Leaving Religion - James 1:27?

[MusicLover123]

Greetings Brothers and Sisters! I have a question pertaining James 1:27 and Religion.

In talks of "Organized Christianity/Religion" in general, I do see claims of "leaving it." I would probably say I am one of them. But, I am unsure of James 1:27 and its usage of Pure and True Religion. Are those who claim to be "leaving religion" leaving a same thing that was meant in that culture? Or something entirely different?

Blessings!

[marie glen]

... :Chinscratch:

Verse 22 says - "22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. "

and, 26 - "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

I wonder what the greek word used and translated religion is..

http://biblehub.com/greek/2356.htm

2356. thréskeia ►
Strong's Concordance
thréskeia: religion
Original Word: θρησκεία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: thréskeia
Phonetic Spelling: (thrace-ki'-ah)
Short Definition: ritual worship, religion
Definition: (underlying sense: reverence or worship of the gods), worship as expressed in ritual acts, religion.

..Outward ritual and or acts - If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religious acts, observance or ritual is useless and they are deceiving their self..

..rather visit orphans and widows in their trouble (empathy, aid & prayer) and to keep oneself undefiled, uncorrupted from the world.. (Jesus accused the pharisees of robbing widows!)

When it comes to churches.. I'm thinking that would be an individual thing.. some can worship with others and ignore references to eternal torment.. and the less it's alluded to the better? And others I think find it very difficult to be part of a congregation that promotes(?) it.. And of course other churches err in likely quite a few ways.. Some worse than others, and some better than others.. Can we find a church that we totally agree with? :dontknow: Some folks may stray if not involved with a church, and others may stray from being involved! :doh: :dontknow:

For myself, I chose not to go to church.. tried a few.. may again in time.. But I observe a lot of quiet prayer, reading and study times daily.

[sheila]

Israel's Temple sacrifice rituals; after the pattern ofHeaven. day after day..evening and morning sacrifices offered..symbolizing

man's  bodily death in various states of /ignorance/understanding..offered up on the altar of God..smoke rising/ascending unto

heaven..as a pleasing aroma[see Peter's visionof allthe animalscoming down out of heaven..Rise! Kill and eat! then the sheet

with all the animals would rise back intoheaven.  This was a religious pattern exercizeof the true spiritual reality.good seed..sown in

the earth/man 's spirit in flesh..expressing various states of understanding/lackof[through deceptionetc]


   Because of transgression...a host body[church]was caused to "take away" this from the revelation of the Christ..andit's heavenly

pattern. Just as theAtonement portion was removed from the Revelation.

:2c:

[sheila]

Now,as far as I can see,Israels Kings/Priest offered up certain sacrifices and gifts at the Temple ALTAR unto God and the people...

and I do not have to make too much of a leap to discern that Jesus also did this with gifts in men.......

andif Israel was set aside until all the gentiles come in...what is the recieving of them back in but LIFE FROM THE DEAD.

   the ALTA[e]R in the temple[your body] is where we are 'CHANGED" inthe 'twinkling of an eye"

   LetterofAristeas ch 4;17  there are many openings for water at the base of the altar,which are invisible to all except those

engaged in the ministration,so that all the blood of the sacrifices which is collected in great quantities is washed away

  IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE

[WhiteWings]

" Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

That's an example of:
37 Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'[e] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[f] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

It's about good works, about fruit of the spirit.
It's the opposite of what Jesus accused the Pharisees of, making all sorts of demand but never lifting a finger to help others. Their religion wasn't pure because it was based on pride, talking bad of others and making money.

The first verse only mentions widows and orphans, but I think we should read that to literal. I think it includes all less fortunate like the poor, the sick, etc

[sheila]

 :thumbsup: indeed that temple pattern arrangement showed firstfruits of increase to go to feed/sustain thepoor.andaspecial

administration was set up of the new believers..for the widows andneedy.dispute arose over the greek widows beingneglected..and

Paul requesting the setting aside ofmaterial increase for the needy.

materially..and spiritually.we candothis for our fellowman.....I also believe God and Christ do this on  amuch grander /higher scale

when it comes to their gifts and provisions of mercy..and grace at their altar in heaven/white robes for instance[freegift of righteousness]

we can make friends for ourselves in heaven..with these lower material.earthly works regarding men's fleshly needs[unrighteous

mammon as earthly works under the law/compulsion]   and/or through faith in Christ and being reckoned  righteous, out of heart

motive not under compulsion, giving freely of our substance.  Excelling the law[compulsion] for pure heart motive of love,compassion

mercy.

