RELIGIONISTS OF ALL LABELS ARE FAKES! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 15:8-9 – “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
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Introduction
God never intended humanity to live by the constraints of man-made religions. Instead, He created us to have a deep, personal relationship with Him. Religiosity and traditions, regardless of their label, are mere counterfeits that lead people astray. They may appear to provide safety and structure, but they isolate humanity from the living God.
True faith is rooted in relationship, not rituals. While many religions claim to offer salvation, only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ brings redemption. Religious systems often seek power, wealth, and control, leaving adherents spiritually bankrupt and far from God’s purpose.
This teaching emphasizes the futility of religion without relationship. It calls us to reject fake religiosity, embrace the truth of God’s Word, and cultivate a genuine relationship with Him through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Religion is Not Relationship
John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”
God desires relationship, not religion. Religions of all labels fail to redeem people from sin or bring them into true communion with God. They rely on rituals, traditions, and human effort rather than faith in Jesus Christ.
A relationship with God, however, is built on trust, love, and obedience to His Spirit. Through Jesus, we are given the opportunity to know God personally and experience His transforming power.
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The Folly of Religious Rituals
Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Religious rituals and traditions are often hollow practices that give a false sense of security. They do not lead to salvation but instead create a barrier between people and God. Many who adhere to such rituals believe they are pleasing God, yet their hearts remain far from Him.
God calls His people to abandon these empty practices and seek the truth found in His Word and Spirit. True worship is not about outward actions but an inward transformation led by the Holy Spirit.
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Religion’s Pursuit of Power and Wealth
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Many religious systems are driven by a desire for power and wealth rather than a genuine love for God. Leaders within such systems exploit their followers for personal gain, twisting the truth for their own benefit.
God opposes such corruption. True faith does not seek worldly power or riches but strives to honor God and serve others.
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The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Isaiah 64:6 – “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Self-righteousness is a trap that blinds people to their need for God’s grace. Religionists who depend on their own works and traditions believe they are justified, yet they are far from God.
True righteousness comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who humble themselves before God and seek His guidance are transformed by His Spirit and made new in His image.
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Repentance Revolution: The Path to True Faith
Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
God calls His people to a Repentance Revolution—a life of ongoing surrender and renewal in His Spirit. This revolution is not about adhering to rules but allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.
Through repentance, we are freed from the bondage of religion and restored to a vibrant, living relationship with God.
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Summary
Religion without relationship is fake and futile. While religious systems offer rituals, traditions, and false security, they cannot redeem or save. True faith is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit.
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Conclusion
God desires a relationship with you, not religious rituals. Reject the bondage of man-made traditions and embrace the freedom that comes from knowing Him personally. Let go of self-righteousness and allow His Spirit to transform your life.
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Call to Action
Evaluate your faith today. Are you bound by the empty practices of religion, or are you walking in the freedom of relationship with God? Turn away from the counterfeit and seek the truth of His Word. Deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Spirit.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You were created to know God and walk with Him daily. Do not settle for the emptiness of religion when you can experience the fullness of relationship with Him. Remember, God loves you, and through Jesus, He has made a way for you to be His child.
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Prayer of Salvation
"Lord Jesus, I come before You today, acknowledging that I need You in my life. I repent of my sins and turn away from the empty practices of religion. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You rose again to give me eternal life. I invite You into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me into a deeper relationship with You. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen."
