Posted by Paul Edwards (Fr. Paul) on Oct 06, 2014 | Comments (0)


Nineteenth 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.

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

OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 33:12-23

Literal Religion: God’s Presence gives rest by knowing what He has done physically.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Spiritual Grace: God’s Presence gives rest by knowing what He is doing spiritually.

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

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Did you feel the Grace?

“Legalism is power, and power corrupts. So study legalism hard and be evil!

PSALM: 99

Literal Religion: Physically, God is high and lifted up in heaven.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy.”

Spiritual Grace: Spiritually, God is high and lifted up in our heart.

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

“Extol the LORD our God, and worship in His holy Presence; for in our heart the LORD is holy.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Legalistic asks you, does this rag smell like chloroform to you?

EPISTLE: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Literal Religion: The power of the Holy Spirit is seen physically.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit.”

Spiritual Grace: The power of the Holy Spirit is sensed spiritually.

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

“Our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit.”

Did you feel the Grace?

The Legalist is sure of hitting the target. They shoot first and call whatever they hit the target!

GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-22

Literal Religion: Jesus told us to give to the government what is theirs and to God the things that are God’s.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“‘Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius.”

Spiritual Grace: Jesus tricked them when they showed Him the coin of the emperor they brought with them inside the Temple.

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

“‘Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius.”

Did you feel the Grace?

For some legalism is a bargain they don't need at a price they can't resist!

Share your insights in the comments below

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


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