God's Rhema Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICE

SERMON:Christianity Is a Relationship, Not a Religion

Key Scriptures:

• John 15:7–8
• Matthew 22:37–38
• Luke 9:23–24
• Romans 10:9

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Introduction

Many people describe Christianity as a religion, but that is not the full truth. Christianity is not about rituals, rules, or routines—it is about a living, active relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Religion focuses on outward performance.
Relationship focuses on inward transformation.

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1. What Is a Relationship with God?

A relationship with God is a personal, ongoing connection with Him where you:

• Know Him
• Love Him
• Hear Him
• Walk with Him daily

It is not distant—it is intimate.

John 15:7–8

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

Key Insight:

• “Abide” means to dwell, remain, stay connected.
• God is not calling for visits—He is calling for residence.

A relationship with God means:

• You stay connected through prayer
• You grow through His Word
• You bear fruit through obedience

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2. Christianity Is Rooted in Love, Not Law

Matthew 22:37–38

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

God didn’t say:

• “Follow rules first”
• He said: “Love Me first”

Key Insight:

• Love is the foundation of relationship
• You cannot have a true relationship without love

Religion says: Do things for God
Relationship says: Love God and walk with Him

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3. Relationship Requires Surrender

Luke 9:23–24

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

A relationship with God is not casual—it is intentional and sacrificial.

What does surrender look like?

• Denying your own will
• Choosing God’s way daily
• Following Jesus consistently

Key Insight:

• You cannot follow God and still be led by self
• Relationship demands commitment

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4. Relationship Begins with a Personal Decision

Romans 10:9

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Christianity starts with:

• A confession (what you say)
• A belief (what you carry in your heart)

Key Insight:

• You are not born into this relationship
• You enter it by faith and personal decision

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5. Why Christianity Is Not a Religion

Religion:

• Based on rules and rituals
• Focuses on outward actions
• Creates distance between man and God
• Is about trying to reach God

Relationship:

• Based on grace and love
• Focuses on the heart
• Brings intimacy with God
• Is about God reaching man through Jesus

Powerful Truth:
Religion says: Work to be accepted
Relationship says: You are accepted, now walk with God

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6. Evidence of a True Relationship with God

From John 15:7–8, we see:

1. Abiding in Christ – Consistency in God
2. God’s Word in you – Transformation through scripture
3. Answered prayer – Communication with God
4. Fruitfulness – Visible change in your life

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Conclusion

Christianity is not about:

• Church attendance only
• Religious titles
• External appearance

It is about:

• Walking with God daily
• Loving Him deeply
• Following Him fully

God is not looking for religious people—He is looking for sons and daughters.

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Call to Action

Ask yourself:

• Do I know God, or do I only know about Him?
• Am I abiding in Him daily?
• Is my life producing fruit?

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Closing Statement

Christianity is not a system you practice—it is a relationship you live.

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Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus,
Thank You for calling us into a relationship with You.
Help us to abide in You daily, to love You with all our hearts, and to follow You completely.
Remove every religious mindset and draw us into deeper intimacy with You.
Let our lives bear fruit that glorifies You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.