Last week, we learned about how religion has become a system of rules and regulations. We also found out that God is not a God of rules, but a God of relationship who gave us rules in response to our own sin.
This weekend in Part 2 of Breaking the Rules, Pastor Tim shared how Paul warned the early church about what can happen when rules become more important than relationship.
Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (NIV)
Did you know that man made rules can be hollow and deceptive and can lock you up? Jesus said that He came to set us free.
Has your church experience been all about the rules? Do you realize that you likely have a certain amount of “rule baggage?” Is your mindset about what church should be based upon human tradition?
You have probably heard these rules before:
- You must pray before every meal.
- Don’t say cuss words.
- Don’t watched rated R movies.
- Don’t get tattoos or piercings.
- Only certain types of music are appropriate. Rock and Roll is from the devil.
What other rules have you heard about in the church?
How might your experience be different if you could be free from the rules and instead spend your time working on a relationship with a God who loves you and wants to know you?