Acts20.com

Jesus grew up in Nazareth. Apparently, when He went back, some people recognized Him and did not believe in Him. They recognized Him as the carpenter's son. Don't you think there were some people there who knew Him personally, who talked with Him and had a 'personal relationship' with Him? Did that mean they believed in Him?Judas knew Jesus personally and talked to Him face to face. Yet Jesus indicate that he was lost, that 'son of perdition'. If the apostles did not present the Gospel as having a 'personal relationship with Jesus Christ', why do so many people today?Isn't a relationship with Jesus a result of salvation, rather than what we are to present on the front end of the discussion? Why do so many preachers leave out the cross and the resurrection, and talk about the personal relationship?What do unbelievers think when we talk about a personal relationship with Jesus? Him appearing to us in visions? How do unbelievers perceive this phrase

Of course the relationship Jesus is more appealing to current culture. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ are much more difficult to preach than being best buds with J.