Monday February 25th, 2013

   Religion or Relationship

I'm re-reading a book given to me by Bob Bertels called "not a fan" by Kyle Idleman.  There is statement in the book that jumped right off the page at me that resonated with my heart. The statement is, "Jesus came to save us from religion."

For some that statement may seem sacrilegious, however if you understand the context of the statement I think most would agree that is exactly what Jesus did. 

Jesus wants a personal relationship with you and I. That is what becoming a Christian is all about, having a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. It is NOT about following a bunch of rules, doctrines, traditions, and formats. That is what Religion is about. There is a big difference. Now there is nothing wrong with having traditions, rules, doctrines, and formats as long as the relationship with Christ is the primary and most important focus. And that seems to be the problem for many "religious" people.  Religious people get caught up and lost in the ceremonious aspects of worship, the rules, the traditions, and the doctrine rather than falling in love with Jesus the living savior. 

Too often love gets lost in religion. That is what Jesus was trying to teach the pharisees.  They were more concerned with the law than with loving people and serving them as God had intended. 

That is why it is my primary goal as pastor of Praise Community Fellowship to  introduce people to the living, very real Jesus, the only way to find  hope, salvation, and peace in this world.  He truly is the way, the truth and the life. And I want to do that by demonstrating the the love, forgiveness, compassion and healing that Jesus taught and lived. We are called to serve, to make others more important than ourselves and to bring tangible love by helping those in our congregation, and any who come to our doorstep in need.  Let us serve one another with love and sacrifice so that the spirit of the living Jesus is experienced by all who come and join our small but loving church.

It is my dream:

"That Praise Community Fellowship will become the most loving, caring, compassionate, giving church in the United States or maybe even the world."

Why not have that as a goal. It is a tremendous goal, and let it begin with me, the pastor. I come to serve, not to be served. Let each and everyone of us who are able to rise up to Jesus' challenge to go into all the world and bring the message of hope and love to all who are hurting and who have yet to meet Jesus. Amen!

• I'm excited to announce that Bob and Judi Bertels are going to start a bible study program for us here at PCF that will include the teachings from the book, "not a fan."  I will keep you posted on the dates and times when this bible study will start.  Soon and Very Soon!

• Also, the prayer meeting that got cancelled last week due to weather is back on for this Thursday in the sanctuary at 6:30. I will send out more reminders.  Prayer is the cell phone that God gave us to use to go directly to Him. All are invited to come pray with us. 

God has an amazing plan for you and me and the Praise Community Fellowship church.  I will see you soon.  Love, Pastor Kent