Good morning! How are we faithing? I'm concerned for the people I run into who are so turned off by "religion" that they can't and wont hear or see the truth in Messiah, Jesus. History bears all the things told about Jesus and yet they still can't let the message come in because of religious damage. You know what? I understand. Here's the difference. I know what Jesus has done for me in my life.  I also have seen what religion has done to people. That is why the only way is the Word and any religion that deviates from the Word into a tradition or a ceremony that takes the glory and the focus off Jesus and unto "good works" will become domineering and controlling. When the focus moves to those arenas the message is lost. Salvation to heaven is by grace. The price for yours and my screw ups has already been paid. You owe nothing but to accept or not. That my friends is our free choice that is talked about. Accept and be saved from separation from God or refuse and get the opposite. Simple really, the hard part comes when the wisdom of God flies in the face of the world and the guy in charge of it. Our spirit man is dead to the things of God until it is revived by Jesus and that happens when we accept who Jesus is. All the churches and religions are just clubs without the grace and the blood shed by Jesus for us. I am reminded of a part of the Airplane! movie where the "church of lunar conciseness"  is soliciting in the airport. Funny in the movie but unfortunately a perfect representation of what church is without Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
NAS
 
Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your love that saved us. Thank you for being a God who is ever present. Forgive us Lord for being religious and not loving examples of your grace and beauty. Open the eyes of the hearts of those who do not know you but are searching. Help us live upright without ego but with humble wisdom to reach out to those who need you. Grant us the resources to help others where needed. Heal, bless, comfort your servants and those who would find you, in Jesus name, amen