“Have you ever followed all the spiritual rules, done everything you thought you were supposed to do… and still felt far from God?

Today we’re asking one powerful question: Are you living by rules or by relationship?
Let’s look at 7 signs that you might be more religious than you realize—and how Jesus came to free us from that trap – this is likely going to be done over 2 Sundays because of the communion we have today.

Let’s start:

What is Religion?

Religion is man’s attempt to impress God. Jesus didn’t die to make you religious—He died to make you alive in Him.

Religion can be defined as man’s attempt to impress God. It is an attitude that says, “I can make something of myself, I can earn God’s favor.”

Although it may lead to good works, the religious mindset is fatally opposed to grace of God.

Religion is a form of bondage that causes a man to stand when he should bow and to strut when he should kneel. Worst of all, religious makes him see himself as a co-savior. A religious man may have sincere motives, but he is an idol-worshipper.

Jesus didn’t suffer and die to make you religious. He died to give you a new life – his life. Anything that pretends to be a substitute for the thrill of knowing him – of trusting him, being with him, and walking with him – should be rejected as inferior.