The Role of Women in the Church

The Lord is always so faithful to bring an answer to my questions. As He has been working so mightily in my life this past year, I often found myself questioning Him about how I am to carry out the tasks He gives me without stepping out from my God-ordained head (i.e. my husband). My friend wrote the following commentary today which completely settles this issue in my mind. Thank you, Lord! I hope this encourages other women as much as it has me.

Note: This is written from a messianic perspective. YHVH is a common way to refer to God/Jehovah/Yahweh in Jewish tradition. The Torah reading mentioned comes from Exodus 13:17-17:16.



Haftorah Reading—Judges 4:4-5:31
Deborah–A Fiery Woman of YHVH
The Torah and Haftorah portions for this week bear many similarities. In both pericopes, Israel was languishing under oppressive foreign powers, and in both YHVH sent them a savior to deliver them and through miracles and against overwhelming odds, Israel defeated its oppressors and the nation was brought to a new spiritual level. Prophets were instrumental in both cases, and women were used of YHVH in the deliverance of his people. And finally, both scenarios climax in the production of a psalm of praise to YHVH for his mighty hand in setting his people free.

The story of Deborah often brings up the question concerning the role of women among YHVH’s people. Proponents of women in leadership roles point to Deborah as a champion to their cause. Those who decry any sort of women leadership blush when the example of Deborah is brought up and are often quick to add that she was a one-time exception to this rule. What is the truth as presented by Scripture? Please note the role of women in Scripture by reviewing the following examples as Batya Wootten points out in her book, Mama’s Torah—the Role of Women:

Miriam was a prophetess and coworker with her brothers Moses and Aaron in leading Israel (Mic 6:4).

YHVH used the daughters of Zelophehad to help instruct Moses, and on the basis of their wisdom, the Torah was amended (Num 27:1–11).

Huldah was a prophetess and an advisor to King Josiah (2 Kgs 22:11–20).

Queen Esther helped to write law (Est 9:29).

Phoebe was a deacon/minister within the spiritual body of early Messianic believers (Rom 16:1–2).

Junia along with Andronicus, her husband, are listed as apostles (Rom 16:7).

Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife ministry team and pastored a congregation that met in their home. There are times when the Scripture even records Priscilla’s name first. She was evidently a dynamic leader, along with her husband (Acts 18:2,18,26; Rom 16:3; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19).

The women in Corinth prayed and prophesied publicly (1Cor 11:5–6).

Philip had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9).

A nucleus of women developed a congregation at Phillipi (Acts 16:12–15, 40).

Wootten then deduces from the biblical record that “believing communities should be aligned with Biblical patterns of the Scripture. And while it clearly depicts a pattern of male leadership, is also clearly shows female participation” (p. 37).

In light of the example of Deborah we must ask the question: will YHVH’s plans and purposes be put on hold or thwarted simply because there lacks a person of the male gender to fulfill those plans? Can he who used Balaam’s ass for his purposes, and who said that he could raise up rocks to declare his praises not use women as he so chooses when there lacks a man to do the job, or use women to assist men in doing theirs?

4:4 The wife of Lapidoth (KJV). The ArtScroll Tanach has translated this phrase as “a fiery woman” since the Hebrew word lapid means torch. This implies that Deborah was energetic and decisive. The Jewish sages teach that Lapidoth is but another name for Barak since both names connote flashes of lightning, and therefore are used interchangeably (ArtScroll Rubin Edition Joshua/Judges Commentary, p. 137). If the sages are correct, then Deborah was assisting her husband, Barak. He was the military leader of Israel, while she was the spiritual leader. Does this shake your paradigm about the role of women in biblical societies? Many times fiery women are labeled and branded as persona non grata. Is this a fair thing to do if they are women who walk in and uphold biblical standards of righteousness, and who honor and defer to male headship, if there is righteous male headship worthy of honor?

