Fifth 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.
Legalism chooses the laws they like. Grace knows only one law, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
OLD TESTAMENT: Acts 7:55-60
Think Literally: Stephen looked up to heaven in the sky to see the Spirit.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: Stephen consciously looked into heaven in his heart to feel the Spirit.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
Did you feel the Grace?
People have two emotions: gracefully hungry and legalistically judgmental. If you see a legalist being judgmental make them a sandwich!
PSALM: 31:1-5, 15-16
Think Literally: Refuge is physical protection. Being “put to shame” is because of what others do.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: Refuge is spiritual protection. Not being “Put to shame” is accomplished by being in the Lords Presence no matter what others do.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalists opinions may have changed, but not the fact that they are right!
EPISTLE: 1 Peter 2:2-10
Think Literally: Taste is what God does physically.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“You have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: Taste is to feel His spiritual Presence.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“You have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Did you feel the Grace?
For every legalistic action, there is a corresponding over-reaction!
GOSPEL: John 14:1-14
Think Literally: “The Way” is following the Law.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“I am the way.”
Feel the Spiritual Grace: “The Way” is being in the grace.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“I am the way.”
Did you feel the Grace?
I read the Law the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, "Well, that's not going to happen!
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Easter V Meditation.
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