Posted by Paul Edwards (Fr. Paul) on Jun 30, 2014 | Comments (0)


Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Bottom Line Meditations

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.

Worldly legalism can only think literally. Godly Grace knows the spiritual difference.

Legalism chooses the laws they like. Grace knows only one law, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

I can't listen to too much legalism. I get a sudden urge to judge the world.

Not sure how to apply these? Click here to read the introductory text for the new Bottom Line Meditations

OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis 25:19-34

Literal Religion: Believes Esau was about to die.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

Esau said to Jacob, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”

Spiritual Grace: Sees Esau as too weak to be a leader. Jacob knows he would not die. He is just letting his hunger control his birthright.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

Esau said to Jacob, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”

Did you feel the Grace?

A legalist is so broad minded they take both sides in a quarrel!

PSALM: 119:105-112

Literal Religion: Sees the Word as the Bible.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Spiritual Grace: Sees the Word as Jesus.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Grace causes happiness where ever it goes. Legalism causes happiness whenever it goes!

EPISTLE: Romans 8:1-11

Literal Religion: "Sin" is an immoral act. "Death" is a physical act.
Read this scripture literally for the religious meaning.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Spiritual Grace: "Sin" is separation from God which leads to spiritual death.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Legalists never lift a finger to help unless they are pointing at something you are doing wrong!

GOSPEL: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Literal Religion: Reads the word rationally.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Let anyone with ears listen!”

Spiritual Grace: Experiences the Word spiritually.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“Let anyone with ears listen!”

Did you feel the Grace?

Grace overlooks our failures and tolerates our success!

Share your insights in the comments below

For further study see the follow on Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Meditation.


Comments (0)







Allowed tags: <b><i><br>Add a new comment:


Copyright 2008-2011 Paul Edwards