Grace Escape

A works-based conversion does not provide for, nor lend to, an assurance of salvation. It diminishes and destroys it. Hopefully, today’s episode will help to remove the pressure that says a Christian must work for their salvation, and bring certainty knowing that it is only by a work of the Holy Spirit that we are even able to proclaim “Jesus Is Lord” (1 Cor. 12:3). Previous Episode:  The Obsessio...

Revival. It is a popular word among the charismatic pentecostal movement today. And yet, so radically misconstrued when we compare it to scripture. Justin and Tiffany have instructional news for the charismatic pastor—revival does not refer to an outpouring, a visitation, or a portal by which the Holy Spirit descends upon believers to ignite them. We think this episode will help confirm this. Prev...

Spiritual abuse is a form of abuse. Just because it occurs in a religious system doesn’t invalidate its existence and destructive wake. Today’s episode is filled to the top with examples, complete with exposure of church leadership’s role in this variety of injustice. Be encouraged that as believers, we have the Christ-given freedom to say “no thank you”, gather our belongings, and unashamedly wal...

Should one man have so much influence or authority in your life? Some even say you can’t be saved without a pastor. Justin and Tiffany remind listeners that authority in God’s church comes directly from speaking truth (the Word of God), and not from the position or a title. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” -Psalm 118:8 Previous Episodes:  Warning! Red Flags Ahead - S...

Chasing new levels, greater dimensions, and higher callings is a Christian distraction. Seeking after greater manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our lives and at churches is the proverbial “carrot on a stick”. Today, Justin and Tiffany encourage us instead to seek contentment in our walk with the Lord, knowing full well that HE will provide for our needs and growth. Previous Episodes: A Biblical...

In this episode, Justin and Tiffany explain that decreeing and declaring are not forms of prayer. Demanding God to do something and using our own words to create reality is not a biblical concept. This can be harmful because it can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and damaged faith. Instead, as believers, we should petition God, fully trusting HIS plan, and humbly submitting to HIS will. P...

The attractional church model centers around creating an environment that is inviting and appealing, in order to draw people in. Christmas is the perfect time for it all. Justin and Tiffany contemplate whether the true gospel and/or the “reason for the season” is being responsibly proclaimed in these environments, or if the purpose of it all is just entertainment and relevancy. Previous Episode Mi...

As Christians, we are called to be spiritually vigilant, especially in a world where false prophets and teachers abound, often masquerading as bearers of divine truth. In this episode, Justin and Tiffany give scriptural warnings, and encourage believers to study God's Word diligently so as to avoid being swept away by every wind of doctrine. THEME SCRIPTURE: EPH. 2:8-9 – For by grace you have...

A focus on external circumstances rather than on internal transformation takes our eyes off Jesus, and puts them on ourselves. The modern charismatic church’s version of this includes, but is not limited to, the phrase “shifting the atmosphere”. Justin and Tiffany explain that it is neither based nor principled in scripture. The belief that we can somehow change the supernatural environment around...

While “Holy Ghost fire” may be an obsession in many charismatic circles today, it is not a term found in scripture. Furthermore, it can lead to an unhealthy focus on emotional experiences rather than on sound biblical teaching. Justin and Tiffany share some of their “fire” stories in today’s episode. They open the Bible and read what it reveals to believers about allowing the Holy Spirit to do its...

The Pentecostal church seems to be obsessed with the miraculous. Claims of the dead being raised here and opening of the blinded eyes there. Justin and Tiffany work through reasons the charismatic church seeks miracles, signs and wonders, and whether these are still happening today. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠ Scriptures: John 11 - The Death of Lazarus - was for the glo...

Let’s face it–most of the charismatic doctrines and beliefs are based on passages from the Bible taken out of context. Tithing, mandatory church attendance, generational curses…just to name a few. On this episode of the Grace Escape podcast, Justin and Tiffany discuss some of the popular scriptures the pentecostal movement distorts. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠ (00:00) I...

