Does God declare who we are, or are we on a continuous improvement plan?

In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore how theology directly shapes our experience of either bondage to shame or freedom in Christ. They unpack the difference between reading Scripture as a list of “shoulds” versus embracing it as a declaration of who God says we are. The conversation highlights the life-changing reality of grace, the gift of a new heart, and the freedom to live without condemnation.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: 

(00:03) Theology, shame, and living in freedom through Ephesians 4.

(01:27) How theology can keep believers trapped in shame or free them to live without condemnation.

(03:01) The shift from “I ought to” toward “I can” as the language of grace.

(06:06) Waldemar’s personal story of moving from self-punishment to freedom in prayer and grace.

(08:09) Scott reframes repentance and forgiveness as gifts of grace rather than commands to keep God happy.

(09:33) The feeling of “not enough.”

(11:07) Focusing on the harder work of love—loving neighbors and enemies—rather than just avoiding sin.

(12:34) Gifts, strengths, weaknesses, and the pitfalls of “sin management” theology.

(15:01) How a theology of a deceitful heart keeps believers trapped, while a new heart in Christ brings lasting freedom.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. 

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ 

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: 

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast 

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI 

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books 

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: 

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast 

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast 

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/