You could choose Religion which is focused on a system of worship. Or, you can choose a Relationship and individual connection with God. Religion can be a chore, but a real relationship with God brings a life of adventure!
The difference between Religion and Relationship is essential, even if it seems subtle or unimportant at first glance. Today, more than ever, we *need* provision, protection and comfort on a deep, spiritual level.
If you want a non-religious, non-judgmental, heart-connecting perspective on God, read on….
Denominations are manmade
Christianity boasts over 200 denominations in the U.S. alone, and there are thousands globally
Denominations are created by people who believe their way of following God is more correct than the others. Followers support their leaders and meet together in exclusive groups. Over time, as these groups grow, titles and names are given to the new “churches.”
Contrast this with Jesus’ heart, described in John 17. He knew his appointment with death was approaching. Jesus did an amazing thing — he got alone with his Father and talked. He acknowledged that the Father had given him authority over everyone, and eternal life to all who belong to the Son.
Here’s the amazing part. He told his Father that he wasn’t asking on behalf of the whole world, but for the ones his Father gave him. His disciples, his followers, the ones who loved him.
Imagine Jesus’ heartbreak. He spoke of his approaching death but his followers, who he loved, would remain on earth without him. The Lord is not a fan of separation, and being made in his image, we aren’t either. We want to be with the ones we love. Same with Jesus.
Jesus wants unity among his followers
Jesus’ big ask was that his Father would protect those followers from the evil one and that they would be united (just as Jesus and the Father were united).
And Jesus made it clear that he asked for these things — not just for the disciples who followed him at the time, but for all who will ever believe in him. He asked that we would all be one, in perfect unity, so the world would know about the Father’s love and the Son’s sacrifice.
It matters for us to be a unified Church, a Body of Christ that loves one another because they love the Father and the Son. The name of your church doesn’t matter nearly as much as the message preached, and the results (fruit) in the people who hear it.
How does religion influence your life?
The trouble with religion is it emphasizes man’s agenda instead of God’s plan. Without a relationship with the Father and Son, there is no Holy Spirit power to live a life that pleases the Lord.
Religion’s foundation is its rules and regulations. It’s all about what you do (your works) to earn your way into God’s favor. It’s “going through the motions,” being a good person, going to church, giving to the poor.
Of course, those things are great but it’s putting the cart before the horse. Unless you have the Holy Spirit guiding these activities, you can only be a good person for so long before willpower is eroded.
The first thing is to surrender all of yourself to Jesus, and let him (through his Holy Spirit) change what needs to change. Doing good things and being a good person evolve out of this original surrender.
Earlier in Jesus’ ministry, he taught his followers that he must leave the earth so that the Holy Spirit could be sent to them. This was a foreign concept at the time. Jesus, as a human, could only be in one place at a time. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, lives inside each follower, everywhere in the world.
The Holy Spirit
Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit’s role is basically to do everything Jesus did — teach, heal, help us turn away from our wrongdoings, give us supernatural power, give wisdom and understanding, guide to all Truth, point us to the Lord, and mark us in the spiritual realm as belonging to the Savior.
We need the Spirit’s power so we can fight spiritual warfare (“powers and principalities”) who war against God’s kingdom, which includes us!
We need the Holy Spirit’s power now, just as much as the early Christian church did. It makes sense to me that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today, as much as it was 2,000 years ago. Without this supernatural power in the spiritual realm, we’re merely working in our own efforts.
Thankfully, the Holy Spirit lives with us once we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works….Yes, ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!” (John 12-14)
There’s nothing (that I can find) to indicate that Jesus retracted these words for future believers. It doesn’t make sense that he would rob us of this amazing Power — we need it to live a powerful life!
This is better than religion
Religion can’t give you that kind of Power. Knowing God as a loving Father and a relationship with the Son will give you supernatural power from the Holy Spirit. Then you can do the kinds of things Jesus did, be assured of salvation and forgiveness, and stay focused on God’s love.
It’s hard to wrap my head around , but it really shows how much the Lord loves each one of us. When we really let that sink in, everything the Lord is, has done, and is still doing just for us, it should transform us!
