I was at church a few weeks ago, and a college student in our group had on a t-shirt that caught my eye. It said something along the lines of, "Christianity is NOT a religion. Religion is man trying to work his way to God; Christianity is God coming to man through a relationship with Jesus Christ."
Touche! I thought it was really well-said in a very succinct way. While I was still thinking about the subject, I ran across this video by Mark Driscoll, a pastor in Seattle. His sermon expounds on the subject further; I love his down-to-earth (yet not watered-down) approach to ministry...
It's mind-boggling to me how easy it is ~ even for those of us who are believers who have walked with Christ for some time ~ to get caught up in pharisitical, "religious" thoughts and attitudes sometimes. The first time I heard this message, I was reminded... and so humbled by what Jesus did for me. It's not anything I did; not anything I said; it's not who I am that saved me... It's not about me at all; it's all about Him and His amazing grace!
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I'm found;
was blind, but now I see!
Thank you, Jesus.
