16 of 17

Write now Article Tools

How many time have Christians been accused of being "too religious?" More times than not, I assure you. Contrary to popular belief, Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with God our Father and Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord. I do not like to classify myself as being 'religious' or 'spiritual.' These two words are rhetoric and generic. They do not necessarily mean that you are Christian. About seventy-five percent of Americans claim they are 'spiritual.' What does that mean, exactly? What 'higher being' do they proclaim to worship?Worshipping an idol or a statue or an 'idea' is not having a relationship. For me,as a believing Christian, it is rather empty to believe in something that has never walked upon the earth, healed thousands, or performed miracle upon miracle without the fanfare or celebrity status. While it is hard for many non-believers to fathom this as possible, it is the truth. The only truth! This is the whole premise of the Bible. The whole reason why it was written! If you get nothing else out of God's word, Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, is what it is all about. Christ was sent for us lowly humans so that we could be saved by his Grace. Even to death, he obeyed his Holy Father because his love for us was so great, even we do not understand it. Christ was sent so that we could have a relationship with Our Father. It is an amazing thing when we can realize this, because that relationship protects us. The faith in that relationship covers us in Christ's blood for we were bought, and people, the price was not cheap! He took our place! We do not have to die for our God to be reserved a place in heaven. Our sin is too great for us to bear. Christ died so that we may live. if you have a few minutes, and would like to know more about the powerful saving grace of Christ our Lord, read the Gospel of John and Luke. Also read the first chapter of Genesis. Christ was there also. "In the beginning was the word. The word was with God, the word was God..."

It's quite interesting that when I am out in the mission field, whether it be society, work, or school. I find people are more receptive to the words 'relationship with Christ, then if I were to begin preaching at them. preaching turns others off to God's message. For one, usually it isn't God's words coming through, and number two people just generally do not like to be told they're going to hell because that is being judgmental. Judgmental Christians can turn a non-believer off in a heartbeat. No one likes to be lectured. Witnessing to someone takes prayer, patience,and the right attitude. If "religion' becomes a topic in a conversation, I wait for god to give me the words to say before I blurt them out. usually they come out far better than what I anticipated and people stop and listen. It's amazing what a positive reaction that comes of this approach. Telling them about the possibility of having a relationship with Our Holy Father softens them a great deal and they yearn to hear more. This has been my experience. However, if you find yourself in that situation, try to wait on the Lord, and approach gently. When people understand your view of Christianity, they are more likely to respect you and your beliefs, because they will see your relationship with Christ because it will shine from the inside out.

Learn more about this author, Bella St. John.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Understanding the differences between Christianity and religion?
We want to hear your view. Write now!