Avoiding Religious Nonsense
Avoiding Religious Nonsense
This little treatise is especially written for younger disciples of Jesus--but it is also relevant for all Christians who wish to ascend to the highest glories they can attain to in the Messiah in this life.
As we embark on the New Year, it would be a good time to be reminded that our best friends are those who love Christ, His church, and His gospel; and that our worst enemies are those who would rob us of Christ, His church, and His gospel. In this vein, it is my contention (and experience) that the most nefarious thieves are "religious" ones; and so I would like to suggest to you some safeguards. Keep in mind that all of these "guiderails" presuppose a living faith in the Redeemer, and a true and sincere love for Him. Here is my list. . . .
First of all, avoid all forms of self-righteousness. Our greatest foes are within; and all those voices and forces that speak "well" of us, in anyway separated from Jesus, are liars.
Secondly, beware of all religious asceticism. This is a tricky enemy. It comes to us in the garb of "super-righteousness," but it is none other than Satan's religion. If you wish, for prudence sake, to deprive yourself of some good creation of God, do so with caution. Be sure you are doing it to enhance your love for Christ.
Next, watch out for any form of "personality cult." Do not be so enamored with any fallen sinner, that you lose your perspective. He or she--just like you yourself--is nothing outside of Jesus Christ. Follow good church examples, to be sure--but do so with the knowledge that all of us have "feet of clay."
Next, avoid any and all forms of religious "provincialism." By this, I mean any practice that cannot be "universalized" in the Christian church at any time or any place. Practitioners of any religious activity that excludes other churched covenanted Christians are abominable to God; (and they should be to us, as well).
Along this same line, (as the previous paragraph), beware of cultural idolatry. By nature, we are all always prone to think too well of our own ways, people group, and practices. Remember that the church is made up of people from *every* culture, race, color, and ethnicity--and that all of us need each other.
The best safeguards for Christians are found in the most faithful churches, as their ministers proclaim the unbounded and glorious gospel of Jesus--being completely committed to the Holy Scriptures. Though your church will not be "perfect" in every way, recognize that there is no hope for anyone who seeks to do the Christian life on one's own.
Faith, love, humility, and security being formed in us by the Holy Spirit, will keep us cemented to Jesus; and will assure that we make progress in our most holy faith.
May the Lord bless you in the New Year; and may you know the unspeakable grace and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! In this spirit, let us end with these words of our Savior, from Jn. 4:14, which say this: " . . . but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life," (ESV).
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #58
30 December 2025
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