Thursday, July 8, 2010

This Amazing Freedom We Have Been Given! by James Ryle

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” (Galatians 5:1, The Message).

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What’s that all about? It’s about control.

There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal — there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down…..and keeping them that way.

This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he “hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes” (Rev.2:6). What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?

Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them — and Jesus hates it. That’s a strong word, and it means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.

My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom — even if you have to lay down your life to do it!

3 comments:

  1. My friends, this is also very prevalent in many homes. Husbands or wives trying to dominate and control their spouse. Examine your hearts and see whether you are guilty of this nasty practice, seek forgiveness and give your mate the liberty to be who they are in Christ, that He, their creator, gave to them. Domination, intimidation and manipulation is an insidious, learned behavior, and is unacceptable in any strata of life - especially in Christian marriage!

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  2. Amen to you, Clare, and blessings. Let this truth flower out to all you know and all who can read your comments here. This is a truth all should embrace. This seems one of the chief sicknesses our entire culture is embroiled within. It crushes the love of each human and clouds the love of Christ. Amen to you, and blessings to you Clare, for this clear statement of love in marriage and relationship, government and nation.

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  3. Recently, a church pastor told me that a ministry in Texas called "Walk to Emmaus" was a heretical organization and no one in our church should work in it. I disagreed, since I had gone through the leadership/witness program, I knew it was of God. I had to leave the church because of the slave-master mentality of this pastor. If this happens to you, stand strong with the Lord. Ralph in the Texas panhandle.

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