Admittedly, I have always been a bit cynical when it comes to Valentine's Day. Honestly considering that I have been single for what seems like light years, probably has not helped the matter.

I tease.. I tease.

However, on the real, when I was younger I would call it VD Day (heh heh). Nowadays I don’t understand why a specific day is needed to show love, when we are called to show it 24/7/365. I guess it goes along with a lot of the other holidays as it is more so a commercial extravaganza in which merchandisers make tons of cheddar (estimated $19 billion in 2016) on yummy treats and novelty memorabilia which proclaims your love for said receiver. History.com has an interesting backstory behind the date (traditions and whatnot) should you care to take a gander. When I see the number $19 billion, I cannot help but imagine on how many people that could help in the world.. hand me $19 billion and I will be like Oprah, except instead of goods I will be giving EVERYSPACE a homeless shelter (lottery goals).

However, let me bring it back to the topic I intended to write on (since I myself participate in the festivities at work, and with family/friends so, you know) … What is love all about?

Well the Bible is pretty clear cut about it, that in order to know love – you must know God (1 John 4:8).

Too often we (as a human nation)  get caught up thinking that LOVE is LUST, which despite what mainstream radio or television may tell you, is NOT the case.

The Bible is so comprehensive it even tells us the characteristics of Love as such:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

And we can put a big bold underlined, italicized on John 3:16 as the most outstanding act of love ever and forever, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Should you be lacking more information or motivation about LOVE from the Bible, here are 86 more verses you can entertain in your brain.  But to sum it all up, God is love and true love is awesome, so therefore God is awesome. Seek to be that awesome, each and every day (John 15:12).

P/S

We got out own little taste of awesome love on Sunday with a Valetine’s surprise, thanks to some amazing students at the Lanier Career Academy who made us all cards and candy bags (100% chocolate contents, too). We are all very thankful and grateful for their efforts and thoughts. J  

Please know that I thank each and every one of you who read this blog (past, present and future). May you draw closer to the Creator with each and every day, and seek to carry out His will for your life, and be ready to always share the message of hope through Jesus Christ with others. 

To be labeled as a teacher or a preacher, albeit quite the calling, has on occasion given me the willies. First and foremost I do not believe I am such, although yes I do speak from time to time, and yes I write devotionals with the intent of helping others. However, I see that which I do as more so of a testimony experience type of sharing, rather than a Joyce Meyers, Charles Stanley, or Michael Youssef teaching platform, not to mention the verse in James which speaks on teachers being held to a higher standard. I, for one, know I still have many, many, many more things to learn and I am just not down with being called such it (cue human emotional reasoning). Yet and still, I was searching unknowingly for a label of who I am … what I do.

SERVANT

That is what I was so eloquently called this weekend by my mom (the one who prayed me through my most darkest of times), and admittedly I do like it. As the Bible states …

Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Luke 22:24-30
 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials.  And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

John 13:12-15
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?  You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

Undoubtedly to be called a Servant for/of God puts oneself is in unparalleled company with the Perfect One right there beside you. Not to mention it encompasses that which we are called to do, be willing and able to be used by God 24/7. So yes, this is one label I can totally get down with. ツ

A dear Sister-in-Christ Aubrey has started delivering devotionals via e-mail, and this one instantly touched my heart when I read it. As it hasn't escaped my mind since it was read earlier in March, I deemed it appropriate to share here. It is taken from Reasons For Hope.

Is SUICIDE an unforgivable sin? 

By Shari Abbott, Reasons for Hope

Recently I have received more questions than I wish to count about the eternal destiny of those who commit suicide.  Therefore, this question has been moved to the top of the Got Questions? queue and we’ll look at what the Bible says about suicide.  

In addition to asking if suicide is an unforgivable sin, the reader wrote, “I can’t find anything in the Bible about suicide.  I found Judas’ hanging himself..but nothing else. Am I overlooking it? I have heard two preachers preach very different messages about suicide.”  And another reader asked, “When a person commits suicide, do they go straight to hell like most churches teach?”

