Embracing Relationship Over Religion: Finding Hope Together
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to support and pray for several families in our community who are experiencing profound loss and hardship. We prayed for the family of Bill Perkins, who recently passed away, and for Martha Kaeperling's family, who lost a loved one in a tragic accident. We also lifted up the Kraft family, particularly Sonny, who is battling cancer. Our prayers focused on seeking God's comfort, peace, and miraculous intervention in these difficult times.
We also discussed the importance of our community initiatives, such as the upcoming movie night and the development of a new park. These efforts are part of our mission to foster a sense of belonging, connection, and growth within our 127-acre neighborhood. We believe that by creating spaces where people can gather and build relationships, we can better reflect the love of Jesus to our neighbors.
The core of today's message was the distinction between religion and relationship. Religion often involves a set of rules and rituals that can lead to bondage and a sense of obligation. In contrast, a relationship with God is about ongoing, heartfelt connection and transformation. We explored how religious duties can sometimes become a burden, leading to rebellion, whereas a genuine relationship with God brings freedom and true change.
We emphasized that God desires a relationship with us that permeates every aspect of our lives, not just our religious activities. This relationship is not about earning God's love through our actions but about accepting His unconditional love and allowing it to transform us from the inside out. We are called to live in the light of His love, which changes our perspective and how we interact with the world around us.
Finally, we invited those who have not yet accepted Christ to take that step of faith and begin a relationship with Him. This relationship is not about checking off religious boxes but about experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking with Jesus every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. Community Support in Times of Loss: We are called to support each other in times of grief and hardship. When one member of our community suffers, we all share in that pain. Our prayers and presence can bring comfort and strength to those who are hurting. [51:04]
2. The Power of Faith and Prayer: In situations that seem impossible, like Sonny's battle with cancer, we are reminded that with God, all things are possible. Our faith and collective prayers can invite God's miraculous intervention into seemingly hopeless circumstances. [55:18]
3. Religion vs. Relationship: Religion often involves rules and rituals that can lead to a sense of obligation and bondage. In contrast, a relationship with God is about ongoing, heartfelt connection and transformation. This relationship is not about earning God's love but about accepting His unconditional love and allowing it to change us. [01:19:48]
4. Living Beyond the Box: Our relationship with God should not be confined to religious activities or specific times and places. God desires to be part of every aspect of our lives, transforming us from the inside out. This holistic approach to faith leads to a more authentic and impactful Christian walk. [01:26:06]
5. Accepting God's Free Gift: Salvation and a relationship with God are not things we can earn through our actions. They are free gifts from God, given through Jesus Christ. Accepting this gift involves acknowledging our need for Him, believing in His sacrifice, and committing to walk with Him daily. [01:39:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[51:04] - Praying for Families in Grief
[52:27] - Faith for Healing
[57:17] - Community Initiatives and Movie Night
[57:54] - The Three C's: Community, Connection, Cultivation
[01:00:14] - Park Development Update
[01:08:00] - Religion vs. Relationship
[01:19:48] - Religion Creates Bondage
[01:26:06] - Living Beyond the Box
[01:39:10] - Accepting God's Free Gift
[01:41:38] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 4:8-9 (NIV)
> "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?"
2. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
> "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
3. Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV)
> "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 4:8-9 say about the state of the Gentiles before and after knowing God?
2. According to Proverbs 3:5, what are we instructed to do instead of relying on our own understanding?
3. In Galatians 4:4-7, what significant change occurs when we are redeemed by God?
4. How did Pastor Nate describe the difference between religion and relationship in the sermon? ([01:19:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul warn the Galatians against returning to "weak and miserable forces" after knowing God? How might this apply to modern believers? ([01:19:48])
2. What does it mean to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and how can this trust impact our daily lives? ([55:18])
3. How does the concept of being adopted as God's children in Galatians 4:4-7 change our identity and relationship with God?
4. Pastor Nate mentioned that religion can create bondage while a relationship with God brings freedom. How can religious practices become burdensome, and what does true freedom in Christ look like? ([01:19:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by religious duties. How can you shift your focus from religious tasks to building a heartfelt relationship with God? ([01:19:48])
2. In what ways can you support and pray for those in your community who are experiencing loss or hardship, as discussed in the sermon? ([51:04])
3. How can you incorporate trusting in the Lord with all your heart into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to lean less on your own understanding? ([55:18])
4. Pastor Nate emphasized the importance of community initiatives like the movie night and park development. How can you actively participate in these efforts to foster a sense of belonging and connection in your neighborhood? ([57:17])
5. Think about your current relationship with God. Are there areas where you are still trying to earn His love through actions? How can you embrace the truth that His love is unconditional and transformative? ([01:19:48])
6. How can you live out your faith beyond the confines of religious activities and allow God to permeate every aspect of your life? ([01:26:06])
7. If you have not yet accepted Christ, what is holding you back from taking that step of faith? How can you begin to experience the fullness of life that comes from walking with Jesus every day? ([01:39:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Community Support in Times of Loss
When one member of our community suffers, we all share in that pain. We are called to support each other in times of grief and hardship. Our prayers and presence can bring comfort and strength to those who are hurting. This is a reflection of the love of Jesus, who wept with those who wept and rejoiced with those who rejoiced. By standing together, we embody the compassion and unity that God desires for His people. [51:04]
Romans 12:15-16 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is currently experiencing loss or hardship. How can you offer them support and comfort today, whether through a prayer, a visit, or a simple message of encouragement?
