Posted by Paul Edwards (Fr. Paul) on Apr 21, 2014 | Comments (0)


Third Sunday in Easter

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.

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 will use the law and call it love. Grace will use Love and call it the Law.

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

OLD TESTAMENT: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Literal Religion: “the Lord calls to Him.” He only calls certain ones.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“For the promise is for you, your children, and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’”

Spiritual grace: “the Lord calls to Him.” He calls all but not all respond to His call.

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

“For the promise is for you, your children, and for everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’”

Did you feel the Grace?

It's so simple to be in the grace. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it!

PSALM: 116:1-4, 12-19

Literal Religion: To call is to pray to Him physically.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“I will call on him as long as I live.”

Spiritual grace: To call is to experience His Presence spiritually.

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

“I will call on him as long as I live”

Did you feel the Grace?

Grace says everyone has the right to be legalistic, but you are abusing the privilege!

EPISTLE: 1 Peter 1:17-23

Literal Religion: “According to their deeds” are works to be in God’s grace.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds”

Spiritual grace: “According to their deeds” are fruits of being in the Spirit.

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

“the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds”

Did you feel the Grace?

Every day, Legalists are making legalism bigger and better fool-proof, and every day, grace is making them look like bigger and better fools. So far, I think grace is winning!

GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35

Literal Religion: “Eyes” see physically.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.”

Spiritual grace: “Eyes” see spiritually.

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

“Their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Legalists are multi-talented: They can talk and make you feel guilty at the same time!

Share your insights in the comments below

For further study see the follow on Easter III Meditation.


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