Often Barak is viewed as a reluctant, even cowardly military leader. Is this a fair assessment? Didn’t he display great faith when he heeded the Word of Elohim through Deborah, and furthermore abandoned the strategic high ground when attacking the enemy on the plain where the enemy’s chariots would be most advantageous? If Barak and Deborah were husband and wife, what does this story teach us about husbands and wives not only respecting, but heeding each other’s counsel, and then working together as a team? Who knows, YHVH may be using your wife or husband to speak to you right now!

5:1 On that day. Deborah composed her praise psalm on the very day of battle and victory. She did not delay to offer up a sacrifice of praise to the Elohim of Israel. “Given the fragile nature of joy so great that it bursts into a song, it must be expressed immediately, before the heightened perception begins to fade away, or is depleted by sin” (Ibid., p. 141). Is your relationship that vital with your Maker and your joy and gratitude that child-like, spontaneous and unquenchable that you do not delay to praise YHVH the moment a blessing comes your way?

5:7 A mother in Israel. Have you along your spiritual journey ever encountered a “mother in Israel” who YHVH used to change the course of your life and shape your spiritual destiny through her wise counsel and guidance? Such a Deborah-like woman is loving, but she does not fail to scold or discipline her children when they need it. May YHVH raise up such righteous and discerning women in Israel in our day!

Let’s not forget the other woman in this passage: Jael. While one woman, Deborah, was a well-known public figure functioning as a prophetess, judge and military leader in Israel, another woman was tucked away in the wilderness, away from others fulfilling her role as a house (or, tent) wife. She, too, was a mother in Israel, who was quietly walking in righteousness in her own home, yet YHVH brought a ministry opportunity her way. Though the task she was asked to do was a grisly one, she did not shrink back when duty called to her. In so doing, she helped to save the nation of Israel at a very tenuous time in its existence, and her name is immortalized in Deborah’s psalm of praise. What is the lesson for us? Be faithful to do what YHVH has called you to do, no matter how insignificant and out of the limelight it may seem, and he will bring you greater opportunities and reward you with blessings unspeakable.

This may challenge religious ideas and presuppositions we hold. My prayer is that we would start to think as YHVH thinks and not as man or religious traditions think and have us to think. We need to go to Scripture humbly and not in arrogance of mind and harden ourselves against HIS WAYS. Let us go to HIS WORD and let it change us and not we change it!
Blessings!!

A New Calling

I have not blogged for some time because I have been in a period of waiting. Since November, I have known that God has something in store for me. A job to do. I did not know what it was and I have been praying regularly for Him to reveal the next step He wants me to take. He's been nudging me to serve with a particular ministry at my church for quite a while but I have avoided it or thought I could not do it for one reason or another (mostly because of fear or pride). I finally gave in and contacted the person leading that group about joining and it was not long after that He started revealing more of His plan for me. Sometimes (or in my case--a LOT of times) it just takes an obedient heart in order to get things moving again.

I have always had a deep interest in the Jewish people and their culture. As a teenager who loved to read, many of my favorite books were historical fiction set during the time of the Holocaust. Even earlier, in the Lutheran church I attended as an elementary aged child there was a Sunday School teacher who would present a passover seder. I loved it, and even now sometimes when I smell celery or haroset it reminds me of that time. Later, as a newly-married adult, I had a friend who shared with me her interest in celebrating the biblical feasts and listening to Messianic praise music. As I've gone through life, the Lord has inceasingly been adding more and more of His chosen people's culture and traditions to my life.

Even more recently, when we first moved downstate we knew of a messianic congregation in the Detroit area through one of my husband's friends. We spent several months attending regularly their sabbath services and getting to know the people there and it was a very enriching time. Unfortunately, due to life circumstances we were not able to be as involved as a member needs to be so we found our current church. Also, this past summer our annual homeschool camp theme was the Biblical Feasts and How They Point to Christ. After that inspiring week, my husband and I made a commitment to celebrate the feasts this year as a family. We even invited friends to come to our home and share a meal and learn a bit about the Feast of Tabernacles.

