The Cross & EasterSample

“A Heart Connected to God” In New Testament Biblical culture, circumcision was the external symbol of religious commitment and involvement. In fact, there was a specific group of people who would follow the Apostle Paul around wherever he went, and whenever he would start a church they would try and interfere with the belief structure of the church. This group of people was known as the “Judaizers.” The term “Judaizers” comes from the original Greek verb ioudaïzō which means “live according to Jewish customs.” The Judaizers were a group of people who were still attached to the religious rules of the Old Testament. Because of this, they would try and get the new Christians to conform to external religious observances which were symbolized by the chief symbol known as circumcision. The Judaizers were trying to subvert the message of the cross. They didn’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yet whenever religious activity, however sincere, trumps relationship, the power of Jesus Christ is no longer experienced in the believer’s life. One of the greatest dangers in our churches today is for religion to replace an intimate relationship with the Savior. By religion, I am referencing the external adherence to exercises, codes or standards in the name of God yet apart from God. Religion is anything you do for God that does not stem out of a heart connected to God. Prayer: Lord, it is easy to get caught up in the ritual of religion and neglect the nurturing of the relationship I have with You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please remind me when I am pulling away into routine. Help me to make time each day to abide in Christ, and to make prayer a natural part of communicating with You. In Christ’s name, amen. Seek Him, Serve Others When Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha was busy in the kitchen serving others – Jesus reminded the sisters that Mary had chosen “the better thing.” As you go about your day, try to recognize at what level you are serving others versus spending time with Christ. In order to serve others well, honor Christ first in your heart, mind, thoughts and especially with your time.