They might say you’re just bitter or offended if you leave the UPC. Justin and Tiffany use today’s episode to discuss if they are bitter, why they are sharing their journey, and circle back to the heart of the podcast: grace, forgiveness, and freedom in Christ. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠

The apex of the pentecostal service is the altar call. All sorts of emotional nonsense can happen in this “sacred” time and space. In today’s episode, Justin and Tiffany talk about where the practice originated, some examples of what happens there, and the dangers of the modern charismatic altar call. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠ Past Episode Links: Weird Things That Hap...

All kinds of things go on in the charismatic church these days. The Holy Spirit is blamed for all sorts of actions, like ecstatic tongues, holy laughter, and being slain in the “spirit”. In this episode, Justin and Tiffany compare scripture to see if these manifestations are biblical. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠

Are we lost because we left the UPC church and its teachings? On this episode, Justin and Tiffany discuss how some churches label members who leave, as "prodigals", and how the parable of the two sons is a beautiful story showing the Father’s unconditional love for us. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email!⁠

It's no secret that music can invoke strong emotions. But is it biblical to equate the feeling of a modern worship song to the moving of the Holy Spirit? Today, Justin and Tiffany talk about growing up, and their involvement in the music ministry while in a Pentecostal church. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Send us an email Episode Links: YouTube: Messed Up Church - "Hit the Bar&quo...

Prayer, worship set, offering, sermon, altar call. Rinse and repeat. In part two of Sacred Sundays, Justin and Tiffany dive deeper into the order of worship that has been established for hundred years and discuss these traditional practices. http://graceescapepod.com | ⁠⁠Send us an email! https://bit.ly/email-justin-tiffany Pod:

What makes Sunday so special? Ever wonder why church services follow the same schedule week after week? Many churches maintain traditions even though they are not found anywhere in scripture. In today’s episode, Justin and Tiffany discuss some Sunday practices observed by the majority of the church-going culture today, and consider if they align with scripture. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠...

Just because it’s called a church doesn’t mean we should shut our brains off and ignore the warning signs. In this episode, Justin and Tiffany discuss some of the red flags of manipulation, control, fear, and legalism in church leaders and systems. ⁠http://graceescapepod.com⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠Send us an email!⁠ Episode Links: Books// ⁠ ⁠The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse⁠ // ⁠Toxic Faith⁠

Do you have more questions now or are you dealing with some fallout from leaving? Today, Justin and Tiffany flesh out some possible aftereffects from exiting a Pentecostal church. No longer “running the aisles”, but more like “clean up on aisle 5”. Where will I go to church now? How do I respond to the people questioning me? Should I pray differently now? Or, will I get lonely? There will be conse...

Our salvation confidence comes from, and is in, Christ alone. Tiffany struggled with this simplicity because of her time spent in a performance-based Pentecostal denomination. In this episode, she shares her 3-year journey of coming to the full knowledge of God’s gift to all who believe and her exit out of this church organization. http://graceescapepod.com⁠  | ⁠⁠ ⁠Send us an email!⁠

Examination of our belief systems can be eye-opening. In this episode, Justin shares his exit story. Through a series of life events, he began to study church history, and the church organization he had spent the majority of his life invested in. With continued study in God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, he started to see serious error within the teachings he had held for years. http://gr...

Saying goodbye can be a hard decision. Not feeling like you have permission to, or that you’ll be cursed if you do, makes leaving nearly impossible.  On the second episode of the Grace Escape podcast, Justin and Tiffany compile a list of some major reasons why people stay and may never consider exiting these high-control church systems. graceescapepod.com | ⁠Send us an email! Episode Links: Book:...

High-control Christian groups are a hot topic lately. You might wonder, what is attractive about groups like this. Is it the love bombing? Emotional manipulation? Maybe it’s the assertion that they’re the only ones with the full revelation of truth. Having been raised in the UPC (United Pentecostal Church) from childhood, Justin and Tiffany turn on the mics to discuss growing up in a legalistic ch...