This video confuses me

A friend of mine posted this on her church's private facebook page and was scolded by the pastor. Anyone who responded was scolded by the pastor also and he responded to all "we can discuss this in person at the church" to any questioning. While I watched his other youtube video about sex, love and marriage I was truly amazed and REALLY liked it. This video confuses me!

I am sharing here to get your thoughts. If I offend anyone please pm me and tell me and I will edit it all out of my post. I don't think I am crossing any lines here, I am actually looking for discussion which my friend appeared to be doing also but got majorly scolded :(

http://youtu.be/1IAhDGYlpqY

We actually watched that video in church two weeks ago. It is very soundly Biblical.

Religion is a set of rules to follow in order to earn your way into heaven - extra things that aren't in the Bible that someone says that you have to do. The only way in to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ - you have to do nothing but believe.

I think it's great! And I agree with Jessica on region being a set of rules that one follows to earn your way into heaven...

I actually haven't watched the video. But I did appreciate this blogger's thoughts on it (the update post is also good!): http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/...ta-not-really/

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Originally Posted by Sakura

I actually haven't watched the video. But I did appreciate this blogger's thoughts on it (the update post is also good!): http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/...ta-not-really/

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I could only skim through this blog. I feel like a lot of people do feel like religion is a set of rules that is man-made, and that is not what my religion is like anymore. I read a quote recently that said "Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship". I do not know if those were the exact words. I feel like that is what sets it apart from everything else in the world. I believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ is the core of my religion, not a set of rules or rituals. I think the point of the video is that some people will follow the rules, do the rituals, attend church, but not really know Jesus, and we do not need to follow rules and do rituals to be a Christian.

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Originally Posted by Sakura

I actually haven't watched the video. But I did appreciate this blogger's thoughts on it (the update post is also good!): http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/...ta-not-really/

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That was a great review!
I do think the intent of the video was to point out FALSE religion as opposed to religion in general. He says that in his intro, but I don't think it comes across very clearly in the poem. I agree with the DeYoung that "religion" is not the best word to use, since the Bible is clear that Jesus did not hate religion, but "false religion"; the Pharisaical, hypocritical, self-righteous religiosity based on works.

Obedience to God's laws IS important, otherwise God would not have told us to DO anything. But He does. The distinction is WHY we do it. Is it Christ's transforming power in us? HIS work that causes us to desire to do His will because we love Him? Or is it OUR attempt to look good enough and get the glory for ourselves?

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Originally Posted by i.<3.cheesysmiles

I could only skim through this blog. I feel like a lot of people do feel like religion is a set of rules that is man-made, and that is not what my religion is like anymore. I read a quote recently that said "Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship". I do not know if those were the exact words. I feel like that is what sets it apart from everything else in the world. I believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ is the core of my religion, not a set of rules or rituals. I think the point of the video is that some people will follow the rules, do the rituals, attend church, but not really know Jesus, and we do not need to follow rules and do rituals to be a Christian.

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I definitely agree with you that Christianity is about where are identity and authority lies, not about how many rules we can follow to make ourselves "good enough". God's grace is the only thing holding us, not anything WE can do for ourselves.
However, I think that last bolded part is the warning that DeYoung (the person who wrote the review Amanda posted) was trying to get across. As Christians, we SHOULD be living what we believe. Not to look good to others, but because we love God and want to please Him. There are some rituals Christ set up (baptism, Lord's supper) that we should be participating in. And God still gave us the Bible which tells us what we should be doing and not doing. Of course we will not be perfect, and everyone is at different places in their walk. I think the video gives a wonderful explanation of grace. But as Paul said, we shouldn't take advantage of grace by sinning without care. Our lives should reflect Christ's transformation in us.
Like my pastor said, "Christians are not sinless, but we should sin LESS." So I would lovingly and politely disagree that Christians do not need to follow rules and rituals. :) But I agree that perfection in them is not what makes us Christian.

DeeDee - I think there is a lot of great stuff to discuss in this video. I hope your pastor is open to discussing both the helpful and confusing parts of it. Maybe you could forward that review to him. :)

You are absolutely right, Polly. MY thinking was more along the lines that Jesus came so that we don't have to follow all the rules and rituals in the Old Testament. There are no amount of rules that I could follow or rituals that I could perform that would make me good enough for Jesus. I am weak and I struggle with my sins. But at the same time, I know I sin, and I pray for help with those sins. I know I need to repent for my sins, and true repentance means that I try to not commit them again. I know I need God's help to battle sin - not rules and rituals. The more my relationship grow with Jesus, the more I want to repent and please him.

I do try to live my life according to the Bible, but I don't necessarily see it as a list of rules to follow.

I grew up just doing rules and rituals and I had no relationship with Jesus at all. I still considered myself a Christian, but it was more about the religion, not the relationship.

I also understand what the concern is - that young Christians may think that they can do what they want and still be considered a Christian. I don't think that was what the guy in the video was saying at all, though.

Lisa - Absolutely. :) And I know you well enough on here that I know you don't just do what you want and say you are Christian. :hugs: I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend.

This is a really great discussion! Thanks, everyone!

No offense at all Polly!

Thanks for all the insight girls! I am sorry I think I confused but, it was not my pastor who scolded...it was a friend's.

I absolutely LOVE this video. I think it hits the nail right on the head and can't imagine why a pastor would scold someone about it (??). The Gospel is about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. We don't have to do ANYTHING but confess that he is Christ, our Lord and Savior, to be saved. No amount of works, rituals, or rules are going to make me EARN my way to heaven. Jesus did it all for ME..it's not about me doing *this* much and Jesus picking up the slack. He did it ALL and my actions as a Christian reflect my belief and my faith in Him.

Religion is what the Pharisees had. A relationship is what we are called to have.

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Originally Posted by twinmom34

Thanks for all the insight girls! I am sorry I think I confused but, it was not my pastor who scolded...it was a friend's.

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Sorry! You were clear on that. My mistake. :) Your friend might enjoy it then.