by Chuck Slocum & Chad West 

It can be dangerous to grow up religious.  Don't get me wrong, our faith in Jesus is what makes everything else in our lives worthwhile.  But, there can be a dramatic difference in faith in Jesus and religion.  Let us explain.

Growing up in the Bible-Belt, most of us have had exposure to religion in one way or another.  So, many of us have a concept, or even a belief, in God.  We may pray, we may go to church, we may even believe that God loves us and has this great plan for our lives.  It’s even possible that we had some tremendous event happen in our lives where we became thankful and aware of God’s presence.  But, sadly, that’s not knowing God.  It looks good, but it’s not the real thing.

That’s where Jesus comes in.  He takes the focus off of what we have or haven’t done and places it on what He did.  Trusting in His death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins is the doorway to knowing God.  We’re incapable of pleasing God on our own, and Jesus perfect sacrifice is the only one God will accept.  God wants a relationship with his much-loved children, and so He provided a Way; a free gift.  That’s the only real thing.