Podcasts about Legalism

Burnout is a silent crisis that often hides behind faithfulness, especially among those serving others while quietly running on empty. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar confront the unseen pressure carried by pastors, leaders, and faithful believers who struggle to say no and rarely step aside to rest. The guys remind listeners that even Jesus called His disciples to come away and rest, modeling the need for both physical and spiritual renewal. Many assume those they admire are immune to exhaustion, yet the burden of ministry can quietly erode joy and clarity when limits are ignored.The guys explore how burnout is often rooted in a lack of abiding in Christ rather than mere overwork. Mark shares that when prayer and communion with the Lord diminish, pressure mounts, and running on empty feels normal. Intentional prayer, written requests, and persistent seeking restore perspective and remind believers of God's faithfulness. Oscar reflects on seasons of burnout tied to conflict and disappointment in ministry, recognizing that even faithful effort must be grounded in the reapplication of the gospel. Community tension, envy, and self-seeking reveal the need for repentance and a renewed vision of Christ. The guys examine how sin and self-righteousness can quietly fuel exhaustion. Wandering thoughts and hidden rebellion rob believers of peace, while striving to earn God's favor produces spiritual fatigue. Grace must move from concept to reality, transforming discipline into delight. Love for God and neighbor becomes the fuel that revives weary hearts, shifting focus away from perfectionism and performance. Legalism and antinomianism both distort the gospel and leave souls restless, yet adoption in Christ frees believers from slavery to self. Rest flows from knowing the love of God deeply and personally, not merely affirming it intellectually.Finally, the guys offer practical encouragement for those carrying heavy loads. True rest involves both body and soul, embracing the Sabbath principle and admitting weakness before the Lord and trusted community. E.Z. reflects on the strain of overwhelming responsibility and the danger of carrying practical burdens alone. The guys urge believers to speak up, seek help, and humble themselves rather than suffer silently. They also call churches and families to support one another actively, lightening the load through encouragement and tangible care. Burnout does not disqualify a believer but can become an invitation to deeper dependence, renewed love, and lasting rest in Christ.Send a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

AM 08 March 2026

Episode 225Evangelist David Sommerdorf sits down with the Removing Barriers podcast to discuss his newest book Legalism, Liberty, and Lawlessness. If there was ever a time where Christians were confused about the differentiation between these things, it could certainly be today. Whether we are holding on to a standard as proof of justification or whether we are dismissing all standards as legalism to live with no Christian distinction, it all stems from a poor understanding of our position in Christ and how we are to live in light of the gospel. Legalism, Liberty, and Lawlessness is a timely resource to help us understand what legalism is, our liberty in Christ, and how we can live lives pleasing to the Lord. David Sommerdorf is a husband to his wife of over 40 years Debra, father of six adult children, and grandfather to 16 grandchildren (and counting). He was an active duty Marine when the Lord saved him in 1980, and he has been serving the Lord faithfully as an evangelist for over 20 years. You won't want to miss the wisdom and exhortation he has for Christians regarding this topic, and be sure to listen for how you can order your own copy of his book.Listen to the Removing Barriers Podcast here:Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cutt.ly/Ega8YeI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cutt.ly/Vga2SVd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edifi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cutt.ly/Meec7nsv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cutt.ly/mga8A77⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podnews: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podnews.net/podcast/i4jxo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See all our platforms: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://removingbarriers.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact us:Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://removingbarriers.net/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Financially support the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://removingbarriers.net/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Affiliates:Book Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bookshop.org/shop/removingbarriers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Books . com: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/home?event=AFF&p=1236574⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fastmail: ⁠⁠https://join.fastmail.com/8e23c12b⁠⁠See all our affiliates: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://removingbarriers.net/affiliates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Notes:Get the Book: https://sommerdorf.com/contact/Sommerdorf's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sommerdorf.com/

In this episode, Costi Hinn challenges believers to examine their speech and asks whether our words truly reflect a heart transformed by the gospel. Holiness isn't about legalism — it's about love for Christ shaping how we speak every day.

Is it possible to follow the rules and still miss the heart of God? Many believers drift toward legalism, measuring themselves and others by external standards while neglecting the transforming power of grace. In Matthew 23:23–28, Pastor John examines Christ's sharp rebuke of the Pharisees, exposing how pride and hypocrisy obscure mercy, faith, and love. Jesus confronts rule-keeping that substitutes for repentance and reveals that grace, not self-righteous virtue, restores sinners and advances the gospel. The message calls listeners to reject fear-driven legalism and extend the same grace they have received, so their lives may reflect God's love to a watching world.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join UsFind service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join.Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give

Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Falls Baptist Church

Legalism is subtle, appealing, and spiritually dangerous — and in this message, Dr. Scott McKee helps us see why. Teaching from Colossians 2, Pastor Scott explores how rule‑keeping, pride, and spiritual comparison can quietly replace a life rooted in Christ's grace. He shows how legalism often begins with good intentions yet leads us toward false measures of maturity, misplaced confidence, and a faith focused more on appearance than transformation. Through clear biblical insight and deeply pastoral wisdom, he invites us to recognize the false security that legalism promises and the joyless burden it eventually becomes. More importantly, he reminds us that spiritual growth begins not with our performance but with our connection to Christ — the One who frees, restores, and forms us from the inside out. This sermon calls us to release our grip on spiritual reputation, embrace practices that cultivate humility and joy, and return again to the grace that sustains every step of the Christian life. It is a freeing, clarifying word for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to prove themselves worthy of God's love.

Galatians 1:8-24

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it's about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit.

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee discusses some of the inflexible and legalistic tendencies, many have encountered and experienced in their dealings with those in the One Law/One Torah sub-movement. A major criticism of One Law/One Torah theology is not encouraging non-Jewish Believers to take their faith heritage in Israel's Scriptures seriously; it is in failing to prevent bad attitudes and judgmental tendencies. This is then followed by a review of important stories and issues from the past day or so, largely witnessed on social media.

We love to talk about new seasons, new experiences, and new periods, but what defines them? In this timely live message rewind (Season 1 Episode 22) preached by Apostle Dr. Lee Ann Marino at Jesus People Arts and Worship Center in Asheville, North Carolina (Pastor Tom Cash) come to insights about what God has to say to you about change - about the dangers in following every trend, news story, idea, and fad that comes along (yes, even the ones that seem good for us) and why following the crowd unto tradition can be just as problematic to keep us from our new pressings and periods as anything else. (Intro and Conclusion Track "Ready to Rock" by Yvgeniy Sorokin, https://pixabay.com/users/eugenemyers-40510887/. Righteous Pen Publications Track "Inspirational Background" by AudioCoffee, https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-inspirational-background-112290/.)

