Grace Escape

When churches face leadership crises, are congregants taught how to respond with biblical accountability, or simply how to stay loyal to a man. In this episode, we examine recent events surrounding one of the most influential Oneness Pentecostal churches in America and ask what the Bible says about pastoral qualifications, accountability, and discernment. Whether you're processing questions in your own church or simply want to know what God's Word says, we hope this conversation points you back to Christ, not man.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10 ESV

Last Week: 

⁠The Tithe Trap | Who Gave Pastors a Claim on Your First 10%? – EP143

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:

⁠Robert Tisdale - “Faces”

⁠Gentry Mangun - Brief Statement

⁠Nathan Holmes - “take your Berean ideas elsewhere”

⁠Victor Jackson - “where’s my bible?”

⁠Tyler Sullivan - “you aren’t equal with your MOG”

⁠Josh Herring - “I’m still your pastor!”

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.

Who gave the modern church (or the pastor!) a biblical claim on the first 10% of every Christian’s income, along with the authority to attach salvation, blessing, protection, or curses to whether it is paid? In this episode, we examine the unauthorized transfers used to build modern tithing doctrine, from turning pastors into Levites to turning the temple storehouse into a church bank account. We also respond to Oneness Pentecostal leaders who call non-tithers thieves, threaten spiritual consequences, and use fear, shame, and heaven itself to enforce payment. Most importantly, we remind believers that salvation is a gift, Christian giving is not a debt, and Jesus did not save us so we could spend the rest of our lives paying Him back.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… - Galatians 3:13 ESV

Last Week: 

Mission or Mammon? | The Prosperity Gospel They Say They Don’t Preach - EP142

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:

⁠Is Mandated Tithing Biblical? - EP27

⁠Nathaniel Wilson - “I wanna go to heaven”

⁠Josh Herring - “that’s stealing!”

⁠Matthew Tuttle - “if your kids are heathens”

⁠Nathaniel Urshan - “they lied to people”

⁠Ken Gurley - “you make us look good”

⁠Raymond Woodward - “it’s all His anyway”

⁠TRC Offering - “a week worth of work”

⁠Nathaniel Urshan - “beguiling & browbeating”

⁠FAC Maryville Offering - “first fruits = tithes”

⁠Joel Holmes - “do right by the church”

⁠Daniel McKillop - “a pretty good deal”

⁠Raymond Woodward - “giving to your local church”

⁠Jack Cunningham - “legalistic tithing”

⁠Joel Holmes - “you’re going broke!”

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 churches strongly condemn the prosperity gospel, but are they actually teaching something any different? In this episode, we examine the growing idea of "Kingdom prosperity" and compare it with what Scripture says about God's blessings, generosity, and financial provision. We look at several popular Apostolic teachings and ask whether changing the motive from personal luxury to funding the mission actually changes the theology. Most importantly, we discover that the New Testament's greatest promises aren't found in earthly wealth, but in the riches believers already have in Christ. If our greatest blessing is Christ Himself, then no amount of earthly prosperity could ever compare.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. - Philippians 4:11 ESV

Last Week: 

You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself | Freedom From Pentecostal Performance – EP141

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:

⁠Give to Get? The Hidden Prosperity Gospel in Pentecostalism - EP66

⁠BAM20 Biblos Network/Kingdom Speak Collab

Nathaniel Wilson - “God’s blessings = raises” (service link removed from YouTube)

⁠Joel Holmes - “God will blow your home up!”

⁠Gentry Mangun - “I don’t preach prosperity gospel”

⁠CLC - “Prosperity Declarations”

⁠Nathaniel Haney - “God had millionaires”

⁠Themelios - “Prosperity Theology and the Faith Movement”

⁠Nathan Holmes - “enriched = to make rich”

⁠Metro Pentecostal Church - “part of the blessings”

⁠Joel Holmes - “give, because it WORKS”

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.

We’re going LIVE today at 10:00 AM CT for a brand-new episode!

This week we’re asking whether today’s “Kingdom Business” movement is truly biblical stewardship—or simply prosperity teaching with a new name. Join us live as we examine the claims, compare them with Scripture, and interact with your questions in the chat.

📺 Join us on YouTube:  ⁠Grace Escape YouTube Channel

Can’t join us live? No worries—the full episode will be available on all podcast platforms later today. We hope to see you there!

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)