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| Selected comments from readers, listeners and supporters of PTM—how they were rescued from cultic beliefs and legalistic practices. | |
I found myself doing all kinds of works to make-up for for past sins... I have been recovering from legalism for the last 25 years. Back in my early 20s I was surrounded by legalists. Christianity was the most guilt ridden experience I had ever had. I had been brought up as a nominal Christian and I was a sinner ( now I am a sinner saved by grace). In the first 5 years after I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior I was surrounded by people who spoke about the Gospel, they spoke about freedom in Christ, but what they lived and what I was taught was a list of Christian dos and don'ts, and I was made to feel very guilty about my past, to develop a hyper-active conscience. I found myself doing all kinds of works to make-up for for past sins and right my wrongs. I got to the point where it didn't matter to me that Jesus died for me, because I was going to have to confess and pay for my wrongs anyway. Well, I came to a place of despair and I cried out to God and He spoke to me from Hebrews, where the writer quotes Jeremiah, Heb. 10:17 "..AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE...". I came to a revelation that God was not the driving force behind my "acts of repentance" (Although, repenting, turning away from sin is good), it was really the legalists around me that were causing me to feel guilty and putting expectations before that this is what real Christians did. I began to pray more and believe the Gospel and eventually I began to fellowship with people who also walked in freedom. I have always been blessed by Galatians, so much freedom in book. Also, Col.1:21-23a "...21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard..." I am not moved away from the hope of the gospel. —Tennessee Sharing stories helps avoid "sliding into the fire pits of legalism I have struggled with legalism for quite a long time in the Mormon church. I feel a great way to help people who have turned to Christ keep their faith and endure strong without back sliding into the fire pits of legalism is to have members who have left legalism share their personal testimonies on how they Know that Jesus is the Christ, our eternal God, and that we are saved by His grace through our faith because of His blood and not from ourselves. In the LDS church we were always giving our personal testimonies and truth be told, they really do help strengthen one's faith. I feel it would be a great thing to put into the magazine to remind us of God's endless grace and love.
I don't feel like I could leave because my father is a church leader... I think I might belong to a legalistic church. We are restricted from wearing certain clothing (no pants for women), jewelry, and make-up, as well as told that women can't have short hair. It's sooo often impressed upon the congregation and we're often scolded for our exterior appearance. I just don't feel like exterior appearance is that important to God. Yes, I agree that we should definitely dress modest but I don't think there's anything immodest about pants (for women), jewelry, make-up, or a woman cutting her hair. I feel confused and frustrated at the same time. I don't feel like I could leave because my father is a church leader and both my parent are very involved in the church ...although I'm an adult already (out of college), they would not accept me moving churches. I feel sad and confused because I don't agree with our church's doctrine ...please advise and help ...thanks and God Bless
Exposed in various blogs and websites About two years ago, I sent you a letter about a legalistic and authoritarian group that I was involved with, and your ministry was so wonderful in helping me break free.Your answers to my questions were right on, and two years later, I am feeling more free than I ever have! God bless you and thank you so much for your ministry. Now, for the first time, the ministry that I wrote to you about is being exposed in various blogs and websites. People are coming forward and sharing their experiences. Thank you again and again! Burned out—and blaming herself Thank you for your ministry, it has truly helped me open my eyes to legalism. Ten years ago when God's grace changed my life, my priority was to find a church where I could grow and serve. I started attending a church of which a friend was a member. My husband eventually got saved as did all my children. The church embraced us and it became our life. We got involved in small group Bible study and got close to some of the families in this church. There was an emphasis on versions of the Bible, the inspired King James Version versus uninspired versions (every other version). Though the church didn't appear legalistic, the message of grace became more about what you were doing (ministries you were involved in, tithing, memorizing Scripture, being at church every time the doors were open), so I decided to become the perfect Christian. I took all the classes, taught Sunday school, Awana and vacation Bible school and went to all the meetings. As our church grew, they decided to build a new building for three million dollars. Yet they didn't want to incur any debt because they believed that was unbiblical. Instead, they suggested that members raise money by borrowing against home equity, selling their cars, etc. They suggested we wouldn't be right with God until this all came to fruition, because it was not about "building a building, but building lives". The first three years we gave above and beyond our tithe, but the second three years we just didn't have any more money, with three kids in Christian School. Ten years later there was still no building. The pastor's messages were so condemning. Every Sunday we'd come home so upset and confused, wondering if there was something wrong with us or the church, as all our friends seemed fine. We have since left this church, and we probably stayed there way longer than we should have because we just didn't know how to leave. Though it is a relief to have finally taken that step, I've never been so empty in all my Christian life. Some days I just cry and wonder how I drifted so far away from God in the middle of being a perfect Christian (outwardly) I see in so many ways how I put my faith and trust in man and lost God in the process, being more concerned with pleasing men than pleasing God. I see that I misplaced God's grace. My heart is broken over ten years lost during the most important part of my kids' lives. I see that I am truly a legalist. My husband is doing way better than I am. I seem to be stuck in regret, hopelessness and condemnation. It's been a year and a half since we left the church and though at first it was such a relief, dealing with my own sin and failure is almost unbearable at times. We have been visiting another church and though it has been very encouraging we seem to be stuck and unable to move forward. Your monthly newsletter has been an amazing source of encouragement to me and so helpful. I ask that you would pray for our family.
