Tag Archives: Seeking Truth

The Structure of True Religion

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

I have heard many who confess to follow Christ say that they are not in a religion but a relationship. In fact, I have said this in the past myself. However, as I have grown wiser and more knowledgeable through my relationship with GOD, I have come to a better understanding of the relationship between the two. Many of the negative ideas I originally held regarding the Christian religion came from its misappropriation by those being intentionally deceitful and those ignorantly following the blind which were leading them. Our heavenly Father never intended for Christian religion to operate separate from a relationship with Him. The influence of Satan, the great deceiver, is very evident in the many counterfeits being circulated today. Another example is the US has been accepted by many as a democracy however it falls short of the tenants of a pure democracy because many of the people born in the US have not been allowed to vote, and the electoral college dilutes the power of the vote represented by actual people. Tax paying people with black and brown skin, born in the US, are referred to as citizens however they have been historically denied the basic citizen right of equal protection under the law. So, this demographic has not actually been recognized as full citizens. Again, it is much like the many people condemning socialism and communism though we have never had a country on earth to operate in the pure ideals of them as expounded on by Marx and Engels. The names were misappropriated by countries like Russia and China though these countries have never employed all the key components.

These are just a few other current day examples of how people have been deceived and excepted counterfeits. Until you foster a love for truth which drives you to seek GOD’s face and study His word, Satan will continue to exploit your natural love for comfort and pleasure. The truth is disruptive to the false. Truth tears down the false to make way for a true and eternal foundation and structure to be built.

Religion is defined by Merriam Webster as a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith. We can take from this definition, in relation to Christianity, that Christian religion would be a system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices held with ardor and faith. So, by definition, there is no separation between the practices required in a religion and the relationship by faith which empowers them. The problem again is that we have seen Christianity misrepresented, resulting in misunderstandings, confusion, and denunciation.  As I mentioned earlier, the Father never intended for any actions to take place outside of a relationship with Him. When you read Christ reproving the pharisees and Sadducees, you see Him addressing religion without relationship.

“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Luke 11:42 KJV)

Christ is saying true religion is doing both. Look at this parable taught by Christ.

“10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:10-14 KJV)

Again, both are required by Christ the King. This guest was clearly called a friend, however He failed to comply with the prescribed system or practice of preparation. We are also taught by the apostles James and Paul that it takes both to be complete. James says faith without works is dead, and a man isn’t justified by works alone or faith alone (see James chapter 2). Paul says without love, the essence of the relationship, he is nothing and none of his religious acts mean anything (See 1 Corinthians chapter 13).

At issue in the separation of faith and works is the practice of sacrifice on both sides. On the side of works oriented devotion, there is the sacrifice of effort and busyness being offered for justification and validation. On the side of faith only oriented devotion, there is the sacrificial love of GOD being used as justification without the reciprocal sacrificial love unto the laying down of personal will in obedience.

GOD is clear, He desires obedience over sacrifice. Christ did not give himself to become a common sacrifice for sins, like the old testament practice of yearly sacrificing bulls, rams, and doves. He gave Himself once to fulfill the requirements of the old testament law forever, which was ruled under the law of sin and death. He has now ushered in a new covenant which is ruled by the law of life and spirit. The resurrection life we inherit from Christ is the life of a dear and obedient son of GOD.

You man of faith, are you going before GOD reminding Him of the sins He has already remitted because you are not exercising true overcoming faith; the faith which David used to defeat Goliath, the faith Joshua used to take the promised land. Doesn’t your faith tell you that the very life of Christ is in you to do His works; to live righteously, to fill the hungry, to free the oppressed, to counsel the fatherless, to give shelter to the homeless, to please the Father. When did you go beyond yourself to demonstrate that you trusted Him? Just something to consider.

