Religion is systemic. The Holy Spirit flows. Sometimes they contradict.

Sermon-free, unprogrammed, Spirit-led worship is an amazing thing to experience. Spiritual awakening focuses on the living Jesus, not on preachers, churches, or politicians.

When church allows attendees no function but programmed sitting, they become functionless. Then the people of God become a Sunday morning blob, instead of the interfunctioning body of Christ.

Jesus didn’t follow religious systems, so 1st century religious groups resisted Him. Even today, the living Jesus and organized religion sometimes conflict. Jesus often disturbs religious people today, like He did in the Bible.

Perhaps Christianity isn’t about aligning with a religious institution but about daily following the risen Jesus. Perhaps humility is designed to free us from solitary confinement in the prison of our pride. Perhaps when tears come to your eyes, it’s best to let them flow.

Religion tells people that they are “good.” The Holy Spirit convicts people that they are sinners who need Christ. To self-identify as a “good person” is to contradict the Bible in several places.