I felt I had been in the wilderness for 40 years... I am no longer with legalism as the church I belong to has changed. I was where you were before God set us free. I felt I had been in the wilderness for 40 years and was set free. I have not been able to attend a building for services. I have moved from Kansas to N.H. last August. I receive the Plain Truth and this is the 1st day I have gone on line at P.T.M. Right now I am downloading the sound system. I want to become active with all the things you provide on this program. Thank you. I still have to battle the baggage I carry. I have been making progress with the help of God. —New Hampshire ...I leave church on Sunday feeling angry and depressed. My wife and I belong to a local independent Baptist church. For a long while now we have felt that the Pastor's messages are not being led by the Holy Spirit. This concerns us greatly. We also have found that the congregation as a whole seems to lack the joy that we once had. Faces of the congregation seem to be for the most part expressionless. Week after week the messages seem to evolve into a weekly tongue lashing telling us how to pray better, give better, study better, be involved better, be obedient to the leadership, etc. We are even challenged in our salvation if we do not buy into all of this completely. I must tell you I leave church on Sunday feeling angry and depressed. We are told that people who feel this way are being convicted, or they have a sin problem. Maybe— but I just feel angry and I am getting bitter. The church has also focused most of its attention on so called leadership building to the point where it has dropped any small group Bible studies for their "Advanced Leadership Training". The only way to become a so-called leader in my church is to buy into this program 100% and give up your own creativity or personal leading from God. One of the associated pastors is a very good friend of mine and I have shared my concerns with him many times. I have told him of my frustrations concerning the weekly challenges and how I am ready to give up, since I cannot fulfill everything thing that is being thrown at us from the pulpit. He tells me the church is not legalistic, but I think it has headed down this path. What is your feeling? My wife and I are so upset that it is hurting us as a couple. We are both ready to leave, but I am dragging my feet. This is the church that I got saved in and the only one I have ever attended, so I am torn between what my heart is telling me and so-called loyalty to the only church I have known. Can you help me understand what God would have me do? —Massachusetts
"For the first time in my life, I truly understand..." Your anti-legalism stance is very refreshing, and I appreciate how you back everything you say with Scripture. I have been through several religious transitions in my life and always searching for truth and never quite satisfied. My husband and I have been to many different churches. We eventually settled into a church where we became heavily involved in ministry. I was Children's Church director, and my husband was on the church board. He received his district license to preach and filled the pulpit in several churches when the pastor was on vacation or the church was "between" pastors. He also led Wednesday Bible studies and a Sunday School class. Although we were well-liked, we eventually had to leave because we just couldn't swallow all the doctrines. We have not attended church much in the last five years. I decided to check into Plain Truth Ministries out of curiosity. It is very refreshing. I used to have pre-made boundaries, and I knew what was acceptable (according to "the group"') and what wasn't. I knew my way around. Now, without the boundaries, I have to depend on God to lead me. However, the typical church-going Christian does not understand the freedom of God's grace. For instance, my husband and I drink alcohol. He likes beer and I like wine. Our church-going neighbors see that as sin. For the first time in my life, I truly understand the Fatherhood of God. In some sense I had always imagined him as a Being who loved me, but was ready to punish me at the drop of a hat "for my own good." Now I am experiencing his kindness and mercy. I just love talking to Him, pretty much the same way I used to talk to my earthly father. I can almost feel Him smiling. Every day I remind myself that Christ lives in me, and I feel no condemnation! Life is good! —Oklahoma "...20 years in this manipulative church was just a bad dream!" This is a long overdue letter to let all of you at PTM know of our appreciation for your ministry. Your ministry literally changed our lives. I remember the first time I contacted you — we were in desperate need of help. My husband and I were thinking about leaving our long time church. We had come to see that this church was controlling, manipulative and legalistic. We had been studying God's
grace, and that study led us to the work of PTM — and all that
you do. You were so helpful in helping us understand what God's amazing
grace is all about. — Florida "...don't associate with 'other' Christians because they are 'bad'." I have been a Christian for more than 20 years. My husband has recently become a Christian. We moved and relocated to another city, and after listening to a pastor on the radio and learning that his church was in our city, we started attending the church. We sat and listened for a few months, then decided we were ready to become members of the church. When we asked what the requirements were, we were told that we needed to be "baptized". I mentioned that we had been baptized years ago, but we were told that we needed to be baptized into "their doctrine". I really didn't understand, but wanted to fit in, so we gave in. We started getting involved in ministry, since it was a requirement. Within a few months, I began to see a lot of things that did not appear Scripturally correct. For instance, women are not allowed to teach teenage boys or men. I graduated from a Bible college and have been teaching men and women for the past three years. This was a blow to me! Not only are women not allowed to teach other than girls, women are not allowed to wear slacks, shorts, sleeveless tops or open-toed shoes. They also only accept the KJV only, all other Bibles are considered "bad." I have a NKJV and was told I could not read it. We are also not allowed to underline, highlight or mark the Bible. I joined the choir and one day felt inspired to lift my hands when singing "I Surrender All". I was reprimanded for lifting my hands because I was being "emotional". Then, the Pastor preached against Billy Graham, Max Lucado and other men of God. The Pastor told us that we should not associate with "other" Christians because they are "bad". Our 17-year-old son was listening to Christian music, but he was told that certain Christian music is bad — such as Michael W. Smith and Avalon. Now my son wants nothing to do with Christianity. He says that if everything he's been doing is bad, then why not just go all the way and be bad! I understand his frustration, because I started changing the way I dress, I started buying long dresses, closed-toe shoes, throwing away my sweats and slacks, etc. I have felt worthless. We have found your ministry, and deeply appreciate your Christ-centered, balanced teaching – the "Plain Truth" without the religion — your book, "Bad News Religion" — the radio broadcasts, your letters, etc. We have now left his church and we are doing a lot of soul searching. Was this church a cult or was it just legalistic? We are
now visiting another church, but it will be a long time before we become
a member of any other church. Please give us your advice.
