It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
In order for us to have freedom in Christ we must understand and know the one who sets us free.
John 8:31-32--- So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
For many years I sat in my church searching for freedom and I looked to my church family (man) to help me find that freedom but freedom didn't come. Freedom came one afternoon in my living room when I heard God speak to me and I knew that He was calling me to seek Him for freedom and not man. I remember falling to my knees and crying out to be free from the chains that held me hostage to a person I didn't want to be anymore. I knew that I couldn't go on another day without His redeeming love and saving grace. My heart was touched by the great healer. As Paul experienced scales being removed from his eyes I was having scales removed from my cold angry bitter heart. I knew on that day my life would not be the same. The chains that once held me prisoner were no more and for the first time I was able to see what God was showing me. I was able to live, breath and be who God had called me to be.
For me church would never be the same. The very people I looked to help me be free and didn't (couldn't) help I was now able to see them as Christ saw them. Over the years religion and a form of godliness had become their identity. I looked for freedom in church from people who were just as bound as I was just in a different way, however, bondage is bondage. I couldn't understand how people who were in leadership or who had been in church for years were bound. I cried out and ask God to help me understand. He did several times until one day I said -Lord they do not seem to want to be free. Do they want freedom? This question opened my eyes to realize that we must want to be free. Free from that which has held us hostage for years. The debt has been paid and freedom is ours.
Galatians 5:1---It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery
John 1:14--- And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:17--- For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 8:31-32--- So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6-7--- Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 17:8--- For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. (Jesus speaking)
Today's guest author is Jackie Burgess, wife, mother of two, and Christian blogger. To learn more about Jackie, visit the links below.
Galatians 5:1 came alive to me after years of looking, as you've stated so well, to the church for defining the freedom I have. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift of freedom in Christ!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jackie, for sharing your journey toward freedom in Christ. Willingess to pull back the veil and identify the wounds, sin, and unforgiveness in our lives and take those wounds and sins to the foot of the Cross is key to our freedom.
ReplyDeleteThe truth (about ourselves and about God) can set us free. I'm so thankful the Holy Spirit is in the business of reparenting us as we invite Him to do so.
Keep up the good and godly writing, Jackie.
Fantastic post and a reminder for all struggling to be set free from whatever chains bind them. Christ truly offers freedom to all who ask. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch truth! Keep sharing the message of the incredible freedom we have in Christ. I pray that the Lord will continue to use your life and your writing in tremendous ways. Thanks, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteI was bound my fear most of my life and bound by the effects of sexual, physical, emotional, abuse. We I found Jesus and began to develop a relationship with Him and learn who I am in Him I experience true freedom and joy for the first time in my life!!! I will NEVER allow anyone or anything to get be bound again!! I make sure I stay in the presence of the LORD, pray, worship and praise God at all times!
ReplyDeleteTrue freedom comes from Christ alone. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHey Jackie, loved your post! I also have found that many people do not want to be free or they aren't willing to do what it takes to find true freedom. It is sad. Christ died so we could be free. Great post and so thankful you are free girlfriend!
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