You who are busy in works, have you ever just sat with someone broken and not tried to fix them? Just sat with them and listened and only gave a solution if they asked for one, or do you feel pressed to say something or do something? Have you ever just sat and cried tears of joy because you knew in that moment, GOD’s love was perfect for you and you felt His arms around you? Have you ever sacrificed for someone and told nobody, but just praised GOD for allowing yourself to be used?

These are the manifestations of confidence in GOD’s love for you and belief in His promises. These examples are glimpses at the works of faith, the fruit of true religion.

Pro-life Candidates Exploit Unconscious Bias in The Religious

Posted by D.L.Fuller on

pro life

There is no marriage between American political views and the teachings of Christ. There is on the other a hand a relationship between American politics and mainstream American Christian view. They are lovers and have the same values. The mainstream American church is adulterated with propaganda that keeps people bound to the world in an unconscious stupor. This decreases opposition to the evil powers of this world that practice the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes as spoken of in Revelations chapter 2. The doctrine of conquering people to exploit them for gain. YAHWEH hates this and will reveal His wrath against it. This is the implication of James 4:4 (NKJV), “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Those governing the world’s economy make up this world system.

If you consider yourself a Christian, and you find this offensive, your affections are in the wrong place. Know also that you are on path to being in the rebellious horde that stands with the Anti-Christ, with fist raised toward heaven, at YESHUA’s triumphant return. This may sound extreme at first, but when you recall how the religious leaders persecuted Christ, even desiring to stone Him, then it doesn’t seem that far fetched.

Now let us look at what the Church gets from the world in this adulterous love affair. The unfaithful church is kept in sensual comfort, with fine linen of purple and scarlet, and filled with whatever she lusteth for. This also can be found in the book of Revelations chapter 2 and 5. These things I am speaking of aren’t hidden in the bible, they are just not being taught in mainstream American churches. Instead, people are being lulled asleep with doctrines of compliance and being ensnared through their carnal nature of fear and lust.

Over the past couple of days, I have had conversations with a few confessing Christians who identify as “pro-lifers”. They vow they could never vote for a presidential candidate that supports a woman’s right to choose an abortion. Yet these same Christians often endorse candidates who are instrumental in establishing social environments of despair, which plays a role in many women considering an abortion in the first place. These same “pro-life” Christians, blindly support candidates that do not hesitate to send US military troops abroad to kill for the lust of those in power. Not one American war has been fought purely for humane interest. How can I say this?

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16 KJV)

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1 KJV)

Major General Smedley Butler, one of the most awarded marines in history is quoted here: “I served in all commissioned ranks from second lieutenant to Major General. And during that period I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I suspected I was just part of the racket all the time. Now I am sure of it.”

Today in America, 1 child out of every 5 lives below the poverty line. Many county schools open during summer break just to feed families.

Due to social injustice, America leads the world in incarcerating humans. The US represents 5% of the world’s population however they account for 22% of the world’s imprisoned.

America leads the world in selling and exporting arms to the rest of the world. I saw a report in Newsweek that said in the last 5 years the US exported arms to 98 countries.

We know that God’s eye is even on the sparrow, but where is the eye of mainstream American Christians? What lives matter to them? When they weigh presidential candidates, do they look at the impact of their policies on all people, domestic and abroad. Is the American Christian also concerned about babies that live in EL Salvador, Haiti, Africa, and the middle east? Is this reflected in the candidates they choose?

We know Christ ransomed His life for all people. As His followers, we should work to rid ourselves of all social, racial, and ethnic biases. Christianity has been greatly damaged by people associating themselves with Christ, while not really embracing His teaching or walking in His spirit. Growing in GOD equals growing in your capacity to love others. As we learn of GOD, we can’t help but see how deficient we are of His holiness, and we are broken by His great mercy and enduring love. We are encouraged by the good news of the gospel that through submission to the Word of GOD, we can receive a new nature that is righteous, pure, and holy, and that pleases GOD. To be able to love your neighbor as yourself, through the power of GOD, is to be the best citizen any country could hope for.