God�s written instructions for life.

Usmani wrote:

¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

²⁰ Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

²² For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

²³ But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

²⁴ But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

²⁶ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

²⁷ But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

You may recall my previous statement:
"It is precisely that it is so counter-intuitive, what God has done to save us, that makes it so compelling that it could only come from God alone."

Salaam, Caringheart

How could one man�s death on a cheap, wooden cross reconcile mankind to God? Why does our perplexed, religiously diverse world struggle with such a possibility?

Why does the Quran confirm his exclusive virgin birth and call Jesus Kalimuttullah � the true Word of God?  Was he just a man? Was he just a prophet? Why is he called the Messiah?

Why does the Bible declare that everyone who calls upon the name of Christ shall be saved?

I believe no one can induce people to believe it is Christ who waits at the end of man�s spiritual quest � there is enough evidence God uniquely dialogues with each one of us. It�s a mystery most people ignore or dismiss. Only a few accept the divine invitation for an incomparable, lifelong relational adventure.

Profound theological arguments may refute this, but anyone who has glimpsed the hope of eternal salvation is soon unimpressed by the knowledge and piety of man, clergy or otherwise.

When people surrender their hearts to Christ and discover sin�s grip can be broken, they will not settle for a lofty religion that complicates life and brings no deliverance. Freedom does not always come instantly without trials, but people know it surely comes to broken hearts longing for their �Maker.�

Alternatively some folks prefer to feel safe in the groupthink of organized belief, and uniformly follow something called religion. One way demands death to pride, the other offers the standard feel-good-about-myself religious experience and self-gratification with group membership in a club of sorts.

The idea that the God of the universe can be bribed with good works, piety, rituals and traditions has widespread acceptance, and millions are shackled and controlled by the idea, which the clergy easily manipulates.

Religion binds individuals with ritual and tradition; Christ warns that tradition makes God�s Word void in people�s hearts.

But the scriptures mysteriously indicate that it is God who chooses us, (John 15: 16), offering the free gift of himself.  We don�t choose him. We can accept or reject him, but we cannot bribe our way to him using religion.

That pretty much describes authentic, divine, agape love.

So what is of greater worth � the truth that sets people free or the experience of being stuck in a lifelong religious rut?

The fact remains truly knowing Christ need have nothing to do with Christianity.

 -article written by, Frank Raj