only Love can fulfill the law. the law may restrain somewhat outward manifestation of  it's lack..through fear/judgement...the law

reveals the tresspasses against the fullness of love for God,Our Father, and our fellowman. When God and  Jesus showed that

it was in the Father's heart to have mercy triumph over judgement..and not impugn tresspasses,keep record of the offense,forgive

and heal,notcondemn.  You can't leglislate love..it is there or it is not,it may be a 'little' love..that needs to grow.But weknow....

those wholove arebornof God...and only God[spirit of  Love] can make it grow. :2c:

[MusicLover123]

Good responses so far.

Next, would you identify yourself with religion? Would you call yourself religious? Religious with a specific definition of what you identify with? Or even Spiritual but not Religious?

Would you still call yourself a Christian, and identify yourself with the Church, with Christendom? Or, would you call it Great Babylon, and still call yourself one, but not identify with mainstream Christianity?

[sheila]

I consider myself as non-religious[non-denominational]spiritual christian...christ means anointed/spirit. Iconsider the churches in

babylon captivity[the saints[churches] were overcome..as remaining under the graceof God.But,I will not come undertheir 'yoke'/doctrines

andhave been called out of them.I am open to fellowship with them,pray for their enlightment...and do not consider them in any way

less loved of God or Christ..only God can make them grow.I sow seed/word.. where I can...converse/share spiritual things where I can..

and pray for rain/reign and  SONsunLIGHT that they may increase/grow and have abundance....


   That beingsaid..some of the churches are full of a lotof darkness....and it is particularly hard to havefellowship with them..

water generally seeks it's own level. many cults worship their 'prophets/pastors/denomination etc"

beware of those which seek to'lord it over'you. Religion can be a trap and snare...and there are many in blind sheepfolds.

Nevertheless...they belong unto Him..and He will gather/deliver them all from where-ever any have been scattered.


   I also believethis,God allowed both Israel and the christian churches  to be overcome[bindup all indisobedience,]in order toshow

mercy unto all.that no flesh boast. the jews unbelief opened grace unto whom-so-ever would believe of the nations,gentilechurches

overcome that allmen be saved.

   the kingdom of heaven is like..a woman hid a measure of leaven[grace/mercy] in 3 measures of flour...until the whole lump was

leavened. wrecking Israel and the church was an evil motive for the advesary..but God turned it unto  the good of those that loveHim

andasJesus taught..those that are forgiven much love much.

[rosered]

 

  I also am under the same belief  as my sister Shelia ,   :dsunny: :HeartThrob:

  She in my natural [same father ] as well as my spiritual sister [  same FATHER ]  in the Lord Jesus Christ . :HeartThrob:

To whosoever the Lord   calls out of the world  , and appoints and anoints and  purposes   to do   and sends out  , from His Word
By His Holy Spirit   as witnesses  to the glory of GOD   in what ever place they may be  ,God is with them .


The One True God is our help in the hour of need as we call out to Him , and  will answer  our pleas     .

  God uses the base things of the world  the lowest of rank and birth        to glorify Himself  , We believe in Jesus Christ and Him crucified  ...  the Cross  is the very pivotal point of Change of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.  That  being them born again a new  creature in Christ  and a holy thing unto the LORD . 

  1Corh 1 The Message of the Cross

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

21For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

22Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,


24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Wisdom from God

26Brothers, consider the time of your calling:

Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.

27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast in His presence.

30It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

  This is a  profound    and  foundation   of  truth Paul shared by the revelation of  the Lord Jesus Christ      to us whom believe   the Word of God/Wisdom /Jesus CHRIST   by being taught  by the Holy Spirit   of God.

