Grace Escape

The modern charismatic, Pentecostal church is obsessed with attempting to reproduce the Day of Pentecost. Funnily enough, it has nothing to do with the Jewish holiday, neither is it about the supernatural ability to speak in foreign languages. No. It is all about converts speaking in “tongues”, also known as gibberish. This episode is meant to solidify the UPC’s infatuation with this “experience”,...

The Pentecostal movement does not practice the gift of tongues, as laid out in the books of Acts and 1 Corinthians. Furthermore, requiring a second type of tongues as an “experience” for salvation is not only unbiblical, it is damaging to a Christian’s walk. Today’s episode explores the descriptive passages surrounding this practice to see what they reveal about the purpose and function of this sp...

Oneness Pentecostals teach that Acts 2 provides a salvific blueprint for Christians to speak in tongues today. Confusingly, the members of this movement practice ‘glossolalia’ (fabricated, non-meaningful speech), rather than the type of tongues clearly demonstrated in that book of the Bible: ‘xenolalia’ (a foreign language unknown to the speaker). Thank you to guest Steve Forkin (of the ‘Reformed...

Whether it is Howard A. Goss, Andrew D. Urshan or the constituents of the Shakers Movement, the experience of speaking glossolalia is just that: an experience. It proves nothing of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside believers as a result of true faith and trust in Christ. In today’s episode, Justin and Tiffany examine a couple of the founding church fathers of the UPC, and determine their validity as...

This episode offers insight on the Azusa Street Revival (1906) unlike any you would receive from a modern Pentecostal church today. A series of dynamic, Holy Spirit-led revival meetings in Los Angeles isn’t exactly how the story goes. Chaos, frenzy,  and a plethora of neighborhood complaints was more the gist. Join the continuation of episodes exposing the history of the UPC, its tongues doctrine,...

Documentation covering the life of Charles Fox Parham doesn’t emit a flowery scent, to say the least. As an early 1990’s evangelist, he birthed the modern-day Pentecostal movement, and introduced what is now viewed as a second gift of tongues in the charismatic church. The problem is his life journey and doctrinal teachings fall far from biblical qualifiers. This episode digs deep to expose his ch...

If the foundation is compromised, subsequent construction will assuredly be faulty. The Pentecostal movement was founded in the early 1900s, upon men who were problematic and events that were questionable, at best. Yet, entire organizations emerged from these dubious beginnings. All in hopes of experiencing a restoration of the gift of tongues. This episode serves as an introductory to the history...

Contextually, the art of “bait and switch” doesn’t apply to a sales strategy only. Churches across the world employ this tactic as well, to appear inviting, vibrant, and community-driven, in order to lure first time guests in with enticing events. Over time though, the glittering attraction fades and members are usually left with a much higher price to pay. Justin and Tiffany expose this ruse in t...

On this episode, you will hear Justin and Tiffany challenge the Pentecostal notion that God has a perfect, predetermined plan for every decision we make—a doctrine that often leaves believers feeling anxious and fearful of stepping “out of the will of God.”  May this episode encourage a deeper trust in the One who walks alongside us on this journey of faith, and a confidence that He is actively in...

Oh the gulf that resides between the clergy and the laity! Rather than shared ministry at a round table of all brethren alike, it’s exclusivity and class distinctions. Today’s episode covers the ways in which the modern pastor is more like a celebrity than a servant, and the congregants, his loyal fan base, a lesser class that is spiritually dependent on him. “…even as the Son of Man came not to b...

Readjusting to daily life outside the charismatic church bubble can be a struggle. How do we regain our sense of self, faith and purpose after spending years surrendering our identity to an organization? This episode provides some practical steps to rediscover our autonomy, faith and community beyond the confines of religious institutions, and to find our identity ultimately in Jesus Christ.  ‘In...

Legalism dresses up as devout adherence to God’s precepts. Instead, it extends beyond God’s explicit biblical commands and writes its own set of human traditions. Justin and Tiffany’s conversation in this episode examines the layers of legalistic cultures. They discuss the emphasis on specific customs and traditions, using scripture to offer freedom found in Christ alone. He saved us, not because...

Compliance out of fear will not result in genuine transformation. It simply produces a rigid adherence to rules and rituals, often lacking grace and love. In today’s episode, Justin and Tiffany expose paralyzing fear tactics employed by the modern church, and discuss how to break free from them to experience true freedom in Christ.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… -1 Joh...

Tithing was a binding contract between God and the people of Israel, established in the Old Covenant. As believers under the New Covenant today, we are called to give willingly, cheerfully and generously (2 Cor. 9:7), with our motivation stemming from gratitude and love, not legal obligation. In this episode, we navigate tithing practices in scripture, dispel misconceptions and encourage a grace-f...

Reimagine a church where dollar bills were rendered useless, and benevolence, generosity, and sacrifice were the governing currency. Unfortunately, materialism and greed have infiltrated the very institution meant to embody selflessness and compassion. In today’s episode, Justin and Tiffany lay out discrepancies between giving in the early church and giving in today’s charismatic pentecostal “chur...

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...