Sunday, April 05, 2009

185. Religion vs. Relationship - Part 1

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This week we talk about how life in Christ is not about religion, but about relationship. Religion is man's attempt to get to God. It's based upon self-effort and performance. It puts the focus on us. Relationship is based upon faith and trust, and relying upon the finished work of Jesus.

A little leaven can go a long way. A little legalism, or a little religion, worked into our lives in Christ can blur our perspective of the perfect relationship we have with God that is based solely upon His love and grace.

2 comments:

  1. It just occurred to me while listening, (re: performance Christianity to please God) what about the phrase "well done, good and faithful servant", would you say this is an old covenant concept? (Although Jesus used it, he also taught law at times.) I know its common among Christians to feel this is the ultimate achievement for the Christian life, ie, "all I want is to hear God say that when Im done." Thoughts?

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    1. The phrase "Well done, good and faithful servant" is found in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), which is a performance-based parable. I don't believe this parable represents life in Christ, in which we are resting solely in the "well done" performance of Christ. In Christ all that we can brag about is His finished work. :)

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