Many people today are under the impression that ” Religion ” is the answer to their spiritual problem. They think that it will free them from the bondage that they are in. Whether it is drugs, anger, pornography, adultery, or a false religion ( cult ), religion cannot help, it will only deepen the enslavement. By it’s own definition ( the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith ), religion is something that someone has to practice, maintain or work hard at doing. This goes against Scripture itself . Eph. 2:8-9 says, ” For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ” Anyone can plainly see that salvation, or freedom from the bondage of sin, is strictly by grace through faith. If it were by works, then the Bible would be lying when it says, ” not of works.”
Paul faces this problem when writing to the believers at Galatia. Certain false teachers had convinced a lot of the new believers that to truly be saved they had to follow the law and old Jewish traditions. But this only confused and enslaved the Christians so Paul had to warn them to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” ( Gal. 5:1 )
Are you tired of feeling enslaved to a dead religion? Come to Hope Baptist Church and hear a message that will free you from whatever enslaves you.
Wayne
New York Church Planter 