INTRODUCTION

The world is full of religion, but bears little to no resemblance to the Lord or His scriptures. Why? Because man-made religion is vain. It is empty. It dresses up nicely and pretends to possess great power and influence, but inwardly possesses no power to change men or give them life. It is like the "sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
See All...). A man that claims religion, but cannot bridle his own tongue is adhering to vain religion. He may believe himself secure and righteous, but he is deceiving his own heart. The only thing that can change a man is trusting Christ as Saviour.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) The only "work" we can do to get to heaven is found in John 6:28-29 [28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? [29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
  See All.... After we believe, we obey (John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  See All...). God gives us the power (2 Corinthians 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
  See All...; Philippians 4:13
  See All...). There will be many who didn't believe or obey (Matthew 7:21-23 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  See All...; Luke 6:46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
  See All...; 1 John 2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
  See All...; Titus 1:15-16 [15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
  See All...). Their religion is worthless.
• Can you think of any “religious” people who live like the world?  Why has their religion failed to change the way they live?
• Do you attend church, give money, do good deeds in the community, yet find that your heart is just as wicked and vile as those who do none of the above? Are you willing to let Christ change your heart by saving your soul?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you forsake vain religion.
• If you are not saved, ask Jesus Christ to save you now.

HYMN

Fade, Fade, Each Earthly Joy

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