Let me begin by saying, I don’t believe that most churches teach a person goes straight to hell if they commit suicide (although there are somechurches that teach or imply that).  In fact, this is not something that is often addressed in most churches, and yet with the increasing rate of suicide it needs to be addressed.  Just last week, CBS News reported these findings:

 “ The suicide rate for girls and young women in the U.S. continues to rise at a pace far faster than for young males….The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 5,178 suicide deaths among young people aged 10 to 24 in the U.S. in 2012. Suicide was the second leading cause of deaths in that age group, after accidents.The suicide rate increased for young people of both genders since 2007. And it remains three times higher for young males than young females.But the female increase has been steadier.

“Suicide rates for younger people have varied over the years, with a recent upward trend starting around 2007. There were 4,320 suicide deaths in 2007; the toll was 5,264 in 2013. Suicide rates for older adults tend to be higher, in the range of 15 or 20 per 100,000. Since 2007, suicide rates have increased for older age groups, too.” [1]

Is Suicide an Unforgivable Sin? What does the Bible say?

There are several accounts in the Bible of people who took their own lives.  Probably the two best known examples are Saul, who took his life to avoid the dishonor of being captured, abused and killed (1 Samuel 31:1-4), and Judas, who betrayed Jesus and then hung himself (Matthew 27:5).  Other people in the Old Testament who committed suicide are:

Abimelech (Judges 9:54) – to avoid the dishonor of being killed by a woman

Samson (Judges 16:28-31) – to defeat the Philistines who had imprisoned him

Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5) – to follow his king, Saul, into death

Ahitophel (2 Samuel 17:23) – in defeat when he realized his counsel was not followed

Zimri (1 Kings 16:18) – in defeat to avoid capture

 Although the act of suicide is clearly condemned in the Bible, these men in the Old Testament were not condemned for what they did.

It should be understood that suicide is never to be a viable option for escape in times of difficulty and despair.  There is help…..family, friends, churches, online (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and the best of all help, Jesus.   Scripture teaches us that Jesus’ grace is sufficient in all things (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) and that He is faithful to provide an escape from anything that threatens to overcome us (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Sadly, many Christians experience dark seasons of the soul and fail to find the comfort they need in Jesus.  And tragically, some have taken their own life.  This is why it is important to spend time in prayer and in reading the Bible, so, when a storm threatens to overtake us, we are prepared to find comfort and strength in Jesus and His Word.   The Bible will give us the answers we need to deal with all problems in life, and in prayer our faith will grow stronger and we can find peace and comfort.   These practices will build a foundation to stand upon in our darkest days.

With all that said, we must acknowledge that there have been prepared believers who have lost their “footings” and have fallen and have taken their own lives.  So is suicide a sin?  Yes, it is.  Suicide is the taking of human life.  However, in man’s vertical relationship with God, suicide is no different than any other sin.  And, while God can forgive any sin, He cannot overlook even one sin.  All sin must be paid for in order to receive God’s forgiveness.  

If a believer (one who has been redeemed and regenerated by Jesus) has committed suicide, it must be remembered that every one of the believer’s sins were paid for by Jesus on the cross.  The believer received God’s forgiveness for every sin (past, present and future sins), including the final sin of suicide, in their salvation.   Jesus has promised that He has prepared a place for those who are His and that He will come to receive them unto Himself (John 14:1-4).

For someone who does not belong to Jesus, someone who has not repented and trusted in Jesus’ finished work on the cross to pay for their sins, they have not received the forgiveness of their sins and God will judge them accordingly.  All sin must be paid for and if someone dies in their sin, they are already condemned. 

John 3:18  “He who believes in [Jesus] is not condemned [they have been forgiven and given the righteousness of Christ]; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (bracketed information added)

 This is a great reason for us to be diligent in sharing the gospel of saving grace with family and friends, and even strangers.  People leave this earth every minute of every day and without belonging to Jesus they will not enter Heaven.  We should always share the gospel, hoping that the Holy Spirit will work on the person’s heart.  Some will repent and turn to Jesus, but sadly some are very hard hearted and will stubbornly reject Jesus their entire life.  However, even for those there is always hope that before they take their last breath they will surrender to God and trust in Jesus.  The Lord’s mercy is available to all who will call upon Him and, if a person knows the gospel,  their heart can turn to Jesus even at the last moment of life.  An example of this is the thief on the cross.  He was saved in the last moments of his life when He trusted in Jesus as Lord (Luke 23:42) and given eternal life with Jesus (Luke 23:43).  So also can our friends and family do the same.  If they have a knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for them, they can turn to Jesus.  Therein lies our hope.  Continue to share the gospel of the saving grace found only in the Lord Jesus Christ with all who do not know Him.  

In conclusion:  Regarding Christians who commit suicide, we can rest assured that there is no sin which is unforgivable.  Because their sins were paid for on the cross by Jesus, and they have trusted in Him, they are forgiven sinners.  

Colossians 2:13-14  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Jesus has forgiven our sins and given us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).  He has regenerated us in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and made us worthy to be citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).  Remember always that we can find peace and comfort in Him, and when any Christian dies (under whatever circumstances) they go home to Heaven and be with Jesus (John 14:1-4).

Titus 2:14  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed [sin] and purify for Himself His own special people…

Philippians 3:20  For our [citizenship/home] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, 

the only wise God, be honour and glory 

for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness." [BlueLetterBible]

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:6

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:16

If you have a moment or ten to read, I suggest checking out this sermon from Charles Surgeon from 1851 in reference to this specific name of God.

The below was taken from Brandon Web.

When Jeremiah spoke this prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6), the kingdom of Judah was about to fall. The land of Judah was full of idolatry, oppression, violence, and political revolution. The Northern kingdom of Israel had gone into captivity 100 years before and Judah seemingly learned nothing from God's judgment upon them. It was under these conditions God gave this prophecy of Jehovah-Tsidkenu.

I. The Meaning Of The Word "Tsidkenu"

A. The word "Tsidkenu" is derived from "Tsedek" and means "righteousness."

B. "Tsedek" is translated hundreds of times as: right, righteous, righteousness, just, justify, declare innocent.

C. A simple definition of righteousness is 'doing that which is right'.

D. This name speaks of the fact that God will always do that which is right…because He is righteous!

(Exodus 9:27) And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

(Psalms 129:4) The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

II. Jehovah is the Source of Righteousness

A. Jehovah is Himself perfect righteousness. (Deuteronomy 32:4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

(Isaiah 45:21) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

B. Man has no righteousness

(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(Isaiah 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

C. The Bible makes it clear that righteousness is impossible to be attained by man alone.

(Psalms 51:5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

(Job 25:4) How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

D. Since we are unrighteous, we need pardon from God.

(Isaiah 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

III. Jesus Is Our Jehovah-Tsidkenu

A. Jesus is Himself the Righteous One.

(Hebrews 1:8-9) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

B. Jesus is made righteousness to us.

(1 Corinthians 1:30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

C. What we could not do Jesus the perfectly righteous one did for us.

(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

(Romans 5:19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

D. Man tries to establish his own righteousness which cannot be done.

(Romans 10:3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

E. Our new man is created by Jehovah-Jesus in righteousness.

(Ephesians 4:24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(Romans 3:26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What a wonderful name that God has used to describe Himself tonight. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu. The Righteous God who has provided for our acceptance before Himself through the cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. He wraps us in His righteousness through Jesus Christ the Righteous One!

---------

Yeppers, I was feeling a tad bit inspired today.

We fight, because of love for one that's behind us

Have you ever been told that you must pay attention to the surrounding sentences to get the context?

Well...  this is a lyric from Fall, Goliath, Fall by Project 86 that is about to get expanded upon in a few key directions, because it rocks on its own accord (and in addition with all that surround it in this terrific, battle cry tune).

1.   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The Creator of all things loved us so much that He sent His ONLY Son to live, die and be resurrected on the behalf of all those who will choose Him.

2.   Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The Son of the Creator of the world loved us so much that He lived, died and was resurrected on OUR BEHALF even though we were (and continue to be) imperfect little beings who couldn’t get (and still can’t) get their stuff together aka living as commanded of us.

3.   1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that
      God’s Spirit lives within you?”               

      2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old
      has gone, the new has come!”

      The same Spirit which was present in point 1 and 2 (as for believers) is no longer an
      outside factor, but One that resides within our very being! The same love that 
      allowed a Father to sacrifice His son for His human creation, the same love that
      allowed a Holy Son to be brought down and be sacrificed for His father’s 
      fallen creation, is the same love which beckons within us to die to our earthly
      wills and LIVE FOR THE CREATOR and KING!

