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)

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:10-14 (ESV)

There is no doubt we can be our own worst enemies. We have the ability to allow our wants, desires, and other peoples influence take us from the path in which God knows is best for us. However, the great news is that there is always an open door back! Like the dad of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, Father God welcomes us back into His court (time and time again). God's forgiveness abounds so much, that even a man who openly denied Christ (Peter) before his crucifixion (Luke 22:54-62) went on to deliver the message of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).

 

The key is to always seek God. 

Seek Him in your highs and lows, obedience and disobedience.

Only through Christ are we made perfect, alone we will never be. Yet, that doesn't mean in the midst of whatever we are going through that God doesn't care, whether it be by our own design or another's.

He is creator of the world, and He loves you so very much! Remember, it is by Him you are alive. It was by Him you were born.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Yeppers, I was feeling a tad bit inspired today.

When I was younger this time of year (Resurrection.. well as it was known to me then as Easter) brought so much joy to me. I delighted in Easter egg hunts, both at church and with friends at our homes. I enjoyed waking up on Easter morning to see what treats the Easter Bunny had left for me. It was nice to wear a new brightly colored dress for all to see.

However now, this time of year, the celebration of the Resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, holds no trivial value. The significance of it has changed and molded itself into what is, for a believer, the most important time in our history. Without the death and resurrection of the Savior, we would not be who we are … our futures after this age has ended would not be so bright.

Though with the happiness that comes with Salvation through Jesus Christ, admittedly this time also brings sadness. I feel for what He had to go through, in order that I.. that we .. might be reconciled back to the Creator. He did nothing wrong, but yet He suffered a death worse than any we could ever imagine out of love, love for His Father and love for His Father’s creation.

It is for this reason that sometimes it is so hard for me to grasp that I cannot be perfect. I think some of us desire to be perfect, not so that we might be counted as such (good), but more so that we do not cause any more pain (in human terms) to Father, Son and Spirit. We wish that we could grant them all a moment off, from having to intercede on our behalf – from having to watch over us because of our indifferences and sinful ways, but alas in this age it will not be.

Though we know what is written to us in the Bible is true, God knows all – He knew what He was doing before He laid the foundation of the Earth and to Him, the Creator, all of which has passed and all which will come, is considered “worth it” in order that we might (all those who call upon His Son and receive the free gift of salvation) be with Him for eternity. As such that is our consolation.

I saw this verse last week while Tumbling and Pinning away, but have come upon a greater understanding of it after this weekend, which I am sure will give way to even more in the years to come.

Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. Ecclesiastes 1:18

However, we believers have a hope – a truth – a promise that no matter how much grief or pain (mental or physical) that we suffer here on Earth, that one day, thanks to Jesus Christ (who we should celebrate not only during Resurrection weekend or Lenten season but daily, through-out the entire calendar year) it will cease to be.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 

Revelations 21:4

Thank you Father, Son and Spirit for all that you have done, are doing and will do in the future. Might all of Your children come together as one, may we rid ourselves from the opinions and prejudices that keep us at a distance with one another, and work toward the common goal of being witnesses for you, for showing your love to everyone – everywhere, regardless of past history or current circumstance. Thank You Father for the free gift of salvation (forgiveness, grace, redemption), which is free of charge through Your Son alone, and for the Helper who guides us day by day. In Jesus name, Amen. 

It was either Andy Stanley or Tony Nolan who once tweeted something along the lines of, “teach from your own shortcomings and you will never run out of material”. How true this statement is! During Memorial weekend I said to my mother, “I feel if someone has read my devotionals through-out the years, then they know me. I can recall the exact feeling - the experience which was about when I reread past writings that led me to share such. I have never much been one for outright personal testimonies, but in their own right, the writings are such”.

To God be the glory.

Without the recollection of Paul’s testimonies and life changing experience, I feel in part I would be a different person. Commonly I speak and write of him as a leading example of God’s true forgiveness and grace, remarking to how if one can make a complete 180 from mass hunting and killing Christians to living on the run FOR God, who are we to say we cannot be used? Right? Even David, who was truly the apple of God’s eye, made a very bad choice one day and allowed lust to shatter his focus, yet God still loved him and did not just throw him out with the tide. Jesus befriended a prostitute and saved her from death, as it is here He remarked, “Ye without sin, cast the first stone”.

Through the Bible we are taught of God’s grace, love and sufficient nature for our lives. We see examples of people “like us”, who stumble and fall, yet are again redeemed or not, depending upon their ultimate choice (repentance or continuation).  We are given an example by the upmost High, who came in the form of a little baby boy, to how which we might live, love and honor God. Yet how many of us actually spend time reading the word of God? If you believe, like I know to be truth, the book is more than just stories and words upon a page; it is the handpicked and chosen collection, straight from God. We spend countless hours on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, G+, YouTube and various other sites, while reading one or two verses (or even a chapter) of the Bible before bed and count it a job well done.

WRONG.

Is God a different God from the time of David, Paul and Mary? No, but we are different “children”. Where as the one thing they cherished, spending time with God, meditating on His word, we seem to have traded it in for … well, an idol in the form of electronic entertainment and vapid information.

Of course you may be saying, “Well Hollie, aren’t you in fact on the majority of the sites listed and are you  not in fact posting on an online blog”? Yep, truth to be told and let me just say don’t think something I write isn’t applied back to me in some fashion (henceforth the start of this entry), nor did I say “burn all the computers, iPhones and PS3’s”, keep calm and read on.

