Growing in Grace

When one is confined to concepts which has them in a state of constantly working at trying to improve their position with God, it can end up being stressful and exhausting. To help create a visual, we use an example of someone who was working through their sweat to get to the top of an escalator that was going down in the opposite direction. People were all around, cheering her on to keep going. She nearly made it to the top before failing to reach the goal. And the spectators were not very gracious afterwards ... just like a real, legalistic church setting. Jesus spoke to would-be 'doers' about a rest we could all learn from Him. It's easy and light. The opposite of what many of us have had to deal with.

A couple of links to the escalator video referenced in this episode:
Facebook Reel (1:30) https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CNgpGWu9Y/
YouTube Short (0:20) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xh0fw2Z9R38

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

After the ascension of Jesus, many Jewish believers in Jesus continued to cling to the law ... unaware it was something Jesus brought to an end. In other words, they added Jesus to their law-keeping. Some may have mistakenly thought this would provide them the grace and ability to finally become *doers of the law.*

Today we have much of the corporate church world turning it inside out by first believing in Jesus and then adding religious law to that belief—although usually a version designed to be much less burdensome. It's cheap law—where law and grace get mixed as do faith and works ... incompatible components that do not mesh within a new and better covenant. No matter what kind of a list you want to create to follow and do in order to achieve perfection and right standing with God, it will never be enough ... just ask the Jews from the previous covenant. This is actually good news for us. It's why we have a Savior.

The most effective Guide towards experiencing true liberty isn't from a written code of conduct or any kind of law ... or even 'good Bible teaching.' It will be experienced through the Spirit of God.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

When we hear the phrase 'weak in faith,' all kinds of different thoughts may run through our head, depending on past and current Bible teaching. Some of what may be assumed is that the weak in faith are lesser Christians or some sort of second-class believers. Some might mistakenly consider this as accusatory or insulting language from Paul.

In context, Paul was referencing those who feel the need to be more outward focused which could involve things like ceremonial requirements, avoiding certain foods, esteeming one day to be observed above other days, etc., whereas someone who has grown further into the freedom and grace found in Christ is potentially more focused on trusting in the blood of Jesus and the redemptive work He performed, once for all.

Paul exhorted them not to judge but to receive one another in the same way God shows us peace and patience.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

The religious accusation of being "friends with the world" will mean many different things to different people ... but it is generally rooted in a law-based mindset. We've had such accusations hurled at us both personally and through the podcast. And we've been a part of that haughty hangout in the past. It's not a place of grace and love.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Listeners have written to us to express their inner battle with being able to love themselves. The lifeless seeds plated by others left them feeling barren and unsure of themselves ... and lacking confidence in God's love for them. They often have to deal with well-meaning but judgmental types who will wag their finger at them for doing things they enjoy but may be considered taboo to those snared in their own religious bondage. They'll quote Bible verses as though they are 'demands' from God instead of exhortations from apostles who were attempting to exhort and encourage those to whom they were writing.

The victims wallow and wade in the murky swamp of guilt and condemnation, sometimes leading to more problems, including depression. It leaves them feeling distant from God, living in a place of fear and uncertainty. We may not have all the specific answers for overcoming these struggles that are unique to each person. But we do know God doesn't want this for any of His creation. Allowing Him to reveal His love to each heart will not only lift us to heavenly places, it will establish grace and self-esteem, assurance ... and empower us to love others - and ourselves - in the same way.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7