Legalism creeps in wearing the mask of spiritual ambition. We take on extra rules, elevate our preferences, and forget that Paul calls them shadows while the substance is Christ. Today we sit with Colossians 2 and let its sharp “therefore” reframe everything: don't let anyone judge you on food, drink, or special days; don't let anyone disqualify you with ascetic flexes, angel talk, or breathless visions. The gospel cancels the record of debt, disarms rulers, and places you on a podium you did not earn—so stop letting secondary standards steal your joy.We trace how this plays out on the ground. From Peter and John's calm defiance in Acts 4 to Jesus' teaching on fasting with the Bridegroom present, we see that wisdom is good, but “Jesus plus” is deadly. Loud voices often rise where Scripture stays quiet; that's our cue to raise antennas, not new rules. We name the modern list—hair, diets, school choices, entertainment, frequency of communion—and show how majoring on minors wrecks churches, marriages, and friendships. Then we anchor in a picture you won't forget: two high jumpers choosing two golds. Your gold doesn't dim because someone else has one; grace multiplies without dividing. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Jon Haley

Do you ever feel like your relationship with God is a performance review?Like if you read enough, pray enough, give enough, and behave well enough — then maybe God will approve of you?Here's the truth: Grace is not wages. You don't earn it. You receive it.In this message from Romans 6–7, Angela Lamb unpacks the difference between being a slave to rules and being a slave of righteousness. We'll confront legalism, self-effort, and the exhausting cycle of trying to earn what Jesus already paid for.You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.It has never been about performance.It has always been about the blood.

Michael from Ontario, Canada called in to our radio program to ask for a good definition of legalism.In this short clip, I talk with Michael about the dangers of legalism. I also share what we need to believe concerning rightness with God in order to avoid legalistic pitfalls.Enjoy!

A Heavenly Citizenship — Review of Lesson #7 of the 1st Quarter of 2026 -The Sabbath School Lesson study guide can be found here:— https://ssnet.org/lessons/26a/less07.html— https://www.adultbiblestudyguide.org/archives— https://sabbath-school.adventech.io/enThe title of this quarter's theme is: Uniting Heaven and EarthFor the next 13 weeks (January to March 2026), we will look at two important letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians and the Philippians.  In them, we will see what the Apostle writes concerning Christ and Him crucified.Related Podcasts:— Introduction to Introduction to the Writings of Paul— Faith and the Christian Experience— Persistent and Consistent — Prayer Life— All About Jabez and his Prayer— Obedience is the Consequence, not the Cause— Christ, Humanity and Salvation— Is Right Doing That Complex?Related Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— Knowing God's Will, Part 1— Knowing God's Will, Part 2— How Should We Relate to the Cares of This Life?— Caring for Who God Cares ForText UsSupport the showSend questions or comments to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comThe Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you to better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have an extended, 24-part podcast series on these principles, and a condensed, 9-part series called God's Precious Word, that is based on the same resource. We also recommend that you check out the True Wisdom podcast which I co-host with Robert Baker -- a different format for Bible Study. Finally, check out these awesome Bible Maps! We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

Special Edition: Last Friday, I said I thought the use by evangelicals of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Free Exercise Clause emphasis on “religious acts” to mean protection for certain for civil conduct “diminishes the glory of Christ respecting what Christ accomplished on the Cross.” The following quotations from one of the leading Puritans on the dominion of sin and Christian liberty will be helpful preparation for this Friday's explanation of what I previously said.Support the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legalism still lurks around and tries to trap us in away from the gospel of grace. Each week, we share engaging, expository messages and verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Lead Pastor David Sorn and other trusted guest speakers. These messages are rooted in Scripture and designed to help you understand God's Word in context and live it out with clarity and purpose. Whether you're exploring faith or growing in it, we pray they inspire and equip you to follow Jesus. 

The early church fought for the gospel's independence, refusing to add religious requirements to salvation and standing united on justification by faith alone.

Keeping us down is impossible because we're UNSTOPPABLE with the gospel. In this message, Pastor Andy will talk about the poison of legalism as he gives an over of the Book of Galatians. This is important context as we keep studying the Book of Acts.

What if the people most certain they see Jesus are the ones missing Him entirely?In this episode of the Live Like It's True podcast, Glenna Marshall and I dive into John 9, exploring the healing of the man born blind and the danger of rule-driven faith. Together, we unpack spiritual blindness, church power dynamics, and the freedom found in humility and grace.Judgy SeriesFree Resource from Live Like it's TrueResources: Check out Glenna's books on Shannon's list HERE.Glenna MarshallGlenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and is the mother of two sons. Glenna is the author of four books and speaks at retreats and conferences, sharing both her struggles with infertility and chronic pain, and her deep love of Scripture. Connect with Glenna:InstagramFacebookWebsiteCheck out more episodes in the Judgy Series.Get your Free Live Like It's True Workbook.Check out Resound Media. Check out my nine week study, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible.We've got leader's guides, free bonuses and more for you at ControlGirl.com.  Visit ComparisonGirl.com and get the answers both she and you need in my new book, Comparison Girl for Teens: Thriving Beyond Measure in a World That Compares. Conversation starters, quizzes and more.  Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Do you ever feel like joy is just out of reach? Is it something you have to work for, fake, or wait for some future version of yourself to finally experience? Heather Creekmore gets it—and she’s opening up in this episode with honesty about her own struggles to feel true joy, even while doing “all the right things” as a Christian. In this episode, Heather Creekmore shares her journey through perfectionism, body image battles, and chasing joy through achievements, life changes, and even motherhood, only to find that joy can’t be manufactured through striving, positivity, or “arriving.” What actually blocks our joy, and how do we finally break free? You’ll hear: The difference between happiness and joy—why this matters more than you might think The three big “joy blockers” and how they can sneak into anyone’s life (even when you know all the right answers!) Vulnerable storytelling about wrestling with body image, marriage, and motherhood, and what happens when joy doesn’t show up as you hoped Practical, faith-based strategies for actually growing in joy—no matter what your circumstances Encouragement to stop chasing “just over yonder” happiness and instead, rest in the truth of where joy is really found A free resource just for you: The “Obsessed to Blessed” mini-course at improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed, helping you bookend your search for joy and freedom from body image struggles Whether you’re feeling joyless, weighed down by shoulds, or just yearning for something real and lasting, this conversation is a hug for your soul and a nudge towards real hope. If you’re ready to stop comparing and start living, this episode is a must-listen. Resources Mentioned: Free Mini-Course: “Obsessed to Blessed” – learn more and sign up at improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed Work with Heather and her team to find your joy. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-courses-and-coaching Don’t miss out—press play and rediscover the joy that’s closer than you think! Subscribe, share, and join the community as we break free from comparison and uncover the joy that lasts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We want to connect with you! If you would like to learn more about FBC and find out how you can get involved with the ministry, click the link below. https://fbcelkhart.churchcenter.com/people/forms/993677

A Study of Colossians 2: 16-23

Galatians 1:3-12

Confidence Only in Christ — Review of Lesson #6 of the 1st Quarter of 2026 -The Sabbath School Lesson study guide can be found here:— https://ssnet.org/lessons/26a/less06.html— https://www.adultbiblestudyguide.org/archives— https://sabbath-school.adventech.io/enThe title of this quarter's theme is: Uniting Heaven and EarthFor the next 13 weeks (January to March 2026), we will look at two important letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians and the Philippians.  In them, we will see what the Apostle writes concerning Christ and Him crucified.Related Podcasts:— Introduction to Introduction to the Writings of Paul— Faith and the Christian Experience— The Law of Faith— The Law and Grace— Resting in Jesus— What of Works? — Obedience is the Consequence, not the Cause— Christ, Humanity and Salvation— Is Right Doing That Complex?Related Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— Faith or Works?— The Law of Faith— The Parables of the LostText UsSupport the showSend questions or comments to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comThe Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you to better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have an extended, 24-part podcast series on these principles, and a condensed, 9-part series called God's Precious Word, that is based on the same resource. We also recommend that you check out the True Wisdom podcast which I co-host with Robert Baker -- a different format for Bible Study. Finally, check out these awesome Bible Maps! We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

In today's Q&A session, Keana explores what legalism really is, how it shows up in church culture, and why it can be so damaging to your emotional and spiritual well‑being. If you've ever felt like you had to earn God's love, be perfect, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a path toward healing.This episode builds on last week's message, “Religion Cannot Save You but God's Love Can,” and continues the journey of rediscovering God's heart beyond fear, pressure, and performance.