After a week of being reminded of all of the above, reuniting with my old friend who observes the feasts and while starting to plan the passover seder dinner for our homeschool support group which I volunteered for, I decided on Friday that I would take the kids with me up to the sabbath service for the first time in years. I am so glad I did. My kids loved the service! These are kids who normally sit in the seats looking bored or tired. My 8 year old son was standing next to me on Saturday morning, clapping, singing, trying to sing in Hebrew, and read the prayers and getting very excited about it all. He did not want to go that morning but before the first couple songs were done he was already saying he wants to go back every week.

All of this is background to explain how God has revealed to me my new job in His kingdom. I am to be an ambassador of sorts. He wants me to dispel the myths about Judaism that abound in the Christian church. He wants me to share the beauty of Israel with the gentiles. To share the truth of who we are as a Church; Jew and Gentile, together, one in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, the Christ. He wants me to help silence the voice of the enemy who seeks to divide the Body of Christ. We are entering some turbulent times and we need to be prepared and we need to be made strong. We cannot be strong if we are divided. He also wants me to pray for Israel, and provoke the Jewish unbelievers to jealousy so that they too will turn to Yeshua their Messiah. This is my calling. I will keep one foot in the church and one in the synagogue, and do what I can to help the Holy Spirit bring the two together as one Body.

So be ready to hear more from me on this in the future. The plan is to head up to the synagogue with the kids at least once a month so we can learn and grow under their wisdom in this area. We are also going to continue celebrating the feasts and inviting whoever the Holy Spirit leads our way. If you are local and want to join us let me know so you don't get left out! I am also reading and studying a book I got at camp from James Whitman from the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies called Our Father Abraham: the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson. Now that I know who I am and what I'm supposed to do I need to "go to school" and learn about my field. I am going to have so much fun doing it too!

Now I am off to eat non-kosher pizza and watch Fiddler on the Roof with the family! :)

Chokmah and Biynah

Chokmah, you are my wise sister...
As I write my Father's words in my private notebook
Which contains all my most heartfelt thoughts, dreams, and struggles.
The essence of the soul of my being.

Biynah, you are my discerning kinswoman...
I adorn my fingers with His truths
So I will never forget them,
And be lured away from my Beloved
By the flattering foreigner Zuwr.

This stranger is subtle, yet strong,
And he awaits me at every corner.
He tempts me with promises
Of peace, comfort, and good feelings
Until my Bridegroom returns from His journey.

If I should forget my Father's instructions
Then the foreigner shall succeed.
Zuwr will entice me to follow him
He will lead me as a beast to the slaughter.

So stay with me Chokmah
And lead me down the right path, Biynah.
For I do not wish to join the many,
The many who have been destroyed by Zuwr.

(This is my interpretation of Proverbs 7)

Personal Jesus

Remember that song? Actually I didn't until I came up with the title for this blog posting and then realized that I had heard that phrase before. I googled it and found the Depeche Mode and Johnny Cash versions on YouTube. The actual song may not be about Jesus specifically, but He IS a personal Jesus to anyone who wants Him to be.

Link to the song: Personal Jesus

What I was going to say about this is that Jesus is personal. He gets personal. He will not deal with me the same way He will with you. He will not ask the same things of me as He will of you either. There is a part in The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis, where Aslan tells the boy "I'm telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own." It's much the same with Jesus. He tells me something different and in a different way than He might tell you in order to get me to the next bend in the path on my Christian walk. Each person who has given their life to Christ has a different story to tell. It happens differently for everyone, even though the end result is essentially the same (eternity spent with God in heaven). It is like this because He made us and knows each one of us intimately. He understands that some people prefer old-fashioned hymns without instruments for their corporate worship times and others like something with a beat and lots of guitar. All the different types of churches are not wrong (unless they are not representing Jesus accurately and biblically), and He has given each one their own purpose and mission to fulfill.

I have been very open in my online writing about God calling me to wear a covering and using it as a place to discuss and process what I am learning about it. For me it has always been personal. Something between Him and myself. He may not ask it of everyone else or He may have different reasons or methods or times to wear it for those who have also been called to do this. All I know is that this is what He wants of me and it pleases Him that I am doing it in response to Him out of love (and not out of fear or thinking wrongly that it is what all good Christian married women should do).

