Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' rural pastor TJ Freeman explores the struggle between the Christian's focus on a relationship with Jesus and the plethora of rules often associated with the faith. He shares personal experiences of growing up with strict Christian rules and discusses the challenges of guilt and pride that come with viewing Christianity as merely a list of do's and don'ts. 

Key Points:

• Two Ditches of Living for Rules: When a Christian tries to live out their faith by adhering to a strict list of rules they often fall into two negative camps: the guilty or the prideful. The guilty camp often struggles with intense shame. On the other hand, the prideful feel satisfied even though they too are missing out the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. 
• The Purpose of God's Law: God has given his people different commands throughout Scripture so that they would be a people set apart from the nations around them. God intends his people to image him and show off his glory.
• The Truth of John 8: Those who are truly Christians abide in God's word because they truly love God. 

Listener Takeaways:

•  TJ encourages his listeners to ask themselves two questions. The first question is "Do I love God's Word?", and the second is "Are you abiding in God's word?"
• Christians should pray and ask the Lord to give them a hunger for his word, motivated by a love for him. 
  
  

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