There are three main areas where I consistently see a very big difference between law trusting Christians and Grace-Full Christians. Over the next three devotionals I hope to cover these three areas and get your feedback and thoughts on this subject.
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. (31) But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – John 20:30-31
To the Jews, Jesus came with many signs and wonders, why? Because He had to in order to prove Who He was. But then the one who really spread the church never saw Him do any great signs or wonders. Paul who spent his life taking the gospel to the world outside of the Israel just saw the Faith that people had in Jesus.
To the early Europeans and throughout the Middle Ages, Jesus was the law. He was the one that their society norms were built on, He was order and obedience to Him meant obedience to the church no matter what they said. This same idea came across to America, went out from missionaries who were from America and the UK and although not as powerful as it once was this idea still permeates much of Christianity.
Keep in mind I am Not saying that the church is wrong. The church IS the whole body NOT just one group or building full of people. This group called the church IS supposed to be the group that follows Jesus, NOT the doctrine of man!
What I am saying is that one key area where I see a difference between legalist and the Grace-Full is in what they trust or are open to!
To the legalist Christianity is cut and dry! “Do this”, “Don’t do that and whatever you do – Don’t even think of the other thing!”
The more a person grows in Grace, the more Open they are to the wideness of how God works, the ability of God to be in control of All things and the Peace that He Is Here and Now – where ever that may be!
Look back at the passage above and ask yourself this – what kind of Life do you have?
The more I see the Bigness of Him, the less anything else really matters. He has a Big life for all who believe! Big Faith, Big Peace, Big Rest, Big Grace and Big Love beyond what you could ever imagine – just Believe!
thank you Sir for this message. im so much inspired hearing this from you. God bless you Bob Hildreth
Thank you so very much for your encouragement! I am blessed by your words and spirit!
I just read a great book that speaks of this also ! SO TRUE !!! Thanks for reiterating it to my brain !!!
Thank you sister!
One book you might enjoy that I got a lot out of is “Abba’s Child” by Brennan Manning.