Christ came to make us alive and set us free – not give us a burdensome list of do’s and don’ts. Listen as author and speaker Elyse Fitzpatrick returns to the program to share what she’s learned about rejecting a life of striving, and learning to rest in God.

Susie and Elyse explore a number of subjects out of her book, :

What women tend to believe about the steps to godly living:

•  If you have a fussy baby, it’s because you’re a poor mother.

•  Live in the country, grow your own food, and have a large family.

•  Don’t pray with your children because you can’t usurp your husband’s role as the spiritual leader.

•  Breastfeed.

•  If you fail, it’s because God is disappointed in you.

Elyse points out that most of these practices aren’t inherently bad, but making them a law for Christians to follow leads us to pride or despair.

“We’re not hearing the gospel. We’re hearing the three steps, the seven steps, to be a better us. When you hear the good news, it’s so freeing, so life-transforming, that you weep with joy.”

When we begin to understand the power of the finished work of Christ, our whole perspective changes. Elyse urges us to return the gospel – not man-made religion.

“If the message of the gospel is do more, try harder, I’m not willing to die for that.”

• How to view our failures – not as a sign of God’s disappointment, but as evidence of our need for God but His continued work in our hearts

• The power and purpose of grace

• What happens when we think we’re defined by the rules we keep

• The danger and pride of perfectionism

Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:6

Featured Songs: Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman; Today is Beautiful by David Dunn; He Knows My Name by Francesca Battistelli

Highlight : Why you can’t disappoint God

Are godly women and perfect women the same thing?

This program has been previously aired.