July 19th 2020
Following The Truth Allows You To Be Free!
John 8:31 (NIV)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Most people search for freedom in some way. Americans seem to lead the world in the search for some form of freedom. Many seek it by somehow separating themselves from any laws or rules. They believe that freedom is their ability to do whatever they want to do, when they want to do it! This type of freedom can be very troublesome, as it often interferes with every one else’s freedom to do the same thing! If followed by everyone, the result is chaos! Therefore, the thing they seek has caused them to not have it! Their potential freedom has robbed others of the same ability!
The freedom Jesus told us about when He lived on this earth was based upon following the rules or commands given us by His and our Father, God! Some may wonder how following the truth that God offers will allow us to be free! Many people believe that the commands offered by God limit us in what we can do. Some think that these rules are old and outdated, that such rules need to be updated to how people live in today’s world! Some even think the predictions given in the Bible indicate God places curses on people that carryover to future generations.
If a Doctor diagnoses you with a disease, does that indicate they have placed a curse on you? Some look at predictions God has made in this way. When God reveals to His people what the future will bring, when they fail to follow His rules, He often is just telling us what the result of our actions will be. This is not a curse it is just informing us of the logical conclusion of our actions! As with the Doctor’s diagnosis, and follow-up health improvement plan, God’s plan shows us what we need to do, and the result if we decide to disobey Him!
There are many philosophies being offered in our world today that claim to make you happy and yet free! Be careful what schemes you follow or who you believe. Many people are looking for help outside of their church, and are willing to follow some strange ideas being offered. Paul’s warning given in Colossians 2:8 is still relevant to today’s world. See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Some believe we are heading into the Last Days, and Jesus will be returning soon! Yes, I know people have been saying such things for many years. There are some indications that this time may be near. One such indication may be seen through what Paul told Timothy to look for in 1 Timothy 4:1. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. It appears we may be approaching such a time with the increased violence in his country and seemingly all over the world. Do not look at what other countries do, such as declaring war, but more at what individuals do to indicate where this world is heading! Many people in this country seek advice from almost anyone, except those who preach the Gospel!
Many who claim to be Christian are seeking help with their problems through counsel from people who are opposed to most of the teaching given by Jesus! Some even resort to modern day versions of seers or soothsayers. I avoided trying to name anyone here, as it would just cause confusion and could make someone reading this be upset. If YOU are seeking answers to the problems you suffer within this world, then be honest about whom you are depending upon to help you! If it is someone on a popular TV show then this is likely being addressed to you! Do such people take their situations to God in prayer? If they do, do they expect to receive an answer? Do you pray for God’s advice about such matters?
We all have such a wonderful offer from God! He is always available to hear our prayers. Imagine it, the God who created the universe is ready and able to hear our prayers, anytime we are ready to pray it! He is also capable to answer our prayer, if He chooses! He actually seeks us out as we pray! If that wasn’t enough He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us by giving us the correct words, moans or groans needed to communicate with Him. He supplies a translator for us, Who is always available to us whenever we want to pray! No believer can say they do not know how to pray, because they have the Holy Spirit to urge them through their prayers! Praying out loud in front of others is different, as many of us become flustered and cannot feel comfortable to pray in this way!
Paul tells us about growing in our faith in Ephesians 4:14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. We all will grow in our faith as we depend more upon God’s leading, and less on our own talent! As we do this we become another strong link in the chain of the Church of God that Jesus came to create on this earth.
Paul warns us about depending too much on the laws that men have created to guide us here on this earth. This was true in Paul’s day and is still true today. We need to rely more upon what God reveals to us, and less what people say. Paul gives us such a warning in 1 Timothy 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. Always affirm what someone tells you by checking it against what God has told us through the Bible. Try to verify it through someone in your church whom you believe has a good understanding of God’s Word!
Try to get at least two people whom you believe to be knowledgeable of God’s Word to be your mentors. If possible, one should be older than you, and the other should be younger than you! Of course, God must supply the ultimate answer, and He will; but only if you ask Him!
We need all the help we can get to avoid the temptations of this world. Satan is always at work to divert our attention from good to evil. God did not plan for us to fight these battles alone. Being a member of a good church is one of the best ways to surround ourselves with other believers to help us learn and grow in the knowledge of God! God will reveal the truth to us, but we must be able to recognize the truth when it hits us in the face!
Then we too can declare as the Psalmist did in Psalm 119:45 (NLT), "I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments." Are you ready to walk in the freedom God offers to those who choose to follow His Son! Devote yourself today to being a true follower!