He may be asking something of you right now or leading you down a new path. Don't worry if it seems strange or different than everyone else. Get personal with Jesus and reach out and touch Him and He will give you all the grace you need to follow through.

Be blessed...

The Lunar Phases of Erika

I have been wanting to write my follow-up post to the Headcovering article but I did not get my inspiration until this last weekend when the Lord allowed me to have more (but not yet complete) understanding about why He chose me to become a headcovering Christian woman.

You may have heard the analogy that Jesus is the sun and one who has accepted His gift of salvation is the moon, reflecting His light to the world. I have also heard this before and thought it was a cool analogy, but the other night He showed me that there are also phases in a believer's development, just like the moon (at least in my own life). I would like to share my own spiritual development with you as it equates to the lunar phases.

For the sake of this analogy we'll say a person does not become a "moon" unless they accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. I am not sure when I became a moon. It must have been at a young age because I cannot remember ever not believing God was real or that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I went to Sunday School every week throughout my entire childhood so I understood the basics of the Christian faith and personally believed them for myself.

The first lunar phase is the new moon phase. We know the moon is there but it appears dark because it is between the earth and the sun so the earth (the world) does not see the light. I was stuck in the new moon phase for a very long time. I knew Jesus, I could see Him myself, but I was stuck in between the things of the world and my love for Christ and I was afraid to let His light shine on the world. I became bound by fear and it nearly ruined me last year as I went through a dark period of depression. I cried out to God every night to help me for months while at the same time trying herbal remedies and eating better in case it was just something like a vitamin deficiency :) , and in His perfect timing He answered with a simple request....

"Cover your head."

This was something I was aware of, being in the homeschooling community, that some Christian women cover their heads and many at the same time also adopt a plain, modest style of dress to go along with it. I respected their conviction but did not think it was necessary for me to do that. I thought that if I started covering my head I would also have to start wearing the modest dresses and it just was not appealing to me, to be frank. I think there are ways to be modest and respectful of men without having to give up my own sense of style (whatever that may be...). But one day last July God made it very clear to me that I should wear some kind of covering. Any kind. It wasn't what I looked like that mattered. He just wanted me to obey by actively taking a garment of some sort and putting it on my head. So I did. I did not understand why. Why me? Why not her or her or her? For how long? All these questions and more have gone through my covered head over the last several months. But you know what? When I made that decision to obey my Lord's request my moon started to turn a little and shine just a sliver of His light.

As my little light shone I spent much time in research about the biblical basis for headcovering and seeking Him for myself and for some answers to those questions. He revealed Himself over those weeks and months of bible study and prayer and discussions with friends in ways I never thought possible. He also allowed me some time in that little sliver of light phase, so I could get over more of my fear of man and the need to be accepted. I had a hard time wearing the coverings without wondering and worrying about what people thought of me and what I would say if they asked about it (which hardly ever happened surprisingly). I was about ready to give it up, thinking that it was counterproductive if it consumed my thoughts in that way. I did not want the covering to hinder my Christian growth, which I was striving so hard for. But just as He knew I would, I did get over it and in the last week or so I stopped thinking about other people's opinions and just wore it and enjoyed it. I liked that I didn't have to do too much with my hair. I liked that I was doing something just for Him. I liked how it was bringing me closer to a friend who is also covering in obedience to His request. I had reached the first quarter phase, showing a half-moon of His light to the world.

This past weekend He showed up when I was at a monthly worship service and brought me to the next "waxing gibbous" phase. He took away the last of my fear and showed me who I am. He's given me more understanding of the things He's shown me in my personal bible studies in the past couple of months and I am excited to use His gifts and to follow His leading for the rest of my life. He still wants me to cover, and I am happy to do it if it will bring Him the glory and help someone else find their way to Him.

When will I become a full moon? I think that will be the day Jesus comes for me, when I will finally become the perfect mirror image of His light. It is going to be marvelous to see!

What phase are you in? If you know and feel comfortable sharing please post a comment (even anonymously if you want), and I will pray with and for you to reach the next level. For Proverbs 4:18 says, "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."