"...so tired and burned out by this harsh disciplinary teaching" A year or so ago I found out about PTM — and your ministry. At the time I was in a church that had determined that all of its members, including me of course, needed to go through a five month "season" of fasting. We were constantly being bombarded with our faults– our rebellion, our unbelief, our lack of faith, our scornfulness. We were told that we were in danger of hell. We were told that unless we repented and overcame these bad habits and behaviors that we would not receive the blessings that God wanted us to have. When I finally got the nerve to question the Pastor about all of this legalistic stuff, I was told that I was questioning God! My husband and I had become so tired and burned out by this harsh disciplinary teaching– being spiritually "whipped" and "beaten." The book of Hebrews was quoted to us, telling us that God (in this case, the Pastor and the church) was scourging us because he loved us, and if it didn't we would be spiritual bastards. Thanks to your
help and counsel, and to your book "Bad News Religion" — we
left that church and now we're attending a healthy Church that I enjoy
so much. It was a very painful experience as we were told by the Pastor
there that leaving that church was pretty much the same things as going
to hell! We were ostracized by the Pastor and the church– people that
I considered dear and close friends– for leaving. I thank God also
for your ministry that has allowed me to truly understand the "Plain
Truth" of
the message of God. I read and re-read so many of the ask Greg questions
on your website as well as listened to many of the radio broadcasts
to help me put everything into perspective and to
unlearn all the false teachings that had been fed to me for 10 years. "God was a tyrannt with a sledge hammer..." I attended a legalistic church for 19 years. Salvation was earned by the works we did. We were taught to confess our sins in detail with one another. We had to act like priests and plead the blood over our sins lest they be brought up again and not truly forgiven.If we repeated someone's sin or mentioned it, that sin could be held against us and come upon us. We were not allowed to eat certain foods (the Levitical laws), no jewerly or makeup, ladies couldn't wear pants. We were not allowed to mix with other Christians because they didn't believe like us and were lost to an eternity in hell. God was a tyrannt with a sledge hammer ready to doom us to hell. We could never measure up to His standards. Holiness and perfection were our only guarantee into heaven. I saw myself as lost and considered Christians to be snobbish. Whatever the prophet said went,lest God strike us down dead. I am just starting to search the Scriptures and I'm being blown away. I saw myself as so unlovable and not worthy of God's love, or anyone's love. I hit rock bottom and tried a number of suicide attempts. Then God brought true Christians into my life who started challenging my beliefs. What I read especially in Galatians and Hebrews about one mediator which was Christ blew my mind. We were taught we had to have a brother or sister or the prophet to mediate for us in order to be forgiven. I still struggle, but now I'm in a new believers' class at a mainstream church to get my belief system straightened out. Sometimes I have to cry at God's grace and love. —Toronto "...desperately trying to break out of legalism." I read your wonderful book —"Bad News Religion" — which was very freeing as I am desperately trying to break out of legalism. I always had a tender conscience, which I think legalism can feed on. Recently I heard a teaching about items in our homes that can bring curses. I realized I had many of these items in my home, including a collection of CD's from the 70's (mostly light rock and pop music); non-Christian novels which may have swear words in them; a collection of secular women's magazines. I think you get the picture. They gave an illustration of someone who had a small Buddha statue they received as a gift from friends who took a trip to the Orient. After the statue was brought into the house, one of the children broke his leg, another one got sick and so forth. Someone told them that it was the presence of the statue. They then proceeded to get rid of it and after that everything was okay again. Is this legalism? To me it seems to be so. In fact, it's almost like superstition or "hocus-pocus". I'd like your opinion, please. — Ohio
"Be at church every time the doors are open..." I was raised in an extremely legalistic church. My grandfather was the pastor, so I had to be there all the time and had it "drilled" in my head. Hair off your ears and off your collar! No shorts! No pants for women! Southern gospel music only! No drums! Dress your best, preferably suit and tie for men and nice dresses for women! Be at church every time the doors are open (Sunday am & pm, Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night OFF Praise God!, Saturday visitation)! King James Version of the Bible only! Tithe, tithe and tithe some more! No jewelry for men! If we didn't "shout" we didn't "have church". I'm sure there's more, but that's all I could think of for now. I still battle with some of these issues at times. I try to catch myself as often as I can, but it's tough still. I'm 37 years old and have been freed from so much, praise the Lord, but I'm still recovering. One day at a time. "...I was so convinced that they were the 'True Church' " My sincere thanks for the effort you put forth to free Christians from the bondage of legalism. In my early twenties I studied with the " Jehovah's Witness", but I never felt comfortable with many of their teachings or interpretations of Bible passage, so I drifted away. I then began listening to and studying the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong. Eventually I drifted away and I then studied with a group that I was totally unprepared for, the Mormons. This group seemed to have all the answers that I had been looking for. I won't go into detail, but I was so convinced that they were the "True Church" that I was baptized into the fold. However the more I was taught, the more questions I had that were'nt really being answered in the manner that I needed. I again drifted away. Recently I decided, at the age of 50, to begin attending the closest church to home. It isn't perfect, but I also believe that the true church of Christ contains people from all denominations. I don't believe I will ever find an organization that will completely meet my expectations. My wife had been raised in this church, but like most members she understood very little of her own faith and rarely attended services. It was at this time, as