  This to me is all   that has already being gathered   into GODs glory  already    by the Lord  Himself  and many added daily   and made ALIVE  and presented to the Living God  ,   and our rest in hope is His rising up in  great power and glory to   do   the greater works of raising   everything  up  from death to Life again   , All glory is Gods  by His own Holy, Holy , Holy Spirit 

and His Word in Power  , being called the Lord Jesus CHRIST   , there is no name  UNDER    heaven by which we must be save
   , as Heaven   opens  for us  though HIM ...   :HeartThrob:
 

[marie glen]

Israel's Temple sacrifice rituals; after the pattern ofHeaven. day after day..evening and morning sacrifices offered..symbolizing

man's  bodily death in various states of /ignorance/understanding..offered up on the altar of God..smoke rising/ascending unto

heaven..as a pleasing aroma[see Peter's visionof allthe animalscoming down out of heaven..Rise! Kill and eat! then the sheet

with all the animals would rise back intoheaven.  This was a religious pattern exercizeof the true spiritual reality.good seed..sown in

the earth/man 's spirit in flesh..expressing various states of understanding/lackof[through deceptionetc]


   Because of transgression...a host body[church]was caused to "take away" this from the revelation of the Christ..andit's heavenly

pattern. Just as theAtonement portion was removed from the Revelation.

:2c:

...It's like everything is in the same pattern.. redemption.. and its stages and process.

"Just as theAtonement portion was removed from the Revelation." - That's very interesting. Is there something specific you're thinking of? or, why do you believe this? :gsmile:

Now,as far as I can see,Israels Kings/Priest offered up certain sacrifices and gifts at the Temple ALTAR unto God and the people...

and I do not have to make too much of a leap to discern that Jesus also did this with gifts in men.......

andif Israel was set aside until all the gentiles come in...what is the recieving of them back in but LIFE FROM THE DEAD.

   the ALTA[e]R in the temple[your body] is where we are 'CHANGED" inthe 'twinkling of an eye"

   LetterofAristeas ch 4;17  there are many openings for water at the base of the altar,which are invisible to all except those

engaged in the ministration,so that all the blood of the sacrifices which is collected in great quantities is washed away

  IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE

    :feint: :gwink: Wow, how interesting! Just like His own are changed at His return in the twinkling of an eye..

" Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

That's an example of:
37 Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'[e] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[f] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

It's about good works, about fruit of the spirit.
It's the opposite of what Jesus accused the Pharisees of, making all sorts of demand but never lifting a finger to help others. Their religion wasn't pure because it was based on pride, talking bad of others and making money.

The first verse only mentions widows and orphans, but I think we should read that to literal. I think it includes all less fortunate like the poor, the sick, etc

      :thumbsup: :iagree: ..and really, anyone not knowing Jesus is very much less fortunate.. I don't think it's necessarily organized visiting of prisons, etc.. Most of all an attitude towards our fellow person.. and especially the oppressed or ill, etc.. and to pray for them..whoever gives a drink of cold water to a follower of His.. So it seems to be an all inclusive thing.. Love our enemies, etc.. :cloud9:

[marie glen]

Good responses so far.

Next, would you identify yourself with religion? Would you call yourself religious? Religious with a specific definition of what you identify with? Or even Spiritual but not Religious?

Would you still call yourself a Christian, and identify yourself with the Church, with Christendom? Or, would you call it Great Babylon, and still call yourself one, but not identify with mainstream Christianity?

I call myself a Christian, but likely will at the same time shake my head a bit and say, but the churches have some BiG things wRong! I do think of some of the churches as being a part of Babylon the Great. Babble On&On to me - my nickname for it - is the whole fake world system / man's world built up atop God's creation - not that I'm an anarchist or anything :laughing7: I believe in peaceful living with the system (tho I wouldn't mind being 'off the grid' :gsmile: ) - The churches.. like contradicting God's word or laws as being true, or people hopping around howling at the moon or barking like dogs.. Yes, I would call all such and all fake belief as very much a part of Babylon the Great.. Babble being confusion. (And all untruth or error, imo, aka confusion?)

And I think I prefer religious to spiritual.. religious to me means devotion (not ritual or fake deeds, stuck up, mean not merciful, or foolish - None of that do I want to relate myself to!) But spiritual - to me, anyway, makes me think of self knowing and such, like I'm wise enough to be 'spiritual' - why I think that way? :dontknow: Especially as I don't think of it as applying like that to other folks because I fully realize and can relate to rejecting being lumped with the churches.. They're lumped together in my mind.. as I don't know that much about any of the denominations.. Though I do know some.. and it seems mostly to me that they all have some things wrong.. And the Lord will judge not the outward but the 'reins' - motives.. Though I think Truth is very important. We certainly can have discernment and not identify with folks obviously "wRoNg" but, I suppose there's different views on just what's wrong.. This post seems to be a bit babbley itself.. To the spiritual, I'm spiritual and to the religious, religious?
          Good questions!

