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Relationship Over Religion

  • Jacob Emptage
  • Sep 3
  • 4 min read

Many people identify as "Christian, " but Jesus invites us into something deeper—a personal,

transformative relationship with Him. Our faith isn’t about following rules or rituals; it’s about

knowing Him intimately. Jesus didn’t die for tradition—He died to make us new.


Understanding the Difference


  • Religion: A set of beliefs, practices, or rituals often focused on tradition or moral codes,

    sometimes missing a personal connection with God.

  • Christian: Someone who follows Jesus Christ, trusts Him as the Son of God, and seeks to

    live out His teachings daily through a growing relationship with Him.


Key Truth

You can attend church, read the Bible, or believe in God—and still miss the heart of faith. True

faith leads to a changed life, not just a label.


James 2:19 (NIV): “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Belief alone isn’t enough. Faith in Jesus involves repentance (turning from sin), surrender (trusting Him fully), and transformation (living differently because of Him).

Reflecting on Your Faith

Use these questions to explore your relationship with Jesus. Be honest—God meets you where you are.


Is My Faith Changing Me?

True Christianity produces a transformed life, not just new words.


  • Reflection: Has my faith shaped my actions, priorities, or relationships? For example, am I

    more patient, forgiving, or generous because of Jesus?

  • Try This: Write down one way your life has changed since following Jesus. If it’s hard to

    think of something, ask God to show you where He’s working in you.


Do I Know Jesus Personally?

Knowing about Jesus isn’t the same as knowing Him. A relationship with Him grows through

prayer, scripture, and listening to His guidance.

John 10:27 (NIV): “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus speaks through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, guiding us like a shepherd.


  • Reflection: Do I spend time listening for Jesus’ voice, or am I more familiar with His name?

  • Try This: Set aside 5 minutes daily to read a short Bible passage (try John 15 to start) and

    pray, asking Jesus to speak to you.


Am I Committed as a Disciple?

Jesus calls us to be disciples—people who follow Him fully, even when it’s costly. This isn’t about

perfection but about a heart devoted to Him.


  • Reflection: Am I willing to follow Jesus through challenges, or do I seek an easier path?

  • Try This: Identify one area where following Jesus feels hard (e.g., forgiving someone, being

    honest). Pray for strength and take a small step toward obedience.


Where Is My Identity Rooted?

Your identity isn't in your past, achievements, or religious habits—it's in being made new by Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the person is a new creation:

The old has gone, the new has come!"


  • Reflection: Are there parts of my identity (e.g., past mistakes, successes) I need to release to

    Jesus?

  • Try This: Write a prayer thanking Jesus for making you new, and ask Him to help you live

    as His child.

Growing Closer to Jesus

God doesn’t want your performance—He wants your heart. Here’s how to seek Him more deeply:

  1. Repent and Surrender: Repentance means turning away from sin and toward Jesus.

    Surrender means trusting Him with your life.

    Luke 13:3 (NIV): “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

    Example: If you struggle with anger, confess it to God, ask for forgiveness, and seek

    His help to respond with love instead.

  2. Pray and Read Scripture: Prayer is talking with God; scripture is listening to Him. Start

    small—read a chapter of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and pray about what

    you read. Tool: Use a Bible app or journal to track insights or prayers.

  3. Join a Community: Church and small groups help you grow in faith alongside others. Look

    for a community that prioritizes Jesus and encourages real relationships. Tip: Share a struggle or question with a trusted Christian friend to pray together.

  4. Live Out Your Faith: Show Jesus’ love through your actions—kindness, generosity, or

    forgiveness. Small steps make a big impact. Example: Serve a neighbor, listen to someone hurting, or share how Jesus has

    helped you.

    Reflection: What’s one step I can take this week to grow closer to Jesus? (e.g., start a prayer habit,

    join a Bible study, serve someone.)


    Helping Others Find Jesus

    Faith isn’t just personal—it’s shared. Help others seek Jesus by living authentically and walking

    alongside them.


    Live It Out: Let your actions show Jesus’ love. People notice when your faith shapes how

    you treat others.

    Listen and Share: Ask questions about others’ beliefs, share your story of knowing Jesus,

    and invite them to explore faith with you.

    Point to Jesus: The goal isn’t to win arguments but to help others meet Jesus. Share

    resources like a Bible or a church event.

    Reflection: Who in my life might need encouragement to seek Jesus? How can I show them

    His love this week?


Choosing Jesus Fully

Faith requires a choice. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me” (John 14:6). To know God, you must be born again—made new through faith in Jesus (John 3:3).


Satan is fine with you attending church or saying prayers—as long as you don’t fully surrender to

Jesus. But Jesus calls you to build your life on Him, like a house on a rock (Matthew 7:24-27).


  • Reflection: Is my faith rooted in Jesus alone, or am I still holding onto other things (e.g.,

    comfort, control)?

  • Next Step: Pray: “Jesus, I surrender my heart to You. Forgive my sins, make me new, and

    help me follow You daily. Amen."


 
 
 

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