In this powerful and healing episode, Keana explores what legalism looks like in the church, how it distorts our view of God, and how to break free from fear‑based faith. If you've ever felt like you had to earn God's love, perform perfectly, or follow endless rules to be accepted, this conversation will help you breathe again.Keana gently unpacks the emotional and spiritual impact of legalism, explains why so many believers struggle with shame and anxiety around God, and offers a path back to a relationship rooted in love, grace, and freedom. This episode builds on last week's message “Religion Cannot Save You, But God's Love Can” and continues the journey of rediscovering God's heart beyond religious pressure.You'll also receive five healing exercises to help you unlearn harmful beliefs, reconnect with God's love, and rebuild your identity on truth instead of performance.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat legalism actually is and what it is notHow legalism shows up in church culture and teachingThe emotional and spiritual wounds legalism createsWhy legalism replaces relationship with rulesHow to separate God's character from harmful religious expectationsPractical steps to break free from fear‑based faithFive healing exercises to help you reconnect with God's loveFive Healing Exercises Included“God Is Love” Reframing PracticeInner Child Compassion PrayerScripture Detox ExerciseNervous System Reset for Spiritual TriggersIdentity Rebuilding Journal PromptsReflection QuestionsWhat beliefs about God were shaped by fear instead of loveWhere have I confused religious performance with spiritual connectionWhat parts of my faith feel heavy, pressured, or shame‑basedWhat does spiritual freedom look like for me nowWhat is one legalistic belief I'm ready to releaseFinal EncouragementLegalism may have shaped your view of God, but it does not define who God is. God is not the author of fear. He is the source of freedom. You don't have to earn His love. You just have to receive it.

Matthew - The King has Come "Love Or Legalism" (Matthew 12:1-14) In this episode of the McGregor Podcast, Peter Finch explores the powerful contrast between love and legalism through Matthew 12:1-14. He unpacks how Jesus confronted the Pharisees' strict, burdensome traditions and revealed God's true heart for mercy and compassion. Peter Finch discusses the dangers of legalism, highlighting its tendency to elevate man-made rules above loving others and true obedience to God. Listeners will be challenged to examine whether their faith is driven by heartfelt love or mere rule-keeping. The episode encourages believers to find true rest in Christ rather than striving for acceptance through works. Tune in for this compelling message on embracing love over legalism in your walk with God. Sermon Notes January 25, 2026 Peter Finch • Administrative Pastor   Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

What happens when faith feels more like rules than relationship?In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Ana Murby to unpack a raw, honest testimony of walking away from Christianity—and being relentlessly pursued by God anyway.Ana shares her journey through a legalistic Christian upbringing, deep shame, pornography addiction, divorce, and feeling completely disqualified from God's love. Through brokenness, surrender, and radical honesty, she experienced true freedom—not through perfection, but through relationship with Jesus.This conversation tackles topics the Church often avoids, including:Legalism vs. genuine relationship with ChristPornography addiction among Christian womenShame, repentance, and restorationDivorce and God's grace in the aftermathWhy asking hard questions doesn't disqualify your faithHow God redeems what feels too far goneIf you've ever felt like:You messed up too badlyYou had to “clean yourself up” before coming back to GodYour doubts meant you weren't a real ChristianThis episode is for you.Nothing is beyond redemption. No one is too far gone.Listen on all major podcast platforms. Watch, like, share, and subscribe for more testimonies and conversations rooted in truth and grace.

