Growing in Grace

When we hear the phrase 'weak in faith,' all kinds of different thoughts may run through our head, depending on past and current Bible teaching. Some of what may be assumed is that the weak in faith are lesser Christians or some sort of second-class believers. Some might mistakenly consider this as accusatory or insulting language from Paul.

In context, Paul was referencing those who feel the need to be more outward focused which could involve things like ceremonial requirements, avoiding certain foods, esteeming one day to be observed above other days, etc., whereas someone who has grown further into the freedom and grace found in Christ is potentially more focused on trusting in the blood of Jesus and the redemptive work He performed, once for all.

Paul exhorted them not to judge but to receive one another in the same way God shows us peace and patience.

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

The religious accusation of being "friends with the world" will mean many different things to different people ... but it is generally rooted in a law-based mindset. We've had such accusations hurled at us both personally and through the podcast. And we've been a part of that haughty hangout in the past. It's not a place of grace and love.

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

Listeners have written to us to express their inner battle with being able to love themselves. The lifeless seeds plated by others left them feeling barren and unsure of themselves ... and lacking confidence in God's love for them. They often have to deal with well-meaning but judgmental types who will wag their finger at them for doing things they enjoy but may be considered taboo to those snared in their own religious bondage. They'll quote Bible verses as though they are 'demands' from God instead of exhortations from apostles who were attempting to exhort and encourage those to whom they were writing.

The victims wallow and wade in the murky swamp of guilt and condemnation, sometimes leading to more problems, including depression. It leaves them feeling distant from God, living in a place of fear and uncertainty. We may not have all the specific answers for overcoming these struggles that are unique to each person. But we do know God doesn't want this for any of His creation. Allowing Him to reveal His love to each heart will not only lift us to heavenly places, it will establish grace and self-esteem, assurance ... and empower us to love others - and ourselves - in the same way.

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

It's unfortunate so many have wrestled with low self-esteem. There could be many reasons individuals experience this ... including misguided Bible teaching. God wants us to see the high value He has bestowed upon us as His creation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us and although we don't hear it preached very often, He has crowned us with glory and honor.

Think about it! We are identified as royalty—children of the King. Jesus said the glory God gave to Him would be given to us by Him. It's awesome and humbling. Learning to love yourself is by beginning to realize God's unlimited and never-changing love for you.

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

Our conversation this week is about growing in grace and our understanding of the gospel. Of course, this isn't referring to finding ways to get more grace because God has already abundantly provided all of us with more than enough. But there is always a journey involving our understanding of it.

Some will struggle with growing because it may mean having a change of mind about something they considered as the truth from what they considered a 'biblical' perspective which they embraced as a significant part of their belief system. Some will double down and cling to previous assumptions, unwilling to receive what may help them in their walk with God. And what about the people we read of in the Bible? Did they not also grow in their understanding? Why would we think these humans knew everything or that they were any different from us? Eternity will be an exciting journey, always learning while being enlightened with a greater knowledge of the truth of God and the mystery of eternal things.

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