Jesus the Messiah showed us the difference between being a part of a "church" on earth and being part of His Kingdom in Heaven.
The definition of religion by man and by the Bible are two different definitions.
By man:
reˇliˇgion [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.
religions, Archaic . religious rites.
8.
Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
Biblically:
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
(
James 1:27)
It doesn't say to categorize or theologically divide what is in the bible, come up with a set of beliefs, then join like-minded people together in an assembly and exclude all others if they do not agree to every jot and tittle in any affirmation clauses.
But then you will find some people debating the meaning of
James 1:27 all the day long instead of doing what it says.
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