Audio Transcript All right. Beautiful singing. I love that song. I love the lyrics and that they sing. And I hope that’s why you’re here this morning, that your soul is satisfied in just Jesus and him alone. And if it’s not, we hope that by the end of the service, you are. So one of the things that we talk about pretty often here is like the most important instrument that we have as a congregation for our music is the singing of you. And so as we sing, I do want to keep encouraging you to sing. Sing out. This is the most important thing, our singing time is us singing as a congregation. So beautiful singing once again. So I’ve not met you. My name is Aaron. I’m the preaching pastor here. And we’re glad that you’re with us on this very cold Sunday morning. So if you have a Bible with you, if you open up to the Gospel of Luke, continue in our study of Luke. Today, our text to study is going to be Luke 6:1, 11. If you don’t have a Bible with you, the pew Bibles are scattered throughout and they’re on page 502. And then if you’re visiting with us. So we do a style of preaching here called expository preaching. And so I’m going to read a passage, I’m going to pray, ask for the Lord’s blessing, and then we’re going to actually walk right back through the text. And so as you open your Bible, please do keep them open. So the most important thing I might say today is just me reading the Word and continue to communicate the Word to you. That’s the most important thing. So we want to hear God speak this morning. So Luke 6:1 through 11 on page 502, if you’re using one of the pew Bibles, So please to hear the words of our God. So Luke wrote, on a Sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath? Jesus answered them, have you not read what David did when he was hungry? He and those who were with him, how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of presents. Was it not lawful for any but the priest to eat? And he also and also gave it to those with him. And he said to them, the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. On another Sabbath in the synagogue was teaching. And a man who was there, whose right hand was withered, the scribes and Pharisees watched him to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath so they might find a reason to accuse him. He knew their thoughts. Said to the man with a withered hand, come stand here. He rose and stood there. Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or. Or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it? After looking around at them, he said to him, stretch out your hand. And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. So that’s God’s word for us this morning. Let’s pray. God, it’s good to be here. For every Sunday that we can gather together as your people here at Red Village. It is a sweet gift from you and Lord, we pray that you would bless the preaching of your word for the glory of Christ and for our good God. Please help me to communicate the word correctly, to rightly divide the word of truth. Please be with the congregation. Please give them ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. And Lord, in this time, please just use it to bring glory to Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. So I think every so often it’s really important for us to think through the why or the purpose behind all that we do. Because what can happen over time, the why, the purpose of what we do can kind of get lost in ways that we just start doing things for the sake of doing things, where things that we’re doing perhaps end up taking a life on their own in ways that end up not being healthy, that can lead to us maybe become apathetic or arrogant. So as a church, it’s important to us to understand the why, the purpose, which I’m going to talk about more at the end of this time. But I say this to you up front just to kind of help set us up for our text of study today, which is a text where the people in the text clearly lost track of the why, the purpose, one of the more important aspects of their faith as they lost track of the why, the purpose of the Sabbath in ways that rather than the Sabbath existing for them and their arrogance, they started to like almost try to exist for the Sabbath, as in their arrogance, they tried to use the Sabbath as a means of their own self righteous gain before God, which was not the purpose of the Sabbath, why God created the Sabbath. So I’ll talk about this more in just a bit as well, but before we do, just to take a little bit of time, just to kind of help think through just some of the context before we dive into the passage. First, let me just the context of the passage I just went through. So I mentioned our text last week. The public ministry of Jesus is now in full swing, which is the ministry that kicked off in the region of Galilee where this public ministry of the Lord Jesus included like healing the sick, the lame, the blind, casting out demons. But the primary ministry that Jesus had was actually his preaching and teaching ministry, which often would take place in various synagogues, including one in our text today. And as the public ministry of Jesus was now on full swing, his popularity was spreading like wicked wildfire throughout the region as more and more began to wonder if indeed he Jesus was the long awaited, long anticipated Christ who was to come. And this led to more and more coming around Jesus, forming bigger and bigger crowds around him. However, even though his popularity was spreading questions, concerns about his ministry were also starting to like increase, particularly among the Pharisees and the scribes who were the religious leaders of the day. And these concerns that the Pharisees and scribes had to Jesus were on multiple fronts. Maybe share a few with you. One, the Pharisees scribes really did not like who Jesus was ministering to, which in the Gospel accounts included those with like some very deep negative social stigma tied to them. A few weeks back, if you were here, a text included Jesus healing a leper, which was like a painful, gross skin disease. He also heard a paralytic where the Pharisees seemed to imply that this paralytic suffered that because of some of his own sin. Last week may remember Jesus came to a tax collector named Levi. And as Jesus came to Levi was then to like shame him, but to actually call Levi to follow him, which Levi did, leaving everything to follow Jesus. And then after that, may you remember how Levi threw a great party for other tax collectors and other social outcasts with Jesus being the guest of honor at this party. If you remember, it was last week. So the tax collectors, they’re arguably like the most hated people in all of Israel because they were viewed as traitors. So for the Pharisees, like they hated these people, they hated who Jesus was ministering to with like all these deep social stigma tied to them because in their minds those type of people were to be like, avoided and shamed. Certainly not cared for, loved on, certainly not shown any type of mercy. Second, the Pharisees had concerns about Jesus because they rightly understood that as Jesus ministered, Jesus did so in ways that he was claiming divine authority that he is God in the flesh, which Jesus can do. Because we see all throughout the New Testament, including Luke, that yes, indeed, Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, that Jesus is the great God man, fully God, fully man, which we actually see again in our text today. We see this both in his divine actions of healing a man, also in his divine words in our text today, as he refers himself as the Son of man, who is the Lord over the Sabbath. However, for the Pharisees, even though throughout the Old Testament that they claim to love, even though the Old Testament pointed to a God man who had come to save his people, even though from his birth Jesus fulfilled these promises and prophecies of the Old Testament that he was the God man who was to come, the Pharisees fully rejected Jesus. They fully rejected him being the fulfillment. They rejected that indeed he was the Christ Messiah. And because they rejected who Jesus is and what he came to do, they just hated him. Third, the Pharisees also had concerns about Jesus, didn’t improve his ministry. They hated him in ways because of how Jesus would confront their own sin, sinful hearts. So over and over again, including our text today, the Pharisees would try to trap Jesus, only for Jesus to turn things back on them. However, as Jesus confronted their hearts, rather than humbling themselves before him, rather than confessing their sin in their pride, they became more and more violent towards Jesus in the rejection of him. They hated how Jesus confronted them in their sin, because they hated that not only did they reject him, they would work hard to try to convince others to reject him and as well. Okay, so that’s a little bit of our context, our passage. So Jesus ministry is growing, crowds around him is growing. But the hatred from the religious leaders also was growing as they’re seeking, like, every opportunity they could to like discredit the Lord Jesus and his ministry. So that’s kind of his text. Second, let me also just give you some context or some handles on the Sabbath, which is going to be at the center of our passage today. So the word Sabbath basically means, like to cease or to rest. And this ceasing, this rest, the Sabbath is something we first see on the seventh day of creation in the book of Genesis. Okay? So if you read through the creation account, so the preceding six days, so God is at work where he not only creates the heavens, the earth, but then he fills the heavens and the earth, including filling with mankind who is the pinnacle of his creative work. As He, God created mankind in his very image. And this took place on the sixth day, but then on the seventh day of creation as God finished His creative work. We read in Scripture that God ceased from the work. He rested with creation, in particular with mankind, who has mentioned created in his image. And this rest that God had with mankind was not because he was like dog tired from a long six days of creative work. Rather, God rested with mankind, rested with the creation to enjoy mankind to enjoy his creative work as God was pleased with which he created, making the seventh day of creation, this day of rest, a picture of fellowship, a picture of harmony and peace that God enjoyed with that which he created. However, if you’ve read through Genesis, you know that by the time we get to Genesis 3, we see this, the Sabbath fellowship, the Sabbath rest with mankind creation, we see that it was lost because mankind rebelled against God, rebelled against God’s design that he gave them, which was to obey him joyfully because they sinned. And this sin separated mankind from God and brought a curse to the earth, causing the Sabbath rest to be lost. Okay, now, if you’re with us over a year ago, you may remember we went to the book of Hebrews. And you may remember in much of that study of Hebrews, the Old Testament is like a quest trying to figure out how do we get rest back. Now for this time here, I won’t mention all the different pictures of rest found in the Old Testament outside of one, which is important for our text to study today, which is the fourth commandment, which is a commandment to remember the Sabbath day. This is from Exodus 20, where the Ten Commandments are found. So it’s in the fourth commandment it says, remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you should not do any work. You or your sons or your daughters, your male servant, your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is with you within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. So the Sabbath is a commandment we are to keep, but within that. This commandment, like all other commandments, was designed actually to be a blessing from God to his people. A blessing that was meant to help them remember the holiness of God and the worship that we designed to give to him a blessing, to give them rest to their bodies, our physical bodies. We can’t just like, go, go, go, go, go. Like, we need rest, physical rest, emotional rest. Mental rest from our labors. So Sabbath helped provide for that. And Sabbath is also a blessing to help mankind just to remember back to creation and the Sabbath rest that we’ve been created for, which is a Sabbath rest by which we live in fellowship and harmony with God. And because the Sabbath was a blessing by God to his people, man was not created for the Sabbath. That’s not why the Sabbath existed. Rather, the Sabbath was created for mankind. Say it again. It’s a blessing to mankind from a good God. That’s the why of the Sabbath, a gift from God to mankind. As we’ll see in our passage, the Pharisees today completely missed the why of the Sabbath, which caused them to completely miss this blessing that was given to them from God. And because they missed the why, they tried to use the Sabbath as like a fuel for their own pride and their own arrogance, where they tried to make the Sabbath become something that was not intended to be, something like, for