The difference between religion and relationship

November 26, 2012

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:10

The famed evangelist Billy Graham suggested on one occasion that at least 75 percent of church members in America don’t know Jesus Christ in a personal way. I don’t know if that number is correct, but I do know that many people often substitute religion for a relationship with Christ. 

All over our nation today, people are relying on their religious heritage or family background as their way to God. All the externals are present—church attendance, good works, nice family. It’s all there. But is the truth of God in their lives? Do they follow Christ and live each day to be more like Him?

Now I’m not saying that true believers never fall into just “going through the motions.” But for those who’ve truly had a Christ encounter in their lives and experience new life in Him, there is going to be a change beyond the external. Their very souls will be stirred with His affections.

Maybe you’re reading this today and are thinking, “You know, I don’t know if I’ve ever really known Christ.” Or, maybe you’ve fallen into a habit of just going through the motions of the Christian life. If so, it’s never too late to recommit yourself. Open yourself up to Jesus today, trust Him, and submit to His will in your life.

DON’T SUBSTITUTE RELIGION FOR A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. SURRENDER YOURSELF TO HIM TODAY AND SUBMIT TO HIS WILL FOR YOU!



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Become the man God desires!


Dear Friend,

You might think Jesus’ disciples were so extraordinary that you can’t possibly relate to them today.

But the truth is Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples and change the world—proof that He uses ordinary guys to do extraordinary things!

That’s why I want to send you two powerful resources today to help you or the man in your life become the man God desires: my 8-CD series called Why Believe – The 12, and my book, Man of God: Study Guide Edition.

In Why Believe – The 12, I give you inspiration—and words of warning—from the lives and beliefs of the disciples to help you live every day with significance and purpose.

And in Man of God: Study Guide Edition, you’ll come to understand the four vital areas of a man’s life that make him who he is!

These two resources are my gift to thank youfor your donation to help PowerPoint Ministries continue proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, so please request yours when you give today!

Jack Graham
PowerPoint Ministries