I earnesly started to seek Christ-centered answers that I discovered you, I was blown away. I started to visit your online site quite frequently, have accepted your magazine via e-mail and mail, and have recently ordered your book on Revelation. Your views and mine appear to be very similar and I thank you for the peace of mind your teachings have given me. God bless you. "...so quick to feed on the gossip of other Christians..." My husband and I find ourselves hurt by the ministry. We were both in full time ministry as an Associate Pastor of a church and Principal of a private christian school in a small town. We were rejected and hurt more by the Christian community who were been so quick to feed on the gossip of other Christians than the secular community. It has caused a riff in our family–two children, one now 19 years the other now 16 years. The friends in a Christian school and in our church, with whom they grew up, now glares at them in public and tells them the things they've heard about their father (how he stole funds from the church school for example). When our daughter came home one day and asked it this was true, we about came through the roof! These are our Christian brothers and sisters. We still struggle– especially in the area of finding another church because we live in a small town. "My friend is involved in a cult..." I am in desperate need of help and advice. It concerns cults. My friend is involved in a cult that masquerades as Christianity and she has nearly cut off all communications with family and friends (including me). She has been lying to her roommates as to where she has been. She claims that she goes to my house on weekends 'to do homework', when in fact she stays at a cult member's place the entire weekend. My friend is continually getting mysterious phone calls, leaving her apartment as early as 7:00 am and not coming home until 11:00 pm. Her diet is sparse, with much food restricted or condemned, and is "supplemented" by much fasting. She is exhausted and malnourished, making her completely vulnerable to false teachings. Her cult emphasizes perfection and teaches her that perfection is attainable on earth. I do not know much about this cult. It has few members, but is growing. I do not know where this cult is located and my friend refuses to disclose to me the name of her 'teacher'. It is clear to me that this cult is doing very serious damage to her mind and life. I have not taken action yet, but I must to it very soon, for the cult has already taken control of most of her life. Here's my main question: My friend has been taught that 1 John 3: 9-10 means that human perfection is achievable. She believes what we must be perfect. This teaching appears biblical, but is there something lost in translation? What did John really mean when he says we must be perfect? How it can be legalism if it is commanded? I feel so helpless, and have been praying and crying bout this. Please pray for my friend and offer advice. Thank you very much for your help. Sincerely,
"...we were raised by a very bitter mother..." I realized a few years ago that I was raised in a legalistic home. My parents were divorced when I was a baby and we were raised by a very bitter mother; I was the youngest of four. Mom remarried when I was 12 and they had a son when I was 16. My stepfather was awesome! But my mom believed that we (the four children) would always make the worst choice in any given situation, if given the opportunity. Therefore, she made all of our decisions for us, even about what we wore or what we thought. She studied the material of a particularly legalistic teacher at length and tried to live by it as if it were the Bible. My two sisters began running away from home at ages 13 and 14; and today they are both drug addicts, have both lost there children to the state and neither one knows Jesus Christ. One of my sister's has spent at least 1/3 of her adult life behind bars and the rest on the street. Both of my sisters have Hept C and one has HIV. That's part of what legalism does! I want very much to have a relationship with my mother but she is such a problem in my heart and life. She tells people that even though I attend church that I've deceived all the people who think I am a Christian and I am leading a double life. She still criticizes what I do w/ my life and my children and my husband and home. It's unbearable! When I lived at home, from about age 16-21, I spent every waking moment trying to please her. My step father made living there bearable. He loved her immensely; he also loved me as much but differently, as a father. He would mediate between us separately but at the same time made her see he was loyal to her. When I was 21 I left home in the middle of the night and I never returned. My leaving home was so emotionally draining, it was as if I had experienced a divorce since I had built my entire world around My mother, step father, their son (my baby brother) and my grandmother who was also living in the home. I was cut off
by my mother because she believed I was "Back
slidden" and she
needed to help my hit rock bottom. Well, thankfully I didn't "hit
rock bottom" but I did realize that Christianity is not
what my mother has, because my mother has no love or grace or
forgiveness.
All she knows is control. I've come to learn to really think
when one of
my children
wants to do something and I don't really want them to, I test
my motives to be sure I am not trying to please people around
me. Am I
upset with my children because if they don't do what I want them
to they will make me look bad to others? I've learned to be more
honest
with people because I no longer fear what they are thinking,
I've come to realize
that God is Big and people are small. I learned the true meaning
of judging, of grace, of faith and of who God really is. —Massachusetts "...it is refreshing– almost like I've never heard the gospel before!" Thanks for your clarity and truthfulness! Once again you knocked out the legalist inside of me. I love your answers and I love your newsletter and broadcasts. Keep up the good work! I've recently read your book, Bad News Religion, and it's great, too. It's just the simple way you present the gospel– it is refreshing– almost like I've never heard the gospel before! Sometimes I read your answers and I think, "Can this be too good to be true?" Not just your straight answers, but the gospel of Jesus Christ itself. I am always so encouraged after reading your materials. I'm amazed at how quickly us Christians get bogged down in legalism. I am so thankful to God for sending us Christ, and I'm thankful for your ministry. I am nearing the end of the one year subscription on the magazine and I intend to continue my subscription!