Jesus is true religion
When a person wonders if they can believe in God but not religion, or is religion the same as faith, I tell them what I just told you. I’m just repeating what God said in his Word. If someone is going to use the term “religion,” I hope they’re using it to describe Jesus as the true religion. Not the name of a church.
Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not against church. A good church can be the foundation for friendships, learning, growing and serving with other believers.
I’m against the way some churches place rules and regulations before the truth of who Jesus is and what he did for us.
Or churches that minimize — even completely neglect — the Holy Spirit, who is Jesus’ extension of himself inside us.
And churches that prioritize their own doctrine over the Bible that God gave us.
So, which denomination is most biblical?
The one that teaches God’s word and honors the entire godhead — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
How do you know? Their teachings reflect it because the leader(s) speak from the Bible. And the people in the church are living by the Spirit’s power — they will display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Good deeds overflow from what is in the heart.
How does religion influence your life?
If you were to be dominated by religion instead of living by the Spirit’s power, you’re likely to be focused on things of the world. This might include being swayed by culture (such as sexual sins), gossip, anger and rage, superiority and dominance (leading to racism, sexism, ageism), selfishness, fighting.
Ignorance and hopelessness prevail and pass on to the next generation. This can lead to poverty, drug use, feeling stuck (instead of finding purpose), all kinds of fear, and destructive habits like alcoholism and abuse.
These mindsets destroy people individually, as a family, and as a church and community.
A healthy church immerses us in true doctrine, encourages us, and surrounds us with people who support our growth. We need people who help us become more like Jesus, and then we can do this for someone else.
It’s natural to search
If you’re searching for spirituality, know that this is a normal response to the innate need to know God.
It’s possible for you to get closer to God and Jesus. If you wonder, why can’t I feel God’s presence? You now have the tools to pursue this. Just ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth of the Savior, and ask in Jesus’ name.
Salvation is not the same as religion
You can know about Jesus, or you can know Jesus.
When you know Jesus, you have salvation, which means you are an adopted child of the Father. You have spiritually legal rights to everything God promises to his children. You have his devoted love. We also call him Abba (our Father who we have an intimate relationship with and a desire to please him).
Religious rules, regulations, and trying to earn his love and approval will disappear. You’ll understand your true identity when you learn who God says you are and what you’re capable of. You’ll begin to understand the importance of words and how they affect your life.
You’ll grow as a spiritual warrior who confidently and successfully fights battles in the spiritual realm. You’ll heal things that are broken, by the Spirit’s power. God will come to life for you. No longer should you feel like Christianity is a chore.
Salvation is simple
It’s crazy-easy to have salvation through Jesus.
Simply approach the Savior right now, as you are today. You don’t need any special prayer formula, just talk from your heart.
No need to wait until you’re a better person, get off drugs, stop abusing, change a bad habit, or anything else. After all, some of Jesus’ disciples were dealing with some pretty heavy things, and he called them to follow him. Let the Lord deal with your *stuff* later. He will lovingly correct whatever needs it.
Simply put, he wants your heart which means he wants you to be devoted to knowing him.
How to have salvation now
Here’s what you need to tell him, in your own words, from your heart. This is based on what God’s word says we need to do to be saved (or accept salvation in Jesus).
“Jesus, I confess my sins and I ask your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life as my Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to live a life that pleases you, by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Anyone who has done this has a real relationship with Jesus.
What’s next?
To build on your salvation, read the book of John. You can read the Bible online for free if you don’t have a physical copy. This one lets you pick which translation you want to read from. The King James Version (KJV) is traditional, and I like the conversational New Living Translation (NLT). When you read the Word, ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you to the Truth. You’ll be amazed!
If you’re already going to church, take a look at it with fresh eyes and ask Jesus if it’s the right place for you.
But if you’re not attending a church yet, no worries, just try out a few. You can do an internet search for local churches. Click on one to go to their website and find where they list what they believe. Here is an example of what you want to see. They won’t all be this detailed, but it gives you an idea of the church’s beliefs and goals. Reject any churches that don’t adhere to God’s word and the godhead — God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Share your experience
If you accepted the free gift of salvation from Jesus, congratulations! You’ve embarked on an amazing journey. Let us know in the comments!
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