Q: I grew up in a legalistic Baptist church… My question is about separation—[the church I grew up in] taught separation: you should stay away from the wrong people, wrong habits, wrong places, a list of do’s and don’t’s. Of course, they used Scripture to back it up, but I just always battled and am re-thinking everything I believe. I don’t want to be legalistic and judgmental, I want to quit earning God’s approval. I’m having a hard time recalibrating my thinking, I don’t want to live by a list of do’s and don’t’s.

This week’s question comes from a caller wondering about legalism, separatism, earning God’s approval, and being judgmental. Dr. E offers advice on how to reframe the Christian life from living by a set of rules to living by the discipline and leading of God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s People.

Verses referenced in Dr. E’s response: 2 Cor 6:17, Context: Isaiah 52, Deuteronomy 14:23-25, Romans 14:13, 20-22

Our caller also references this episode from a previous series: The Big Book—Cover to Cover: Galatians

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.