Fourth Sunday in Easter
Unlocking the Gospel Secrets of Spirituality
Discover what difference reading these scriptures while Thinking Legalism 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.
Literal religious words are beliefs that are conditional, exclusive and for special groups. Spiritual grace words are experiences that are inclusive, unconditional and for all.
Legalism thinks all truth is literal. Grace knows the difference between literal and spiritual truth.
Legalists have the right to remain silent, but they do not have the ability.
OLD TESTAMENT: Acts 2:42-47
Think Literally: “apostles teaching” is from the Bible as the Word of God.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: “apostles teaching” is from the grace and Truth of Jesus who is the Word of God.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Every time you open your mouth, some legalistic nut starts talking!
PSALM: 23
Think Literally: “green pastures” and “still waters” are externally physical.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: “green pastures” and “still waters” are spiritual from within.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;”
Did you feel the Grace?
True grace comes when the silence is comfortable!
EPISTLE: 1 Peter 2:19-25
Think Literally: “going astray” is not following the law.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“You were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: “going astray” is being out of His Presence.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“You were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.”
Did you feel the Grace?
When legalists say they "sleep like a baby", they haven't got one!
GOSPEL: John 10:1-10
Think Literally: “the gate” is the Law.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: “the gate” is His way of grace.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalism uses the Law to justify what they judge. Grace uses Love so they do not have to judge!
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Easter IV Meditation.
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