'Too Much Religion!'
The subject of this article may be misinterpreted by some due to the title. The first thought that likely comes to the reader's mind is that it is to be a negative article. Indeed, it could be if dealt with in a different context than that which I want to present it. There is certainly a lot of what is meant to be 'for God' which is actually far from being so. But in the Word of God there are four particular instances where 'too much religion' was actually a good thing! Let me explain. (Note: space limitations of this article will require that the reader look to the Scriptures for the entire texts referred to).

I. 'Too much sacrifice' (giving) - Exodus 35:4-36:7. Here we have the account of the offering for the tabernacle being collected. We find that Moses addressed the people of God and said God had commanded that an offering be taken up for His tabernacle (verses 4&5). Those who had a 'willing heart' were to give. Verse 21 tells us that those who had been 'stirred in their heart,' and who had a 'willing spirit,' brought offerings to outfit the house of God. There is a lengthy description of what was given which runs through to Chapter 36, where we find in verses 5-7, that God had to command Moses to tell the people to stop giving. The reason was, 'For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.' I wonder what our churches could accomplish for the Kingdom of God and the cause of Christ if this attitude existed in God's people today?

II. 'Too much sanctification' (thankfulness) - II Chronicles 29:31-36. In this passage, the people of God were commanded to bring thank offerings to the LORD. Again, we see the attitude of the people was due to a 'free [voluntary, generous, or willing] heart,' which caused them to give. It should be noted here that they had 'consecrated' themselves. This word is actually two words in the Hebrew. It comes from the words 'fully' and 'strengthened.' This strengthening comes from what we see take place in verses 26-30. The people sang, worshipped and praised the LORD, and according to verse 30, this was done 'with gladness.' Nehemiah 8:10 verifies this, as it tells us that the joy of the LORD is our strength. Is it any wonder that when they began to rehearse what all God had done in their lives that they would be glad and willing givers? Would not our churches benefit greatly from this today? Hebrews 13:15 admonishes the believers of today to continually offer to God 'the fruit of our lips,' which is the 'sacrifice of praise,' which is done by 'giving thanks (vocally) to His name!' God help those who are prevented from being strengthened and given joy by pastors and church members who stifle thanksgiving and praise.

III. 'Too much congregation' - Mark 2:1-2. Here we have the account of Jesus preaching in Capernaum. It was 'noised' that He was in the house, and verse 2, tells us that the people could not get in the house or even near the door! This is certainly a far cry from the attitude of folks today, many of whom look for an excuse to stay away from the house where preaching like Jesus preached is taking place. They will flock, however, to 'seminars,' 'singings,' and other such things. I realize that it is due to the fact that Jesus is often not in the house (i.e. there is no presence of God there), but there are places where God has chosen to set His name and where He shows up regularly. In the day in which we live, I believe people are going to have to travel to where He makes appearances. This is why it must be 'noised' that He is in the house. If God is not in the house both in presence and power, an individual cannot be saved. Therefore, those who truly seek Him must be in one of those places if they ever hope to attain to true salvation. This may even mean moving to a new location to get saved. Multitudes have done it for their job, but few believe it makes a difference in the area of salvation.

IV. 'Too much power of God' - Acts 5:12-16. Here we have the account of Stephen disputing with the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those of Cilicia and Asia. We see a great representation of all of the false religions of his day. Yet none of them could get the best of him due to the wisdom and the spirit which he exhibited!! He was 'too much' for them to handle. His faith and the power of God that was on him enabled this one man to take on a synagogue full of men, who had no doubt been schooled in their particular religion. In our day, we have multitudes of so-called believers who cannot even give a decent defense of their own salvation, much less dispute with someone about the doctrine of salvation. God give us wisdom and understanding in this area, that we may be able to deliver those who 'oppose themselves.' At the same time we must realize that the price paid will be high for any who dare to stand and proclaim the truth, even as it was in Stephen's day. Many lies and slanders will be perpetuated about such individuals. But great will be our reward in Heaven if we will stand and some will come around to the truth and experience genuine salvation.

May God be gracious to us and grant that we might exhibit 'too much religion' in this manner, and not in the vain, empty manner of mere ritual and tradition of men.

- J.M.Grapp  Oldpaths Baptist Church

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