June Hunt - Spiritual Abuse: Religion at Its Worst

Why does God make salvation a gift through faith and not by works ?

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works , so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:89)

If we have been made right with God through faith , do we still need the law ?

The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith . And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. (Galatians 3:2425 NLT )

Since I cant become righteous by my works , what is the purpose of the law ?

No one will be declared righteous in Gods sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. (Romans 3:20)

From what has Christ set us free ?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free . Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

If righteousness could be gained through the law , what would that say about Christ ?

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians 2:21)

Is my spirituality judged by what I eat or drink or whether I keep the Sabbath day ?

Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink , or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day . These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Colossians 2:1617)

What does the Bible say about trying to please people and not being able to say no ?

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people , I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

Is Saturday a day that is more sacred than another day ?

One person considers one day more sacred than another ; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. (Romans 14:5)

Why should sin no longer be my master ?

Sin shall no longer be your master , because you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

After the passing of the Old Testament Law, is there no covenant to live by? Are there no laws ?

This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. (Hebrews 10:16)

NOTES

1. Edward J. Cumella, Religious Abuse, The Remuda Review , spring 2005, vol. 4, issue 2, 17.
2. David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1991), 20.
3. Ken Blue, Healing Spiritual Abuse: How to Break Free from Bad Church Experiences (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 4448; Johnson and Van Vonderen, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, 3739.
4. Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary , electronic edition (NY: Merriam-Webster, 2001), s.v. Legal.
5. Charles C. Ryrie, Balancing the Christian Life: Biblical Principles for Wholesome Living (Chicago: Moody, 1969), 159.
6. C. I. Scofield, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: Ten Outline Studies of the More Important Divisions of Scripture (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1896), 4445.
7. W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White, Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words , electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).
8. Bob George, Discipleship Counseling Services, Discipleship Counseling Training Student Manual (Dallas: Discipleship Counseling Services, n.d.).
9. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 1718.
10. David A. Seamands, Healing Grace (Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1988), 1819.
11. Seamands, Healing Grace , 100106.
12. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 18.
13. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 18.
14. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 18.
15. Seamands, Healing Grace , 126138.
16. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 18.
17. Seamands, Healing Grace , 1214.
18. Cumella, Religious Abuse, 19; Seamands, Healing Grace , 19.
19. Seamands, Healing Grace (Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1988), 1219.
20. Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton, Toxic Faith: Understanding and Overcoming Religious Addiction (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 265314.
21. Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship , Ministry Resources Library (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987), 1516; Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance , 2nd ed. (Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990), 2730.
22. John Newton, Amazing Grace in Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779).
23. David R. Miller, Breaking Free: Rescuing Famlies from the Clutches of Legalism (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992), 174175.
24. Kevin A. Miller, I Dont Feel Like a Very Good Christian: Why Does It Seem That You Can Never Quite Measure Up?, Discipleship Journal , September/October 1988, 9.

The printed version of this eBook is the Spiritual Abuse: Breaking Free from Religious Control book, ISBN-13: 9781628621266

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The information and solutions offered in this resource are a result of years of Bible study, research, and practical life application. They are intended as guidelines for healthy living and are not a replacement for professional medical advice and counseling. JUNE HUNT and HOPE FOR THE HEART make no warranties, representations, or guarantees regarding any particular result or outcome. Any and all express or implied warranties are disclaimed. Please consult qualified medical, pastoral, and psychological professionals regarding individual conditions and needs. JUNE HUNT and HOPE FOR THE HEART do not advocate that you treat yourself or someone you know and disclaim any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the information in this resource.

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Spiritual Abuse: Breaking Free from Religious Control
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SPIRITUAL ABUSE

Breaking Free from Religious Control

JUNE HUNT

• Find out what spiritual abuse is and how to recognize the signs of spiritual abuse (Includes helpful checklists and quizzes).
• Get practical advice on how to minister to someone whose trust in God has been shattered by spiritual abuse. Includes 4 key steps on how to begin the healing and recovery process.
• Discover how to respond to common arguments that often fuel spiritual abuse (includes scriptures). Answers: Shouldnt you honor and not question those in authority? Is there no law for Christians to live by? God expects absolute obedience? And more.