Religion, as Protestants have practiced it - separating ourselves into denominations - may leave our witness a bit unconvincing. Whose truth is real, or is there any truth? Some believers then turned to "personal relationship." Is that what pursuing his presence is about? 

                                 Our Pursuit of His Presence

   If religion means rules - dead orthodoxy - ask the Pharisees what Jesus thinks. 
If religion is a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power, we do have a religion ... in which this relationship exists. Early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42), including the prophets, the foundation of the church, of which Jesus is the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). 

   Relationship alone didn't suffice when Jesus taught difficult lessons, predicted impossible events, and finally submitted himself to death by crucifixion. 
 

If you love me you will keep...

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them... 

Why do you call me "Lord, Lord" and not do ... ?

   For every believer, the relationship may look a little different. There will be different views on nonessential matters.

   Rather than pursue relationship outside of religion, we seek it within the family of believers and pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance. 

   Only the Holy Spirit renews a human mind (Rom. 12:2). Only the Holy Spirit turns information into transformation.

   Our offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. We use it not against fellow believers, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6).

   If we disagree on lesser points, let's pursue peace, and may God be God.

With much input from WORLD magazine columnists