The Church Series: Religious vs. Relational

(Please watch video FIRST: "Chris Webb at P4CM Lyricist Lounge 4 - 'The Gate'")

There has been some confusion of the distinctions between what is deemed “religious,” and what is “relational.” Nowadays religion has a negative connotation. I believe this stems from isolated incidents of individuals from The Church. Individuals who has given the “image” if you do certain actions, then they will yield you a favorable outcome. However, what is not understood here, is that there is truly more to this!

What is "Religion" & "Relational" ?

Merriam-Webster says:

Religious

: of or relating to religion

: believing in a god or a group of gods and following the rules of a religion

: very careful to do something whenever it can or should be done

Google says:

Relational

: concerning the way in which two or more people or things are connected

Then verses Now

The Old Testament provided the laws, commands, and acts of justice that had to be done in order to be pleasing onto GOD. In the New Testament, when Jesus overcame death for our sins, and was glorified, GOD then gave grace, and mercy (2 Timothy 1:9-10). He no longer needed continuous animal sacrifices, and a man made tabernacle to rest. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, Thee Lamb. We, as His Children (those who declare Him as BOTH Lord, and Savior) became the tabernacles He dwells in (1 Corinthians 3:16). We are to be the walking vessels, carrying out the work of Thee Kingdom.

Now, GOD requires that we have a relationship with Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). He wants us to genuinely desire Him. He wants us to pray to Him. Run to Him about EVERYTHING, even though He knows what is already going on. GOD is a loving GOD. How do I know? Because He sacrificed His only begotten Son, for me; For us (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). He shown that we were worthy enough to be loved. To be valued. To be considered. There is no love that can be found like this—ANYWHERE!

What Will You Do?

In the above video, Chris Webb perfectly illustrates through his poem the harsh reality that awaits some. Doing what you are told to do, thinking it will give you access to Thee Kingdom. Unfortunately religion, performing ritual acts, will not get you where you desire. It is the relationship between GOD, and you that will be considered in the end.

Does He know your heart?

Does He even know who you are?

Are you even His?

Please keep in mind that GOD did create us all, but we all are not His Children. If we were, then why would Jesus say: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44, KJV). This is why we need to build, maintain, and manifest a relationship with GOD!

As I have expressed , the Bible will keep you up to date with what you need! (Read: “The Church Series: I Don’t Need My Bible.)

Heaven is a free gift (Romans 6:23). It is not earned, nor deserved (Ephesians 2:8-9).

What are you saying, Selah? No matter what you physically do, it will not qualify you to get into Heaven. “Well how can I get in,” you may ask? By declaring Jesus Christ, as BOTH Lord: meaning you will follow what He instructs us to do in the Bible—and Savior: trusting in Him, and believing that He died on the cross for our sins, and rose on the third day. Now let me clarify. When you say Jesus is Lord, you agreeing to His holy, sanctified, and righteous ways (1 Peter 1:15, 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Jesus did not sin, or get involved in the matters of the world. In other words, He was pure, and understood that His time on Earth was only temporary. This is the mindset that we should have.

The Ultimate Goal

Through your relationship with GOD, your ultimate goal should always be this: “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:23). It should be more than just “going with the flow,” and doing what others tell you what you need to do. There should be a RELATIONSHIP with GOD. That is how He becomes GOD in your life. That is how you gain exclusive development, and growth. He will provide for you in ways that you could never imagine. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9- KJV).

GOD is patiently waiting to hear from you.

How long will you be?

Start building today.

I want to see you welcomed in at Thee Gate.

Selah…