Advent III
Unlocking the Gospel Secrets of Spirituality
Discover what difference reading these scriptures while Thinking Leaglism or Feeling Grace can make.
The Grace Language of Jesus
SPIRITUALITY CAN CHANGE OUR LIFE
Jesus spoke a foreign language. He took literal words the legalist understood and gave them a new spiritual meaning.
Legalism thinks all truth is literal. Grace knows the difference between literal and spiritual truth.
Matthew 6:2 “When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
In legalism our sin is the same whether we break a big commandment or if our sin is as piece of seaweed touching our foot!
Think literal Legalism: Literally our “eyes” and “ears” are physical.
Feel the spiritual Grace: Spiritually our “eyes” and “ears” are opened to the grace of God within us.
OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 35:1-10
| Think literal Legalism: | The literal eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. |
| Feel the spiritual Grace: | The spiritual eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the spiritual ears of the deaf unstopped. |
A foolish legalistic opinion that is shared by thousands is still a foolish legalistic opinion!
Think literal Legalism: Literally we see only the physical things rationally.
Feel the spiritual Grace: Spiritually we know the difference between seeing the physical and sensing the spiritual.
PSALM: 146:5-10
| Think literal Legalism: | The LORD physically opens the eyes of the blind. |
| Feel the spiritual Grace: | The LORD spiritually opens the eyes of the blind. |
Legalism tries to change their heart by following the Law. Grace asks God to change it for them!
Think literal Legalism: To “strengthen our hearts” is to pray prayers, read scriptures and do other exercises for the coming of the Lord.
Feel the spiritual Grace: To “strengthen our hearts” is to open them up to the coming of the Lord in order to do other things.
EPISTLE: James 5:8
| Think literal Legalism: | “Strengthen your hearts literally, for the coming of the Lord is near.” |
| Feel the spiritual Grace: | “Strengthen your hearts spiritually, for the Lord has come.” |
It is wonderful what God can do with a broken heart, if he gets all the pieces!
Think literal Legalism: “Offense” is emotionally closed.
Feel the spiritual Grace: “Offense” is spiritually closed.
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11
| Think Legalism: | Blessed is anyone who takes no emotional offense at me. |
| Feel Grace: | Blessed is anyone who takes no spiritual offense at me. |
Legalism is being scared to death, Grace is saddling up anyway!
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Advent III Meditation.
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