Thought for the Month - February 2016

"Imagine no religion" by Barry Adair
(Living life in peace)

What if we didn't have any religion? Many have imagined it and John Lennon sang about it…

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

…

Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too

I mean, doesn't religion just bring death, destruction and heartache?

I was reading about the onward march of Islamic State (IS or Isil or Daesh). This bloodthirsty band of evil murderers is fuelled by belief in a particularly violent blend of Islam. For many of those IS fighters it is a justifiable fight on behalf of Muhammad. They believe it is in their power to bring about a worldwide Islamic Caliphate and herald in the age of the Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer of Islam.

The barbarity of their violence is blood curdling, especially directed towards their Christian and Yazidi neighbours. Crucifixion has again been witnessed many times in the Middle East, slavery and torture is widespread, children have been raped, whole families beheaded, millions have been displaced, the list goes on and on. By the way, the relative silence of the church, our government and the European Union on these atrocities is deafening!

I totally understand why many will point the finger at religion and I am one of them. As a Christian, perhaps you wouldn't expect me to say this. And yet as a Christian, I would not say that I'm "religious". For me, "religion" is man's attempt to gain acceptance with a supreme being or other gods; while Christianity (or "true religion") is accepting that the only way back to God is through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God's Son. Made-made religions are either rules-based like Islam and Judaism or rituals-based like Roman Catholicism. Christianity is neither rules-based nor ritual-based. Christianity is a personal relationship with the God who made us, pure and simple!

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. Although a King, He came to this world as a defenceless baby, born in a lowly stable with not a celebrity in sight! He lived a perfect life and died to pay for your sin and mine. He healed the sick and taught all about true love, respect, sin, salvation, heaven and hell. He quoted often from the Bible and I thought about this particular verse in writing this Thought…

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27)

John Lennon was indeed a dreamer. The man who imagined "no possessions" lived a millionaire's life in a swanky New York hotel. The man who sang "imagine no religion" was involved with all sorts of spiritual and new age fads. The man who sang "all you need is love" was reported to be particularly bitter and angry towards family and friends.

True peace will only ever be found in Jesus.

A time is coming when "the world will live as one" but only when Jesus comes again as both Lord and King. At that time, there will be "no need for greed or hunger". Those who experience this time will truly experience heaven on earth. "Living life in peace" is possible, if that life is lived for Jesus.

With Jesus, there is no need for religion too!

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!