Also, thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions. I
feel — Maryland "...we were Stepford Wives in training!" I had no idea how to understand my past until discovering your website and reading Greg Albrecht's book, Bad News Religion.
My parents raised me in a very strict, religious home. I was sheltered
I went to a Bible college and met someone I thought I loved ... and
To make matters worse, as a woman in my 30's, I started acting like
a teenager. I lost my innocence. I lost my family. I was so confused. I started searching, and my search has taken me everywhere– to Hare Krishna, drugs, New Age teachings, the Mormons, a little Baptist church in the country– and through it all I still remained unconvinced. I was homeless for the while, on the streets. Thanks to some friends I got cleaned up and got a real job as a waitress. They gave me a place to stay, and then some old friends I got in touch with told me about PTM. When I found your ministry I knew that you had the answer to my lifelong battle with religious legalism, as you call it. You do not deny Jesus.You make it clear that Christians obey Jesus, and live appropriate lives. But you really tell it like it is when it comes to all of the authoritarian abuses of religion!
I still have a long way to go, but I wanted to say "thank you" for — Kentucky "You have helped me to understand what legalism is..." I have been wonderfully blessed by Plain Truth Ministries. You have helped me to understand what legalism is and how to avoid it. I listen to Greg Albrecht's daily sermons on the Internet. I am praying that the Lord will bless Plain Truth Ministries' worldwide efforts to reach people with the gospel of Christ. Keep up the good work! — Ontario, Canada "We tried to earn our salvation by doing good deeds endlessly..." I have listened to various Christian radio and TV programs in the past, but have never quite gotten the answers I was looking for... they seemed to leave me a little more confused than before. I know the Bible is the best place to look for answers, but sometimes I need a little help understanding certain things. With your help the Bible has become a lot easier to understand. I was brought up in a community where legalism was strong. If we didn't obey rules and regulations– which were mainly man-made, like dress codes, hair length, etc.– then we were offending the church and Christ. We tried to earn our salvation by doing good deeds endlessly and were taught to do it without complaining, constantly seeking our salvation. I always knew something was missing but never knew quite what it was until I discovered PTM. PTM really helped clear those things up for me. Before PTM, I was confused and burdened with a lot of guilt, now I feel free on my way to a new found love and a new life. Thank you, PTM, for steering me towards freedom in Christ our Lord and Savior. — South Dakota "trying to measure up to the 'standard' that was spouted from the pulpit." Love your site! I have been thinking for years that I should scrap my "Christian walk,” as I kept trying to measure up to the "standard" that was spouted from the pulpit. I thought that rather than constantly failing my Savior over and over, let alone the baggage of being told you are "out of heaven" every time you sin, I should just walk away, bound for hell. Your ministry tells it just like I now know it is. I do not deserve God's grace, no matter who I am or how "holy" I live. It is impossible for me to live a life deserving a reward in heaven. God gave his Son and through him I have eternal life. Period. No other way "in.” The freedom from this bondage empowers me to tell my co-workers, customers, friends and family about the simple way to salvation. It's not complicated or hard. "So I went online, looked up legalism and found PTM's website." I have been a self-imposed legalistic Christian for years now. No church I have attended ever taught me this, but somehow I convinced myself over the years that I was not good enough (and neither was anyone else), that I had to "do" certain things to gain God's favor, I had to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, pretend my life was perfect. What stress! About three weeks ago my husband and I were having a discussion and he pointed out to me that I might be legalistic. (Who me?) So I went online, looked up legalism and found PTM's website. What a blessing! I had a hard time believing what I was reading at first. You mean God loves me even if I don't "do" anything? I can't win or earn my salvation? I had heard these things before but I guess I never tied them to legalism. At first I found this all to be very liberating. I still do, yet I find myself having been thrown into the middle of a lake and the closest shore is the Shore of Legalism. It is a comforting place to be if only for its familiarity. How can I keep from swimming back in that direction? How can I convince myself that God is not a God of wrath, but of love? How can I discern at this point in my life what is just a good standard of living for a Christian and outright legalism? At this point in time I am wavering badly between the two. Thanks for listening. — Georgia "I struggle with even being able to read a Bible since leaving the group..." Thank you so much for your magazine and ministry. This is the first Christian material I have read and been blessed by in a long time. We came out of a very legalistic church, much like a cult (it had the same effect). My husband and I don’t go to church. I struggle with even being able to read a Bible since leaving the group (the majority of ex-religious groupies feel the same). Your ministry has bridged a gap I could not have on my own. Thank you for teaching the truth of God’s grace and exposing the lie of legalism. If it were not for your free magazine, I’m sure I would feel lost in a world of “Christian” religion. —Massachusetts "...barking like dogs wasn't in the Bible I was reading" I am a legalist by personality as well as training. Since I see things as black and white, and expect people to follow rules, it was very easy for me to operate in a legalistic denomination. As I was "promoted" within the church, my legalism grew.
