Lesson 5: Seven Truths About a Relationship with Jesus

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

The best part of speaking before any group is what happens afterwards. Often, folks stop and chat with me. This past week, that very thing happened. A man shook my hand. “I was touched by your message,” he said, “and I just want to know how you deal with the fact that the disease with your eyes is hereditary?”
“What do you mean?” I said.
“Well, I have a disease. It is hereditary, and I cannot let go the worry and total fear my child will inherit it. I am afraid of the future.” He paused. “And I have no religion…do not believe in much of anything.”

I wanted to give him a huge hug and whisper in his ear, “You do not need a religion; you need a relationship with Jesus to set you free from that worry and fear.”


Forgive me for being presumptuous. But if you are one of those who believe that religion is the answer, here are seven truths to think about:
Religion offers rituals; Jesus offers a personal relationship.
Religions can change; Jesus is the same today, tomorrow and forever.
Religion works to win grace: Jesus becomes the grace under which we work.
Religion does not offer forgiveness; Jesus became the forgiveness for our sin.
Religion offers no miracles; Jesus delights in performing them.
Religion does not take you to heaven; Jesus took the blame so we could enter heaven with Him.
Religions bind us; Jesus sets us free.

We may have sleepless nights wringing our hands about the uncertainty of tomorrow. Mistakenly, we may try to find God by the way of religious ritual instead of a relationship with Him. That is why Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Pray: Lord, forgive me for trying to reduce You to a religion. I want to know You and live this life as Your friend. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Guide me to help others know and follow You too. Amen.

What rules your life these days: nothing in particular, a religion, or a relationship with Christ, the Savior?
Suggested scriptures to read: Romans 7:1-8:2
Memorize: Romans 8:1-2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”