So yeah I've been going to a non-denominational church for a long time here, my wife and I teach a young adult sunday school and co-lead a young adult ministry. I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus and walking in the spirit is what defines you as a Christian. In my time at our church I've noticed how alot of spirit filled christians are always downing catholics and other churches that would classify themselves as a "religion". I myself used to be a Catholic and it really didn't work for me because of personal experiences and whatnot. The point is I know that we are walking in the spirit and walking with Jesus but how does condemning religion bring anyone any closer to God? This past weekend for Pentacost sunday I went to my parents church who classifies themselves as a charasmatic Catholic church. They were being baptized in the holy spirit as much as the rest of the pentacostals were that day I'm sure of it. Religion is all about the way you look at things, to me religion is a good idea that has the potential to turn in to a horrible thing. I have to say Lent is an awesome idea who could possibly think that 40 days of meditation and focus before Easter is a bad idea? Don't misread and take this as a defense of the actions that have been caused by certain acts of religious movements. Yes there has been death, there has been mistakes but these are all on individual's heads. If you go to you're Wednesday night bible study every week weather you want to or not isn't that religious? Aren't you making a decision outside of the spirit to make a tradition out of your church activites just for the sake of comfort? I'm only writing this because there is more than one way to heaven all you need is a personal relationship with Jesus but at the same time some people desire structure in their worship. So think about how religious you really are next time you go out telling everyone to give theirs up...somtimes they just may need it. I love you guys.
I can totally identify with you there man. I too am leadership in a non-denominational church, and also have come from a catholic one! Romans 8, thank you Lord. My brother (redletter) and my sister in law (mireya) still attend that church, and they are far from being lost, and are close with God.
Anyhow, long story short, I fully agree with you. And there will be plenty of chraismatic firey christinas who would be very surprised at how religious, they too, really are.
glad you shared this..i don't think people are condemning "religion" nor do i believe they are keeping them away from it. Because many people have made it to be a tradition to go to church or read the bible. As you mentioned that you use to be a Catholic you can kind of see the difference right? I am not writing this to defend you in anyway. Well we read God's Word for comfort that is not religious or an religious act but it shows that you are seeking the Lord. Many people know the do's and don't's of the bible or church but maybe some have never given themselves over and me and other people have witnessed how others just doing things like going to church or reading the bible just as a rountine. God has us where he wants us and I think that as long as people are being fed spiritually and are hearing the message as well as developing that Personal Relationship with Christ it's all gravy :-D God Bless your heart
