RELIGIOSITY VERSUS GODLINESS

 *01/01/2025*


*2025 NEW YEAR SERVICE*


TOPIC:

*RELIGIOSITY VERSUS GODLINESS*


*"Religion shows the way to God, but Godliness takes you to the God of the way"*

Pastor John Ifesanya 


Text:

Deuteronomy 30:6

Jeremiah 24:7; 31:31-34


Religion is the belief in the existence of God and activities that are connected with the worship of God.

Godliness is to be like God or a god in some quality; it can also be defined as living a moral life based on religious principles.

Religion brought the knowledge of the law of sin and death, whereas Godliness is receiving the grace in fulfillment of the law of Moses.


This homily follows up from the previous homily titled, *"How many churches are enough"*.

The growth and expansion of the Church without corresponding positive spiritual and moral effect on the society, has caused many to question the authenticity of the gospel. Why would the most religious state still be ranked among the most corrupt?

What an irony.

But the real irony is how people would confess their sins and vow not to commit sin, without living a surrendered life to our Lord Jesus Christ? When we do this we not only breed a corrupt society, but nail our Lord Jesus Christ to the cross the second time.


Do you admire the record of the stories of Moses, Samson, Elijah and others in the Bible?

They are real godly people like you and l according to James 5:17.

The strength of godliness is moral discipline, faith and obedience to God.


*©2008,2025*

*Ecumenican Church Nigeria ®*

Instagram: *@ecumenicanchurch*

WhatsApp/Telegram:

*+2348052366039*

Email: *johnifesanya@gmail.com*

*www.johnifesanya.blogspot.com*

*#ECN Ibadan #*

Powered by *JDIS*

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

the Lord is one

 *09/04/2025* *40 DAYS FASTING AND PRAYERS* *MID WEEK SERVICE* THEME: *THE NATURE OF GOD* (Hebrew pl.'elohim) Text: Genesis 1:1,26 Deuteronomy 7:9 Isaiah 45:18 TOPIC: *UNIQUENESS AND ONENESS OF GOD*  - the Lord is one  Deuteronomy 4:35 Mark 12:29 Yahweh distinguished himself from the other deities of the period by his specific revelation of himself according to Deuteronomy 4:33,35, through his actions in leading them out of Egypt and to the promised land according to Deuteronomy 4:34,37-38 and by speaking to them directly in Deuteronomy 4:33,36 when he gave them the law. Moses emphasizes the theme that *the living God is the only one there is* Deuteronomy 4:39; 5:7; 6:4; 32:39 The *Hear, O Israel* verse of Deuteronomy 6:4 is commonly called the Shema ( from a Hebrew word meaning " to hear") and is repeated by Jews the world over as expressing the essence of their faith in God. *©2025* *Ecumenican Church Nigeria ®* Instagram: *@ecumenicanchurch* WhatsApp/Telegram: *+234805...
Read more

Pray for spiritual leading and protection for all under your care

 *22/09/2024* *FOURTH SUNDAY SERVICE* TOPIC: *PRAYER* Text: Matthew 6: 9-13 OUTLINE OF A PRAYER GIVEN BY JESUS  7. Pray for spiritual leading and protection for all under your care. Matthew 6:13 We commit our futures to God when we ask for guidance away from temptation and the devices of the evil one. God does not tempt anyone, but Satan tempts as in order to cause the downfall of the followers of Christ. Put on full Armour of God. Ephesians 6: 10-20 *©2024* *Ecumenican Church Nigeria ®* Instagram: *@ecumenicanchurch* WhatsApp/Telegram: *+2348052366039* Email: *johnifesanya@gmail.com* *www.johnifesanya.blogspot.com* *#ECN Ibadan #* Powered by *JDIS*
Read more

"Let US make man in OUR image"

 *02/02/2025* *THANKSGIVING SERVICE* THEME: *THE NATURE OF GOD* (Hebrew pl.'elohim) Text: Genesis 1:1,26 Deuteronomy 7:9 Isaiah 45:18 TOPIC: *FORM OF GOD* - All three are in Unity     *"Let US make man in OUR image". Genesis 1:26 *Let Us make* emphasizes the majesty of the speaker. Furthermore, the use of a plural for God allows for the later revelation of the Trinity. Genesis 11:7 Matthew 28:19 The *Us* cannot refer to the angels that are present with God because man is made in the image of God alone, not also that of the angels. *in Our image*: What is the image of God in man? The traditional view is that God's image is certain moral, ethical and intellectual abilities. A more recent view, based on Hebrew grammar and the knowledge of the ancient Middle East, interprets the phrase as meaning "Let us make man as our image" (the Hebrew preposition in this phrase can be translated as). In ancient times an emperor might command statues of himself to be placed i...
Read more