2. SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT PURE RELIGION IS VAIN.

3. What is religion? “Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe” [American Heritage Dictionary] “Religion…is in essence the response of created personalities to the Creating Personality, God” [A. W. TOZER]

4. Pure religion of the one true God is a spiritual endeavor. The Holy Spirit’s sword reaches soul and spirit and judges thoughts and intentions (Heb. 4:12). Acceptable worship must be done in spirit as well as in truth (John 4:24).  Prayers… (Jam. 1:6; Matt. 6:7)  Singing… (Eph. 5:19)  Lord’s Supper… (1 Cor. 11:24, 28, 29) Man’s heart must hold to God’s word (Mark 7:6-8, 13). A disciple renews his inner man day by day (2 Cor. 4:16, 18).

5. God established an organization with contributing members. Jesus built a called-out assembly (Matt. 16:18).  A body and household with interdependent members (Rom. 12;5; 1 Cor. 12;27). Called-out members are placed under the Headship of Christ (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col. 1:18). The Head ordained elders to oversee local congregations (Eph. 4:11; Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5; 1 Tim. 3:1).

6. God wills that Christians be joined to a church of Christ. Christians are members belonging to the Lord (Acts 2:47). Christians are to submit to a Christ-approved eldership (Heb. 13:7; Acts 20:28). Spiritual accountability within Christ’s membership is for the well-being of all.  Members care for one another (1 Cor. 12:24, 25).  Regular assembling is God’s provision for encouragement (Heb. 10:24, 25).