God wanted a relationship with His creation but it wasn't possible as long as sin reigned. He sent His son to take away the sins of the world so that He might be reconciled to His creation. Relationship creates refuge and joyful counsel.

1. When Religion
Becomes
Relational

2. Religio
n

6. Some
people
think of a
checklist
Pray
Lord’s Supper
Sing
Contribution
Go to Church
My Religion

7. What is at the core of
Religion?
Matthew 15:8…These
people honor me with
their lips, but their hearts
are far from me.

8. Jesus
Christ
Why is
relationship so
important?
A Personal
Relationship
with Jesus

9. Psalm 32
Relationship brings honesty (v. 1 – 2)
Relationship is essential (v. 3 – 4)
Relationship is transparent (v. 5)

10. Psalm 32
Relationship creates refuge (v. 6-7)

11. 6
Therefore let everyone
who is godly pray to
you while you may be
found; surely when the mighty
waters rise, they will not reach
Him. 7
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs
of deliverance.

12. Psalm 32
Relationship is our refuge (v. 6-7)
There is danger in waiting.
God is our faithful refuge.

13. Psalm 32
Relationship brings joyful counsel (v. 8-11)

14. 8
I will instruct you and teach
you in the way you should
go; I will counsel you
and watch over you.9
Do not be like
the horse or the mule, which have
no understanding but must be
controlled by bit and bridle or they
will not come to you.

15. 10
Many are the woes of the
wicked, but the Lord’s
unfailing love surrounds
the man who trusts in him.
11
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad,
you righteous; sing, all you who
are upright in heart!

16. Psalm 32
Relationship brings joyful counsel (v. 8-11)
God’s counsel brings true joy and peace.
Relational Religion is what we need.

17. Psalm 32
Relationship brings honesty (v. 1 – 2)
Relationship is essential (v. 3 – 4)
Relationship is transparent (v. 5)
Relationship creates refuge (v. 6-7)
Relationship brings joyful counsel (v. 8-11)

18. What About Us?
How much personal time do we
spend with God?
What is holding us back from
getting closer to God?
What can we do today to start
closing the gap?