their own self righteous gain. So that is the intro. But if you want to look back with me in our text, starting in verse one, so read these words. It says on the Sabbath, while he, meaning Jesus, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain. And then rubbing them in their hands, with rubbing the hands was how they would remove like the outer chaff before eating. Now for us, perhaps nothing seems wrong here. Jesus, disciples, they’re hungry and there is no like prohibition from like eating on the Sabbath. So nothing concerned here. This is not like biblically wrong. In fact, even in the book of Leviticus, there’s provisions given to pluck heads of grain with one’s hand on the Sabbath. Now I will mention that there are prohibitions in the Old Testament of using like a sickle to cut the heads of grain on the Sabbath, because the plucking is more of a provision to help like get them through the day, where the sickle have been more of like a tool that have been used to provide for like food for like multiple days of work. So what they’re doing here though, just plucking with the heads of grains with their hands. So biblically there’s nothing wrong here. However, for the Pharisees this was a great concern, and it was a great concern to them because they viewed this act being done by disciples as an act of work defined by what was called the misna, which is a list of like 39 additional rules and regulations to what scripture laid out. Where these additional rules and regulations were given in part to help put together like A tighter, more specific regulations on what work was on the Sabbath. Thus, according to these rules, regulations, the disciples of Jesus were breaking the Sabbath by plucking and then rubbing with their hands. For the Saraces, this action broke the Sabbath and this call to rest from one’s labor. Now, let me pause a couple things here I think should challenge us. So first, there’s a ministry that helps with, like, teaching preaching called the Simeon Trust, which is named after an old preacher named Charles Simeon. So we don’t have time to. For me to tell you about his ministry, but I would recommend looking up and reading more about him, Charles Simeon. He has a great ministry. So now in this ministry, Simeon Trust, there’s a training called first principles. And I know some of you have gone through that. And for me, the most helpful lesson in first principles revolves around what they call the line of Scripture. So, like preachers, teachers of the Word, even us as Bible readers, we’re to stay on the line to communicate what the text communicates. Because this temptation will always be to go above or below the line. So to go below the line, according to the training, it’s like to ignore the commands of scripture, to ignore clear teachings in scripture, maybe because they’re uncomfortable to us, or maybe we don’t approve of them, or the other temptation is actually to go above the line of Scripture. According to the training, we start to add to the commands the teachings of Scripture, as if what Scripture says is not enough, so we need to, like, add to it. And this is what the Pharisees were doing here. So Scripture taught one could pluck grains from a field by hand, not with a sipical, but of concern that perhaps people abuse the provision of plucking by hand. Perhaps the rubbing of the hands is too much. We better add more safety rails here. So let’s add to the commandment. Let’s go above the line of Scripture and limit any and all acquiring of grain, any and all rubbing of hands, right? Better be safe to go above the line than to fail by going below the line. Now, there’s kind of a common buzzword in church life, the word legalism. And this can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, where for some, they use, like, the term legalism to almost like, justify, like, going below the line to kind of do whatever they want to do because, you know, they don’t want to be illegalistic. But I think the right way to use this term legalism is simply adding to what Scripture says in ways that we, like, go above the line, where the Additions become as important, if not more important, to what Scripture says itself. So in the end, going above the line, that’s illegalism. In the end, it’s actually similar to going below the line and ignoring Scripture because neither side actually honors God in his Word. Neither side above or below, trusts the truth of what Scripture says. Neither side actually holds to the sufficiency of God’s Word. Second, just on this note, I think we need to understand how easy it is to go above or below this line. First time here, let me just think specifically about going above the line, which is true of our text today. So here’s a command from God, remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. So perhaps there’s, like, thoughts of, like, good intentions. Hey, let’s do all that we can do to put guardrails in place to ensure that this happens. However, these guardrails become more and more over time. Over time, the why behind the guardrails completely lost. The guardrails become the focus, the standard, not the original command. And for us, we could do this as a host of different things. Maybe in our culture think of, like, movies or music or alcohol or how we dress, or maybe even how we, like, interact with those who are not Christians. So we know there’s commands out there, biblical principles connected to these things. I just mentioned in our culture that maybe we have to think through, which are commands, principles that we certainly want to follow. We might understand there’s dangers for not following them in ways that we maybe go below the line. But what can easily happen, all these guardrails become more and more where we become, like, more and more tight with more and more things. And all we begin to think about now is this new standard that, like, we set, where the original command, the original principle, is now lost, leaving us, like, really tightly wound up, where we now begin to, like, pridefully judge everyone who is not tightly as wound as we are. Or what else can happen is over time, we just become, like, apathetic to everything, apathetic to, like, any and all rules, because we completely lost track of the why. So we just throw our hands up in the air and we completely abandon, like, Scripture and what it commands in our text. The Pharisees, they’re really tightly wound, tightly wound with, like, deep, prideful judgment of others. In the end, they’re completely missing what scripture taught in their attempt to follow Scripture. You know, there’s a blog I read a few years back, it said you become, like, so biblical where you’re going above and beyond or above and beyond the line. And attempt to like, follow Scripture, I’m going to be so biblical that in the end you actually become like, unbiblical. Once again, that’s the Pharisees. At all costs, they’re going to follow the Sabbath. But in the end, they’re becoming more and more unbiblical in this attempt. Third, let me also just mention, just to be fair and to be clear, going below the line can also lead you to really awful places. It’s not just above the line. Legalism has problems, but that’s what our text is today. This is a cautionary tale. To go above the line in ways, you become like, legalistic. Okay, say more here, bro. Let’s move on. Verse 2, we see the Pharisees came to Jesus, his disciples, to confront them for not meeting their legalistic standard and what they were doing with the grains in the field. And this here, it kind of gets a sense in Luke that kind of like everywhere Jesus went, there’s almost like these like, assigned Pharisees, like, following them around, where it almost felt like their entire existence to try to call out Jesus and what they felt he was doing wrong to try to trap him. Man, I was thinking about this week. This had to be so annoying. Like, everywhere Jesus went, you know. Here are his critics for following him. The text. As Pharisees went to confront Jesus, disciples, we see that he said to them with a tone of judgment and arrogance and pride, why are you doing this? This is not lawful for you to do on the Sabbath, at least not according to their standards. This here, this is another attempt by the Pharisees to catch Jesus and what they deemed like catch him red handed. Another attempt to discredit him disciples, his ministries. However, in this conversation, yet again, Jesus turns things back on them in ways. Actually, we’re discrediting them. Verse 3, we see Jesus respond not in direct ways to their question, to the arrogance, to the pride, but maybe in a little bit more indirect way where Jesus, like, responds by using a story of scripture to prove his point. So the text, Pharisees, you know, the story about David, scripture, you know, maybe, maybe you didn’t read this one. I think you have, but maybe, maybe you remember this one, you know, the one where he was like on the run from evil King Saul. And when he was on the run, remember how he became hungry along with others who were with him. And, and this is a story from 1st Samuel 21:1 that no doubt the Pharisees would have known. Remember how while they were hungry in the run, how David entered into the house of God and how he took and ate of the bread of the presence, which high priest Elimelech allowed for them to do so. Can I ask you, Pharisees, was that not unlawful for David to do that? After all, the bread of presence was not allowed for the priest to eat. In that story, David took give it to those who are with him. So, Pharisees, let me ask you, was that wrong for David to do? Was it wrong for the priest to let that happen? I mean, do you think the priest should have told David his hungry men, sorry, it’s not for you. You must just keep going on in your hunger. What Jesus is doing here in the story is, first, so in the strictest letter of the law, sure, it would have been unlawful for David for Elimelech to distribute bread in this fashion. However, second, Jesus point out that the letter of the law should not be removed or divorced from the spirit of the law. The why of the law, where in the end the law is there to be a blessing from God, a blessing to not only help us love and honor God, but but also to help us to love and honor others. That’s the why. So in the story of David, the spirit of law was there to show David his friends, like, they needed mercy in that moment, right? They’re hungry, they needed mercy, and that’s what Elimelech gave them. He let them eat the food that they needed to save their life to keep going. For the Pharisees, mercy was just not a part of who they were. And backing up. No mercy to the leper, no mercy to the paralytic, no mercy to Levi in our text last week. No mercy to the other tax collectors and social outcasts who Levi threw the party for in our text today. No mercy towards Jesus, his disciples who are hungry, even though what they were doing biblically actually was not wrong in the first place, for the Pharisees, it was wrong in their own eyes. First morning for us, maybe a little litmus test. When we see someone in need, which can come on a lot of different fronts, do we desire to show them mercy or do we just want to, like, hammer them with like, the strictest letter of the law that we can get to a standard. They’re not that we feel they’re not living up to now, as I say that I’m not advocating for, like, enabling, which is not an act of mercy, but it’s actually an act of putting burdens on when we try to enable people. But we should seek to show real mercy to those who are in need, we are able to help those who we can in ways that actually in the end doesn’t hurt them. Keep going to the text, verse 5. So the Pharisees are not already angry and frustrated towards the Lord Jesus as He confronted them for their lack of mercy. What he says next would have only made them that much more angry and that much more frustrated. Where in the text he declared them the Son of Man was a title that he already referred to himself in Luke, a title ground in the Old Testament. The Old Testament pointed to a God man is to come. The Son of Man in the text is the Lord of the Sabbath. Now why this is so frustrating for the Pharisees to hear, Jesus makes the segregation a couple things here. First, they would have hated Jesus continued to declare himself as being the great God man, even though that’s what we see all throughout Scripture as he declared himself to be the Son of Man, the Lord of the Sabbath. Second, as Jesus declared himself to be the Lord of the Sabbath, not only is he declaring himself to be greater than the Sabbath day, but he also declared that the rest that the Sabbath was to picture and point to from the seventh day of creation. Jesus is now declaring that rest between God and man is fulfilled in him. That he is the means by which we find rest with God. He’s the answer of the question of the Old Testament. How do we get rest back? It’s not in ourselves. It’s not in trying to keep the law. It’s not in trying to keep some type of like standard of self righteousness by our own effort. It’s not by keeping the Sabbath. Rather in this declaration by the Lord Jesus, he’s saying to follow the Sabbath would lead you to find Him. Because ultimately he is the Sabbath. He’s the why. The Sabbath, it is through him, in him alone. That’s how we find rest with God. Which is why Jesus calls out for all to hear, including all here today. Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Once again for the Pharisees, Jesus making this declaration this way he could fuel to the flames of hate that was burning deeply in the heart. This is what legalism always does when confronted with Jesus. Legalism hates Jesus because Jesus exposes that we can’t do it. Rather we must by faith come to him, the one who did it for us Hebrew 1, verse 6. We see now in the text we’re on to a different Sabbath where the Pharisees are still after Jesus, still trying to catch him red handed, still trying to discredit him, his ministry. We see on another Sabbath, Jesus entered into a synagogue. And as he entered in, he did what is mentioned earlier became his custom to do. And he went in to teach, to preach, to preach God’s word as one with authority. In that particular Sabbath, we see there’s a man in the synagogue whose right hand was withered and true to form because Jesus was there. The Pharisees scribes are also on the scene. And on the particular Sabbath, they’re also there at the synagogue, as I mentioned, trying to continue to trap the Lord Jesus. And as they’re inside the synagogue, they began to watch this man with withered hand to watch Jesus, to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. You know, for me, in my mind, I can kind of just see the Pharisees and scribes in the back of the synagogue, like kind of looking around, whispering among themselves if there’s any potential candidates for Jesus to heal on the Sabbath. And as they whispered around, you know, kind of wondered in my mind if, you know, they maybe zeroed in on this man with a withered hand. They began to like, question like, I wonder if that’s the one that Jesus is going to heal today. Verse 8. As Pharisees, maybe we’re zeroing in on whether this man with a withered hand would be the one that Jesus would healed. We see that Jesus started to like zero in on them, the Pharisees, he began to zero in their hearts as our text tells us, like he knew their thoughts. And as Jesus knew their thoughts, he yet again turns things back on the Pharisees. Jesus calls out to the man with the withered hand. You over there. Yeah, he’s you, the one with the withered hand. Come stand up here with me. And his call, Jesus went forth. The man did what Jesus called him to do in the text. He rose from where he was seated and he stood, instructing him to stand right swimming right next to the Lord, like right in front of everyone where no doubt everyone can see him. For me, it gets sent in the text that Jesus didn’t want anyone, particularly the Pharisees, to miss that which he was about to do. Verse 9 of the text. So the man standing up front next to him, Jesus turns the congregation to the Pharisees and can you answer me a question on this Sabbath? Want to ask you this Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it? I keep saying the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus, but this question, but Jesus is now actually trapping them. We’re in this trap. Everyone, including the Pharisees would admit doing good is more important than doing harm. Saving a life is more important than destroying it. And this is really kind of the question that is in line with the story of David and the hungry men who ate the bread of presents. It was more important to do good to them on the Sabbath. Jesus gave his question with the obvious answer, important to do good to save. Jesus now further stressed the importance of mercy and love towards others as the entire law is boiled down into two commandments, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. So at the scene on the Sabbath, as Jesus continues to fulfill the law by showing love and mercy, he does so to this man. Verse 10. As everyone in the room is looking at him, as everyone probably is quiet, and as Jesus gave his question in verse nine, Jesus turns to the man sitting next to him and says to him, man, stretch out your hand once again. As the call of Jesus went forth, the man did what Jesus asked. By faith he stretches out his hand. And as he does so, it was restored, healed. Restored. He healed by the power and the authority of the great God man, Jesus Christ. It was restored, healed by the mercy and the love of the great God man, Jesus Christ. And now for us you would think this would have been to the praise and wonder for all who are present to see this incredible act of love and mercy and power and authority of Jesus Christ. However, as Jesus did this great act for this man who was in need of the hearts of the Pharisees, we see still they’re not softened towards Christ. They still didn’t see like the errors of their way. They still didn’t understand the law, the Sabbath, the why. So our text ends today, verse 11, we see that they became feel or filled with fury and they started to discuss among themselves what they might do to Jesus. You know, as thick headed and as proud as the Pharisees were there even them were being understand that their strategy of trying to catch Jesus red handed like was not working. So even here they’re starting to understand they needed a new strategy if they’re ever to get rid of Jesus Christ, which we know over time became a strategy so filled with hate and fury that their strategy would lead them to kill Jesus Christ, which they finally would end him, his ministry, his influence over his people. But we also know that, that even that completely backfired on them because it’s actually through the death and the resurrection from the dead on the third day. That’s the reason why Jesus came. That is how his ministry would be fulfilled, how his mission to save his people from their sins would be fulfilled. How through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That’s how he would be restored back to fellowship with God so that we might have rest. Now, as I close this time, I do want to close by asking maybe a few like, why questions and some answers to this, and then we’ll close. So first question, maybe you’re kind of thinking this is so why do we not keep the Sabbath? So the church, we obviously don’t meet on Saturdays. And this is actually one of the commandments, right? One of the ten commandments. Remember the Sabbath day, the commandment that was actually given by God for our good. So why do we not meet on the Sabbath? The reason why relates to Jesus being the Lord of the Sabbath, where, yes, Jesus came to fulfill the entire law, but he uniquely fills the Sabbath as Jesus is our rest. So in the New Testament, like all the ten Commandments are spoken about in ways that they’re still binding on us today. Still expectation that God has for mankind in order to follow him that are for our good. That is, with the exception of the Sabbath. So New Testament, there’s no command for us to follow the Sabbath because as mentioned, Jesus uniquely fulfilled the Sabbath as he is the Lord of the Sabbath. So everyone, this is why we don’t meet on Saturdays, but we meet on Sundays. And in fact, we see this all throughout New Testament, all throughout church history. God’s people, Christians gather on Sunday. Sundays, not Saturdays, with Sundays being referred to like the Lord’s Day, as Sunday helps us remember the day that Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. So now Sundays, like the Sabbath, the Old Testament is the day that Christians are to set aside to worship, right? This is why we don’t forsake the assembly of believers. We gather together every Sunday to worship. This is why Sunday, the Lord’s day, right? This is supposed to be a benefit to us to rest from our labors. So when Sunday we not only remember back to creation, but remember Jesus, the new creation that he comes to give. If you wonder why, that’s why. Second, so why is the line of scripture so important for us to stick to? So something I talked about a little earlier, you know, this Line of Scripture do not go above, not go below. And the main reason why we want to stick to the line of Scripture, to not add to it, not take it away. Because going on either side of the line, not only is it take away from the truth of scripture, but when you go on either side, what happens is we stop seeing Jesus, our need for Him. And this is certainly true of our text today in the Pharisees, they just could not see Jesus for who he is. They certainly did not see their need for Him. The rest that he alone can offer says for us to read and apply Scripture, particularly when it comes to the commands of Scripture as we read them. Do we read them in ways that we see Jesus, where our hearts are full of praise and worship towards him, where our hearts become full of love for God and love for others in more meaningful ways which lead to another why? Question. So why is it important for us to stay focused on the weightier matters of the law? Because this is something that Jesus actually later on confronts the Pharisees on and their attempt to try to keep the law through tithing, where they’re so like hyper focused on every little aspect of tithing like they were in our text with the Sabbath, that tithing becomes like, almost like way too much, where they completely lost the weightier manners of the law. Like loving God, loving others, showing mercy, showing kindness to others, when their attempt to become so biblical with tithing, to become unbiblical with weightier matters of the law. So for us, yes, clearly we want to follow the Scriptures, whatever Scripture commands us to do, but we want to do so in ways with the weightier matters of law. Love, mercy, kindness towards others is at the center. This is the last why. So why is all this so important? The answer is simple. So why is this all important? The answer is Jesus, his wooden cross, empty tomb, things that mean everything to us, right? That’s the why for us. What Jesus did, all these things he did for us, if they continue to mean everything to us, we must keep him at the center of the why of all that we do, that we do. So maybe we want to ask, so why are we here this cold morning? Why? Because of Jesus, that’s why. The worship of him, that’s why. So why do we do all the different ministries that we do, even though at times these ministry can leave us weary? Why? Right? It’s because Jesus, because He means everything to us. Why do we seek to share the Gospel with the world around us? Why? It’s because of Jesus. This, his love for us compels us to now want to love others like who he is, what he has done for us. That’s at the why of our entire existence as a church. That’s why. This morning, if you know you’ve been living above the line, maybe you can kind of like resonate with the Pharisees. Like you’re so wound up tight that you’re missing, like, the weightier matters of the law, maybe even more so you’ve been missing Jesus the rest and the joy that he alone can offer. Let me invite you to humble yourself and just confess your sin and come back to Jesus, knowing that all who by faith come to him will be forgiven. And friends, if you came here looking like the Pharisees from the text, don’t leave here still looking like one. Rather come to Jesus and leave here looking more and more like Him. Church, may God give us the grace to stay on the line of Scripture so we might find and continue to find our rest in him, the great Lord of the Sabbath. Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for Jesus. Lord, please help us to set our eyes on him. And Lord, you’ve given us many good commandments. And so, Lord, please help us to follow them, knowing that they’re good. Help us not lose track of the why behind them and how in the end, not only for our good, but they all lead us to Christ. Pray so in Jesus name, amen. The post Lord of the Sabbath – Luke 6: 1-11 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Dave Rich tackles one of the most debated questions in Christian theology: How should believers use the Old Testament law for ethical guidance? With clarity and biblical precision, he examines the 613 Mosaic laws and asks which ones still apply to Christians today. Why do we follow some commandments but not others? Are the Ten Commandments still binding? What about dietary restrictions and civil penalties?Rich walks through six major theological approaches to the law, from Marcionism's complete rejection to views that embrace nearly all Old Testament regulations. He examines New Testament passages that seem contradictory—some declaring the law a burden not to be imposed on believers, others affirming its holiness and value. The answer lies in understanding covenant discontinuity while recognizing the law's ongoing revelatory purpose.Christians aren't bound by Mosaic stipulations, but the entire Old Testament remains valuable for ethical wisdom when read through the lens of the New Covenant. This teaching equips believers to handle Scripture accurately, avoid both legalism and lawlessness, and apply timeless biblical principles to modern life. ★ Support this podcast ★

