Tag Archives: liberty

True Freedom

Posted on September 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But through the Spirit, we can put to death the misdeeds of the flesh. We don’t have to live gratifying the desires of the flesh. The life of Christ in you promises something better: Freedom to do what is good and right. Continue reading →

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Christ Formed in You

Posted on September 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul points us to the alternative: Christ being formed in them—Christ living his life out through them. It’s a life lived by grace through faith. It’s a life of freedom and joy. And it’s all found in a dynamic, ongoing, intimate relationship with Jesus. As we spend time with him, as we pursue spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study, we are formed spiritually. We become more and more like Jesus. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

But real Christianity is not about trying hard to live by the rules. It is about recognizing that I can’t live by the rules on my own and crying out to God for help. Entering into a relationship with Christ, he strengthens me by his Spirit to find the freedom to walk with God on this adventure of faith. As we walk together, I learn, I grow, I fall down, He picks me up, and I learn and grow some more. It’s all about a relationship with Christ. Continue reading →

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Good News

Posted on September 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

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True Freedom

Posted on September 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The secret: a dynamic Spirit-filled life where we are led by the Spirit, controlled by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. A life where we draw on the resources of grace. That is true freedom: the freedom to obey; the freedom to serve in love. That requires relationship and it takes away all the boasting and pride. Continue reading →

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Christ Formed in You

Posted on September 18, 2023 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While some might try to steal our joy and place us in bondage, Christ has come to set us free. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

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Good News

Posted on September 14, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

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True Freedom (Sept 20)

Posted on September 20, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

(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 →

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Stealing Freedom

Posted on September 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

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 →

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