PURE RELIGION - by Paul M Hanssen

PURE RELIGION

By Paul M Hanssen

Religion! What is it? The definition explains religion as a specific set of core beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a group of people or sects; a community of individuals adhering to particular beliefs and practices; to engage in certain rituals and observances of faith; and something one believes in and follows devoutly. It also refers to a point or matter of ethics or conscience. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and all other belief systems are called religions.

Throughout history, religion has sparked endless wars; it has fractured marriages, separated families, and caused death and destruction for countless lives. Religion remains one of the most weaponized tools used by demonic powers to keep people captive, restricted, and blinded.

Religion and religious beliefs and practices created and inspired by any spiritual power or mind outside of God and His word are destructive, filthy, and corrupt. Any church group or sect that follows strict religious forms not purely and directly substantiated in God’s Word is full of corrupt and filthy practices: sexual impurity, moral weakness, financial corruption, along with dishonest and deceptive leadership. Secrecy dominates religions that are not pure. A Pharisaical (separatist) spirit prevails within groups dominated by religion.

And yet, there is such a thing as “pure 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)

The unrestrained “tongue” is the greatest tool of a corrupt religion; it is used to lead people astray, condemn, judge, and cause bondage. The tongue acts like a brainwashing device to shape minds into a specific pattern and way of thinking. However, there is such a thing as a pure and undefiled religion!

VISIT THE FATHERLESS & WIDOWS (this means to take care of the orphans and those who no longer have their partner, protector, and provider by their side). God’s heart of love has always been toward the fatherless and the widow. (Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. Exodus 22:22) When was the last time the Father’s love moved your heart and you reached out to care for an orphan or a widow?

TO KEEP ONESELF UNSPOTTED BY THE WORLD (This means to remain morally and physically pure, free from the practices and filth of the world, and to stay uncorrupted by its influence.) The Apostle John noted that the world was characterized by 1. The lust of the flesh, 2. The lust of the eyes, 3. The pride of life.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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 2:15-16)

THIS IS PURE RELIGION - not a list of “do or don’t,” not a specific form or practice of anything - but to live your life according to the heartbeat of God (the love of the Father), not focusing on the minor (or straining the gnat and swallowing the camel) but focusing what pleases the heart of God.

PURE RELIGION IS BEFORE THE FATHER - it is not about what we show to others or how we try to impress them. God looks inward - He searches the hearts - He examines beyond appearances into our motives, thoughts, and intentions. From there, He looks for fruit. Strive to live a life of pure, undefiled religion that is connected to God’s heart — not to a church, doctrine, or personality, but to GOD and Him alone!