Being Religious Versus Being In Christ

We have all heard the phrases, “Judge not lest ye be judged” and, “throwing stones”. You know, things that Jesus said. Sometimes, but unnecessarily, we need to hear what Paul says. Why is this? We should ask ourselves if we have religious beliefs or are we straight up no nonsense Children of God. Religious thought comes from the Words of Christ with the verifications of Paul. Did you know that Paul’s teachings are actually more well-known and understood than Jesus’ teachings? There is something very wrong with that. The reason is partially this: Paul broke down the teachings of Jesus into a language (verbiage) that was more easily understood. He gave it to the masses in a way that they would be more apt to repent and join the flock rather than continue in their old ways. In many ways this was how the religious practice of Christianity started in the Roman world. Notice it is a religious practice built by man in order to please the eternal deity we know as God. God Himself said that we just need to trust and obey Him and He freely gives through His Grace and Mercy. Religion is the practice of understanding and ensuring His Word reaches the world. So the question is: Are you Christian (in Christ) or religious? Do you believe and follow every day or just Sunday, Wednesday, and Holidays when it is convenient for you? Are you In Christ or do you just believe in Christ (there is a difference). Do your heart strings feel the tug every day or just when you participate in worship and praise.
Did you know that you can learn more from one parable spoken by Jesus than one whole chapter of Romans? The simpler the story and speech, the easier it is to learn when you listen with an open mind and heart.
I am not saying we should forget Paul’s teachings but we need to seek Jesus in those words. We need to cut through the chatter and get right to the point. Take Romans 2:1-5 for instance:
  2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
In that very first sentence, Paul is restating what Jesus spoke of. Now Paul could have left it there but had to add the legalisms for everyone to comprehend. He is basically saying that we cannot throw a stone on another when we ourselves have committed the same or worse sins from which we have not repented. One who listens to Jesus closely would hear all what Paul said without the need for explanation.
Paul does have some very unique views on things and these can be broken down into all the sayings of Jesus if we just listen with our hearts.  

Jesus never asked for our money only, that belongs to Caesar. Jesus wants us all in, 100% with Him, Heart, Soul, Mind, and Body. God gave us gifts to use to share His Glory in the world, use them.

Who do you follow? Jesus, Peter, Paul, Apollos? Is there a modern preacher whose every word spoken is law to your heart? Renew your faith in Jesus and never let that go. Be In Christ not just a believer in a religious practice.
 
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