From Religion to Relationship

Pastor Ben Diaz

Hello Church Family!

Pastor Ben continued his powerful series on Religion vs. Relationship by highlighting how God’s grace and truth work hand in hand. Grace empowers us to change, and truth sets us free.

The focus of this message centered on Colossians chapter one. In Colossians 1:6 (NLT), we read: “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.”

This Good News isn’t just information—it’s transformational. As we grow in our understanding of God’s grace, our lives begin to bear fruit. Grace gives us the power to humble ourselves, break free from old sinful patterns, and live in a way that brings honor to God.

Pastor Ben encouraged us to pause and reflect: Are we living lives that are truly pleasing and honoring to God?

He explained that grace doesn’t give us permission to stay stuck in sin—it gives us the strength to walk in freedom. Religious people often lack joy because they focus on following rules. But those who understand both grace and truth live joyfully, focusing on what Jesus has already done.

We are declared holy and blameless before God (Colossians 1:22), yet verse 23 comes with a warning: “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.”

Drifting doesn’t happen all at once—it’s subtle. It happens when we neglect time in the Word, disconnect from our church family, or allow small compromises to creep in. That’s why it’s vital to stay grounded in Scripture, connected to the body of Christ, and faithful in prayer.

Pastor Ben also reminded us that once we are saved, we have no right to view our past apart from the blood of Jesus. Jesus purchased our past with His blood, He owns it now, not you. Pastor used the example of selling someone your car. You couldn't go back after the sale and use your spare key to drive it. That's illegal—it doesn't belong to you anymore!

Colossians 2:14–15 (NLT) makes this clear: “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross.”

Because of Jesus, the enemy no longer has any grounds to condemn us. Our past has been nailed to the cross—and that is something worth celebrating!

Pastor went on to explain that Colossians 1:27–28 reveals the deeper purpose for which we’ve been empowered by grace:“And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.”



We are not only changed by grace—we are called to share it with others, helping them grow into a mature relationship with Christ.

If you want to go deeper, take time this week to read Colossians chapters 1 and 2. You’ll be blessed by the depth and richness of God’s grace and truth.

And if you’d like to watch the full message, CLICK HERE.