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Matthew 23:25-28

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On Reformation Sunday we are reminded of the fight of Martin Luther that ignited the Protestant Reformation and its focus on relationship with God rather than empty religion. Jesus would refer to the focus on religion, ritual, and false piety as living within “white washed tombs.” It may be very impressive on the outside, but only dry bones and death on the inside. Overcoming the oppressiveness of religion, religious establishment, ritual, and religious tradition leads us to discover true hope in the gospel of grace given by Jesus the Christ

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Relationship is what God desires, not religious traditions and rituals