Galatians 1:1-7a

Greg describes two types of legalism, then he answers questions from callers about overcoming anxiety about addressing controversial topics in the church, and how to tell the difference between claiming a legitimate promise of God and the prosperity gospel.   Topics: Commentary: Two types of legalism (00:00) How can I overcome my anxiety about saying something controversial in the church? (31:00) Is there a way to tell the difference between claiming a legitimate promise of God and the prosperity gospel? (51:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl The Story of Why God Died and Came to Life Again by Greg Koukl Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Related Links: Answering an Objection to Grace: Why Not Sin? by Amy Hall The Law Is Good by Amy Hall What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert How Can I Know Which Bible Promises Apply to Me? by Amy Hall Promises We Can't Claim. Promises We Can. by Greg Koukl

Grace is central to our faith yet its meaning is often confused. Mixed messages can leave us in a tug-of-war between “doing nothing” and “trying harder” to earn God's favor. What is grace actually and how does it affect our daily apprenticeship to Jesus?Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack what they've learned about grace from Dallas Willard. Discover how grace can go beyond “undeserved merit” and become fuel for your life, relationships, and ministry. You can set aside pretending, presuming, and pushing to respond to grace and join God's activity in everything you do! (If you want to go deeper into the insights we gained from Dallas Willard, we invite you to join us on a retreat or train to become a spiritual director with Soul Shepherding. You can learn more by following the links below.)Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus' Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The Other Human in the Room is on hiatus! For the next 3 months, you'll still be getting weekly episodes on your podcast feeds - but they'll all be re-releases of past favourites. I'm using this time to dream and explore new ideas and directions for the podcast. See you in March!Do you get stressed about following the guidelines? Or notice other colleagues seem stressed if anyone strays off the guidelines? Commute to work with Joan as she explores the idea of guidelines legalism and how we can trust our clinical brains in the midst of guideline confusion. Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd

Send us a textThe letter to the churches in that region called "Galatia" defends the freedom of Christ from legalism or unreasonable rules.  The Apostle Paul ministered to the cities in this region on his missionary journeys resulting in the Gospel taking root in several cities.  However teachers came in after Paul and persuaded the new believers to follow their way of teaching involving adhering to the law of Moses despite the fact there were many Gentiles among the believers.  Paul defends this freedom from Legalism in this letter.  

