People of India celebrated 64th day of independence on 15th August. Every citizen of this country is proud of the freedom they enjoy in this land. When we compare the condition of certain nations, we understand that we have much liberty, especially to worship and express our thoughts.
As Christians we do praise God for such freedom to practice and propagate our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to pray that it may continue, for we do see certain forces are trying their level best to curtail the freedom that our constitution guarantees.
At this occasion it will be good to consider the spiritual freedom we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe a Christian believer is the only one who truly enjoys freedom in all its fullness.
Free yet in bondage
A country may be politically free yet the individuals may not be free in every aspect. They are not able to enjoy their life and live as they want to. Even if they know of an ideal path of life, they fail to reach that level. Bondage to self, bad habits, tradition and even the past failures haunt them. Some are bound to prejudices and superstitions. But the most dangerous and basic of all oppressions is mans slavery to sin and Satan. Rom 6:20; John 8:34. Every other form of bondage stems out of sins dominion in ones life.
It is from such terrible spiritual bondage Christ has liberated us. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:32, 36.
Freedom through the Son
As we confess our sins and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our saviour and Lord, we begin to experience inexpressible freedom. Forgiveness of sins and the cleansing of its mark from our conscience take away the burden of sin and its consequences.
However do we really experience the spiritual freedom that we ought to have enjoyed? Often the truth is, though we know much about our privileges in Christ; we fail to enjoy it fully, including our liberty. Still tiny bindings are found.
Ensnaring sins
The evil one succeeds in taking control of us using our flesh or the world. Because of our casual approach to spiritual life, sin easily ensnares us often with out even our knowledge! Cf. Heb 12:1. Some one has said, Sin enters as a guest, then sin becomes a friend you get to know each other and like each other. Then sin becomes a servant. It promises to serve you and to give you pleasure. But that servant becomes a master and that master becomes tyrant and that dictator becomes a destroyer.
And the result is absence of freedom in our attitude and actions. Any body can discover such bondage through our behaviour and response to people or events.
Freedom of slavery!
As Christians, how can we enjoy true spiritual freedom? The answer is simple. Paul elaborates it in Romans ch. 6. Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, your are that ones slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
..For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. (emphasis added) Romans 6: 1622.
Pauls point is this: to enjoy true Christian freedom we must be slaves to God. Cf. 1Peter 2:16. Just as we yielded to sin before conversion, we need to purposefully and wholeheartedly yield to the Lord. Yes, thats where we fail. Freedom is not lawlessness. True freedom comes from being submissive to the Lord and His will in our life. The more we know and obey Christ and His word the more freedom we shall experience. Cf. John 8:32, 36. Then there is joy, peace, and freedom. It will be reflected in our words and deeds as well.
Do you enjoy true spiritual freedom? Let us be free, truly, exhibiting the joy and simplicity in Christ Jesus.
Gospel:-
Be Saved Acts 2:40c Peters Passionate Call
In Acts chapter we have the inauguration of the Church of Jesus Christ as well as the first Christian sermon. A close study of this message that Apostle Peter delivered so enthusiastically along with other apostles, help us to understand the basic church doctrine. The thrust of the message was salvation. If we fail to take hold of this message we will be the most miserable people on the earth. For with out a personal salvation experience one can not be part of the Church nor escape the eternal condemnation, to where every individual is heading naturally. Three things are noteworthy: -
1. The importance of salvation.
2. The impossibility of salvation.
3. The opportunity for salvation. More
News & views:-
TV ads prompt children eat unhealthy
According a recent study carried out in India, the reasons behind your children demand more junk food is the food advertisements flooding the childrens channels. In the month of April alone, 44, 887 such ads were aired on four major childrens channels. More
Matters for prayer & praise:-
Evangelists Attacked
Gospel workers were brutally attacked and their vehicle damaged by antichristian forces in Rajasthan, India. Brother Charley John, Agra and Brother V. M George, Udaipur were traveling from Udaipur to Banswara on 26th August 2010 in their van. They distributed gospel literature on the way, but stopped when somebody opposed it. As they continued their journey, the locals informed their group ahead and managed to stop them in a traffic jam in Salumber 80 KM away from Udaipur.
Around 50 men gathered around their vehicle in the middle of the road and began to attack the vehicle. Finally they broke the glasses and forcefully brought them out and thrash them very cruelly. Brother George could not continue to stand, even when he fell on the road they showed no mercy, but continued to trample him.
As it was on the road, a big crowd gathered to see the assault but no body helped them. Even a police man on duty was also seen there. May be it was by his information, a team of police came after 30 minutes and dispersed the crowd and led them to the police station.
The Lord gave them grace to explain the matter clearly to the police. Even though the police forced them to charge a case against the attackers the brethren declined. They told police very clearly that we share a message of love and forgiveness and they attacked us in their ignorance, we have no enmity with them, we have already forgiven them. Then the police allowed them to continue their journey and escorted them till they left that sensitive area.
Brother George had a motor accident six months ago. Now this attack further weakened his health. Brother George says, considering the violent mob and the aggressive attack it seems much more serious could have happened. The Lord protected them and brought them safely to Banswara.
Let us pray that Lord may strengthen them physically, mentally as well spiritually to continue His ministry in that part of India. Pray also for the attackers and all those who are behind them to understand the truth and be saved from eternal condemnation. For details call bro. V. M. George +91 9413762837
NTK
Worthy Quotes:-
Christian freedom
Christian freedom is a spiritual matter. Its whole purpose is to give peace to trembling consciences, whether they are anxious about forgiveness of sins, imperfect actions or the exercise of choice.
_____________________ John Calvin
The author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom.
_________ The Book of Common Prayer
Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as Gods slaves.
Apostle Peter. 1Peter 2:16
'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of Christian Believers.
You can reproduce this e-periodical fully or in part in any medium, provided it is unedited, and retain
the original author / copyright information and a reference to our website - gracepeace.net
For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- www.gracepeace.net
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, do not be entangled again..." Galatians 5:1