[sheila]

HiMarie,the final act by the High Priest[portrayingJesus]is the confessing of all the people's sins upon Azazel's [scapegoat] head..

theLord's  lot goat..and Azazel's lot/ goat. that is what I was referring to.

[rosered]

And I think I prefer religious to spiritual.. religious to me means devotion (not ritual or fake deeds, stuck up, mean not merciful, or foolish - None of that do I want to relate myself to!) But spiritual - to me, anyway, makes me think of self knowing and such, like I'm wise enough to be 'spiritual' - why I think that way? :dontknow: Especially as I don't think of it as applying like that to other folks because I fully realize and can relate to rejecting being lumped with the churches.. They're lumped together in my mind.. as I don't know that much about any of the denominations.. Though I do know some.. and it seems mostly to me that they all have some things wrong.. And the Lord will judge not the outward but the 'reins' - motives.. Though I think Truth is very important. We certainly can have discernment and not identify with folks obviously "wRoNg" but, I suppose there's different views on just what's wrong.. This post seems to be a bit babbley itself.. To the spiritual, I'm spiritual and to the religious, religious?
          Good questions!

  I dont know Marie ,.....Jesus was extremely Spiritual and   many called Him wrong  as he walked the earth as a man  and said he was possessed   of the devil   , a blasphemer etc...   

He did not look or seem  appealing enough to hold  the  attention and interest of many that decided to fall away from that grace    being given to them   in the moment they were seeking it ..  I am certain  they caught His attention though  , maybe when He went off  by Himself to pray for them  to the Father   as stubborn and stiff necked folks to be  humbled in ways  to make them need help   in some way or the other . 
Pride of Life is a funny thing ,  Having found that when  judging  others it is usually    us in the wrong as much  as them ,, judge not unless you be judged and fail the test ,  everyone has  been there and done that .

  We have to be careful how we handle the Word of Life   for sure .    :dsunny:

[marie glen]

Amen, Sheila!

...until the whole lump was leavened.. God allowed both Israel and the christian churches  to be overcome[bindup all in disobedience,]in order toshow mercy unto all.that no flesh boast

"What advantage then has the Jew?... For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true (faithful) but every man a liar. As it is written:
'That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged'."
from Romans 3:1-4

          ["...And so all Israel will be saved" Ro 11:26]

But the Contemporary English Version, says verse 4 like this - "Your Words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case."

And isn't Israel like a microcosm of humanity?.. "Like sheep we have all wandered away.." been scattered.. and like sheep are we all gathered..

       [...And so all will be saved..]

And amen sister Rose!  :thumbsup: :cloud9:

[marie glen]

P.S - Or that is ..let all men be liars ad unfaithful it makes Him no less faithful.. Most commentary seems to think "'That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged'." or "Your Words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case." has to do with His being justified in judging (ppl to hell?) or when He is judged by man, of course He will be fully vindicated on all points of grief man may think they have with God.. but when I read it, it makes me think He will win His court case" on behalf of "all".. after all, all men (male n female) may be unfaithful, but never Him, He is faithful.. on behalf of "all" - Well, that's how it strikes me anyway.. Romans 3 whole chapter.
                :Peace2:

[marie glen]

HiMarie,the final act by the High Priest[portrayingJesus]is the confessing of all the people's sins upon Azazel's [scapegoat] head..

theLord's  lot goat..and Azazel's lot/ goat. that is what I was referring to.

Thank you, Sheila.. :gsmile: ..and amen, "all"... don't hear that preached! ..not much yet that is..

And I think I prefer religious to spiritual.. religious to me means devotion (not ritual or fake deeds, stuck up, mean not merciful, or foolish - None of that do I want to relate myself to!) But spiritual - to me, anyway, makes me think of self knowing and such, like I'm wise enough to be 'spiritual' - why I think that way? :dontknow: Especially as I don't think of it as applying like that to other folks because I fully realize and can relate to rejecting being lumped with the churches.. They're lumped together in my mind.. as I don't know that much about any of the denominations.. Though I do know some.. and it seems mostly to me that they all have some things wrong.. And the Lord will judge not the outward but the 'reins' - motives.. Though I think Truth is very important. We certainly can have discernment and not identify with folks obviously "wRoNg" but, I suppose there's different views on just what's wrong.. This post seems to be a bit babbley itself.. To the spiritual, I'm spiritual and to the religious, religious?
          Good questions!