God Centered Concept Discipleship Series is now live. Our book, "Embracing the Truth" is now in Presale. Go to our website to learn how to purchase Help support us by purchasing your copy today. Also to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.In this engaging conversation, Pastor Tim Estes shares his journey from a legalistic upbringing in a Pentecostal pastor's home to embracing grace and leading a thriving church. He discusses the importance of legacy, the principles taught in his legacy class, and the significance of grace in ministry. Pastor Tim also introduces his book, 'Grace Morph,' which details his transition and the scriptural foundations for his beliefs. The conversation highlights the impact of community, the importance of prayer for pastors, and the transformative power of grace in the lives of individuals and the church.Pastor Tim Estes information:www.nlcss.comTakeawaysPastor Tim emphasizes the importance of legacy in life.He shares his struggles with legalism in his upbringing.The legacy class helps young men understand their impact.Grace is central to Pastor Tim's message and ministry.Character and integrity are crucial for leaving a legacy.Financial health is important for a fulfilling life.The spouse you marry is a significant decision.Pastors face unique challenges and need support.Sanctification is a lifelong process of grace.The book 'Grace Morph' addresses the transition from legalism to grace.

At Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, we welcomed Rev. Caleb Willingham to the pulpit, preaching from Titus.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Raymond of Peñafort Saint Raymond of Peñafort's Story Since Saint Raymond of Peñafort lived into his hundredth year, he had a chance to do many things. As a member of the Spanish nobility, he had the resources and the education to get a good start in life. By the time he was 20, he was teaching philosophy. In his early 30s he earned a doctorate in both canon and civil law. At 41 he became a Dominican. Pope Gregory IX called him to Rome to work for him and to be his confessor. One of the things the pope asked him to do was to gather together all the decrees of popes and councils that had been made in 80 years since a similar collection by Gratian. Raymond compiled five books called the Decretals. They were looked upon as one of the best organized collections of Church law until the 1917 codification of canon law. Earlier, Saint Raymond of Peñafort had written for confessors a book of cases. It was called Summa de Casibus Poenitentiae. More than simply a list of sins and penances, it discussed pertinent doctrines and laws of the Church that pertained to the problem or case brought to the confessor. At the age of 60, Raymond was appointed archbishop of Tarragona, the capital of Aragon. He didn't like the honor at all and ended up getting sick and resigning in two years. He didn't get to enjoy his peace long, however, because when he was 63 he was elected by his fellow Dominicans to be the head of the whole Order, the successor of Saint Dominic. Raymond worked hard, visited on foot all the Dominicans, reorganized their constitutions and managed to put through a provision that a master general be allowed to resign. When the new constitutions were accepted, Raymond, then 65, resigned. He still had 35 years to oppose heresy and work for the conversion of the Moors in Spain. He convinced Saint Thomas Aquinas to write his work Against the Gentiles. In his 100th year, the Lord let Raymond retire. Reflection Raymond was a lawyer, a canonist. Legalism can suck the life out of genuine religion if it becomes too great a preoccupation with the letter of the law to the neglect of the spirit and purpose of the law. The law can become an end in itself, so that the value the law was intended to promote is overlooked. But we must guard against going to the opposite extreme and seeing law as useless or something to be lightly regarded. Laws ideally state those things that are for the best interests of everyone and make sure the rights of all are safeguarded. From Raymond, we can learn a respect for law as a means of serving the common good.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

1 Timothy 1:3-17 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer  4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith.  5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.  7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,  10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine  11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.   New Year.  Same Core.     1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. We affirm that these doctrines make up the distinctive nature and core center circle of Christianity: the Trinity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) the deity of Jesus Christ the atoning, liberating work of Christ on the cross the bodily resurrection of Jesus and salvation by grace through faith.     At the core isn't an idea. At the core is Jesus.    We are not merely to be believers of ideas, but disciples of Jesus.     At the core isn't a checklist for sinners.   At the core is a Savior for sinners.   Legalism does not compare to the love of God.     At the core isn't earning. At the core is following.   Obedience should flow from internal transformation, not external constraint.

We share how a rule-shaped faith gave way to a Spirit-led life. Torie's steady devotion and mission work collide with Jonathan's raw honesty about addiction, and together we discover that grace, not effort, breaks chains and heals shame.• growing up Adventist, performance and reputation• mission years in Bolivia, language and leadership struggles• COVID challenges, visas, and resilience• Jonathan's curiosity, partying, and rebaptism tension• legalism vs grace, confusion and burnout• the vulnerable email about porn and shame• gospel reframes in Romans and the epistles• freedom from law as Spirit-led life• community that feels like heaven on earth• loving counsel to our younger selves

The Word of the Day with Rene' Holaday for Tuesday 12-30-25: Part 2, Colossians 2:8-23: "Not Legalism But Christ" and "He Nailed SIN to the Cross, Not the Law!!"  What's the difference between Legalism and keeping The Law of the 10 Commandments, like Jesus instructs us to do?  Come and see!  That question is defined in the Biblical notes from the Bible today.  You are going to be glad you watched today's episode, as it CORRECTLY defines what Paul meant in this chapter about both these subjects.  Most people, including the Mega Churches have this chapter wrong and are teaching the wrong thing, so it is critical that we get it RIGHT. ;() If any of you can help me with firewood, I could use help!  If you're blessed by this daily Bible Study and you can help me with a donation of $5 or more to my PayPal address, it certainly would be appreciated!  This next couple weeks I will be having a "FIREWOOD funds drive" so I can buy more firewood, and you can donate any amount to : reneholaday@gmail.com  If you go to PayPal.com and let them know your amount and my PayPal email address, and the title of my PayPal page will show up as "Liberty Agenda USA."   THANK YOU ahead of time!

The guys reflect on how much their understanding of the kingdom has grown since the early days of the podcast and use John 19 to contrast the deadly misuse of law with the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. Jase points out that the Jewish leaders tried to kill Jesus “by the book,” while never stopping to ask the only question that mattered: what if he really is the Son of God? The guys explore the danger of legalism, the difference between living like a slave under law versus a son filled with the Spirit. In this episode: John 3, verses 1–8; John 4, verses 13–14; John 19, verses 7–30; Acts 2, verses 1–4; Romans 8, verses 12–14; Galatians 4, verses 4–7; Ephesians 5, verses 15–20; Hebrews 12, verse 24; James 3, verse 13; Genesis 3, verses 4–24; Genesis 4, verses 1–8; Genesis 6, verse 5; Leviticus 24, verse 16; Proverbs 1, verses 2–7; Proverbs 1, verses 22–33; Proverbs 3, verse 18; Proverbs 23, verses 29–35 “Unashamed” Episode 1200 is sponsored by: http://frontline21.com — Embrace biblical masculinity. Download the Frontline21 field guide for men and 21-day devotional at no cost to you https://auraframes.com — Get $45 off Aura's best-selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code UNASHAMED at checkout! https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al is finally losing weight! Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900. https://bravebooks.com/unashamed — Get 20% off AND get Missy's book “Because You're My Family” and Jep and Jessica's book “Dear Valor” free with code UNASHAMED https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-06:36 Jase crawls out of his Bible cave 06:37-17:18 The “blasphemy” of Jesus 17:19-26:11 Christianity isn't about rules 26:12-37:36 Legalism kills but the Spirit gives life 37:37-49:25 Leaves don't make good clothes 49:26-56:35 How to live as sons & heirs, not slaves — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices