RELIGION OR THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Last Wednesday I spoke to the Eagle Heights Youth about religion. In John chapter 3, the popular Pharisee Nicodemus came to Jesus in the night. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and one of the head Pharisee's at that. In order to be a Pharisee, Nicodemus would have memorized the first four books of the bible word for word. He also would have been required to keep the Sabbath, fast two times a week, pray every day, tithe ten percent of his income and God knows what else. But, when Nicodemus came to Jesus, Jesus saw through all of the religion that Nicodemus had and told him that he must be born again. In the last days, Jesus tells us in Matthew Chapter 7:22 that many people will come to him saying, "Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name did we not cast out demons and perform many miracles?" Then Jesus tells us that he will respond by saying, "In never knew you, go away from me you evildoers!" In effect, in those last days, many of us will come to Jesus with our religion saying things like, I was baptized, I always tithed ten percent of my income, I did good things in your name Jesus. But, unfortunately, these things will not get us into heaven and Jesus will say, get away from me I never knew you. Why? Because you never gave your heart to Jesus. Jesus appreciates all the good things that we do, but above all, he wants our hearts and our lives. Maybe right now, if you want, you could give your heart and life to Jesus. If you did, may God Bless You. Please comment and tell me what you think.