Fourteenth 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.
OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 14:19-31
Literal Religion: Belief is based on what God has done in the world.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Israel saw the great work that the LORD did so the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD.”
Spiritual Grace: Belief is based on who God is within us.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Israel saw the great work that the LORD did so the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD.”
Did you feel the Grace?
People will believe legalism if you whisper it!
PSALM: 114
Literal Religion: Rational belief is in what God has done on earth.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Tremble, O earth, at the Presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob.”
Spiritual Grace: Belief is in the experience of the Presence of God within.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Tremble, O earth, at the Presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Grace is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice!
EPISTLE: Romans 14:1-12
Literal Religion: Rational faith feels superior to those who are spiritually weaker than they are.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“Welcome those who are spiritually weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.”
Spiritual Grace: Welcomes those who are spiritually weak in their faith.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“Welcome those who are spiritually weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalism is hanging oneself with a bungee cord!
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:21-35
Literal Religion: Must forgive others to be forgiven by God.
Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.
“That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Spiritual Grace: Forgives others through the forgiveness of God.
Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.
“That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Did you feel the Grace?
Legalism is not an attitude, it is a personality you can't handle!
Share your insights in the comments below
For further study see the follow on Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Meditation.
Comments (0)