However, when the "revival movement" of the mid-90's hit
our church, and I questioned some of the manifestations (after all,
barking like dogs wasn't in the
Bible I was reading), AND questioned the financial dealings of the church,
the full force of legalism turned against me. Once I started questioning, my days were numbered, and my husband and I left the church after about a year of the manifestations. All of our friends, our church family for 6 years, cut off communication. We sought out those we had cut off, to apologize and find out how to heal. Some were able to forgive; others were not. Some wanted nothing to do with Christians, and that started my search for true answers in the Bible, because then I saw clearly how much our legalism had hurt people. I still struggle to accept grace, and I'm thankful for this site as a resource. Any suggestions for how to continue to grow away from legalism and toward grace? —Washington
"...God's love is not dependent upon our works and deeds!" Having settled some major issues with grace myself over the past few years I am thrilled to discover your ministry, magazine and many resources that are dedicated to helping set free those who are ensnared by legalism. My life was turned upside down when the crutch I was using to prove my worth to God was taken away from me. I discovered the gospel of grace only after I was no longer capable of performing all of the deeds I had thought were necessary so that God would respond and love me. What joy! What freedom to know that God's love is not dependent upon our works and deeds! Thank you PTM for your hard work on behalf of his amazing grace. —Michigan "...reprimanded for not speaking in tongues enough..." I have been a Christian all of my life. I never remember having any problems with people being legalistic. It wasn't until I married my second husband and we sought out churches. My husband was a former Catholic and I was always non-denominational. We became Pentecostal and received the gift of tongues. We thought that this was great, until we were reprimanded for not speaking in tongues enough, for wearing certain kinds of clothing, for not showing up every Sunday, for not tithing – and the list goes on. I recently opened my eyes and realized that I was caught up in legalism. I am feeling more freedom within my soul than ever before! I did not realize how bound I had become. Thank you to PTM for helping me to see the truth and error of my ways. You put things simply. I want everyone to know one thing – God and Jesus and the Bible are not difficult to understand. There are no "steps" to salvation. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life! Amen!!! —Wyoming "...I was rebuked for being seduced by demons." I have recently left a "cell group" church over their doctrinal beliefs of "deliverance" ministry, militant "spiritual warfare" and their skewed views on the Apostolic Reformation Movement. I have tried to reason with them recently, sending them articles from PTM that dealt with the question. I have also sent some information from other like-minded apologetic writers. Needless to say, I was rebuked for being seduced by demons. But my main concern is that one Princeton graduate Bible scholar told me that my references were teaching Dispensationalism. I had never heard of the term before and I don't know what to think about it, really. Is that what you teach? Can you explain why, if you do or don't? How do I know what I'm looking at on the net? You can "search" and find an answer for or against anything. So, how do I know Greg Hartman's article didn't espouse Dispensationalist theology? All similar arguments he's made have been backed up by other material I've found and it really makes sense to me. It seems like the Gospel, pure and simple. But I don't want to be deceived again like I feel I was by getting involved with this "deliverance" ministry group in the first place. As an aside, your site has been like an oasis in the desert. The group I was in is very legalistic, controlling, and getting out was a hard decision. This whole experience is new to me, and grieves me greatly. It's caused me and my wife to research what I believe more, but it's also caused us to question our salvation a LOT. I've been soaking up all the info I can, I just want to be sure I'm not being taken too far the other way now. "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord."
"We look back on a lot of the ridiculous things we did and laugh." I grew up in a legalistic church, almost from birth. My entire life was centered around legalism. It was the beginning and the end for me. Growing up in the southern United States, the members of my church seemed to be more dogmatic – many beliefs bordered on superstition and fanaticism – sort of like the mindset of the South during the Civil War. Now I have been delivered from legalism by the saving grace of Jesus. We look back on a lot of the ridiculous things we did and laugh. But that experience will always be with me – sort of like a drug or alcohol addiction to a recovering individual. I was angry for a time, more at myself, wondering how I could have been so blinded – even duped. I would encourage anyone in a similar circumstance to talk about their past, find a way to laugh about it, use it as a reminder of what we can become if we lose sight – and focus on Jesus, rejoicing in the redemption of His Grace. —Ohio "I'm a legalist and didn't know it." I'm a legalist and didn't know it. I always thought legalists were people who had strict rules about manner of dress, dancing, music etc. But my legalism is really about my sense that when I sin God is finished with me and when I'm "good" God loves me more. When I sin, I blame myself for not being a good enough Christian or for not being a "real" Christian at all. I worry about what the people at church would think if they knew I struggled with the sins I struggled with. (Thank God my church as an adult is not a legalist church. I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church.) I have accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior and I no longer believe the rest of the "work" is dependent upon my being good and keeping all the "rules." I pray that God will help me to embrace the grace he has so lovingly offered me. Thank you for this website. — Pennsylvania "...it is hard to support a church that promotes a mixed gospel." I was converted to Adventism from a cultic/legalistic church when I was 16. I have been a Seventh-day Adventist for eighteen years and honestly accept that I've been in a church where legalism is pretty much prevalent. I've found out that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone and no amount of good work can save me. Officially, Adventism teaches "salvation by grace," but in practice, it is quite the opposite. There are evangelical Adventists and I am one of them. I am reluctant to leave the church because I love the people here and would not want to hurt them. I know also that evangelical churches have their own struggles. On the other hand, it is hard to support a church that promotes a mixed gospel. Please pray that our top leadership will fully embrace the teaching that salvation is by grace alone. I left my former cultic/legalistic