MAGATruther
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The World as we know it is about to change, #worldpeacenow
True religion matters more than ever
Although we live in a time when many people want nothing to do with religion, it would not be wise to dismiss all religions as irrelevant. Certainly, in the 20th century, people don't think much of empty rituals and outdated, unbiblical dogmas, and they despise people who go to church just for appearances' sake. The Bible even recommends staying away from hypocritical religions. The apostle Paul predicted that some people in the "last days ... have a form of godliness, but prove false as to its power." For such persons, religion is only a facade - their lifestyle shows that religion is not authoritative in their lives. How should we respond to such religious hypocrisy? "Turn away from these," Paul advised (2 Timothy 3:1, 5).
However, Paul also said, "Religion brings in great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, New English Bible). Paul was not speaking here of any religion. The Greek word translated "religion" in this passage is eusébeia, which means "reverence or devotion to God." True religion-genuine devotion to God-has "a promise of present and future life" (1 Timothy 4:8).
As the previously mentioned examples illustrate, true religion can give meaning to our lives as well as help us and give us the inner strength to overcome problems. Moreover, true religion assures us of an eternal future. This form of worship is worth practicing because we are promised that one day it will 'fill the earth' (Isaiah 11:9; 1 Timothy 6:11).* There is no doubt that true religion is of greater importance today than ever before. Filling the spiritual void
The spiritual void that is so prevalent in Europe today is reminiscent of the situation in the Roman Empire during the 1st century. Historian Will Durant describes how Christianity in the 1st cent. Century met the spiritual needs of its time: "Into the moral void of a moribund paganism, into the coldness of Stoicism and the depravity of Epicureanism, into a world of brutality, cruelty, sexual licentiousness, into a pacified world empire that no longer seemed to need manly virtues or warrior gods, it poured a new spirit of brotherhood, kindness, decency and peacefulness."
The same powerful message that the first Christians preached throughout the Roman Empire can fill the moral and spiritual void in people's lives today. And the message is falling on listening ears. Many Europeans who are not outwardly religious nevertheless believe that God plays an important role in their lives. They may no longer attend traditional church services, but some of them fill the spiritual void in other ways.
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