  I dont know Marie ,.....Jesus was extremely Spiritual and   many called Him wrong  as he walked the earth as a man  and said he was possessed   of the devil   , a blasphemer etc...   

He did not look or seem  appealing enough to hold  the  attention and interest of many that decided to fall away from that grace    being given to them   in the moment they were seeking it ..  I am certain  they caught His attention though  , maybe when He went off  by Himself to pray for them  to the Father   as stubborn and stiff necked folks to be  humbled in ways  to make them need help   in some way or the other . 
Pride of Life is a funny thing ,  Having found that when  judging  others it is usually    us in the wrong as much  as them ,, judge not unless you be judged and fail the test ,  everyone has  been there and done that .

  We have to be careful how we handle the Word of Life   for sure .    :dsunny:

Amen Rose! :thumbsup: :friendstu:

[MusicLover123]

If James here talks about true religion, than why would you not call yourself religious/Christian?

Forgive me if you answered this already...

[Dandelion]

John 17:

20I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

22I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— 23I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.

24Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

25Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. 26And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them."

I believe that God wants us to be one body, in Christ.

How to accomplish that? I think it is important to take a small step and at least, BE THERE.

Where is there? I think there is where God's people are.....which is all of us.

We are to go out among one another, and show love and respect.....we need to laugh, work, pray, cry, sing, and be real with each other, together.

I believe Church needs us, and we need Church. I don't know what Jesus envisioned church to be, but I know that He told us that where two or more of us were gathered together, that He would be in our midst. So, go to gatherings, large and small....be where no one mentions God's name.....and be where they sing His praises......be where sin is obvious and not so obvious......be where people are hurting and need you......be where they don't think they need anyone......be where there is laughter and be where there is mourning.....where there is peace and where there is war.......be with one person or a million.....and bring Jesus with you. Leave your fears at home, and come and gather. The world will surely give you labels, but you just have to be you. Don't worry about the labels. I don't think God does.

Be that Lamp on the Hill....don't go under the bushel......shine for God's Glory!

And, maybe even have some fun while you are doing it. I usually do. And love with all your heart.

I like church....always have. I go to many different churches. I am enjoying that right now. I have my regulars, and ones I go to only once. And, I go other places, too. I even try to use facebook as a sort of ministry. Ask God to send you people and for you to find people who need you. You might find, as I do, that I needed them at least as much, as they needed me. And, don't look at what package they come in.....If you believe God sent them, take the time to see what is underneath the wrappings......you might find something in these people that you always needed or wanted, in someone. Maybe you didn't know it. They will most likely have many surprises for you. Don't look at your checklist.....you are not buying a horse.......you are unwrapping a gift from God. He knows what He is doing. Think of it as an adventure.             

Happy trails!

D.

[marie glen]

Pure and undefiled religion before the God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulation; to keep oneself unstained from the world. - Berean Literal Bible

Young's Literal Translation
religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation -- unspotted to keep himself from the world.

:Chinscratch: you have a god point.. I'm not completely happy with the word spiritual, as it reminds me of new age and highfalutin stuff that's more the wisdom of men than Gods word! But I think it depends on your background. I wasn't much involved with churches (Lord bless 'em) and so I don't have a bad impression of the word religious.

religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

[marie glen]

John 17:

20I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

22I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— 23I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.

24Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

25Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. 26And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them."

I believe that God wants us to be one body, in Christ.

How to accomplish that? I think it is important to take a small step and at least, BE THERE.

Where is there? I think there is where God's people are.....which is all of us.

We are to go out among one another, and show love and respect.....we need to laugh, work, pray, cry, sing, and be real with each other, together.

I believe Church needs us, and we need Church. I don't know what Jesus envisioned church to be, but I know that He told us that where two or more of us were gathered together, that He would be in our midst. So, go to gatherings, large and small....be where no one mentions God's name.....and be where they sing His praises......be where sin is obvious and not so obvious......be where people are hurting and need you......be where they don't think they need anyone......be where there is laughter and be where there is mourning.....where there is peace and where there is war.......be with one person or a million.....and bring Jesus with you. Leave your fears at home, and come and gather. The world will surely give you labels, but you just have to be you. Don't worry about the labels. I don't think God does.

