Religiosity
Religiosity, while not a term explicitly found in the Bible, generally refers to the intensity of religious belief or practice. In the biblical context, it encompasses the outward expressions of faith, adherence to rituals, and the observance of laws and commandments as seen in various passages. For instance, in James 1:26-27, true religiosity is defined as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained from the world, indicating that authentic religious expression transcends mere ceremonial observance and is instead rooted in ethical behavior and compassion.Moreover, the Bible often critiques superficial religiosity. In Isaiah 1:13-17, God expresses disdain for empty rituals devoid of genuine moral action, demanding instead justice and care for the oppressed. Similarly, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27-28 for their outward displays of piety that masked inner hypocrisy. These examples illustrate that while religiosity can denote fervent belief, the biblical narrative emphasizes that true faith must be accompanied by righteous action and heartfelt devotion, aligning with the essence of God’s commandments.
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Religiosity or Spirituality #2 - the Two Streams
By Zac Poonen2.6K55:14MAT 6:33JHN 16:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that simply fasting, praying, and attending religious meetings does not guarantee salvation. He uses the story of the prodigal son to illustrate the difference between a worldly listener and a religious sinner. The preacher highlights that it is not how a person starts their life that determines their final result, but rather how they finish. He also warns against religiosity, explaining that being religious does not necessarily mean being spiritual, as seen in the example of the Pharisees in Jesus' time.
Religiosity or Spirituality #1 - Hungering for More of God
By Zac Poonen3.8K47:13MAT 6:33ROM 6:14GAL 3:13HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that many believers are not living up to their full potential in their Christian walk because they are satisfied with mediocrity. He compares this to a student who settles for just passing an exam with the minimum required score. The speaker encourages listeners to have a mindset of striving for excellence in their spiritual lives, just as they would in material and physical matters. He highlights the story of Jacob in the Old Testament as an example of someone who persisted in seeking God's blessing and received it. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to pause and listen to what God is saying to them, so that their lives can become a blessing to others.
Religiosity or Spirituality - God-Centred Not Man-Centred
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:21MAT 6:33PHP 2:51TI 4:121TI 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in the things of God and not being distracted by the devil or the world. He uses the example of sports enthusiasts who are completely focused on watching a game to illustrate this point. The speaker also highlights the need for our spiritual progress to be evident to others, just like Timothy's progress was visible to the people in his church. He then explores the concept of having the attitude of Christ in various aspects of our lives, such as how we view others, material things, and difficult circumstances. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the difference between being saved and being forgiven, emphasizing that Jesus came to save us from sin rather than to make us prosperous.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Choosing the Profitable
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:00:47DEU 28:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the blessings and consequences of obedience to God's commandments. The first 14 verses of the chapter emphasize that if the Israelites keep God's commandments, they will be blessed with prosperity, health, and success in their work and family life. However, the remaining 54 verses highlight the punishment that awaits those who do not obey God, including sickness, poverty, and suffering for themselves and their children. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for God's work and growing spiritually, rather than remaining like spiritual babies.
Where Have You Taken Jesus?
By Carter Conlon2.0K58:50PSA 12:1ISA 60:1EZK 6:14JHN 20:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of being in a religious environment that is disconnected from the true heart of God. They emphasize the importance of being touched by the life of Jesus Christ and the dissatisfaction that comes from seeking fulfillment in man-made ideas and theories about building God's kingdom. The speaker encourages listeners to cry out to God and believe that He will reveal Himself again. They draw parallels to the story of Mary at the sepulcher and highlight the power of God's plan that cannot be stopped. The sermon concludes with a vivid description of the darkness surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus and the ultimate victory that God has in store.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Listening to the Spirit
By Zac Poonen3.4K56:21ISA 30:21MAT 6:33LUK 5:16LUK 10:38JHN 17:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the specific work that God has given us. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting how Jesus obediently completed the tasks assigned to him, including spending thirty years making stools and benches and preaching for three and a half years. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of spending time alone with God, drawing attention to Jesus' habit of going into the wilderness to pray early in the morning. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging listeners to prioritize hearing from God and being obedient to His word, even if it means sacrificing certain things or potentially offending others.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Life and Laws
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:00:36GEN 3:24MRK 7:32CO 4:10GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between religious and spiritual people. He uses the analogy of a pig on a leash to illustrate how religious people rely on rules and regulations (symbolized by the ten commandments) to keep themselves clean. However, in the New Covenant, God seeks to put His nature within believers, symbolized by the tree of life, so that they can naturally avoid sin and do what is right. The speaker emphasizes that true spirituality is not about following external rules, but about having a transformed heart that loves righteousness and hates sin.