The Way Ministries Bible Study and Church Services

May 04, 2025: Church Service - The Lords Supper & Back to Basics pt 17 - Religion vs. Relationship pt. 01

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Pastor John explains why religion is a guy in church thinking about fishing, while relationship is a guy fishing thinking about God.

The episode opens with a standard church service welcome, location announcement, and a call for donations to support The Way Ministries. Pastor John leads a communal prayer covering thanks, national leadership, and specific prayer requests for congregation members like Susan, Mary, George, and even a dog named Wilbur. The service includes the celebration of the Lord's Supper, with a video clip and scriptural reading from 1 Corinthians 11 explaining the symbolism of the bread and cup. The main teaching segment begins with a reading from John 8:31-48, where Jesus confronts religious leaders, setting the stage for the topic. Pastor John introduces the core debate: religion as a system of formal practices versus a personal, interactive relationship with God. He uses a memorable analogy: 'Religion is a guy in church thinking about fishing. Relationship is a guy out fishing thinking about God.' He defines religion broadly, mentioning monotheism and polytheism, and notes its focus on good works for salvation. To define 'true religion,' he turns to Micah 6:8 (do justice, love mercy, walk humbly) and James 1:26-27 (care for orphans/widows, avoid world corruption). He argues that humanity's separation from God cannot be fixed by rules; only Jesus' sacrifice on the cross bridges that gap, citing Romans 5:8-11. Pastor John emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus' blood, not religious performance. He explains that after salvation, religious practices (like Bible study, church attendance) are spiritual disciplines that deepen the relationship with God, not means to earn it. He offers a practical barometer: the quality of one's relationship with God is reflected in how they treat others, especially those who annoy them. The message touches on hypocrisy in witnessing, the need for personal transformation, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding scripture. He encourages using resources like the 'Through the Bible in a Year' program. The episode ends with a closing prayer, a collection, and a benediction, noting the topic will continue next week.

As heard by us

A fishing image frames a plain sermon about faith and everyday application.

This Way Church Service at Greystone with Pastor John keeps its focus on religion versus relationship, using the fishing-boat image to make that contrast easy to remember.

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Why you'd press play

You get one fishing image and a steady religion-versus-relationship message.

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