Breaking the Bondage of Legalism - October 26, 2025

Legalism is like an iron mask—you're breathing, serving, even “doing church,” but not living free. In Colossians 2:16–23, Pastor unpacks how false rules and rituals can hide the beauty of the gospel and drain our joy—and how Jesus tears the mask off.

In this message:
Shadows vs. Substance — why diets, days, and rituals were only pointers, and Christ is the reality (Col 2:16–17).
Ritual vs. Relationship — how man-made rules subvert intimacy with Jesus, inflating pride and crushing grace (Col 2:18–19).
Bondage vs. Freedom — why “do not handle, taste, touch” can’t change the heart, but the cross can (Col 2:20–23).

Big truth: In Jesus you are complete, forgiven, and free (Col 2:9–15; John 8:32,36; Gal 5:1). You don’t work for acceptance—you work from it.

Watch if you’ve ever:
Felt judged or “less spiritual” for missing someone’s checklist
Confused spiritual discipline with spiritual worth
Lived under a cloud of guilt instead of the joy of grace

Next steps:
If you’re ready to trade performance for a Person—Jesus—reach out. We’d love to pray with you, talk about baptism, or help you find a grace-filled community.

Hopewell Baptist Church – Monroe, NC
Visit https://whatasavior.com for more information
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#Foundations #Colossians #GraceOverLegalism #JesusIsEnough #FreedomInChrist #GospelNotGrind #HopewellBaptist