Accused

I’ve been pulled over by law enforcement for driving above the speed limit. I’ve admitted as such by paying the fines and going on. It is painful to pay for that when it’s something that I know how I should behave. I’ve never been accused of any crime, but I have been accused of being “religious” or a bit “overzealous” in my faith. I’m not trying to be religious or overzealous, I’m simply trying to be faithful to call of God upon my life.

Paul was sharing the news about Jesus all over the world. Paul was teaching or preaching a new religion – he was preaching Jesus and sharing about the significance of Jesus’ life and death. The Jewish leaders felt threatened by the followers of Jesus, and they tried to put a stop to Paul as well as the others who were sharing the news of Jesus. Paul gets taken into Roman custody for his own protection as the Jewish leaders were going to have him killed. He was bounced around and the Roman governors were trying to please the people. Paul ended up appealing to Caesar for his own protection. Festus the Roman governor is sharing the situation with King Agrippa and asked for help understanding. He gives a summary. Check this out….

¹⁷ “When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. ¹⁸ But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. ¹⁹ Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. ²¹ But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.” (Acts 25:17-21 NLT)

I’m ok if I’m accused of speaking about my faith in Jesus.

I’m not ashamed of what I believe and in Whom I believe.

I’m not a fan of religion – it’s a bunch of rules and behavior-based faith.

My faith is in the Son of God Who gave His life so that I could have life.

If I’m known for anything, I want to be known as a man who follows Jesus and trusts in Him. I believe that Jesus is alive and well and He’s living inside of me!

Religion is about checking boxes, crossing “t’s” and dotting all the “I’s”

Religion is not about freedom, it’s more about keeping score.

Religion is not about saving anyone, it’s about staying inside a box.

I want to keep growing in my faith in Jesus. He doesn’t fit the mold of religion; He gives freedom and grace and loves me. He is with me. He is for me. I’m so thankful that He rescued me from religion. I’m ok if I’m accused of being a “Jesus man”, but please don’t accuse me of being “religious”.

Pressing On!

Dwayne