A thought

It's funny how time changes people. You used to know them so well and then in the few years you don't see them, they appear to have transformed into someone different. Yet at the same time, they are still the same. It's weird, really really weird.

And a tad bittersweet...

Religion v.s. the Gospel

I always have problems with the word religion, especially when it's used to describe my faith. However, I'm not always able to put into words the difference between religion and a relationship with God. I got an encouraging e-mail today that put this difference into words. I want to delve deeper but that'll have to come at a later time since my schedule is crazy this next month and a half. Without further ado...

Religion says: that God will not love or accept me until I obey his rules.

The Gospel says: that God already loves me and clearly displayed that love at the cross.

Religion is: about man's quest to find God.

The Gospel is: about God coming to find us in Jesus.

Religion says: that the world is filled with good people and bad people.

The Gospel says: that the world is not filled with good and bad people because everyone is bad and only Jesus is good. Therefore, there are only repentant people who trust in Jesus and non repentant people who don’t.

Religion is: about what you do to make yourself acceptable to God.

The Gospel is: about what God has done to make us acceptable to him.

Religion turns God into a tyrant with a whip instead of a loving father.

Religion leads to uncertainty in regards to our standing before God.

Religion leads to pride or despair.

Religion steals our joy.

~Pastor Chris Price, Calvary Baptist Church