Posted by Paul Edwards (Fr. Paul) on Oct 13, 2014 | Comments (0)


Twentieth 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: Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Literal Religion: Follows orders because they are told to do so.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“The Israelites obeyed him [Joshua], doing as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

Spiritual Grace: Follows orders because they are spiritually in His Presence.

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

“The Israelites obeyed him [Joshua], doing as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Some people hear the voice of God. Some feel His Presence. Others have no imagination whatsoever!

PSALM: 90:1-6, 13-17

Literal Religion: We dwell physically with God.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

Spiritual Grace: We dwell spiritually in God.

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

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Legalism can insult your intelligence, but nothing rubs it in like judgment!

EPISTLE: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Literal Religion: The Gospel is the written message on what to do legally to abide in Jesus.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel.”

Spiritual Grace: The Gospel is the spiritual message of how to abide in Jesus gracefully.

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

“We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the spiritual message of the gospel.”

Did you feel the Grace?

If being good in legalism isn't everything why do they keep score!

GOSPEL: Matthew 22:34-46

Literal Religion: Follows all the laws in the Bible.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Spiritual Grace: Spiritually do the loving thing to follow all the laws in the Bible.

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

“On these two spiritual commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Did you feel the Grace?

In legalism if everything seems to be coming your way, you're probably in the wrong lane!

Share your insights in the comments below

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


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