[So] Sing it | Believe it |Live it |Repeat it
We fight, because of love for one that's behind us
(Gosh I really do so enjoy great, God tunes music)

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for that which is wrote about above and in Your word, Your love of Your Creation, by even counting us special enough to BE created. You didn’t need humanity, but You desired a family that accepted You in accordance to their free will for what You are, THE TRUTH. We ask that You give us wisdom for the time to come, that your strengthen the family of believers now, so that they might not be fooled, shaken or dismayed, by what is destined to happen. Prepare our hearts and minds, may we crave to read Your word and crave to share it with others. We pray humbly in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

SiC ♥

Old school verse blast below, you all don't need a devotional - you need a collection of the awesome scripture that talks about being free right?! ;)

Hope everyone had a great 4th! 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed 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.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-36

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15-17

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6:6-8

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13

Dear Heavenly Father - Thank You for making us free through YOUR SON, Jesus Christ, which whom without we would have NO HOPE, in Jesus's name we pray, ><>

SiC <3

On a personal note I just got back from a 3 day trip from visiting my momma. I simply love those times, because it is as if when I return back I have gone on my own mini retreat/revival of sorts. Henceforth, why I so pray *so much* that the government works in our favor when we look into moving her to my current state later this year. Special prayer for all those who were in the wake of the tornados and bad weather this week, my heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one or their home. If any one who reads this was affected or know someone who was, please let me know. I would love to pray on a personal level!

One of the many conversation my mother and I shared this visit was about Billy Graham and his ministry. It seems his name was brought up because some group is trying to remove 30 verses from the Bible to make it more “friendly” to those of different faiths. Admittedly, I do not know the details, nor have I tried to Google, just giving a baseline. She spoke on how that through the years (she is 67), she has watched how Rev. Graham and his message has never changed – it has always been about salvation. Where-as some preachers today, claiming to be “true”, denote that there are other ways to get to heaven besides through Christ (aka being born again, saved, or whatever you’d like to call it – more information on that can be found under Death to Life).   

Of course, this made me respond back with my views on my own (well God’s) ministry that I am a part of. Primarily, it is *LOVE* - to show love, to live love, to except love of others and all the rest, this would be the basis for the outreach (to love as Christ loved us). However, two very common themes I denote (which may be more evident in the book to be published) is about the Trinity and forgiveness. The masses say speak on what you know, right? So, that is what I do. Love is not an uncommon theme spoken by many people, where as they are Christian or not (as reminded by my momma), so I can see the importance of balancing it out with other biblical truths and teachings. Henceforth, I guess why God has led me to do a homeless ministry and devotionals. It is amazing to me to see how all the kingdom of God (His children) inevitably do work together for His good. As we are told in 1Corinthians 3:5-9, some are meant to prepare, some sow, some water and some harvest. Amen for not having to do it all on your own, right? I mean, I like to multi-task, but rather share this responsibility with the family (heehee). 

So to wrap this all up I just wanted to share these verses from Romans ->

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

Dear Heavenly Father – Thank You humbly for giving us each another day. We thank you for each step you grant us to walk and each breathe you allow us to breathe. May we use those steps to honor and glorify You alone. May we daily dedicate our life to You and Your will. May You strengthen Your spirit within us and engulf us with Your love. Thank You so much Jesus for taking our shame upon the cross with You and giving us new life, should we chose to accept it, as You had new life when You rose from the grave. May we be mindful of what we say and do as we go through-out our day, thinking first of You – then of others, and then ourselves. In the name of Your son, ><>

The lyrics to the song below, can be found here. I cannot wait until the (new) album is out later this month! If you would like to preorder, they have packages available on their site. 

SiC <3 

What would that word be?

FREE!

Not convinced? Well, don’t take my word for it – read through the scripture verse blast below and make your own conclusion.

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”
Luke 4:17-19 (NASB)

“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. They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:15-18

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.” Romans 15:15-18

“For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-13

 “What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.” 1 Corinthians 9:18-21

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:14-16

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:15-17

Told Ya So =)

Dear Heavenly Father – Thank You for setting us FREE through Your Son Jesus Christ, by whom alone we are counted whole again in Your sight. May the number of Your kingdom grow more and more each day, as those around us learn this truth for themselves. In the name of Your Son Jesus, ><>