Churches (buildings with congregations) are what people usually think of when we imagine Christian practices. When ceremony and ritual are the practiced, and where obligations or extraneous demands are taught, these are contrary to the original Gospel, e.g. the Apostolic epistles found in the New Testament.

Next Chapter

E Book 1:
The Gospel Without Religion

E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook

E Book 3:
Mysteries in the Bible

Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles