Daily Devotional
Are You Duped by Religion?
“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20:15
January 6, 2023
Ponder This
In Revelation, a surprising group standing under the judgment includes those who have been duped by religion. These are church members. They have religion, but they don’t have Jesus Christ. They have been baptized. They may have been members of a Bible-preaching, Bible-believing church. The devil would just as soon send you to Hell from that pew as he would the gutter; it makes no difference to him. There are many people who get their names on the church roll but never have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I believe in the church, but the church is not the way to Heaven; the church is a sign that points to Heaven.
One day I planned to go to Forrest City, Arkansas, for a meeting. Suppose you came out on Interstate 40 and saw me sitting on a sign that said Forrest City. You would come to me and ask, “Pastor, what are you doing?” I would tell you, “I’m going to Forrest City. Don’t you see the sign that says, ‘This way to Forrest City’? I’m sitting on this sign, and I’m on my way to Forrest City.” You’d say, “No, Pastor, you don’t get there by sitting on a sign. The sign points you to the way. The sign is not the way.” The church points you to the way; it is not the way, my friend. The church is only a signpost saying, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- What is the difference between putting your faith in a church and putting your faith in Christ?
- When did you choose to follow Jesus? How did that change your life or your plans for yourself?
Practice This
Think of times God has affected your life outside of your church experience. How can you share those experiences with someone else?
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
