Sermon On the Net

RELIGION VS CHRISTIANTY

 

Mark 2: When Jesus returned to Capernaum He was at home preaching and some men brought a paralytic for healing. As there was no room they climbed on the roof and dug a hole in it to lower the man so Jesus could see him. Verse 8: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son your sins are forgiven.”” He forgave the man’s sins and the Pharisees accused Him of blasphemy because they said that only God could forgive sins. He challenged them and then told the man to get up and he was healed. They were amazed but in all probability didn’t believe who He was.

 

As Jesus was walking by the seashore He came upon Levi and told him to follow Him, which he did, again as did the others without question. Later He was eating in the home of Levi and was criticized by rulers because He was eating with sinners. Jesus told them that He did not come to heal the healthy, but the sick and those in need. Verse 17: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor; but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 

Jesus compared the old religious ways and the new ways. He explained to them that their traditional ways had placed a heavy, almost unbearable burden on the people with regard to the Sabbath. He told them that the Sabbath was made for the convenience of man and not the other way around. I must interject at this point the value of knowing the facts and the truth; this is Jesus stating the reason for the Sabbath, not man. Verse 27: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” This is why I am always trying to induce people to read the Bible and discover the truth for themselves. Remember when Jesus said the truth would set you free? The Sabbath is a time that one can rest and be rejuvenated both spiritually and physically.

 

Jesus points out quite emphatically that man made rules and tradition place heavy burdens on people and actually have no influence on them in regards to salvation. Jesus tried to convince them that He came to save those who would believe in Him. However, their hearts were so hardened and weighted down with tradition that they refused to recognize that He was their Messiah. I have always said that religion is an unnecessary burden and will not help anyone find Jesus. It is their own personal conviction and acceptance, in faith, that will save them. Do you believe in Jesus? Do you accept His sacrifice? Do you want to spend eternity with Him? You can because He made the way. Pray to Him, tell Him you are a sinner and that you believe that He came to earth to save mankind, that He sacrificed Himself on the cross for anyone who believes and you, too, will be saved to spend eternity with Him. I pray that you will do so.