True Religion

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 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. James 1:26-27 I…

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A Church Without God

Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47 In 1966, English journalist and author, Rev. Ernest Harrison, wrote a book with the title of today’s devotional. In it, he suggested that we abolish the concept of God. His reference…

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The Importance of the Written Word for our Faith and Practice

The internet changed the topics I dip into. Some are more eclectic than others are. A recent e-zine I discovered has an article about the Incas of South America and their non-written language. The article comments on the success of the Incan empire without a written language. You will have to read, “How the Inkas…

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Pure Religion

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. James 1:27 The word “religion” is defined as “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.” It can also…

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Worldly Pressure on False Religion (and on True)

Two unrelated reports last week illustrate the pressure the world exerts on institutions that fail to measure up to its standards. The first, “Pope Francis’ Supposed Liberalism Isn’t Making Him Less Popular,” reflects polling by the PEW Research Center, assuring us that Pope Francis, despite losing some support from conservative Catholics, remains popular among Catholics…

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Religion or Relationship? (Part 2)

George Stiekes Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee (Jeremiah 31:3). We all know that religion will never get anyone into heaven. If God chose not to act on our behalf, no one would get into heaven. He is the first and only “Cause” and He…

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Religion or Relationship?

George Stiekes I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:5-6 Jerusalem was crowded with visitors at one of the annual pilgrim feasts. Jeremiah’s Temple Address focused on God’s chastening against those who chose to…

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