church and I do not know why I landed again in this kind of organization. Please pray for us, and pray for the SDAs. — Anonymous "...makes me jump ten feet into the air each time I read it!" Your message on legalism has had an eye-opening effect on me that makes me jump ten feet into the air each time I read it! That is – I jump for great joy (just in case I may not be clear). I am praying for all of you. — Texas "...church members seemed so angry and upset" After I moved to Florida I started to look for a new church home. I hope I'm not being picky or judgmental, but rather discriminating. All eight of the churches I have visited are seriously flawed in some way – I didn't hear the authentic gospel of God's grace being preached. Only one was what you have called "toxic" on your radio programs, but all of them were "unhealthy" to use another term you use (I listen to you on your website). I started to attend the best one, but I became so tired of them condemning people for drinking alcohol, about picketing Planned Parenthoods, and boycotting DisneyWorld. The church members seemed so angry and upset – they were excited, but they were excited and turned on by the regular spiritual muggings they participated in. I love the Lord, but I am sick and tired of religion. Thank you for your ministry – and especially "Recovering From Legalism." I know many people have just turned off to Christianity all together because of negative examples. But ministries like PTM are encouraging us to rediscover the joy of God's grace, even though we reject the religious legalism that is out there. Thanks! I will support PTM. —Florida "...much hurt and and pain has been caused by some who have misrepresented God..." I don't know whether I am recovering or just upset and angry. I believe that much hurt and and pain has been caused by some who have misrepresented God, and even my personal experiences have not been as bad as others, I still don't know what to make of what I have gone through. So, I appreciate this site – the resources you offer, and the fact that you are willing to discuss this topic. Thanks from down under. —Australia "My whole world was this little group – cult..." Here’s my story in brief – it’s sad, but true. I fell for an authoritarian father figure who seemed to have all the answers – and he seemed to care. It didn't matter that his little group was the only ones I had ever heard of who believed and practiced the weird collection of ideas and teachings. My whole world was this little group – cult, I guess you could say. They told me what to do and how to do it. And I was convinced that I would never ever be good enough for God – and I just knew that everyone in my group was much better than I was. One day I heard you on the radio – and then I checked you out on the Internet. I had to do this when my husband wasn’t home, because if he knew I would have been kicked out of the group, and that would be the end of our marriage and our family, because marriages with outsiders weren’t allowed. For a long time I had to learn about God’s grace only when my husband wasn’t home. I can’t tell you the whole story about how it happened, but one day he found out. We had a huge argument that lasted for months – but he never told on me to the group leadership. Instead, both of us started to read our Bibles like you suggest. And we read your monthly letters and your booklets – and we listened to your radio programs on the internet. God has delivered us from that horrible experience. We aren’t confident enough to join a church – but through your ministry we are growing, and I think we will one day join a church. But even when we do PTM will still be our ministry. We were so excited when you started the "Recovering From Legalism" ministry – if you post this my message is this to all who read it – don’t just believe PTM blindly. Always check them out just like you should do with everyone else. But, when you do, you will find PTM to be based upon the Bible and centered in Jesus Christ, just like they say. They can help you – they know what legalism is all about! —Texas "...how I could live under any of the old laws of Mormonism." This is a long over due thank you to Plain Truth Ministries. I was born and raised in the Mormon, Counterfeit Religion. In the Mormon church strict 10% tithing is a BIG deal. You don’t pay and you don’t/won’t ________ (there are so many things that you will not qualify for if you don’t pay 10% I will just leave the blank open). Since finding freedom in Jesus I can’t even imagine how I could live under any of the old laws of Mormonism. But, as I visit Christian churches, listen to Christian radio and read Christian authors, it’s amazing to me how many of them try to lay a 10% guilt trip on me. Either tithing is required for salvation or it isn’t! The more I read the Bible the more convinced I became that Christians are not required to tithe, but instead we are free. We are not free from giving of course – we are called to serve and to give. But we are free from artificial percentages that we are told we must meet. I did not find anyone who confirmed what I have read in the Bible until I found you – your radio programs, magazine, website and all of the resources you offer. Thank you for not being afraid to speak the truth in love! Your answers about tithing on "Ask Greg" and those that you print in the end of your free booklet "Facing Your Financial Problems" are outstanding – the real truth of the Bible. Christ has made me free and I intend to stay that way. Thanks for being there! — Anonymous "...it has taken me a long time to understand the importance of Jesus." Because of my legalistic-cultic background it has taken me a long time to understand the importance of Jesus. Even saying or typing the name Jesus is a little strange. An important part of what God has done in my life is to help me understand sin – and that no matter how hard I try I can't live a sin free life. That step is important because it helps me to realize how much I need Jesus. I not only can't live a sin free life, there are times when I can't go a few minutes without sinning. Knowing what Jesus has done for me on the cross takes on a whole new dimension, and his wonderful gift to us is so precious. I more fully understand God's love for me. I am finally getting what grace is all about – and what legalism is powerless to do. Thanks, PTM, for what you are doing. —Pennsylvania "...holy barking and holy laugher and slain in the spirit– it was a circus!" I have had some bad experiences with churches and pastors. The church I grew up in was "hard-shell"==a religious term meaning hard core! They were tough. But that’s what I thought God was. Then when I was in my early 20’s the pastor ran away with the church secretary. It was a huge scandal. I couldn’t go back to church for 5 years or more. Finally I went back–but to another church. It was less rigid–but it was still filled with what I now, by God’s grace, can see as legalism. I managed to stay in that church for about 5 years until the pastor ran away with all of the money. It was one of those churches where the pastor had no accountability–his word was law in everything. Once again, I was depressed. How could this happen in God’s house? When I got married my wife eventually convinced me to go back to church–her church. And for a while it was ok. But then the church got into holy barking and holy laugher and slain in the spirit–it was a circus! I don’t mind if people raise their hands when they sing or pray, but this church became one big joke. When I left that church I vowed never to go back. I would remain a Christian, but never darken the door of a church. Then a few years
