Growing up in the Free Church of Scotland, known as the “Wee Frees,” I was steeped in a faith that felt more like rules than relationship. Strict Sabbath-keeping, distrust of anything Catholic, and a legalistic lens shaped my early years in Scotland.
But God had a different path for me, one of grace, freedom, and a direct connection to Jesus through His Word, the Bible.
This journey led me to lead Bible studies at a Costa Coffee on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, where disillusioned Catholics and others gathered to discover that true faith isn’t found in religious rituals like sacraments, but in listening to God’s voice through scripture and prayer.
A Clash of Religion
My story took a painful turn when I married a Catholic. Our families, my Wee Free side and her Catholic one, couldn’t agree on a church wedding.
The Free Church saw Catholic practices as unbiblical; the Catholics insisted on their sacramental traditions. We ended up with a civil ceremony, but the divide over faith, especially the Catholic emphasis on sacraments, created tension that led to divorce.
My ex-wife had requested approval from her bishop for the civil divorce; this was a process that seemed strange, given that I knew my Bible had no scriptural warrant for it.
With our families strictly adhering to their staunch faith, I felt confined, yearning for something more genuine.
That longing drew me to Calvary Chapel, where online sermons from pastors like Joe Focht and the story of Chuck Smith in Jesus Revolution showed me, a faith focused on Jesus, not rules.
The Bible became alive as God’s Word, speaking directly to my heart (Hebrews 4:12). I saw that God listens to our prayers, inviting us into a relationship with Him through faith in Christ, not through outward works of religion (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Bible Studies at Costa: A Space for Seekers
Wanting to share this freedom, I started Bible studies at Costa Coffee on Sauchiehall Street. Glasgow’s busy heart was the perfect spot for a relaxed, non-churchy setting where anyone could explore scripture.
To my surprise, most who came were Catholics, disillusioned with their church’s rituals. They felt the sacraments, baptism, Eucharist, confession, and others, weren’t grounded in the Bible and led to a focus on external acts rather than a living faith in Jesus.
As we sat round the table with our hot coffee’s, Bibles open we dug into scripture, with our Bible study, I just let God’s Word speak.
We read Romans 10:9, which says salvation comes from confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, no rituals required.
We studied 1 John 1:9, showing we can confess sins directly to God, not through a priest. The Eucharist, which Catholics see as Christ’s literal body (John 6:53-56), felt like a symbolic memorial when we read 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, where Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.” These verses showed us that faith in Christ, not religious works, brings us to God (John 14:6).
Sacraments: Religion or Relationship?
The Catholics at Costa weren’t rejecting faith; they were hungry for Jesus. But they saw sacraments as a barrier, pointing to outward religion rather than inward transformation.
In my Free Church days, I’d have harshly judged Catholic practices, and the recent passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, might have stirred similar feelings.
As Catholics in Scotland and beyond mourn, I pray they find comfort in God’s Word, not rituals. Through Calvary Chapel, I’ve learned to focus on truth with love, not condemnation (1 Peter 3:15).
The Bible doesn’t command seven sacraments or call them channels of grace. Instead, it calls us to a relationship with Jesus, who says, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Scripture shows God speaking to us, guiding us to His Son. When we pray, He listens (Psalm 34:15). When we read His Word, He reveals His heart (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Sacraments, while meaningful to some, can shift focus to rituals over faith, works over grace.
Jesus warned against empty religion, telling the Pharisees their traditions nullified God’s Word (Mark 7:13).
With Pope Francis’ death prompting reflection, I invite readers to open the Bible, as we did at Costa, to discover Jesus’ grace for themselves.
We found that trusting Christ alone, not religious acts, sets us free (Galatians 5:1).
A Call to Grace
My journey, from Wee Free legalism to Calvary Chapel’s grace, from a divided marriage to leading Bible studies, taught me that God’s grace is enough.
Despite dyslexia and dyspraxia, I’m not exactly top of the class. Grammarly has transformed me to write, but I am just an ordinary bloke, but God’s Grace makes His Word alive in me.
I’ve seen God use my love for His Word to reach others. The Catholics at Costa didn’t need more religion; they needed Jesus. And so do we all.
If you are in West Dumbartonshire, Glasgow, or anywhere else and feel weighed down by religious rules, open your Bible.
Come to the church I attend; it’s not a Calvary Chapel. They have a monthly testimonial Sunday. This church never looks down on anybody unless they are helping them up. You will meet many ex-Catholics who attend Vizion Church.
Start with John 3:16, I have a teaching on this verse that I will direct you to below, all about God’s love for you. Pray honestly; He’s listening. You don’t need sacraments or perfect works to know Jesus. He’s already reaching out, offering a relationship through His Word and His Grace.
Join me, join our community at bornagainchristians.faith or wherever you are, and discover Him for yourself.