Resources/Articles
I Need Religion
Paul had an opportunity to speak to Felix the governor. Acts 24:25 says he reasoned with Felix about “righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come”. Felix responded with these words: “Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me” (v. 25). His attitude here, and his desire later to gain favor with the Jews (v. 27) by leaving Paul in prison, indicates Felix had no need for religion.
Felix’s attitude is one shared by hundreds, possibly thousands. There is a way that seemeth right unto them, but religion is not part of that way. They feel no need for a system of beliefs to instruct them toward a particular behavior and lifestyle.
I must apparently be different. Religion is a need in my life. It is not so much religion as it is a need for Jesus and the righteousness through Him. It is my understanding that Jesus is the one who died for me and the one whom I must allow to convert my life rather than a system of beliefs promoted by a particular religious body. When I am converted to Jesus, then His way of righteousness will mold me into the person I need to be. Here are some reasons why I need Jesus:
1) Sin is Real. Sin is a wall between God and man. Man has built that wall because he decided to live his life in a way he feels best. At some point everyone has made this decision (Isaiah 59:1,2; Romans 3:23). Because of that decision, we are guilty and lost. Sin brings one to a low stage in life. Until a person comes to grips with sin in his life and appreciates the blessings found in Jesus Christ, he will never feel a need for religion. If I do realize my sin, I will also understand...
2) I Cannot Save Myself. Salvation of the soul is not in man (Jeremiah 10:23). Romans 1:16 says the power is in the gospel to save, not in me. No one can devise a successful plan to bring about peace with God. Without Jesus and the gospel, there is no heaven for me. Therefore, I must realize…
3) I Need a Savior. Philippians 2:6 mentions what Jesus left in heaven with God to be born in this world, to live like man, and to die for all mankind. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so we might have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus can bring you and me into fellowship with God. If you are interested in Jesus, take heed to His words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
Whose favor do you value most? Your own, others’, or God’s? Be honest. “Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (Acts 2:40). Feel the need for Jesus and His righteousness. Learn from Him the benefits of self-control. Be prepared for the judgment to come.
