JoyKeeperSample

 Jesus-Plus Religion

A woman grew up in a faith community that taught Jesus-plus religion. From a young age, faith was about what she wore, how much she read the Bible, and how holy she lived. She couldn’t live up to it no matter how hard she tried. So she created stricter rules for herself, hoping it would help.

It didn’t.

Jesus-plus religion is Jesus, plus all the extra stipulations piled on top by humans. The Pharisees were well known for this. They added elaborate stipulations and additional laws. The rules were piled so high it was impossible to achieve.

In Galatians, Paul confronts Jesus-plus religion. Believers were growing in their faith and excited about what they were learning. Until a group of men whooshed in to throw old rules into the mix. They pointed fingers at the new believers, spewing warnings and telling how they were messing up. As they tried to resurrect the old laws that Jesus fulfilled on the cross, it was confusing and created a culture of shame.

While Paul was once the greatest of sinners, the only thing that rescued him was the love of Christ. Not rules. Not trying to please people.

He was justified by faith in Christ. Exonerated. Vindicated. Pardoned. Cleared. Freed!

It is for freedom that we have been set free.

This is the message Paul preached. This is the message Jesus formed and fashioned when he came to rescue us. When we receive that freedom, we leave behind Jesus-plus religion. We are free to confess our mistakes and grow through them. We are free to admit when we’re wrong and humbly ask for forgiveness.

We’re free to accept his love and a fresh new beginning.

We’re free to live as a reflection of his grace as we mature in our faith and walk with Jesus every single day. This is where the real makeover of our heart and faith originates.

TRUTH: God’s goodness is greater.

REFLECTION: Name one problem that comes from adding our twist to the gospel. What is one way to stay grounded in the truth?

#prayerstarter: Lord, show me any manmade rules I’ve added to my faith. Strip those away. Start your work on the inside. Do what only you can do. I love you. In Jesus' name, amen.