So many people are missing out on life and having a relationship with God because their understanding of themselves and their relationship with God is lacking.
All human beings on earth are born spiritually because human beings are born spirit. Humans do not need for religion to reach God.
Spirituality is a way to live, and education and religion are systems designed to control the human mind.
While religion programs human minds to forsake earthly goods and focuses on heaven and eternity, the educational system programmed human minds to labour, get education, get a job, earn a salary, live and die.
These are the reasons why we have less wealthy people in the world and massive poor people the educationists called middle class and the lower class individuals.
Life comes in two sides. Day and night, and darkness and light. So also are human status, you are either wealthy or poor there is nothing absolutely nothing in between.
The middle class is delusional. It’s another system of making people believe that they are doing right when in fact, they are not.
Apostle Paul is one of the co-founders of religions in the world today. In Romans 3:7 he said, “For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?”
In another transaction, TPT says, “So, if my lie brings into sharp contrast the brightness of God’s truth, and if my lie accentuates his glory, then why should I be condemned as a sinner?”
I love how the MSG translation puts it, “If my lies serve to show off God’s truth all the more gloriously, why blame me? I’m doing God a favor.”.
This is where the problems of religion lie. The religious leaders believed that they were doing God a favour so lying to their followers is permissive and trust me on this, if God open our eyes and understanding, we will discover that these religious leaders had been lying to us for a long time, we just don’t see it.
For example, most of the rebukes, corrections and instructions in the Bible were directed to the religious leaders in that era when the Bible were recorded, which today are Pastors, Teachers, Reverends, Apostles and Prophets.
But when reading those verses in the Bible, they turned the verses around and made it sound as if the verses were addressing the congregation when in fact, the verses were addressing them.
Let me share three of those religious leaders’ lies with you.
Religious lies number one; “You must be born again”. That word was spoken to a religious leader called Nicodemus, a Pastor or church leader today.
Jesus never told any of His unlearned disciples to be born again because He knew that they were not the problems, the religious leaders were.
In John 3:1-10, it was said that, “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
Religious lies number two; “Bring all the Tithe to the house of the Lord”.
Again, God was not addressing the people in that verse of the Bible, rather He was addressing the priests, who are today Pastors and all titled church leaders who are collecting tithes from the people but are not paying tithes themselves.
Malachi 3:8-10 started from Malachi 2.
Malachi 2:1-2 “And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honour my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honour me.”
God continue to speak to the Priests, and in Malachi 3:7-10 He said, “Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”
Here is the danger; when you give your tithe to a Pastor or church leader who refused to tithe from the titles he had refused by keeping some aside, not to pay to other Pastors or ministries as we were taught; but to set aside to help the poor and the needy that will come to him/her for any form of help.
The curse of the Lord on him for not setting aside something to help the poor will automatically affect you. Just as Jesus said in Luke 6:39, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
Giving your tithe to a cursed Pastor will automatically bring the same curse of the Lord on you. Be wise.
Religious lies number three; most religious leaders lack knowledge.
In Hosea 4:6, God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
When you listen to a person who doesn’t have first-hand knowledge of what he is teaching you, such a person will mislead you.
Hear what God said again, “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest…” That is God saying because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being pastor, teacher, prophet, reverend, evangelist, apostle, bishop or doctor whichever titles they give themselves.
Religion only have one thing to do in your life, brainwash you and leave you incapacitated for the rest of your life.
WARNING!
Some of you may not understand this article. I pray that one day you will.
You may have served in church, been baptized in the church, could have married in a church, died in the church and still end up in hell, because you were only in the church and not in Christ.
It is necessary to be Born Again, take up your cross and follow Jesus. Many have religion but have no relation to the living God.
That you are Born Again doesn’t mean that you are serving God, or have a relationship with God.
Pay closer attention to the attitudes, and character behaviours towards others and be intentional with your relationship and fellowship with God not with your activities and over-eye service to please your Pastor and look holy and perfect before your fellow church members.
You can know Christ and still be in crisis because of your character and how you treat others.
What is spirituality?
Spirituality is a multifaceted concept that can be understood and experienced in various ways.
DEFINITION AND INTERPRETATIONS
- Connection to something greater
Spirituality involves a sense of connection to God, a higher power, the universe, nature, or a divine force. - Search for meaning and purpose
Spirituality is a quest for understanding one’s place in the world, life’s purpose, and the nature of your existence. - Personal growth and transformation
Spirituality involves a desire for personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. - Transcendence and mystical experiences
Spirituality encompasses transcendent experiences, such as feelings of oneness, timelessness, or spacelessness.
KEY ASPECTS
- Mindfulness and presence
Spirituality emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. - Compassion and empathy
Spiritual practices frequently cultivate compassion, empathy, and understanding for oneself and others. - Gratitude and appreciation
Spirituality encourages a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life’s experiences and blessings. - Self-reflection and introspection
Spiritual growth involves regular self-reflection, introspection, and examination of one’s values and beliefs.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
- Meditation and contemplation
Mindfulness meditation, prayer, and contemplation are common spiritual practices.
