Growing in Grace

God's grace teaches us so much over time when compared to religious routines and traditions of "doing" that have often missed the core message of the gospel of God's love. We're continuing with the second part of a letter we received from a newer listener to the podcast who is beginning to see the message of grace and recognizing the contrasts with much of what they may have been taught in the corporate church system. They ask about how to overcome past regrets for things said and done ... the feeling of exhaustion from church-related activities ... and wrestling with whether they and their young family should attend church regularly.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Over the past couple of decades, we've received correspondence from people from around the world. We've been blessed by so many emails and comments. We've also heard stories from some who shared very difficult things they have experienced from church denominations and religious tradition ... and some of those were quite sad.

We recently received a nice letter from a new listener who discovered our podcast and shared some of his experiences while just beginning to have the eyes of his understanding opened to the message of the gospel of grace. Chances are very good that much of what he is sharing will sound very familiar to you if you have progressed into the good news of the gift of righteousness. For some, it will bring reminders from your distant past ... or more recently for some. We felt it is probably an accurate representation of what many Christians go through when being set free from ideologies that are so burdensome within the mixed covenant culture quite dominant in corporate Christianity. We're going to do something different on this program and share the letter and some thoughts for those eagerly seeking answers to what may seem like "newfound faith."

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

This is the final installment from our previous request ... asking listeners to share something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- The fear of participating in communion "in an unworthy manner" because of certain sins that religion declares will cause a separation with God or result in a negative effect on our fellowship with Him.

- The fear of bloodline curses or various curses from a lack of obedience in behavior.

- Church members putting a guilt trip on those who do not attend regularly or deem them to be in error when they leave or attend a different church building.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Some weeks ago, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- Trying to keep some type of weekly religious sabbath and attempting to "Christianize" the concept (mix the Old Covenant with the New).

- The habit of continuously seeking or asking God's Spirit to come ... or asking God to come into our presence (as though He left for another zip code).

- Asking God daily for forgiveness—again and again (as if the cross never happened).

- Equating church attendance with one's spiritual state ... having people wanting to pray with an attendee to repent and get right with God (after they haven't shown up for a while).

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

A while back, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- The Holy Spirit does not convict believers of sin, but unbelievers.

- Knowing that not all Bible verses are what they appear and are often taken out of context.

- "Daily disciplines" or routines are not required to get closer to God. Jesus has become a new and living way for us.

- Dispensationalism.

- Holiness and sanctification are gifts that came through Jesus and not something unattainable that we progressively or gradually work at to become more righteous or acceptable to God.

- Overcoming the painful experience of self-righteous judgement by getting kicked out of church for what the hierarchy viewed as failing their so-called moral code (dancing).

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). There is a good chance you have had similar experiences you'll find very relatable.

This week includes the topics of:

- Thinking a believer in Christ can forfeit their salvation.

- The Holy Spirit convicts us (believers) of sin.

-Religious accusations of idol worship motivated by guilt.

- God's love didn't really bring any change to you unless you were wholeheartedly committed to church ministry.

- Misunderstanding our identity inherited in Christ ... instead of working or doing something to attain what God has already gifted.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). There is a good chance you have had similar experiences you'll find very relatable.

This week includes the topics of:

-Thinking everything you have ever done will be played back on a big screen for all to see (probably in 4K technology).

-The topic of fasting and whether it should be considered as a required mandate.

-"Keep a short account with God." Including the worry of not having confessed sins or continually feeling the need to ask God for more forgiveness.

-Being "all in" by fully committing to participating in the many church ministries and activities.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). We are just getting around to sharing those responses while briefly discussing them with our 'expert commentary.' :)

This week includes the topics of:

-Tithing demands.

-The "requirement" to convert family and friends by talking about Jesus with everyone all the time.

-Feeling the obligation to pray before every meal.

-The need to regularly do penance.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

There is a common misconception within the Christian mindset that the words Jesus spoke to His disciples and others should also be considered as if He was speaking to all future believers. But the primary mission of Jesus was to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ... Jewish people who were under a different religious system of the Mosaic law which could not bring them life or righteousness.

While there are some demonstrations, blips, and words looking forward to a new and different covenant, there is very little good news contained within the chapters and verses in those books about the gospel of grace.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

The gospel. We hear the word a lot—probably without thinking much about what it specifically means. Meanings in the Greek describe *gospel* as to proclaim or declare good news. And while it is literally defined as good news—and we can relate the good news to Jesus—what exactly IS that good news?

There are many Bible-related nuggets and concepts that may be assumed or considered as the gospel of Jesus Christ but might often be quite different from the way the Apostle Paul described it ... and may not be the gospel at all.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7