The Guy had a Religion Problem--Do You?

John 3:14-21

• Religion does not produce spiritual life (v. 14-15). Numbers 21:4-9; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14; John 8:28; John 12:32; 2 Kings 18:4
• Religion does not rescue you from Gods righteous judgment (v. 17-18).
• Option A – Be acceptable before God based on yourself. Revelation 20:12; James 2:10
• Option B - Be acceptable before God based on Christ. Galatians 2:21; John 12:47-48; 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Religion prefers the darkness (v. 19).
• Light and darkness are used in the Bible as a metaphor to represent goodness and evil.
• Jesus refers to Himself as light. John 8:12
• The nature of light:
• The nearer we are to the source, the brighter the light appears.
• The brighter the light, the more revealing it is.
• Light reflects more clearly from a clean surface.
• Light means little to the blind; they can neither see it nor appreciate it.
• A person walking toward the light walks in the light
• Light cannot dwell with darkness nor can darkness dwell with the light.

Religion imparts death … a relationship imparts life.
Religion is based on works … a relationship is based on faith.
Religion is grounded in uncertainty … a relationship is grounded in a promise.
Religion is external … a relationship is internal
Religion brings judgment … a relationship brings salvation.
Religion loves the darkness … a relationship loves the light.
Religion takes credit for salvation … a relationship gives God the credit.
Religion seeks personal glory … a relationship seeks God’s glory.