The word “meditate” appears in the Bible 14 times in Strong’s Concordance. However, there are many references to meditation in the Bible, including:
Psalm 119: Contains several examples of meditation, including:
“Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees”
“Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds”
“I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me”
Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer”
Psalm 48:9: Mentions meditating on God’s unfailing love
Psalm 77:12: “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds”
Psalm 49:3: “My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding”
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”
Praying without engaging in meditation is a waste of time. You gain more when you can meditate more and pray less.
- Yoga and tai chi
These Eastern practices combine physical movement with spiritual principles.
I know that the religious ignorants had taught us that Yoga is evil and demonic the same way we were taught that Television and the Internet are satanic and yet they are using them.
Be wise, be smart. Focus your life on yourself and not on what anyone is saying to mislead you and have you under their control.
- Prayer and ritual
Many spiritual traditions involve prayer, rituals, and ceremonies to connect with the divine.
I know that the religious leaders and the slave masters who introduced religion to us to imprison our minds and thoughts had told us that rituals and ceremonies to connect with the divine are evil.
But if you study the Bible very well, you will discover that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and Solomon all made sacrifices and rituals to God.
The system of worship and services regarding the Ark of the Covenant was purely idolatry. And whatever systems of idol practices we see in the world today emanate from there.
I know that the religious manipulators will say that Jesus Christ paid the price for all. That is what you think. Jesus Christ paid the price for human sins, past, present and in the future and he made that clear in Matthew 12:31–32 saying, “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
For your life to make progress and have meaning, there are prices you must pay all by yourself. Jesus Christ did not pay that price for you. It is your responsibility to pay for that.
- Nature connection
Spending time in nature, appreciating its beauty, and recognizing interconnectedness are essential spiritual practices.
Jesus made this clear in Matthew 6:26-34 saying, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
To be spiritual, we must learn from nature.
BENEFITS AND OUTCOMES
- Inner peace and calm
Spirituality brings a sense of inner peace, calmness, and reduced stress. - Increased empathy and compassion
Spiritual practices cultivate empathy, compassion, and understanding for others. - Personal growth and self-awareness
Spirituality can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. - Sense of connection and community
Spiritual practices can provide a sense of belonging, connection, and community.
Spirituality is a deeply personal and subjective experience that encompasses various aspects, practices, and outcomes. While definitions and interpretations may vary, spirituality ultimately involves a quest for meaning, connection, and transcendence.
Religion on the other hand is a system of beliefs, values, and practices that provide a framework for understanding the world, the universe, and human existence.
Religion we have made to believe that is a set of spiritual practices, rituals, and ceremonies that help individuals connect with the divine, the sacred, or a higher power; but in fact, it is just a system of one person controlling the minds and thoughts of several others just to enrich himself.
Religion is also a cultural and social institution that shapes individual and collective identity, morality, and values.
To achieve this, certain key aspects were attached to religion to make people believe it was a way to God.
- Faith and belief
Religion often involves faith and belief in a higher power, divine being, or ultimate reality. - Rituals and practices
Religions typically involve various rituals, practices, and ceremonies that help adherents connect with the divine and cultivate spiritual growth. - Scriptures and sacred texts
Many religions have sacred texts or scriptures that are considered authoritative and revelatory. - Community and belonging
Religion often provides a sense of community and belonging among adherents, who share common beliefs, values, and practices.
TYPES OF RELIGIONS
- Monotheistic religions
Religions that believe in one all-powerful deity, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. - Polytheistic religions
Religions that believe in multiple deities or gods, such as Hinduism and ancient Greek religion. - Non-theistic religions
Religions that do not believe in a deity or higher power, such as Buddhism and Taoism.
FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION
- Providing meaning and purpose
Religion helps individuals find meaning and purpose in life. - Offering moral guidance
Religions provide moral frameworks and guidelines for ethical behaviour. - Fostering community and belonging
Religion brings people together, creating a sense of community and belonging. - Providing emotional support and comfort
Religion can offer emotional support, comfort, and solace during times of crisis or hardship; depending on the religious circles you belong to.
Religion is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects, including belief systems, spiritual practices, cultural and social institutions, and more. While definitions and interpretations may vary, religion ultimately provides a framework for understanding the world, cultivating spiritual growth, and finding meaning and purpose in life.
One thing the majority of us must realize and accept is the fact that spirituality was in Africa and in the Yoruba lands before the Christian and Islamic religions were introduced to us by the slave masters called the foreigners and the foreigners turned our Spirituality into Religion and turned the Religion against each other.
The very reasons why the Christians are against the Muslims, the Muslims against the Christians and both Christians and Muslims are against the traditional list in public but in secret, they patronize them.
They made us believe that God ordained what they were doing therefore making God a bigot and an accomplice to their deeds; meanwhile, while we are carried away with their lies, they are stealing our resources and our gods.
The same Spirituality they mentally forced us to abandon is what they are now practising in their nations.
Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II, Olu of Ilaro who also doubles as the Paramount Ruler of Yewa land, His Royal Highness Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and the new Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup, the Ex Osun State Deputy Governor were all Pastors and church leader in RCCG before they became Kings.
One way or the other, they are now heading back to their traditions. Doing what was laid down for them by their forefathers.
Be wise. God is one. Abraham never abandoned his family roots, and so was Isaac, Jacob, David and even Jesus Christ. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, will heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:17–18
Ire o
Sam Adeoye
+2348037723500
