I'm Done With Christianity!

As some of you may have seen, I posted a status on Facebook that simply said "I'm done with Christianity" 

The outpouring of concern was amazing! I appreciate all those who are praying for me. But why all the concern? I've been searching myself for all the things I hold and cling to. I've discovered that there are many misinterpretations in western Christianity. For example, we have identified sin as a behavior ie. stealing, lying, etc. The reality is sin is only one thing, unbelief. That unbelief manifests itself in those behaviors, but it all stems from unbelief. I made a statement about being done with Christianity and people automatically assume that means I'm done with God. That couldn't be further from the truth! 

What is Christianity? 
Chris·ti·an·i·ty
ˌkrisCHēˈanitē/
noun
noun: Christianity

1. the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.
   

• Christian quality or character. "his Christianity sustained him"

Hmm. The religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or it's beliefs and practices. 

What does the bible say about religion and religious practices? 

Colossians 2:20-23 says: 20. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21. "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch"  22.(referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23.These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. 

So if we are to have nothing to do with religion, why did we create one? I heard a message by Andre Rabe where he talked about the world and how societies are formed. He said since the dawn of time man sought out those like himself. They felt secure among the "like" "You are like me therefore you are safe and we will be friends." They developed societies based on this and with that thought created another thought, that the "other" is dangerous and evil. So we remain with our like. What did Jesus do? When He came to earth, He associated Himself with the "others". He associated with thieves, liars, and adulterers. What did this do to the Jews? Infuriated them! These people were not accepted by their society so they shunned them and exiled them. By mingling with them, Jesus painted a target on His back. 

We read these stories in the bible and hear teaching after teaching on acceptance and love, but do we really have it? When we do invite those "wretches" into our midst we bombard them with the Do's and Don't Do's of Christianity. "To be a Christian you must look this way, talk like this and act like this. Cover up those tattoos and remove those piercings, if not permanently then at LEAST in the presence of the Almighty". The idea that Jesus came to fulfill all law, only to create a new one when He left is ludicrice!! He came to fulfill the law so that we could be free! 
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

We are told not submit ourselves again to the yoke of slavery! Religion is slavery! RELIGION ABSOLUTELY IS SLAVERY!
Re·li·gion
riˈlijən/
noun
noun: religion

1. a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
   

• "consumerism is the new religion"

Since when is a relationship with God a pursuit? In fact, it's actually the complete opposite! God passionately pursues us! We  love  Him,  because  He  first   loved  us. 1 John 4:19

Ok, so if Christianity is not the pursuit of God, what is it the pursuit of? Righteousness? Holiness? Rewards? 

• Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1
• By His will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
• Can't find anywhere we are told to pursue rewards

Religions have been around since the dawn of time. What makes us think ours is any better than the next guy? Religion says "you must do in order to be accepted!" Christ says "YOU ARE ACCEPTED. PERIOD!" No strings attached. No rules to abide by. Christ loves me exactly the way I am, why would I try to earn it? That's like saying to my wife, "I know you already married me, but now I want to prove to you why it was a good idea and that I am worthy of your love!" Does that make any sense? I didn't think so either. 

So, again, I am done with Christianity. I am absolutely 100% throwing myself into the loving arms of my Papa and resting in that. He loves me. He wanted me. Now He has me. He wants you too! He wants you, not what you can do! Accept His loving you through and through. He already does it no matter what! Rest! Be free!!