Be that Lamp on the Hill....don't go under the bushel......shine for God's Glory!

And, maybe even have some fun while you are doing it. I usually do. And love with all your heart.

I like church....always have. I go to many different churches. I am enjoying that right now. I have my regulars, and ones I go to only once. And, I go other places, too. I even try to use facebook as a sort of ministry. Ask God to send you people and for you to find people who need you. You might find, as I do, that I needed them at least as much, as they needed me. And, don't look at what package they come in.....If you believe God sent them, take the time to see what is underneath the wrappings......you might something in these people that you always needed or wanted, in someone. Maybe you didn't know it. They will most likely have many surprises for you. Don't look at your checklist.....you are not buying a horse.......you are unwrapping a gift from God. He knows what He is doing. Think of it as an adventure.             

Happy trails!

D.

Amen! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[jugghead]

and speaking spiritually rather than literal only with orphans and widows I believe is:

orphan = children without parents - and is not God our heavenly Father and the new Jerusalem our heavenly mother
look after those without the Father (who is Love) = look after those without love ..... and new Jerusalem - kingdom ruled in Love

widows = those whose husband has died - did/does not the flesh die so we can be presented a pure spirit (virgin), given a new heart to renew the mind

In short - look after those who are without the Father and the Son - tell them they are not orphans/tell them they are not widows - renew their minds

exchange the old way of thinking for the new way of thinking = life for Life

my  :2c:

[MusicLover123]

and speaking spiritually rather than literal only with orphans and widows I believe is:

orphan = children without parents - and is not God our heavenly Father and the new Jerusalem our heavenly mother
look after those without the Father (who is Love) = look after those without love ..... and new Jerusalem - kingdom ruled in Love

widows = those whose husband has died - did/does not the flesh die so we can be presented a pure spirit (virgin), given a new heart to renew the mind

In short - look after those who are without the Father and the Son - tell them they are not orphans/tell them they are not widows - renew their minds

exchange the old way of thinking for the new way of thinking = life for Life

my  :2c:

Very good Jugghead!

I looked at the first line, and tried thinking of a meaning for the rest. Surprised how close I was to your answer for the most part. Although, I was thinking that widow = married to flesh but husband/flesh has died, so she needs a groom/Christ/Life now.

[jugghead]

and speaking spiritually rather than literal only with orphans and widows I believe is:

orphan = children without parents - and is not God our heavenly Father and the new Jerusalem our heavenly mother
look after those without the Father (who is Love) = look after those without love ..... and new Jerusalem - kingdom ruled in Love

widows = those whose husband has died - did/does not the flesh die so we can be presented a pure spirit (virgin), given a new heart to renew the mind

In short - look after those who are without the Father and the Son - tell them they are not orphans/tell them they are not widows - renew their minds

exchange the old way of thinking for the new way of thinking = life for Life

my  :2c:

Very good Jugghead!

I looked at the first line, and tried thinking of a meaning for the rest. Surprised how close I was to your answer for the most part. Although, I was thinking that widow = married to flesh but husband/flesh has died, so she needs a groom/Christ/Life now.

Better wording makes it clearer, that is what was on my mind and what I meant ..... just didn't make it clear enough ... your wording is much clearer

Good going ML

[MusicLover123]

Quick update: I think I figured it out!

Thanks to bad translations, Correctly in the CLV, religion here should actually be ritual. Makes sense considering we are both to be a pattern, have a Spirit of remembrance and remember the things that He tells us, and the pattern of Heavenly things foreshadowed in earthly things.

Was going to update it a while ago, but forgot about it. Or too lazy.

[jugghead]

Quick update: I think I figured it out!

Thanks to bad translations, Correctly in the CLV, religion here should actually be ritual. Makes sense considering we are both to be a pattern, have a Spirit of remembrance and remember the things that He tells us, and the pattern of Heavenly things foreshadowed in earthly things.

Was going to update it a while ago, but forgot about it. Or too lazy.

In which, it can also be viewed as: .... "a ritual" is just a seed that grows into a lifestyle, a one time planting to grow into a tree that constantly bears fruit

Pure religion = pure lifestyle

IMO .... it is not just understanding it as ... a ritual "in" your life (a seed) .... it is also understanding it as ... your life "IS" the ritual (a mature tree)

my  :2c: