![Lion of Judah roaring, shattering stained glass church windows, symbolizing freedom from a religious spirit to a personal relationship with Jesus.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Relationship-Not-Religion-1024x362.jpg)
![](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Relationship-Not-Religion-John-The-Baptist-Artworks-Series-2-header-768x271.jpg)
John The Baptist Artworks Series 2
True Christianity, as Jesus taught it, is abiding in a loving, personal relationship with God through faith in him and his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Sadly, much of Christendom today (and throughout the ages) has exchanged this for various forms of ‘christian’ religiosity which are partially or completely devoid of any genuine connection with the Living God (Mark 7:6-8). Even within evangelical circles, the practice of “churchianity” is often deceptively and falsely equated with having a relationship with God. Religion often subtly supplants Relationship. This series is aimed at discerning and exposing the counterfeits that we may flee from them and embrace the genuine–Jesus Christ himself.
“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
![Lion of Judah roaring, shattering stained glass church windows, symbolizing freedom from a religious spirit to a personal relationship with Jesus.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Relationship-Not-Religion-1024x362.jpg)
![Pentecost Holy Spirit descending in fire, Acts 2. People of every tribe, nation, people, tongue, language, receiving the Holy Spirit. Revelation 5:9.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Pentecost-True-Spiritual-Unity-and-Fellowship-in-The-Holy-Spirit-Acts-2-1024x459.jpg)
Pentecost: True Spiritual Unity and Fellowship in The Holy Spirit
![Elijah and the prophets of Baal. 1 Kings 18. Elijah repairing the altar of the Lord.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Elijah-Rebuilding-The-Altar-of-The-Lord-Elijah-and-The-Prophets-of-Baal-1-Kings-18.jpg)
Elijah Rebuilding The Altar of The Lord
![Absolute truth about God. People mocking a Christian believer.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Were-All-Subject-to-The-One-Absolute-Truth-About-God-Whether-We-Believe-in-it-or-Not-1024x526.jpg)
We’re All Subject to The One Absolute Truth About God Whether We Believe in It or Not
![Sheep following Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Freedom from a religious spirit.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Return-to-The-Good-Shepherd-1024x270.jpg)
Return to The Good Shepherd
![Bride of Christ with Jesus the bridegroom. Freedom from a religious spirit.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-Bridegroom-With-His-Bride.jpg)
The Bridegroom With His Bride
![A city on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl. Jesus freeing the church from a religious spirit.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-City-on-A-Hill-Cannot-Be-Hidden-Matthew-5-14-15-1024x689.jpg)
A City on A Hill Cannot Be Hidden (Matthew 5:14-16)
![Lion of Judah roaring Christian artwork. Lion of Judah in Hebrew letters.](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lion-of-Judah-Until-You-are-Enthroned-Upon-The-Praises-of-Israel.jpg)
Lion of Judah: Until You Are Enthroned Upon The Praises of Israel
![](https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Restoring-The-Tabernacle-of-David.jpg)