Jesus hates religion...

I know the title seems a little far out there, but hear me out! Our pastor at church is doing a series over this right now and today was the first day of it. You can also checkout this website that is connected with the Church at Battlecreek to learn more about the sermons and comment on what religion means to you (www.jesushatesreligion.com). Our pastor made many great points about how people react with talking about religion and talking about God and I couldn't agree more... if you're having a conversation with someone and you start talking about God most likely people want to turn there head and have no part in the discussion... if you start talking about religion it makes others feel a little more comfortable. Why is that? My opinion about religion is that it has become so "clicky" there are all these different groups and beliefs and lists of things you should do and not do. I think religion has stirred so far away from what it's really about and thats Jesus... he is the only one that can lead you through the walk of a believer, he is the only one who is perfect! When you get so caught up in "religion" I think you get confused about what exactly it is you believe in, who exactly your living your life for. I think people who say my religion is ___ and I believe it "SO THAT" I'll get to heaven is all wrong... I think people who say I'm a believer and I believe because he is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6) are two completely different things. I know this might sound a little confusing, but I've been talking to Luke about it and when I say it to him I feel like I'm making sense, but now that I'm writing it I'm like wow that sounds really confusing. I'm still trying to fully understand the difference, but just something to get you thinking a little... leave me a comment, I want to hear what you think. And look for more posts to come about the "Jesus hates religion" series my pastor is doing!