Head Covering (part 1)

I've been mulling over this subject in my head for awhile, intending to make at least one post on it because I feel it is important both for myself and the Body of Christ as a whole. I was thinking through what I might say when I came across an excellent article on the subject which I will share below. This is part 1 because at a later date I intend to get into it from a more personal perspective by sharing my own experiences and thoughts about head covering so far.

So here is the article which does a wonderful job of summing up my own conclusions on why I think it is necessary for me to cover.

Head Covering
by Ellen Kavanaugh

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. .... Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." 1 Corinthians 11:3-6; 13-16

This verse seems so misunderstood by so many, so let's address various aspects of the passage which may be confusing.

We begin by noticing that the purpose of the headcovering is because of a woman's place in the natural order: G-d, man, woman:

"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels." 1 Corinthians 11:7-10

We can also deduce from this 'headship' that it can only apply to married women, since single women are directly under G-d, without a husband between her and G-d (unless we assume every man is over a woman [like her father, brother, uncle, etc. and then as she ages, her son, nephews, etc)]. Clearly only husbands are meant here.

There are several passages indicating headcovering was a common practice among married/betrothed women:

"And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself." Genesis 24:64,65

Another verse showing the practice of wifely headcovering was an established practice is in the case of a woman before the priest when her husband suspects infidelity:

And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse." Numbers 5:18

The point being, in order to uncover, she must have been previously covered. The passage makes the assumption that any wife brought before a priest *will* be covered. From Sha'ul's (Paul) comment in 1 Corinthians 11:16 "But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God" it seems clear he is referring to the custom that wives *do* cover their heads.

Now, what kind of covering is deemed appropriate? Is a woman's hair sufficient? No. This is because Sha'ul used different Greek words for the natural hair covering and the headship covering. Let's look at the Greek words in the passage:

Sha'ul said that men should not cover/katakalupto (Strong's 2619) their heads. And in verse 11 Sha'ul contrasts that with: "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered/akatakaluptos/?" (Strong's 177) Note that 'uncovered'/akatakaluptos is the opposite of 'to cover'/katakalupto. Katakaluptos basically means to UNcover or UNveil. So far, we have a 'men uncover, women cover' command. Now for where the confusion comes in: When Sha'ul refers to a woman's natural hair covering, he uses an altogether different word: "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering/peribolaion." (Strong's 4018). Peribolaion means something thrown around (loose items like a veil, a mantle, a vesture). Hair is more like a glorious decoration given to woman. Now if Sha'ul had meant the naturally occuring hair covering and the headship-type covering to be one and the same, he would have used the same word for each. Instead, a woman's natural hair covering (peribolaion) is being contrasted to this other covering (katakalupto) that women wear. In fact, the katakalupto actually *covers* the peribolaion.

Sha'ul has begun this passage showing the contrasts between men and women in this passage: men are uncovered, women are covered. Then Sha'ul supports his case for headcovering by pointing out that even in nature a women is given a covering -- by her long hair. But Sha'ul never makes the leap that hair itself *is* a suitable headcover alone. If such a natural covering sufficed, then Sha'ul is wasting his time teaching this since the women already had a natural hair covering. Sha'ul deliberately used different words for the two coverings so we would understand they were complementary to each other but not identical. So there is *no* choice offered in this passage that one may choose to either shave one's head and cover it, or to leave one's hair long and remain uncovered. The natural order is to either wear a covering over the hair or to fully exploit the shame of being uncovered by also shaving off one's hair too. Better: if you resist submitting to the customary female headcovering, you may as well reject your natural hair as well.

