Time to switch gears. I deeply appreciate all those who have expressed their thoughts and prayers over the recent tragedy the church family I pastor recently suffered but since I know about the hope I have for the future, I also know it is time to move forward. That doesn’t mean the hurt and loneliness for the family isn’t there, but like I told someone yesterday, as the pastor I also have other sheep who need tended to. That also goes for this blog. So…here is something new. 

I recently started a new book entitled Gospel Zero by Andrew Farley and John Lynch. I have read some of Andrew’s other books and can truly say one thing: the dude knows and teaches about grace. Two of his other books, the Naked Gospel and Twisted Scripture take on the issue of grace vs legalism with him landing resoundingly on the side of GRACE. As I have begun this book (just last night) I have NO DOUBT this one will as well. A couple of thoughts from my reading last night will show that:

God’s new way of grace isn’t just a tweak to an old contract; it’s a game-changer. (p.1)

For example, Hebrews 8:6 speaks of a “better covenant” with “better promises.” Jesus spoke about laying down His life, not just flipping the script to a new page. Considering what we read in the Old Testament, He turned the playbook of life on its head. He is like the coach experiencing no or simply moderate success coming into practice and saying, “Okay boys. You know that old playbook? Toss it. From now on this will be the new one.” 

But the following line from the book is what tells me I’m in for quite a ride:

Let’s be crystal clear: the Law, with its Ten Golden Hits, isn’t your stairway to heaven- it’s more like a flashing neon sign screaming ‘mess up alert,’ leading you straight to the trapdoor of failure. (p.5) 

2 Corinthians 3:7-9 said “the old way, which bring condemnation…”  Simply put: the Law could not bring life. James was clear that you break the Law in one spot, you break it on all. It was all or nothing. How could that bring life? Simple: it couldn’t and won’t. 

Jo and I will jokingly say, “Must be a legalist” when following someone in the car who will not go over the speed limit. It says, “55” and by golly 55 it is! Not 56. Not 55 1/2. Maybe under but never over. (And yes, I confess it frustrates me). That is the way of legalism, the Law. Keep it to the “T.” But, in all honesty, who can? Answer: NO ONE. Only One has been able to and He died to save us from that legalism and death. I keep reminding myself of the words “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Where do you stand?