Form of Godliness

 2 Tim 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Being religious is a good thing. It implies that you have traditions and rituals that are important to you.There are many religions in the world that have a point of view about God, and who He is. Christianity also is a religion that people down through the centuries have made it their tenant of faith. The problem with just having religion is that it can become just a form of godliness. Like the Pharisee, Jesus said, “ …ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Mat. 23:27). Paul writes to Timothy to warn him about people who are calling themselves followers of Jesus, yet live lives that are unholy and corrupt. He gives a big list of things that they are doing that are not consistent with holy living. He says, they resist the truth and have become reprobate concerning the faith. Men who once knew the Way have turned to their selfish desires and have made mockery of the faith. They worship, and may even name the Name of Jesus, but their hearts are far from him. The warning is given to us, to always worship God in Spirit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit living in our lives that turns religion into a relationship. The song writer pens, “The power, the power, gives victory over sin, the purity within…”

The Mercy of the Lord

Gen. 19:16 :And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife and upon the hand of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful unto him; and they brought him forth and set him outside the city.“-

 The mercy of the Lord is beyond understanding. Even in our resistance and lingering, God continues to provide ways of escape from our lot. Our pride is self destructive, it does not realize the danger that sin can cause. When God’s laws have been violated, there are consequences. The sin(s) of Sodom and Gomorrah reached a place where the conscientiousness of God’s truth had been seared. Lot’s family had become accustom to sin and did not see or believe that God would destroy the city. Even though they did not participate in the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, they became complacent. But, God in His mercy sent His angels to rescue lot’s family. The people who lived in this wicked city had harden themselves to God’s truth and call evil good and good evil. They had become reprobates to God’s truth, twisting what God said to fulfill the lust of their own flesh. That is the day in which we live. We cannot afford to become immune to the life style of sin. We need the mercy and grace of the Lord to keep us spotless in this present world. The day will come when God will judge this world, we must listen to the voice of God when He calls. Be ready to flee into His presence.