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Scripture for the day: Isaiah 53:5-6 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.
Thought for the day: That old time religion is just that; old time. It’s something our grandparents and great-grandparents used to cling to when the hard times came. We’re carried back to the early tent meetings with preachers wearing themselves out exhorting the masses to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. That old time religion takes us back to Jonathan Edwards and his hell-fire and brimstone preaching, meant to instill the fear of an angry God in the hearts of his listeners. While that may be true, it’s also true that the old-time religion is that which will take us boldly into an uncertain future. And how can that be?
 First, the old-time religion is one of certainty. There are too many running about hoping they’ll somehow make it in the end. John said, “He that believes on the Son of God has the witness within himself” (1 John 5:10). And Paul said, “You have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption … and the Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:15-16).
 The old-time religion is one of certainty because the old-time religion centers in a person – Jesus Christ. It’s not about works or character or church membership or even religion. Paul said, “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed to Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). His trust was in a person, not an idea about a person. His trust was based on the fact that this person had paid the penalty for his sins, and that this person was able to keep his soul through the rest of his life and beyond.
 The old-time religion is based squarely on three inescapable facts. First, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for my sin. He took my place; he bore the burden I’d earned for myself. Salvation doesn’t come by imitating Jesus; He was perfect and I never can be. If I’m trying to imitate the life of Christ, if that’s my hope, then I have none. But if you tell me: “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.1 Now there’s hope; now there’s reconciliation with God and the peace that follows.
 Second, Jesus Christ is a living, risen Savior. He’s not on a cross; He didn’t just die for my sins, He rose again for my life. He has defeated Satan, retrieved the keys to death and hell and uses them to open the gate to the future for any and all who have faith enough to follow. Listen, if you’re trying your best to be a good Christian but just can’t seem to measure up to the standards, my encouragement for you is that you give it up; stop trying to be like Jesus; it’s not in you. That’s why Paul said that old-time religion has to be “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Zechariah put it this way: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord” (4:6).
 Third, Jesus Christ is working in you and me today. He’s done all that was necessary for us to be reconciled to Him. All He asks is that we trust Him with whatever remains of our lives. faith is an empty hand held out for the gift He has purchased. You see, “As many as believed, to them he has given the power to become children of God.”
 One more thing about that old-time religion – it satisfies. It’s enough to provide for all my dreams, aspirations and desires. It is enough to give hope, happiness and peace in the midst of turmoil. It will do when I’m dying for that old-time religion will take me through and usher me into His presence. 
Now go take on your world.  -  Bill
1. Robert Lowery - 1876
p.s. I'll be off-line for a few days (not sure how many) but am already looking forward to being back with you. Blessings.