Have It Your Way!

 



 Introduction

You may recall the slogan, “Have it your way”, that made Burger King well-known in the fast-food industry. Going all the way back to 1974, they promoted a new service for their customers for them to enjoy a burger the way they wanted it, not the way the company made it.

Unfortunately, in the religious world, it’s the exact same concept. People can actually go ‘church shopping’ to get religion their way. By-the-way, this isn’t God’s way but that doesn’t stop people, or churches, from doing it their way.

 

They Love it So!

Going back to the Old Testament, during Jeremiah’s time, the children of Israel were going after foreign gods; worship the idols of the countries ‘round about them.

The prophet writes, “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” (Jeremiah 5:30-31)

In Jer. 25:11, the prophet states that they would serve the Babylonian King (carried away in captivity) for seventy years. However, this is countered three chapters later, And it happened in the same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, who was from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, "Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying: 'I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 'Within two full years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD'S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. (Jeremiah 28:1-3)

Hananiah assured them that, as long as people lived in Judah, the return would be in no time at all. Who would the people believe? The one who told them 70 years or the one who told them 2 years? Naturally, the latter. Even Jeremiah was hoping that it would come to pass (verse 6), however, he knew that this was not fact. I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t love the idea of 2 over 70?

But Jeremiah was speaking directly on behalf of God the Father; his prophecy would stand as given. In the end, Hananiah died for his false prophecy.

 

The Smorgasbord of Religion

With all of the different denominations out there, and the different stances on certain beliefs, it wouldn’t take too long to find a place for you to attend to get what you want out of religion.

Do you want a traditional service? Contemporary service? A Capella singing? Organ-accompanied? Praise band? Do you want a Hellfire and Brimstone preacher? A Motivational Speaker? Or simply a religious cheerleader?

There is something for everyone out there! Yet, none of it will get you close to God than the simple preaching and teaching of the gospel itself.

 

The Church of God’s Choice

All too often, when a TV preacher offers the invitation (with the saying of the Sinner’s Prayer), they will then tell you to attend the church of your choice. But is it the church of God’s choice?

The scriptures clearly state what is God’s church! Jesus said, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Paul confirms this, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Paul even identifies the name of God’s church, Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you (Romans 16:16).

 

Conclusion

Jesus said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, “‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Matthew 15:8-9)

Instead of having religion your way, have it God’s way as it is the right way. For more information on God’s church, check out these articles…

What is The Church?

The Name of The Church

I will Build My Church

God's Idea of Worship



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