How do you approach Christianity?

1) As a life of do’s and don’ts (the religious approach)

OR

2) As a relationship

~The religious approach to Christianity says, “read the Bible so that you know what to do.”

~The relationship approach says, “read the Bible so that you know who God is.”

I. Trade Religion for Relationship (Hosea 14:9; 1:2)

Hosea 1:2a NASB

2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife…

What are some of the markers of being in a relationship?

Shared events: getting married and buying a house

The difference between a Mortgage & a Marriage Certificate

Mortgage: say keep the rules or lose the house; it defines the minimum requirements.

Marriage Cert: signifies you are starting a relationship, which is all about promising the maximum.

~Relationships are based on love & trust, commitment & rules

We get all busy with ‘what I’m doing?’ rather than ‘how we are doing?’

Jesus didn’t die so you could only perform your religious duties.

He died so you can be in a divine romance with a living God.

II. Bring Communication Into the Relationship (Hosea 1:2; Hebrews 1:2)

Hosea 1:2 NASB

2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife inclined to infidelity, and children of infidelity; for the land commits flagrant infidelity, abandoning the Lord.”

Another marker that show you are in a relationship is communication.

Hebrews 1:2 GW

2 In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe.

God continues to communicate through:

His Bible          Nature/Creation         Opening & Closing Doors

Godly friends / family                         Punishment

For our part, are we keeping the line of communication open?

Do we:

Pray,                Read His Bible             Are we listening?

Readings to ponder to help your relationship grow to Joy:

1) Hebrews 1:1-2 GW  1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many different times and in many different ways through the prophets. 2 In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe.

How will you thank God for His desire to communicate with humanity throughout our existence?

How will you thank God for communicating with you?

2) Revelation 3:20 GW 20 Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together.

Jesus is speaking to people in the Church in this verse. How does this scene play out in your mind? Does Jesus get to come in?

Renew your relationship with God this week.