Have you ever felt like you had to perform for God? Maybe because of what religion has taught you, or how a pastor trained you. Dress holy, worship emotionally, get involved, give, be loyal to one man, repent incessantly? The list is long, but in today’s episode, we help believers to see they can be free from this thinking. God doesn’t need our performance, He wants our hearts. And He wants you to be free from high-control churches who turn the Christian’s life into a stage, for critiquing and judgement. You do not have to keep proving that you are spiritual enough, surrendered enough, or good enough to be loved and kept by God.

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 6:1 ESV

Last Week: 

The Pastor Loyalty Test | Who Are You Really Following? – EP140

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Jack Cunningham - “how we show God”⁠

Nathaniel Urshan - “dresses below the knee”⁠

Josh Herring - “you’re a loser”⁠

Joel Holmes - “how to dress”⁠

Nathan Holmes - “spiritual freedom”⁠

James Wilson - “you can do better”⁠

Josh Herring - “I hate that spirit”⁠

Kenneth Carpenter - “how bad do you want it?”⁠

Nathan Holmes - “give Him everything”⁠

Wesley Jackson - “pray until you pray through!”⁠

Clark Copeland - “a divided heat”⁠

Cody Marks - “what you gonna do?”⁠

Joel Holmes - “welded to your MOG”⁠

Divide the Word - Finding Freedom: What Is Freedom in Christ?⁠

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.

Join us live⁠ this morning for a special episode! Can't make it? The full episode will drop later today!

A public controversy made headlines, but the church service that followed deserves just as much attention. We walk through the loyalty tests, pastor-centered language, twisted Scripture, and sermon on “manhood” that turned aggression into strength. Then we compare it all to Scripture and ask what biblical manhood actually looks like: self-control, gentleness, humility, and strength submitted to Christ. For anyone sitting in a high-control church, this episode is a reminder that asking biblical questions is not wrong, and Christ alone is the Shepherd who never fails.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James 1:19-20 ESV

Last Week: 

Why Pentecostals Are Afraid To Die | The Fear Legalism Creates – EP139

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Roys Report - “Attack thy neighbor? Louisiana pastor arrested for beating up 20-year-old”⁠

WJTV 12 News - “Louisiana pastor arrested on battery charge says he was protecting family: ‘You’re not going to rape my wife’”⁠

WAFB 9 Live+Local - “‘I fulfilled the scripture. I laid hands on the sick,’ Pastor Tony Spell confessed to his congregation”⁠

USA Today - “Pastor says Bible scripture justified attack on man”⁠

NBC News - “Defiant pastor in Louisiana arrested after incident with bus, protester”⁠

Tony Spell Service - “What It Means To Be A Man”⁠

“I’ll Sic the Devil On You!” | How Cult Churches Weaponize ‘Honor’ - EP87⁠

“Stay in Alignment — or Else!” | How Cult Churches Weaponize ‘Submission’ - EP88⁠

Jason Varnum - “follow me!”⁠

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.

Join us live this morning for a special episode! Can't make it? The full episode will drop later today!

Why does death feel so terrifying for so many people coming out of performance-driven church systems? In this episode, we unpack how works-based theology creates anxiety, uncertainty, and a constant fear of “not doing enough.” We contrast that with the clear message of Scripture: salvation is secured by Christ, not our performance. We also walk through God’s sovereignty in life and death, and how believers can grieve deeply while still holding onto real hope. If you’ve ever feared dying because you weren’t sure you’d “make it,” this conversation will point you back to the confidence found in Jesus alone. 
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. - 1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV

Last Week: 

The Crazy We Called “Church” | Wild Things Pentecostal Preachers Say & Do – EP138

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Leaving the UPCI: Justin and Tiffany’s Story⁠

Hell Has Room For You? | The Missing Hope in Pentecostal Hell Sermons - EP121⁠

Clark Copeland - “God doesn’t know ya!”⁠

Matthew Tuttle - “when I die…”⁠

Nathan Holmes - “is God pleased with us?”⁠

Nathan Holmes - “it’s our choice”⁠

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.

Many of us were taught to fear death. (⁠Join us live on YouTube!⁠)

Not because death itself was frightening, but because we were never quite sure we had done enough.Did we pray enough?Repent enough?Obey enough?Separate enough?Measure up enough?In this live episode, we’re talking about why fear and uncertainty often thrive in works-based religious systems and why so many Pentecostals struggle with assurance. We’ll discuss the fear of death, God’s sovereignty, grief, hope, and the confidence believers can have in Christ.Join us live as we examine what Scripture actually says about death and why the gospel offers something far greater than fear: assurance.For those who are in Christ, death does not get the final word.“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”— 1 John 5:13 (ESV)

In this episode, we are looking at another round of wild, strange, and deeply questionable things Pentecostal preachers say and do. From a prayer log being treated like a spiritual relic, to creepy “spiritual daughter” language, to money pressure, and pulpit chaos, we are asking whether these things are actually biblical or just something we were trained to call “anointed” and “Pentecostal”. We also talk about how easily mysticism, manipulation, greed, and lack of self-control can get dressed up in church language. More importantly, we want to encourage anyone who has started noticing the weirdness and wondering if they are allowed to question it. Scripture tells us to test everything, recognize fruit, and hold fast to what is good, and that includes what comes from a Pentecostal pulpit.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. - Matthew 7:15-16 ESV

Last Week: 

Bigger Barns, Bigger Burdens | The Truth About Pentecostal Church Debt – EP137

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Crazy Things Pentecostal Preachers Say…And Do! - EP53

Bethlehem Church Prayer Log

Joe Campetella - “get outta yourself!”