Now among those who agree a married woman should wear some sort of covering, there is always the one who argues this headcovering is due to modesty. That somehow hair is too much of a sexual turn on to men and therefore must be covered to keep a man's libido under control. While long hair can be attractive, I'd argue the command has little to do with attractiveness, but instead only represents a husband's headship over his wife. Let me demonstrate why:

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Yochanan/John 12:3

If hair is so sexy that it must be kept covered, then the above verse reads tackily -- as if Mary was trying to arouse Yeshua. Clearly hair did not have any such deep sexual connotations attached to it. Furthermore (assuming hair's sexiness was the reason for the covering) the command to cover is given only to married women (again, notice single Mary wore no such covering). Yet wouldn't many single teenage girls be the ones more likely to entice with their appearance? In fact wouldn't they be the ones most needing this modest head covering? While certainly a woman's hair is attractive and a delight for her husband, I cannot agree that the command to cover a woman's head is strictly because of its attractiveness. The headcovering Sha'ul refers to is less about looks and modesty, and more about showing a woman's 1) marital status and 2) her submission to her husband's headship over her and finally, 3) as evidence for the angels to witness this submissive act (possibly also as a positive example for fallen angels to see -- those who had rejected G-d's headship and refused to submit to Him).

I'd like to address the issue of *when* to cover one's head. There are many who feel headcoverings only need to be worn during congregational services (i.e. 'praying and prophesying'). Sha'ul says we are to 'Pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) -- so apparently, there is no time when a woman should not be praying, therefore, no time when a woman should be uncovered.

In conclusion, nothing in 1 Corinthians indicates hair (or lack of hair) replaces a proper headcovering on married women. It is this writer's own personal opinion that most any headcovering will be adequate; from a headband, to a scarf, to a hat, to a full veil. The exception to *most any covering* would be a wig, since a wig defeats the whole purpose of the command by giving the illusion of being uncovered. Other than a wig, most any covering will adequately fulfill this command, since katakalupto simply means 'to cover' and doesn't specify a particular accessory. For myself, I prefer a modest look, and so I don't choose headcoverings that would draw much attention to myself. To be overly modest and covered up in the society I live in could either lead to false modesty or give others the impression I want to be noticed for extreme piety. The purpose of the covering isn't to attract stares at the supermarket but to show submission to G-d's natural order.

Link to original article~ http://www.lightofmashiach.org/women/headcovering.html

Religion or Relationship?

I've often heard the saying that goes "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship." When I first heard that years ago I agreed wholeheartedly because I was having doubts about the denomination I was a part of and just denominations in general. I felt there was too much attention given to the traditions of a particular church and not enough genuine adoration and service to God Himself. But now I'm not so sure about that saying. Something about it does not sit well with me.

What is religion anyway? Religion according to my dictionary is belief in and worship of God or gods; a specific system of belief, worship, etc. often involving a code of ethics. Someone who is religious is devout, pious; of or concerned with religion; conscientiously exact; scrupulous. Is that not what Christianity is all about? Would you agree that it is a belief in God which includes a specific system of belief and worship as outlined by Him in His Word? And that a Christian should be devout (earnest, sincere) in how they approach their Lord and Savior?

It is true that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but it should not end there. We are running a race (Hebrews 12:1) and striving for the prize at the end (Philippians 3:14) which is to hear Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21) How can we get to that point of reward if we stand still at the starting line and never even begin to make any progress toward the finish line?

He gives us such clear instruction in His Word on how to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and be fruitful (John 15:4-5). He shows us how to relate to other believers (Romans 12:4-21) and how to celebrate His good gifts with the feasts (Leviticus 23) . He tells us how to behave in our marriages (Ephesians 5:21-33) and as parents (Ephesians 6:4, many Proverbs), etc. etc.... It's all in there! It should be the goal of every believer to spend time with Him daily in His Word and in prayer and worship (relationship). Then it should be a priority for all in the Body to walk in obedience to the things He is telling them in a devout and conscientiously exact (religious) manner. When this is done the fruit will grow and the blessings will come. The Bride of Christ will become more and more beautiful and ready for her Bridegroom.

So is Christianity a religion or a relationship? I would argue that it is both. In order to have a fulfilling relationship with God one must be religious in their pursuance of Him. To have a meaningful religion one must know Him well as a friend in order to understand why we are to break the bread and drink the wine for example. Now I encourage you to go pursue Him and find the richness of the religion of Christianity as you get to know Him better.