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Paul, a simple messenger for Jesus to my brothers and sisters in America, and the faithful who are holding onto him tightly. I just want to say thanks to God for blessing me beyond what I deserve with every blessing conceivable. It’s really unbelievable to think that he chose me before he even thought about forming this earth, and he loved us enough to adopt us into this incredible family through Jesus. He is so good, and he is so faithful to me. He is always teaching me new lessons, loving me through turmoil and blessing me in ways that please him. I must say, I can’t wait to finally enter into the inheritance he has waiting for us, which is Jesus himself. It’s good to be able to finally write to you all, I’ve wanted to write for some time now. I have heard about your firm devotion to your churches and your strong commitment to those who call themselves shepherds of Jesus. However, I’m afraid that it is not for your benefit. Where did you adopt these traditions brothers? You conduct ceremonies and rituals like the ignorant do. I’m surprised that you have hushed the voice of the true shepherd who speaks to his own people so clearly. What has happened to the sincere faith that existed in you at the beginning? Who has told you that possessing Christ is no longer enough, but you need to be “plugged in?” Who told you that you needed to submit to anyone but Christ? They are liars if they speak such nonsense. Brothers, Jesus is your only shepherd. I’ve seen your religious ceremonies and heard these self-proclaiming teachers speak. I was astonished to hear my very own name used to verify their dead practices. And since when did my letters become legal documents? Will you do the same thing to this letter when you are through reading it, by placing numbers next to each sentence? How many times have I said that I am but a simple messenger for Jesus, not something to be worshiped? And yet you call my letters holy, and tell your converts to read them every morning until they are able to recite them by memory. Brothers and sisters, there is a better way than this. I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again: Nothing you can do will justify you. No duty or ritual can make you any more pure. No prayer you can pray, no meeting you can attend and no group of people you belong to can purify you. Only Jesus does this miracle. You don’t need anyone between you and Christ either. Not me, not a pastor, and not a priest. I’m afraid that these institutions you have set up for yourselves are killing the faith that was in you from the beginning. I fear that if you don’t truly seek to know Jesus without observing such foolery, then you are following the wrong gospel. Friends, it shouldn’t be this way. Jesus has really set us free. Really! Stand firm and resist any form of this slavery. Open your eyes! Let Jesus take the chains off of you and rid yourself of this mess. Get away from those who confuse you and learn from Jesus himself. If you really read my previous letters closely, you would know that I never said that you needed to be “fed” by the hands of men. Jesus is perfectly capable of feeding you without the help of money hungry shepherds. Brothers, they seek to use you for their own benefit. Christ is not that way. You will never find a truer friend who desires the best for you like he does. These “teachers” will use you and lose you; Jesus will care for you and help you grow. Brothers, be bold and take the step you feel our friend Jesus urging you to take. Don’t hesitate for a moment! Get away from those who seek selfish gain. Live with Jesus and learn from him. People sing songs at their religious ceremonies, saying they are hungry to know Jesus. They certainly are! Drink his refreshing water and never go thirsty again. Grace be with you in the name of our Jesus who loves you and wants you for himself. -Paul |