Third Sunday in Lent
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 took words with literal religious belief and gave them a spiritual grace 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 only goes with those who agree with them. Grace goes everywhere.
OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 17:1-7
Literal Religion: Quarreling is the reason they were put out of the Presence of the Lord.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD”
Spiritual grace: Being out of the Lord’s Presence is why they were quarreling.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture.
“because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD”
Did you feel the Grace?
If grace agreed with legalism both would be wrong!
PSALM: 95
Literal Religion: Worship God physically by bowing down and kneeling before God.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker”
Spiritual grace: Worship God spiritually by bowing down and kneeling in the Presence of God within us.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture.
“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker”
Did you feel the Grace?
If you think legalists don’t care if you're alive, try breaking a couple of laws!
EPISTLE: Romans 5:1-11
Literal Religion: Faith is believing. We are justified by what we believe.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith”
Spiritual grace: Faith is being in His Presence that justifies us.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith”
Did you feel the Grace?
Grace cannot fake any part of the relationship but legalism fakes the whole relationship!
GOSPEL: John 4:5-42
Literal Religion: “Truth” God is seeking those to worship Him physically in the right way.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”
Spiritual grace: “Truth” is also translated as “Real”. God is seeking real spiritual worshippers.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture.
“when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalists love the Law. It fascinates them so much they can sit and look at it for hours.
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Third Sunday in Lent Meditation.
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