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Today is Monday October 12, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Matthew, please read chapters 27-28 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-12

Today's Message: The Politics of Religion
There has always been a battle between religion and politics, but many people do not realize that even religion plays a big part of politics.

The religious leaders did not have the authority to put anyone to death, of only the political government had the right to put anyone to death, and then only under certain requirements. However, they had much influence on the people. So, they brought Him over to Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman Governor at Jerusalem. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” - Matthew 27:1,2. These men under the leadership of the chief priests and elders of the people, are now delivering Jesus to the governmental body that has the right to put one to death. Jesus was the same person that they had sat under for teaching a few days prior, and now they are telling themselves the He must be bound. These hypocrites, these actors, are playing the part, as they carry out their role of religious leader in order to protect the traditions of men. “And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” -Matthew 27:11-14. Jesus did not claim that He was, the King of Jews, for at this time He was not the King of the Jews. Jesus said, you said that I claimed to be. Jesus in fact was the King of Israel, all twelve tribes, not just the two, Judah and Benjamin, with very few of the Levite's remaining, which made up of the House of Judah. Jesus knew that the time of crucifixion had arrived, so He uttered not a word. Why? Because Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb that would be slain, on this day, and this hour, to bring in the dispensation of grace that would be offered to all men, of every race.

It was a feast day and on this day the Roman governor would pardon a prisoner, one that the people wanted released. He brought out a ruthless prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate just knew that the people would accept Christ, over Barabbas because he was a murderer of the worst degree, but instead the people cried out Barabbas. “Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” - Matthew 27:15-20. Notice how the crowd sides with the religious leaders, Pilate knew that the only reason that the religious leaders delivered Jesus to be killed was their jealousy over their religious factions. It was the guarding of territorial rights, they had built up their traditions, and nothing would stop them, not even the Christ. They were proud of the false religious traditions that they lived by and were not about to have anyone, including Jesus prove them to be liars.

Pilate was the Roman Governor, who had seen this man Jesus, He made people happy, and healed them. This just did not make sense to him, to let a murderer go free, and kill such a good man. No logical man, even a heathen wants to destroy the life of an innocent man. “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” - Matthew 27:22-24. Pilate looked out over that mad mob, with the religious leaders working them over, and they were getting to the point of rioting. Pilate seeing the madness that was taking place, wanted nothing to do with what was happening, and in public, washed his hands before the mob. To end the conflict, Pilate turned Jesus over to the mob, which lead to His crucifixion. The sad thing here is that there is proof that the government has no authority over the people. No matter how wrong a bill, statute, or law is, the people rule and always get the majority to side with them, causing the leaders to agree. What is the use of being a president, governor, or even pastor of a church when they are persuaded to go against what is right in order to keep the mob happy?

It takes a very strong leader to take a stand for the Truth and not let the majority control the outcome. This is why there are so many churches falling away from the Truth and into the deceitfulness of the traditions of men. Many people misunderstand that being a Christian has nothing to do with religion, in fact the word religion has nothing to do with the God or Jesus. The word religion is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Does that sound complicated or what? It is just a long way of saying that religion is a bunch of rules and regulations set by men. In other words, religion has nothing to do with God or Jesus, it's people following traditions of men, not God, but men.

It is time to take a stand for the Truth and stopping worrying about what everyone else is going to do. Yes, Jesus did die that day, but He prevailed and three days later resurrected up out of that tomb and is alive today, proving that one can stand by the truth and live to tell about it. “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.........And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” - Matthew 28:2,8-10. We do not have to side with the traditions of men, we are children of the Living God and will overcome every bit of suffering we endure by holding on the God's Truths and not mans.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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