Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Pastor Mike is starting our study on 1 John today, titled “Religion vs Relationship.” The Apostle John uses the first few verses of this chapter to lay the foundation for the reality of who Jesus is, affirming that He is both a real man and fully God. It’s essential for him to address this because Satan has been very active in sowing confusion within the early church regarding the humanity and deity of Jesus, aiming to keep “Religion” as the dominant theme in the worship experiences of false gods. John, along with the other disciples, had a personal relationship with Jesus while He walked this earth and died a sacrificial death to pay for our sins. This marks the beginning of the “Relationship” experience tied to the Good News of the Gospel. Consequently, John and the other writers of the New Testament worked tirelessly to promote “Relationship” over “Religion” as the way to God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The focus on “Religion” remains an effective strategy used by the enemy to undermine “Relationship” even today. In short, “Religion” doesn’t save anyone; only a “Relationship” with Jesus does. Worship and study with us and center your life on your relationship with Jesus.