Sunday 4-26-26 with Pastor Chris

This powerful message challenges us to reconsider a popular phrase that many of us have embraced: 'It's relationship, not religion.' While we understand the heart behind this statement, we're invited to explore a deeper truth—that authentic religion and relationship aren't opposing forces, but complementary elements of our faith journey. The Latin root of 'religion' means 'binding' or 'unity,' suggesting that we need to be bound together in healthy community. The Greek word speaks of ceremonial piety and worship rituals. These aren't empty practices, but life-giving structures that help us grow. When we look at the early church in the Book of Acts, we see a beautiful organism—not just an organization—where believers gathered, learned doctrine, practiced baptism and communion, and grew together under Christ's headship. The message culminates in a celebration of water baptism, reminding us through Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12-13, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 that baptism symbolizes our union with Christ's death and resurrection, our sins being washed away, and our new identity in Him. We're challenged to avoid 'solo Christianity'—the idea that we can follow Jesus in isolation with just YouTube sermons and personal devotions. True discipleship requires us to be part of something greater than ourselves, a living body where Christ is the head and we are the members, each playing our unique role in His kingdom work.