Understanding Faith Beyond Traditions
Have you ever wondered if the church today is more focused on rules, traditions, and religious routines than actually living out what Jesus talked about—the Kingdom of God? You’re not alone. Many people are asking this question, both inside and outside of church walls.
Religion vs. the Kingdom of God: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down simply. Religion is often about systems, traditions, and a set way of doing things. It can become a checklist: go to church, sing certain songs, follow certain rules. But when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God, He pointed toward something much bigger. The Kingdom is about God’s ways coming alive in our lives here and now—love, justice, power, forgiveness, and real-life change.
The Constitution and the Kingdom
It’s also important to remember that when the founding fathers wrote the U.S. Constitution, they didn’t base it on God’s Kingdom. The constitution was built on ideas like freedom and justice, but it wasn’t designed to mirror God’s reign. That means our religious systems and even our countries’ rules aren’t always the same as God’s best for us.
People Want More Than Religion
All around the world, more and more people are getting tired of just “doing religion.” They’re hungry for something real, not just a set of beliefs or empty rituals. They want to see faith put into action. People are searching for hope, purpose, and a life that’s bigger than themselves. They want to experience something genuine that makes a difference.
Living Out Faith Like Paul Did
Of course, it’s good to say what we believe and to stand for Christian values. But, as the Apostle Paul showed, that’s only the beginning. Paul didn’t just preach nice ideas—he lived them out. The Bible says that when he spoke about Jesus, it wasn’t just smart arguments or impressive speeches. He showed God’s power in real, tangible ways—through miracles, healings, and acts of love.
Paul writes it best in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5:
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
What Does This Mean for Us?
It means faith isn’t just about talk—it’s about transformation. The church can’t just stick to religious traditions or clever teachings. People need to see God’s love and power at work in everyday life. That might mean reaching out to someone in need, praying for healing, or simply being there for others in a way that makes them wonder, “What’s different here?”
Looking Forward
The world is hungry for more than religion; it’s looking for the real thing. Maybe it’s time for the church to shift its focus back to the heart of what Jesus taught—the Kingdom of God lived out, not just talked about. Let’s be a part of bringing faith to life, so it’s more than words or rituals, but a true experience of God’s love and power.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 