25
Aug
2007
Walking in the Spirit
Submitted by theshovel
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PDF versionBut I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NASB
How do the above words hit you ... as freedom or as bondage?
- Do they demand that freedom is found only in Christ or do they only provide you with the next step that must be taken to move on?
- Do they insist that all your fleshly struggles are finished in Christ or do they remind you of the struggle you fail to achieve?
- Do they convince you that faith is part of the miraculous work of God's Spirit or that faith is your part, your effort?
- Do they bring you rest in Christ or uneasiness in yourself?
- Do they define the life you have been brought into or do they present the life you could have, if only...?
- Do they cause you to know that you are in Christ or do they suggest that you move in and out of him?
- Do they tell you that the law, no matter how it is cloaked, does nothing to stifle the desire of the flesh - which is why Paul was so insistent that those in Christ not be lured away from the life of the Spirit through some godly sounding principle or ultimatum - or do they instead establish the means by which we might keep our inherent sinfulness in check?
Just as the good news of Christ had already been distorted in the time of Paul is it any wonder that the very things he wrote to counter that lie would not also become twisted in the same way after so many centuries?
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 NASB
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Comments
Re: Walking in the Spirit
Aug-27-07 at 1:43pm by Bea
A home run,Jim!!!!!! Anytime you get on Grace you are IN the Spirit!!!!! What disturbs me is the distortion you mentioned... it is vast. How malignant the law is continuing to be preached and so blinds others to that Grace!!! The Evil One is giving it all he's got........... he knows he was killed that Friday and he is in his death throes...... and he ai'nt going easy. This is why I always feel compelled to urge you on in your battle! I thank our Father for you. In His Grace,Bea
Posted: Aug-27-07 at 1:48pm by Nan
Hey Jim,
It's me, you don't know how perfectly timed your shovel letter is. I cannot believe how wrapped I get in worry, which eventually drops me into a total dread of the future. I keep telling myself worry doesn't help. Then I try to tell myself God IS interested in every detail of my life. But then I keep remembering how his agenda is not at all to make everything work out the way I want it to. Sometimes, just hearing some simple truth, while it doesn't cure me from worrying, it takes the edge off ... So thank you for the spoon ful of truth. Too much would have been overwhelming at this stage of the game. Thanks!
Love, Nannette
Posted: Aug-27-07 at 1:53pm by Sharon
Dear Jim.
Greetings In the Name Of Jesus:
This is a good word Indeed, As I am A Pastor and I do see how people can be persuaded into other teachings, However I believe as you do, the Only Truth we follow Is the Teachings Of Jesus Christ, and I study His word daily, I am Blessed when I hear from you. May The Lord continue anointing your pen.
In Love Of Our Dear Lord.Jesus Christ
Sharon
Something visable, something
Something visable, something flashy, something we can make conversation of , something tangible....it is in this kind of desire that we percieve that our real deliverance might be found in submitting ourselves to the law. Our true hearts raised in newness can seem insufficient, invisible, irrelevant and even dangerous.
Most of all that is impressed upon us in this world is coming from the perspective of men without the new heart of Gods salvation in Christ. IT is the thing that fears what IT would do without rules, without laws. So it just keeps on sending out the message of the 'necessity 'of law day after day week after week. We dont even really blink at all its suggestions to us because it is so ingrained in all forms of culture. We dont even notice it according to natural perceptions. Seems very normal and common place.
It is the same set up for the folks.mentioned in the letter to the Hebrews. It is the same mind that told the believers in that day that they too needed to just follow along with the rules of outward form to manafacture a safety net since they didnt TRULY have the real goods. But they did have the goods! They simply needed to trust in it and trust in God!
Love, Adam
I loved this, Adam!!
I loved this, Adam!!
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