Spiritual Food with Jess The Spirit of Religion

THE Spirit of religion has given us a watered-down version of Christianity and led to a lack of life and power within the body of Christ.

Even Jesus had to deal with religious people during his earthly ministry. After all, the religious people put him on the cross.

An illustration of the Spirit of religion in action comes directly from the scripture:

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once, the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'" So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?"

John 5:8-12 NIV

Notice that the Jewish leaders were more concerned about this man 'carrying his mat' on the Sabbath day than with the miracle before their eyes.

This man could not walk because he was lame and paralysed, and yet the Pharisees were more concerned about him carrying a mat!

Westpac's announcement comes after the Federal MP asked the Prime Minister during Question Time on Wednesday if he would provide a guarantee of banking services in regional parts of Australia.

"Prime Minister, banks in Australia's towns are closing. Treasurers Keating, Hockey and Swan averred the majors will always be underwritten by government. Will you support North Queensland's industrial leadership in proposing a North Queensland postal bank, initiated by the KAP," Mr Katter asked.

Mr Katter also pointed out the hypocrisy of two Liberal senators whose party sacked former Australia Post chief executive Ms Holgate while she was attempting to form postal banks and who were now calling for an inquiry into that very idea.

"I note the curious inconsistency of two Liberal senators, who, in power, sacked Holgate, the person actually creating a people's bank. Out of power, the two want to 'look into it'.

"Churchill observed: 'Looking into it, you'll only see yourself. How extraordinarily narcissistic."

Would you naturally think such Jewish leaders would recognise God's handiwork?

My question to you:

Why do you think the Jewish leaders worried more about a man carrying his mat than the miracle standing before them?

A religious spirit influences a person, or group of people, to replace a genuine relationship with God with works and traditions.

A person who is operating in the religious Spirit often carries resentment and bitterness or a strong sense of self- righteousness. This leads to a multitude of destructive thoughts and behaviours, resulting in a blindness to the works of the Holy Spirit - thus denying and hindering His power.

Let's not be asleep but awake and have our eyes wide open to see the lies that are before us. If you believe a spirit of religion is operating within your church, pray and intercede, trusting God has this in hand. Remember to put on the whole armour of God every day and stand boldly in prayer. If you believe you have the Spirit of religion, I encourage you to seek deliverance; you can do this by contacting your local church and talking to your Pastor about your situation.

Have a blessed week.