1050. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 1)

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.




"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

481. You Are Not a Witness

Religion has taught us that we are defined as witnesses for Jesus. Sometimes we'll even encourage each other to "go out witnessing." That's a phrase not found in the Bible. References to witnesses in scripture are actual eye-witnesses who were with Jesus after His resurrection. Not all people saw Him, but there were witnesses who were chosen that did. Jesus had witnesses, but they were not us. Being a witness is not part of our identity in Christ, and we shouldn't feel guilt or discouragement when we feel as though we're not effectively performing the act of "witnessing." We can still freely proclaim the message of the good news to others, but it will be from a perspective of love, not duty or obligation.

We want to hear from you! In just two weeks we'll be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Growing in Grace podcast! Would you be willing to record an audio or video greeting for us (or write us a quick note), that we might include on our special 10th anniversary podcast? If so, details on how to send it to us are here. Thanks!


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414. Does "Selling Jesus" Bring A Great Commission?

"You are My witnesses." Jesus said this to His disciples who had literally walked with Him and saw first-hand what had occurred when He was on earth and in regards to His death and resurrection. Today the church has developed the phrase "witnessing" when it comes to sharing the message of Jesus with others.

Religion has caused many institutional churches to develop marketing methods and gimmicks in the effort to "recruit" new believers. They are then taken through a cloning process called "discipleship" that creates cookie-cutter Christians designed to duplicate. Sharing the gospel shouldn't be about trying to sell Jesus as if He were a product or service for a marketing plan.

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