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Categories
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Tag Archives: freedom
True Freedom
The path to liberty has two equally dangerous ditches that run along either side: legalism (where one fails to find the freedom or allow others to walk in freedom) and license (where one abuses the freedom). Paul has no time for either. Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged free to love, free to serve, freedom, true freedom
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Stealing Freedom
Be careful of any system that adds requirements to the gospel. One common form of such a system is legalism. Legalism attempts to place people in bondage to a religious system of rules and to take away the freedom that flows from a relationship with Christ. Continue reading
Good News
Paul’s mission was to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Insisting that the people of God included all believers—Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female—there should be no exclusion through boundary markers of Jewish identity: primarily circumcision, food and Sabbath laws. By insisting on these external requirements, the false teachers were perverting the gospel. Insisting that Gentiles live as Jews is an unnecessary addition to the gospel that made it “no good news at all.” Continue reading
Disciples Find Freedom
What is a disciple? Elsewhere Jesus tells us that a disciple is a student who becomes like his or her teacher. His teaching here amplifies that by suggesting a disciple is one who becomes like Christ by the discipline of hearing and obeying his commands. He further shows that the disciple, who is a “son” by rights and relationship, is able to find freedom from sin. Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged discipleship, freedom, growth, maturity, spiritual disciplines
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The Forgiving Heart
When people hurt us, we are sometimes tempted to withhold forgiveness, thinking we retain some power over those who have hurt us by refusing to forgive. But the truth is, we cannot hold on to these things—they eat us up inside. Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged forgiveness, freedom, healing, take your hurts to Jesus, wounded
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The Real Thing (Sept 16)
he real thing—the heart of the gospel—is Christ living in you and me. The key to living the Christian life is not trying hard to live by the rules in my own strength and power. It is all about a grace based relationship with the one who loves me most—Jesus. Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged faith, freedom, life in Jesus, life lived to the full
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Stealing Freedom
Be careful of any system that adds requirements to the gospel. One common form of such a system is legalism. Legalism attempts to place people in bondage to a religious system of rules and to take away the freedom that flows from a relationship with Christ. The legalist focuses on appearances—trying hard to impress others (and presumably, God) by how well they keep the rules. It is a system filled with pride and judgment. It is a dangerous religious game that keeps people from the “real thing.” Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged freedom, legalism, liberty, rule keeping, stealing freedom
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Good News (Sept 14)
Did you notice how abruptly Galatians begins? Paul normally begins with a long thanksgiving passage and then a prayer for the church. But this time, he gets right to the point. His words are pointed and passionate. That should tell you that he was very concerned about the Galatian church–very concerned about any attempt to distort the gospel and keep us from the freedom we have in Christ. Continue reading
The Heart that is Free
David’s heart was free to worship God. His focus was the Lord. He danced and celebrated with all his might. Unconcerned for his dignity, he celebrated before his God. Continue reading
Good News (Sept 14)
The gospel is good news for all people. We should not do anything to confuse or pervert it. We should not add to it. We should not make it more difficult through adding rules or condemnation. We should not exclude those unlike us. In fact, we should go out of our way to eliminate the distractions and let the simple truth shine through. The gospel is meant to be good news for all people of all cultures. Continue reading
Posted in Devotional Thoughts
Tagged bad news, freedom, Galatians 1, good news, liberty
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