later I listened to a radio preacher. I didn’t mind Then, two years ago, I believe God directed me to PTM. I am a legalist in recovery. I may never go back to any church again. But I am a Christian–in spite of what seems to be human attempts to turn me against God. So I consider PTM to be my church. I listen to you on the internet several times a week–always on Sunday. I read the Plain Truth, booklets and your monthly letter. You are the real deal–you call it the way you see it, and are not afraid to take on the horrible plague of legalism. Thank you for being there–don’t go away–I am not the only one who needs your ministry. —Ohio "God showed me that I could stay bitter– or by his grace I could get better." For some reason I started to listen to preachers on the radio many years ago. I tried to follow them all – and that’s exactly what I did. I followed them all. All of their rules and restrictions. All of their ideas and opinions. If they told me I had to buy a certain kind of car, wear certain clothing, and avoid eating certain foods – I did it! When I discovered what my friends had been telling me – that I had been hoodwinked and duped – I was bitter. God showed me that I could stay bitter – or by his grace I could get better. I could rant and rave about preachers, churches and ministries who I allowed to influence me. But that’s really the point isn’t it? I allowed them. They are only humans like me – and I believe most were sincere in what they preached. I now see that they were completely wrong. I pray for them – because they are still trapped in the big legalistic mess they are in. Plain Truth Ministries has had a huge part in directing me to my God who is grace – and my Savior who loves me more than I can imagine. Keep up the good work! —Oklahoma "For over 50 years of my life I believed God to be, as PTM says, mad at us." I was taught, from a child, that there are many things that are bad – even evil. Dancing and card playing and movie going was only the beginning (to this day I can’t go to a movie, even though I know there’s nothing wrong with doing so, without sitting in the very last row, in case God might zot all the movie goers – I can get out quickly if I’m in the back row!). All kinds of restrictions were added in my journey from church to church – and along with them fear and frustrations. What I could eat and not eat. What sports I could participate in and not participate in Who I could marry. What professions I could choose. If I did attend college, what kind of college I could attend – and what classes I could take and not take. For over 50 years of my life I believed God to be, as PTM says, mad at us. Well, thank God I have now started to read the Bible rather than listen to preachers. And guess what I have found. God’s grace God’s grace is helping me to recover from legalism. —North Carolina "For the first time in my life I understand what it really means to experience God's grace." For many years I was a Jehovah Witness. I left that group in 2000 and became a Christian in 2002. JWs do not believe in celebrating Christmas. In your letters to those who have questions about Christmas, you state that we cannot know exactly when Jesus was born. You are correct as to an "exact" date, but if we already know from Scripture that Jesus died at 33 1/2 years old in the Spring (March/April) then he must have been born in the fall (September/ October) – 6 months more and he would have been 34. So I have always wondered – if we were going to celebrate his birth, why was a date not chosen closer to the season when he was born? The New Catholic Encyclopedia states, when discussing the subject of King Herod's birthday, that "only heathens" celebrated birthdays and that none of the apostles did. Perhaps this is why Jesus never celebrated his own birthday, or at least why there is no mention of it. The reason Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays (including Christmas) is that Scripture states "the day of one's death is more important than the day of his birth." For JWs, the day of one's death is what remains as a permanent record of what a person's life reflected before God. I realize that I am speaking from my past affiliation, but I believe some of it is based on truth. But at this point in my life, I believe that God looks at hearts and examines our motives – and the legalistic and Pharisaical views of the Witnesses do not promote Christ-like love nor do they leave room for Christians to experience God's grace and mercy. For the first time in my life I understand what it really means to experience God's grace. For this reason, I believe that I have been delivered out of darkness into God's light. I have read that it takes a person up to seven years to recover from being in a cult-like environment (religion) and it has been four years for me. I struggle from time to time with that old legalistic thinking – and then am quickly reminded of God's grace and that in the big picture of things, all these little legalistic hair splitting "truths" do not really matter. What matters is that we are obedient to God's Word and that we love Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as our savior and Lord.
"Through your resources, I was educated and kept alive spiritually." Your website, magazines and other spiritual information I have received from you in the past months have helped me tremendously in the process of recovery from a recent unfortunate event. As a Christian single parent, I was struggling to make a living and raise my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I was working, but still managing to home-school my kids and teach Sunday School. While I was working, I learned that my teenage daughter was entertaining the pastor's son instead of helping me with my two younger children. The pastor convinced my daughter that she no longer had to live under my rule. I had to go to court to get her back out of the pastor's home. She became pregnant while there and my whole family has been torn apart ever since. Meanwhile, I married and have kept my two younger children focused on God and our family through all of this. Through your resources,
I was educated and kept alive spiritually. I discovered that the place
I was calling church all those years – that destroyed my family –
was a cult. I thank you so much because I was questioning God through
all of this. You sent me a pamphlet on legalism and it really lifted
my spirits and answered a lot of questions. With the help of your website
and The Plain Truth magazine and other resources, I hope to educate
my children so that they will not be brainwashed. Having a child completely
ripped from you at so young an age is almost too much to bear. Thanks and I can
truly say to you, you are a friend in Christ. |
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