We as a class have been learning about the spirit of religion and how cruel this spirit is affecting the body of Christ.
What is the spirit of religion?
First, this is a demonic system (a system is a mechanism that is put in place to effect how we think.) This religious system is sterile, does not produce and ineffective. For example, when someone can speak the right words or even pray but there is no action, no forward motion. This is where the resistance from that system comes in which is taking action. Lets look at it in a natural level. A medical student who is studying to be a doctor cannot be doctor until they take actions to do so. They are inside of the operating room, speaking to the doctors who have mastered the craft in the area they want to be in. This is all actions and forward motion.

To add on to what Beau said about prayer, we have to understand that prayer is purposeful. It should not be done as a religious act that yields no result, but rather to get an answer from God. We pray because God has said something but we don't yet have it. Whether it be a breakthrough financially, strategy on how to get a task done, revelation, etc. If you have not received an answer yet, you're not done praying!

As we have been discussing community on this chat, I wanted to add something that has been taught from our course on the Kingdom about us as the Body of Christ, the believers.

Jesus prayed in John 17, saying, "I do not pray for these [the apostles] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me (v.20-21)." Jesus was praying for the community of believers that we should be ONE. Jesus is one with the Father and so are we. Through this prayer, we see that oneness looks like relationship. He prays the Church to be have one mind, one purpose, and one voice.

Without prayer, there is no dialogue with God. Without dialogue, there is no relationship. Without relationship, there is no oneness. Our need is to stay connected with the Lord and with His Body.

Many people struggle to discover their purpose. During a discussion we had recently, it was made clear that our purpose is to fulfill His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

In class on Monday we came to the understanding that the word 'thought' translates to the word 'purpose.' God's plan and purpose are the same thing. The will of God is His purpose for your life and that does not ever change, however, in today's culture, plans can and do change. Thankfully, similar to there being more than one way to arrive at a destination when using a GPS, there is more than one way to fulfill His purpose. Staying in community with like-minded believers and continuing to strengthen our relationship with Him will allow us to fall perfectly into place.

We have been taught that there are two types of "religion."

There is one that God accepts as "pure and faultless..." which is to " look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)."

The other is a system that is based out of rules, regulations, and man-made traditions that deny the power of God.

As Renee previously mentioned, there is a trust we must have in Him as well as an obedience as we hear His voice. We know that God never intends to harm His children and that His commands are holy, righteous, and are given to us to fulfill His will in the earth. The Lord Jesus said if we loved Him that we would keep His commands, and if we keep His commands that we would remain in His love. His Word enables us, empowers us, and grows us spiritually when obeyed.

Religion says "in order for God to be happy with you, one must obey OUR rules."

Relationship says "precious child, my love for you is unconditional and everlasting. Obey ME and I will take care of the rest."

Over the past few weeks, there has been an emphasis on loving God. What does that entail? Similar to a natural relationship, time is purposefully set aside for conversation and activities. Both parties are heavily involved in each other's lives and with strong trust comes support, encouragement and growth. When we truly love God, spending time with Him becomes effortless and absolutely necessary. We make Him #1 in our hearts and need Him to be involved in every aspect of our lives. God calls us to trust and be obedient to Him. Doing this releases the ability and permission to do what the Lord said. His word gives us support. His word empowers us to grow and accomplish all that He has set before us.

Without this what do you have? A rule book titled "religion" that decides how to receive and/or develop a relationship with God that is void of any real love. God wants you. Not your religion.