Day 2: The Power of Faith and Prayer
In situations that seem impossible, like Sonny's battle with cancer, we are reminded that with God, all things are possible. Our faith and collective prayers can invite God's miraculous intervention into seemingly hopeless circumstances. This is not just about asking for miracles but about trusting in God's power and goodness, even when we don't understand His ways. [55:18]
James 5:15-16 (ESV): "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life or someone else's that seems impossible. How can you commit this situation to God in prayer today, trusting in His power and goodness?
Day 3: Religion vs. Relationship
Religion often involves rules and rituals that can lead to a sense of obligation and bondage. In contrast, a relationship with God is about ongoing, heartfelt connection and transformation. This relationship is not about earning God's love but about accepting His unconditional love and allowing it to change us. [01:19:48]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual practices. Are there areas where you feel burdened by obligation rather than inspired by love? How can you shift your focus from religious duty to a genuine relationship with God?
Day 4: Living Beyond the Box
Our relationship with God should not be confined to religious activities or specific times and places. God desires to be part of every aspect of our lives, transforming us from the inside out. This holistic approach to faith leads to a more authentic and impactful Christian walk. [01:26:06]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. How can you invite God into every aspect of your life, not just during church or prayer times? What changes can you make to live out your faith more authentically and consistently?
Day 5: Accepting God's Free Gift
Salvation and a relationship with God are not things we can earn through our actions. They are free gifts from God, given through Jesus Christ. Accepting this gift involves acknowledging our need for Him, believing in His sacrifice, and committing to walk with Him daily. [01:39:10]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Have you fully accepted God's free gift of salvation? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you deepen your daily walk with Jesus, acknowledging your need for Him and living in gratitude for His grace?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of you know God can do what we cannot do? And so as we pray today, if they're even watching right there online, hey, we want you to know, Nicole and family, Jack, we just want you to know that your church family is here supporting you, even though we're not there in the room. Just know that our hearts are there with you and we're praying and believing with you for the things that only God can do." [53:46] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our hope isn't just in the natural abilities that we have. Our hope is in the trust that we have in our relationship with Jesus. Amen. And I want you to know that even though we haven't seen the 3D models of what this park is going to look like, it's coming. And I want you to pray and agree with us that as God continues to do this thing, because I can tell you, it's so much better to work with God than for God." [01:05:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God doesn't want you to have religion. And I know out of just the misunderstanding of the term. There's some people. I've heard people say this to me. Yeah, I have religion. I'm like, oh, I'm sorry. I feel like I'm sorry. I don't want religion. I don't want check boxes. I want a relationship with God." [01:31:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God doesn't want you to work. For what you believe. He wants you to first accept his love and his grace. And watch how it changes every decision that you make in your life. Because you manipulating just the things that you do. To be right. It's not enough. It'll create rebellion in your life." [01:33:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So maybe. Paul said that serve. Gods that don't even don't even exist. But if you have a relationship with Jesus, you're going to find out. Oh, he's alive. Oh, he's alive. He's alive. God wants a relationship. With the totality of who you are, not just what you do." [01:30:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Religion allows us to do our part and walk away, but relationship is an ongoing lifestyle. It requires us to be together and fully invested until the very end. When we say that God wants to have a relationship with us through Jesus, it's because he wants us to not just complete tasks. He wants to have a relationship with the everyday part of you, everything that you're dealing with. He wants to be in the middle of that." [01:19:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Rules without relationship equals rebellion. And you may be saying, well how do you know that? Pastor Nate, well go back and read the Old Testament. When the law was given to the Israelites, what happened to them? Rebellion, constantly. And if you're a believer in this room or you've served God any length of time and you start to allow the religious nature of our humanity to begin to take hold of your life, you'll start to weigh out your relationship or God's love for you for the things that you do." [01:22:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are used to compartmentalizing our lives. If you don't believe me, look at this. We sleep in a box. We shower in a box. Yours might be more of an oval shape, but it's still kind of a box. We live in a box. We work in a box. Some of you might be a cubicle. That feels really boxed in, right? We drive in a box. But can I say this to you? Because I love you, we go to church in a box." [01:25:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if we switch and flip that on its head? That I understand. I let God love on me so much. It changes the way I think about myself to the point of even brokenness and just humbleness and humility. That it changes what I do. It's not that we shouldn't do anything. It's just the order in which we do it. Because if you're using what you're doing in order to receive a right standing with God or earn favor with God, you can't do enough. And you're going to find yourself in rebellion." [01:27:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God doesn't want you to work. For what you believe. He wants you to first accept his love and his grace. And watch how it changes every decision that you make in your life. Because you manipulating just the things that you do. To be right. It's not enough. It'll create rebellion in your life. And a lot of these subjects. We're just. It's a broad stroke right. But I'm just saying. As you've heard several times. Even this morning. What's most important is that you hear what God's saying to you." [01:34:02] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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