Religion vs. Relationship

Jefferson Bethke has written an excellent book on the differences between religion and a relationship with Jesus.  I am sharing more quotes from the book today:

Many Christians don't really care about God; they just want to use him to get what they truly want--status, a nice job, a car, forgiveness--you name it. . . .We have elevated the gifts above the Giver. 

Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy. He owes us nothing, but he gives us everything.

It is clear in Scripture that he is not the source of evil, nor did he cause it, but he promises he can use it. . . .Suffering is never from God, but he can redeem it.

Again, when you are suffering, God is not punishing you. I am so sure of this because God promised that he has already laid all punishment on Jesus on our behalf.

When I'm struggling, one of the most encouraging things is to just have my friends and family be there for me. Their simple presence--saying nothing, simply sitting there with me--actually says everything.

Central to the Christian message is a God who is near, and a God who breathes resurrection into dead things.

God's grace isn't nice and cute. It's scandalous.

When it comes to grace, we don't need to work harder; we need to rest harder.

Stop working to do something Jesus has already done. It is finished.

Notice the order. Religion says go and try not to sin anymore, and then I won't condemn you. Jesus reverses it.

God's grace is so much more powerful of a motivator than fear. Love is the deepest motivator. Only love can produce not only willing obedience but also lasting obedience. 

 Grace just flows. It's a one-way type of love that runs the conduit directly from God's heart to ours.