Often it is because we have preconceptions of what we think we know.

As a Christian who wants to communicate the message that Jesus brought to Earth, I find this frustrating. They think they know, though few have checked it out in the Book.

They think God is all about rules, and churches are all about religion, and it is ‘heavy’. They think Jesus is probably OK, cause he advocated peace and was generally nice to people. And in the end the ‘establishment’ killed him because he wasn’t savvy enough to get out of the way. That’s not what the Book says.

Jesus came into the world to get rid of religion with its superstitious ceremony aimed at appeasing God. He aimed himself at the cross. It was the fulfilment of the mission. He came to announce a New Deal, or Good News, where we could be friends with God. He said God was already a friend of us, and he wanted us to have the best life possible.

Churches are meant to be places of relationship, good ones, not places of religion. I know none of them are perfect, but we are working on it. Churches are meant to be focused on the Mission of Jesus. They are places devoted to their non-members; or should I say, yet-to-be-members.

Some think that this message was fine for the past, but has no relevance in a modern scientific world. My observation of the human state makes me think the opposite. Never was God’s love needed more. Never before have people needed real purpose and fulfilment in their lives. Never before have people needed freedom. Because, despite all the ‘human rights’, the biggest prison is between your ears.

When Jesus came, he did set people free, allowed them to see, and run and dance. There was some excitement; even joy.

Maybe you need a bit of that. Maybe you need Jesus. Not the one you thought you knew about. The Real One who wants to make things truly good.

ITALICS: Pastor Gary Jones, Eagles Nest Church.