20/04/2026
SUNDAY SERVICE
SERMON:Christianity Is a Relationship, Not a Religion
Key Scriptures:
• John 15:7–8
• Matthew 22:37–38
• Luke 9:23–24
• Romans 10:9
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Introduction
Many people describe Christianity as a religion, but that is not the full truth. Christianity is not about rituals, rules, or routines—it is about a living, active relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Religion focuses on outward performance.
Relationship focuses on inward transformation.
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1. What Is a Relationship with God?
A relationship with God is a personal, ongoing connection with Him where you:
• Know Him
• Love Him
• Hear Him
• Walk with Him daily
It is not distant—it is intimate.
John 15:7–8
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Key Insight:
• “Abide” means to dwell, remain, stay connected.
• God is not calling for visits—He is calling for residence.
A relationship with God means:
• You stay connected through prayer
• You grow through His Word
• You bear fruit through obedience
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2. Christianity Is Rooted in Love, Not Law
Matthew 22:37–38
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
God didn’t say:
• “Follow rules first”
• He said: “Love Me first”
Key Insight:
• Love is the foundation of relationship
• You cannot have a true relationship without love
Religion says: Do things for God
Relationship says: Love God and walk with Him
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3. Relationship Requires Surrender
Luke 9:23–24
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
A relationship with God is not casual—it is intentional and sacrificial.
What does surrender look like?
• Denying your own will
• Choosing God’s way daily
• Following Jesus consistently
Key Insight:
• You cannot follow God and still be led by self
• Relationship demands commitment
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4. Relationship Begins with a Personal Decision
Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Christianity starts with:
• A confession (what you say)
• A belief (what you carry in your heart)
Key Insight:
• You are not born into this relationship
• You enter it by faith and personal decision
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5. Why Christianity Is Not a Religion
Religion:
• Based on rules and rituals
• Focuses on outward actions
• Creates distance between man and God
• Is about trying to reach God
Relationship:
• Based on grace and love
• Focuses on the heart
• Brings intimacy with God
• Is about God reaching man through Jesus
Powerful Truth:
Religion says: Work to be accepted
Relationship says: You are accepted, now walk with God
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6. Evidence of a True Relationship with God
From John 15:7–8, we see:
1. Abiding in Christ – Consistency in God
2. God’s Word in you – Transformation through scripture
3. Answered prayer – Communication with God
4. Fruitfulness – Visible change in your life
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Conclusion
Christianity is not about:
• Church attendance only
• Religious titles
• External appearance
It is about:
• Walking with God daily
• Loving Him deeply
• Following Him fully
God is not looking for religious people—He is looking for sons and daughters.
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Call to Action
Ask yourself:
• Do I know God, or do I only know about Him?
• Am I abiding in Him daily?
• Is my life producing fruit?
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Closing Statement
Christianity is not a system you practice—it is a relationship you live.
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Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus,
Thank You for calling us into a relationship with You.
Help us to abide in You daily, to love You with all our hearts, and to follow You completely.
Remove every religious mindset and draw us into deeper intimacy with You.
Let our lives bear fruit that glorifies You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
