After years of trying to convince his own people that Jesus is the One they’ve been waiting for, and after being repeatedly yelled-at, beat-up, rioted-against, and run out of town, Paul finally snaps.v6
He leaves the synagogue.
And moves next door.v7
And those more captivated by resurrection than religion follow. Even those who have a lot to lose.v8 Because, ultimately, religion cannot bring new life. But resurrection can.
Religion is good when it supports life, when it reminds us of what’s true, when it keeps us focused, when it serves the new life God wants to continually bring.
Religion is bad when it becomes fixed, rigid, thick-walled, defensive, cold-hearted, when it forgets the passion that birthed it in the first place, when it becomes the master of truth instead of its servant.
When religion no longer has room for resurrection, we must lay it down. If there’s no room for life in our religious habits or traditions, we must find a place where the windows are not bolted shut and the light of life shines in.
Religion must always serve Resurrection.
1 comment:
Just listened to the podcast and now read your summary. Was out of town last Sunday.
I like what you are saying about Christmas again this year. I am SO about bringing Christ and the meaning of what he represents BACK into Christmas! Last year I withheld certain allotted funds for many kiddo presents and gave to the Compassion Group. I felt a tremendous joy in doing what was right for our world, instead of the frivolous "stuff" given each year and then tossed. Thank you Nate for reintroducing this message to our community. I hope many apply this to CHRISTmas this year. Blessings to you. Jean
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