This VOW is being repeated it was originally Sent: Monday, July 7, 2003
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
John 8:31 (NIV)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Most people search for freedom in some way. Americans seem to lead the world in the search for some form of freedom. Many seek it by somehow separating themselves from any laws or rules. They believe that freedom is their ability to do whatever they want to do, when they want to do it! This type of freedom can be very troublesome, as it often interferes with every one else’s freedom to do the same thing! If followed by everyone, the result is chaos! Therefore, the thing they seek has caused them to not have it! Their potential freedom has robbed others of the same ability!
The freedom Jesus told us about when He lived on this earth was based upon following the rules or commands given us by His and our Father, God! Some may wonder how following the truth that God offers will allow us to be free! Many people believe that the commands offered by God limit us in what we can do. Some think that these rules are old and outdated, that such rules need to be updated to how people live in today’s world! Some even think the predictions given in the Bible indicate God places curses on people that carryover to future generations.
If a Doctor diagnoses you with a disease, does that indicate they have placed a curse on you? Some look at predictions God has made in this way. When God reveals to His people what the future will bring, when they fail to follow His rules, He often is just telling us what the result of our actions will be. This is not a curse it is just informing us of the logical conclusion of our actions! As with the Doctor’s diagnosis, and follow-up health improvement plan, God’s plan shows us what we need to do, and the result if we decide to disobey Him!
There are many philosophies being offered in our world today that claim to make you happy and yet free! Be careful what schemes you follow or who you believe. Many people are looking for help outside of their church, and are willing to follow some strange ideas being offered. Paul’s warning given in Colossians 2:8 is still relevant to today’s world. See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Some believe we are heading into the Last Days, and Jesus will be returning soon! Yes, I know people have been saying such things for many years. There are some indications that this time may be near. One such indication may be seen through what Paul told Timothy to look for in 1 Timothy 4:1. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. It appears we may be approaching such a time with the increased violence in his country and seemingly all over the world. Do not look at what other countries do, such as declaring war, but more at what individuals do to indicate where this world is heading! Many people in this country seek advice from almost anyone, except those who preach the Gospel!
Many who claim to be Christian are seeking help with their problems through counsel from people who are opposed to most of the teaching given by Jesus! Some even resort to modern day versions of seers or soothsayers. I avoided trying to name anyone here, as it would just cause confusion and could make someone reading this be upset. If YOU are seeking answers to the problems you suffer within this world, then be honest about whom you are depending upon to help you! If it is someone on a popular TV show then this is likely being addressed to you! Do such people take their situations to God in prayer? If they do, do they expect to receive an answer? Do you pray for God’s advice about such matters?
We all have such a wonderful offer from God! He is always available to hear our prayers. Imagine it, the God who created the universe is ready and able to hear our prayers, anytime we are ready to pray it! He is also capable to answer our prayer, if He chooses! He actually seeks us out as we pray! If that wasn’t enough He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us by giving us the correct words, moans or groans needed to communicate with Him. He supplies a translator for us, Who is always available to us whenever we want to pray! No believer can say they do not know how to pray, because they have the Holy Spirit to urge them through their prayers! Praying out loud in front of others is different, as many of us become flustered and cannot feel comfortable to pray in this way!
Paul tells us about growing in our faith in Ephesians 4:14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. We all will grow in our faith as we depend more upon God’s leading, and less on our own talent! As we do this we become another strong link in the chain of the Church of God that Jesus came to create on this earth.
Paul warns us about depending too much on the laws that men have created to guide us here on this earth. This was true in Paul’s day and is still true today. We need to rely more upon what God reveals to us, and less what people say. Paul gives us such a warning in 1 Timothy 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. Always affirm what someone tells you by checking it against what God has told us through the Bible. Try to verify it through someone in your church whom you believe has a good understanding of God’s Word!
Try to get at least two people whom you believe to be knowledgeable of God’s Word to be your mentors. If possible, one should be older than you, and the other should be younger than you! Of course, God must supply the ultimate answer, and He will; but only if you ask Him!
We need all the help we can get to avoid the temptations of this world. Satan is always at work to divert our attention from good to evil. God did not plan for us to fight these battles alone. Being a member of a good church is one of the best ways to surround ourselves with other believers to help us learn and grow in the knowledge of God! God will reveal the truth to us, but we must be able to recognize the truth when it hits us in the face!
Then we too can declare as the Psalmist did in Psalm 119:45 (NLT), "I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments." Are you ready to walk in the freedom God offers to those who choose to follow His Son! Devote yourself today to being a true follower!
This VOW is being repeated it was originally Sent: Monday, July 7, 2003
Your brother in life through Adam, your brother in eternity through Jesus,
Bob Moak
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