FALSE RELIGION - Louis Gervais

FALSE RELIGION

Hello and greetings in the Name of Him Who Warned Against False Religion, Jesus Christ!

“In His teaching He was saying: ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.’” –Mark 12:38-40

From this portion of Scripture we may notice the following facts: the scribes described took part in a false religion. So good was their act that people were fooled into thinking that they were truly spiritual, but Jesus exposed them as those who live according to the sinful nature despite all the perfume they used to try and cover that stench.

They walked around in long robes. Special attention to outward appearances was given. In truth, a costume befits an actor, is it not so? They liked being greeted respectfully in the marketplace. It stroked their ego. For the same reason they enjoyed the chief seats in the place of worship and places of honor at feasts. That is to say, they had no true humility; their pride was disguised but it was alive and well. And some will argue that it is impossible to have holiness without humility. They devoured widow’s houses. So their lust after their false god of money was greater than their pity towards old women who were likely down-and-out. Greed and injustice was in the spot where pity and love belonged.

And then we get to one of their boldest crimes against God: they prayed long prayers just to look good. If the thought of that doesn’t utterly disgust you, then ponder it until it does. “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” –2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Jesus ends the part by stating, “these will receive greater condemnation,” or, in the KJV: “these shall receive greater damnation.” God was not impressed by their pious pretensions. Nor should you think that false, man-made religion is any less galling to Him now. “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belong to it, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do no handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” –Colossians 2:20-23 . Instead of “self-imposed worship,” the NAS translates it as “self-made religion.”

“He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.’ He said to them, ‘All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.’” –Mark 7:6-9

Praise the Lord! We had a blessed youth camp at Mispa with 23 young people in attendance. At least one received assurance of salvation where others testified about how the Lord worked in their lives. The majority stayed behind for prayer for different issues. I’m very thankful that the Lord made the youth camp possible, and that everything went well. The following day (Friday) I boarded a flight to Paris, and then another flight on Saturday to Atlanta, and finally to Austin, Texas. So now I’m home after 1 ½ years’ absence. It’s kind of weird with the reverse culture shock and all; everything seems strange yet quite familiar. Lord-willing I’ll share at GBC next Sunday at 9:30 A.M., and then preach during the 10:45 service. Your presence and prayers are most welcome! Pizza to be served afterwards, so visitors please RSVP.

My grandmother has many strange ideas regarding religion, but I think this is in part due to the fact that she herself has told me that she grew up in a time when many extra man-made traditions were followed in her church which she later discovered where false. Perhaps Mr. Van Niekerk and Mr. Kussman had similar bad experiences with aspects of false religion. As for the persecuted family, they could really use your prayers this week.

Thanks for praying with us! May our very lives worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 KJV).

“And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” –Mark 12:33 KJV

–Louis Gervais