In this blog post I state many of my opinions. You have been warned.

"What? Did I read the title of this post correctly? Kelly, you're not religious?"

No I'm not. My definition of religion conflicts with my faith in Jesus Christ. To a lot of people, that last statement will make no sense. If this is the case, we might have a difference of opinion about what 'religion' is. Hate me yet? Think I'm a heretic? More importantly, do I have your attention? I hope so.

Religious people fly airplanes into buildings. Religious people think it is okay to hate their brother and say they love God. Religious people go through the motions. Religious people think they are right with God because they go to church. Religious people jump through hoops and climb an endless ladder trying to reach God, when he has his hand stretched out for us to take. Religion is man's attempt to get to God; true Christianity is God trying to reach man.

What God desires for us is to have a relationship with Him. Sin separated us from God, then he took sin upon his back and took our place on the cross. He is waiting with open arms to forgive our sins. He's already paid the price, now it is up to you to believe and accept His grace.

"Okay Kelly, but what about these 'Christian' organizations that promote hate? Aren't we supposed to love?"

Yes we are. Do not confuse not condoning sin with hate. This is a big problem. Are we supposed to hate evil? Absolutely. That does not mean its alright to spit on someone because they are a sinner. That's what sinners do... they sin! Check out what Jesus said about loving God and loving other people.

Matthew 22: 34-40

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments  is , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this  is  the first commandment.  31 And the second  is  like,  namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:  33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love  his  neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him  any question .

That passage of scripture flies in the face of religion and those who hate in God's neme. God loves us and we should love Him and other people. I am not going to use the phrase 'Love the sinner, hate the sin'. Its been worn out and is not found in scripture. We are to stand up for what is right; in love; never compromising; letting Jesus be the center of our lives. It is not about religion... it is all about Jesus. The Christian lifestyle is a direct reaction to what Christ did on the cross. That is NOT religion, but it is the LOVE of God.

Until next time, take care and be blessed.