John Martin - “anybody got a spare million?”

Matthew Tuttle - “beat that drum custom”

Anthony Mangun - oil for healing

Jonathan Haygood - “try having 300 daughters”

Danny Short - hair oil rubbing

Joel Holmes - “Welcome to the party!”

Joel Holmes - “victory”

John Martin - “give your tenth to me”

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.

Join us live on Youtube this morning! ⁠Join here⁠

Can't join live...Episode 138 will drop later today on all platforms!

In this episode, we are looking at another round of wild, strange, and deeply questionable things Pentecostal preachers say and do. From a prayer log being treated like a spiritual relic, to creepy “spiritual daughter” language, to money pressure, recorded bishop soundbites, and pulpit chaos, we are asking whether these things are actually biblical or just something we were trained to call “anointed.” We also talk about how easily mysticism, manipulation, greed, and lack of self-control can get dressed up in church language. More importantly, we want to encourage anyone who has started noticing the weirdness and wondering if they are allowed to question it. Scripture tells us to test everything, recognize fruit, and hold fast to what is good — and that includes what comes from a Pentecostal pulpit.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. - Matthew 7:15-16 ESV

In this episode, we continue last week’s conversation about why modern church buildings are not the “house of God”, by looking at what happens when sacred-building theology gets tied to millions of dollars in debt. We examine how pastors frame expansion projects as vision, prophecy, revival, and obedience, while the saints are left carrying the financial burden through pressure, maxed-out credit cards, and years of giving. We also look at the way some recent debt-free announcements are celebrated as though “God did it,” while the actual people who paid the price are barely acknowledged. We are asking whether this looks like the New Testament church or like spiritualized financial abuse. Jesus is not building His church through man-made empires. His church is His people.

And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. - Luke 12:18 ESV

Last Week: 

The “House of God”? | Why Pentecostals Treat Buildings as Sacred – EP136

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Pay Up or Be Cursed: How Pentecostal Churches Weaponize Giving - EP75

Nathaniel Haney - Freedom From Debt Service

Nathan Holmes - “$33 million”

Nathan Holmes - “Vision Sunday 2025”

Josh Herring - “a word from the Lord”

Myles Young - “give to Jubilee”

Benson Holmes - “give to BOTR”

Aaron Bounds - “biggest building”

Mark Morgan - “focused on the building”

FPCNLR - “52 days for BOTR $$”

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.

In Oneness Pentecostalism, the church building is often treated as far more than a place to gather.

It becomes the “House of God,” the place where God supposedly moves, restores, pours out His Spirit, calls people, and meets with His people in a special way. In this episode, we look at the language, clips, and Scripture surrounding sacred church buildings, altar dependence, “don’t miss the move” fear, and the idea that some churches are special epicenters of revival. Incidentally, the New Testament tells a very different story: God does not dwell in buildings made by human hands; He dwells in His people.

So today we’re asking one simple question: what if God never left you?

What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’ - Acts 7:49-50 ESV

Last Week: 

The “First Lady” | The Hidden Power of the Pastor’s Wife - EP135

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Music’s “Play” In It All

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

Show Links:

Kim Haney - “McDonalds-free sacred space”

Joel Holmes - “God’s house is more important”

Myles Young - “the presencing of our God”

Nathaniel Haney - “highways & byways”

Myles Young - “forsake not the assembling”

Cody Updegrave - “start at the temple”

Aaron Bounds - “doors are locked on repentance”

Jason Sciscoe - “church in your living room”

Ashton Parsley - “too anointed to miss”

Souls Harbor Service Leader - “God pouring out His Spirit”

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

Connect with us!

📱Leave a voicemail or text us! (484) 424-7223

⁠⁠📨 Send us an email! [email protected]

💻 http://graceescapepod.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram

DISCLAIMER :This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions, theological analysis, and publicly available information. Our intent is to critique doctrines, teachings, and practices within fundamentalist church systems from a biblical perspective. We do not make accusations of illegal activity, nor do we intend to defame any individual or organization. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

Fair Use Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the Fair Use Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and news reporting. All footage used falls within fair use guidelines and is presented with added context and analysis. If you are a rights holder and believe your material has been used unfairly, please contact us before taking any action.