Christians who continue to live in fear are still slaves to their sinful natures. They are still listening to what the world has to say and they're still thinking like the world thinks. To illustrate my point, please permit me to draw from American history.
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves in the states that had seceded from the Union. However, during the ensuing years, many of these so-called freedmen would be considered anything but emancipated. A good number of these former slaves became share croppers, remaining behind to labor for their former masters out of economic necessity. They were forced to sign contracts that kept them under a bondage of debt and poverty to their former owners. Additionally, many were forced to conform to strict rules and regulations and were expected to remain quiet and orderly at all times. Any deviation from these standards could result in severe beatings, public ridicule, or even expulsion from the plantation. Some slave owners went so far as refusing to inform their slaves they had been emancipated. In reality, many of these individuals, although legally set free, remained in a state not unlike their former condition of slavery. Spiritually speaking, many Christians today are still living unnecessarily under a yoke of slavery. Jesus Christ has legally set them free from the law of sin and death. He signed their Emancipation Proclamation when from the cross he cried, "It is finished." Yet, somehow their minds haven't gotten the message that they are indeed set free. So how can the born again Christian lose his slave's mentality and come to realize the freedom he has in Christ? I believe the answer can be found in 2 Peter. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through him he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. II Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) The Holy Spirit provides us with supernatural power to live a victorious life here on this earth. However, that power remains inoperative without the Word of God. When we accept his promises, his very Word, we become a participant in the divine nature which is the nature of the Holy Spirit. As this new nature takes over our minds, our thoughts progressively come into line with God's thoughts. Right thinking produces right living. John 17:17 (NIV) says, "Sanctify (set apart, make holy) them by the truth; your word is truth." I John 5:6 (NIV) acknowledges that, "The Spirit is truth." Therefore, we may conclude that the word of God and the Spirit of God are both truth - they agree. If they agree, then they are working together for our benefit. John 16:13 (NIV) promises, "When He the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) comes he will guide you into all truth." According to John 8:32 (KJV) walking in truth is our emancipation. "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." II Corinthians 3:17(KJV)furthermore assures us that, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Hallelujah! The Word of God delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit sets us free - free to be what God desires us to be. Be sure to visit Jim's other web site at www.publishedauthors.net/jimclifford
After reading your Bio, I can say I have been there too, to some extent. Becoming a Christian quite late in life, I found a Church that seemed to be just what we were looking for. Unfortunately, man made rules spoiled it, and spiritual abuse came into play. I am in another church now, there are still man made rules but I hope I have learned and grown enough to avoid the traps and keep my eyes on God. Jackie <> <
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
