From Religion to Relationship

Season 3 Episode 32 -- Have you ever noticed how sometimes, in our zeal to do something well, or to honor an important principle, we can add rules and habits and complications that are intended to help us to achieve our goal, but actually distract us from the original goal?  There are MANY examples in history of this.  Today I will share one from many centuries ago, that still impacts us today.  Curious?  Check out today's episode to find out more.

"Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!
 
If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.
 
Resources that inspired some episodes:

“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://www.theagapepuppets.org/  

"The Seven Primal Questions" by Mike Foster

"Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL 

"My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger

"The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis

Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/

35 Bible Verses About Listening to Others (Explained) - Bible Repository 

"Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Transcript

As I read the Bible, one of the patterns I see in the life of Jesus is His frequent confrontation with religious rule-keeping as a means to receive acceptance from God.  This is especially true in His encounters with the Pharisees, who were very focused on keeping the strict letter of the Jewish law.  Over the centuries, in their zeal to be faithful to God, they had added a huge number of rules and traditions to the principles of Scripture.  They ended up elevating these rules and traditions to the same level as the Scriptures, and placed these burdensome rules on the people.  Over time, they began to promote these rules to seek honor for themselves, instead of honor for God.

Matthew 23:4-7 NASB  "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.  (5)  "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.  (6)  "They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,  (7)  and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.

Jesus came to guide us from religion to relationship – relationship with God, through relationship with Him!  Jesus came to set us free from rule-keeping, by showing that it is impossible for us to earn our way to God’s favor by mere rules:

Romans 3:23 NASB  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The Bible states this truth very clearly – the truth that we cannot earn salvation through living a religious life:

Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  (9)  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

Titus 3:5 NASB  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Even the Old Testament warns us not to pursue mere religious practices:

1 Samuel 15:22 NASB  Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Instead of religious practices, the Bible urges us to pursue a genuine relationship with God, by seeking His presence:

Psalm 16:11 NASB  You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalm 21:6 AMPC  For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; You make him exceedingly glad with the joy of Your presence.

1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NASB  Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.  (11)  Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

The faith that saves us is faith in Jesus:  faith that He forgives us, and cleanses us from our sins.  And that faith blossoms and grows as we move from mere religion to relationship with Jesus.

Let’s look again at the passage from 1 Samuel, looking at it through the lens of moving from religion to relationship with Jesus:

1 Samuel 15:22 NASB  Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices [mere religious practices] As in obeying the voice of the LORD [through relationship with Him]? Behold, to obey [through genuine relationship] is better than sacrifice [by keeping religious rules], And to heed than the fat of rams.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus gives us a clear invitation to enter into a genuine relationship with Him:

Revelation 3:20 NLT  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

We are invited to not merely grab a quick snack with Jesus, but to sit down and enjoy a big evening meal with Him -- some translations say a feast!  That occurs through ongoing relationship with Him, as we regularly seek His presence.

Today, I encourage you to "Reflect on This."