So how do we become more like David – Paul – Mary and Jesus in our insta-age? It’s simple; literally allot more of your time to God. Sure, you may work a combined 9 hour day including getting grub … perhaps pop your headphones in and listen to some sermons, read the Bible on your lunch break … likewise to and from work put on some Godly tunes (might I suggest the new The Hurt & The Healer CD by MercyMe, it is amazing) and get your vocal praise on … turn off the computer, video game, etc for an hour at home and straight up read and meditate upon the word of God, keep a prayer journal or even wake up a few minutes early to start your day off by reading some of the “good book”. Do you know that there are people that read the entire Bible (yes, entire Bible) every year? Heck, I am twenty eight years old – have been reading the Bible since I was a tot and I don’t even know if I have read every verse there is in there. Of course, those are just some of my own starter suggestions, surely if you start with one God will begin to lead you with all He would have you to do. :)

Whatever you feed will grow, whatever you starve will die.

Dear Father,
Thank You for giving us Your word, that it might bring in us wisdom, contentment and peace. May You bring upon an awakening of Your people Lord. May we see where we are, where You have brought us from and where this world is headed. May we read and study Your word so that we might know Your promises and may we CLING to them. We are sorry Father God for putting things in front of You, filling our lives with things “of the world”, instead of giving due focus on Your will for our lives. We pray for the peace of Israel Father and for all those who are (and will be) persecuted because of Your name. In the name of Yeshua, ><>

SiC <3

Ok – Ok so we have ALL heard a message on serving others right? About how it is not about you, but the one (or ones) you are serving and how it is commanded of us as children of God to serve our fellow man. Well, I would venture to say that this mostly true, however when you serve you do get something in return. It may be a content feeling, a kind word of thanks or God may one day reward you and though you think you will be volunteering for a trash duty job at a sold-out concert, turns out to be a “dream come true” instead. Likewise, there can be some negative aspects, as not always will 100% of the people will be ok with you and what you are doing. I am reminded of the first time I served food to the homeless. It wasn’t with *LoveIs*, but with another organization and as I am very giggly by nature, one of the recipients in the serving line was not all to happy with my demeanor. Harsh words were exchanged on his part, but alas it does come with the territory. Yet, more often than not, when you serve, you allow yourself to be open to the human race, and in turn they fill a space within you. It feels good to know that you have done good, by giving someone else good. You know?

Now of course, this by no means beckons people to go out among the masses and do things in the physical sense, where your heart is not at in the spiritual sense (aka all for the glory of being "seen" by other people). Do not go serve and expect something massive thing in return, as that is when you may get nothing other than being frustrated with the experience. God knows our hearts, He knows why we do the things we do, say the things we say and be the way we are. Yet, if you truly have a heart open to helping others and are obedient, God will reward that – I saw that last night.

Now, please do not get me wrong, I LOVE working in Little 5 Points, that is my mission; that is my calling; that is the “core” ministry that God has set in my heart for me to do. As I have mentioned before (and will undoubtedly mention again) to be able to give to people in need full-time, would be just the sprinkles on the proverbial cupcake of my life. Yet last night another dream came true and I truly believe it was a reward from God (and I am thankful to all who made this possible on "Earth terms"). ;)

So what exactly happened? Well I, a lover of concerts, attendee of many, got the chance to serve at a merchandise table for the “Welcome To The Well” tour featuring Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Royal Taylor and Lindsey McCaul. It has ALWAYS been a dream of mine to work at a merch table, ever since the first time I bought a band tee. Did I know before going in I would be working there? No, I honestly thought I would be on trash duty or some other type of dirty job. When the volunteer coordinator (for lack of a better term at this time) told me as I signed in I would be working at the merch table, I wanted to fall on my knees in front of everyone (however I opted for a silent prayer instead). For a sold out show, which estimated around 7,000 people (from one count I heard), I got to do something I had always wanted to do – serve merch. It was a chance of getting to know people in both an close encounter (we had roughly 8 – 10 people working our section of tables, 2 identical sections were sat up) and communing with others are they were about to, in the middle of or had experienced the show. What a blessing it was! I say just that because I am simply speechless to an extent. Having chats with one man who was there due to a gift from his mother, so he was buying her a shirt in return – to speaking to a lady, who was worried her payment wouldn’t go through, but it did, so we thanked God for allowing her the chance to worship on her drive back - to a mom who treated her daughters whole barrage of friends to tour T’s - to having a group discussion on patience and how God will teach it to you one way or the other (when the wireless credit card machines were a bit slow) – to exchanging quips with a boss-dog roadie who undoubtedly has been in the game so long, there wouldn’t be time enough to hear all the stories he could share. With all the experiences of this 6 hour event tallied up and written down it would probably be considered on par with a short novel, so for there I will stop, but you get the drift.

While yes serving is not about “being served”, but turning yourself over to others, you undoubtedly will get something in return to. So why do I say all of this? Because if you have never served anyone else ever, I humbly suggest that one day you do. You will simply be amazed of what an impact YOU can have on the life of another human being. Not sure on how to serve, basic way I define is “serving is anything where you fill a need whereas commonly that need would go unfilled, have to be asked to be filled or performing an action that would make someone elses life a little less stressful”. Perhaps you are saying, well ma’am that could be just about anything… well you would be very much correct there. Just think though, shouldn’t be so hard for you to find an opportunity now, should it?

Be Beautiful – Be You – Be Love 

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for not only counting us worthy enough to be redeemed back to You through the pure blood and Resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, but yet to also be used as tools - as vessels of your graciousness, love and kindness to others here on Earth. We pray that we all genuinely grasp what exactly it means to say "I have the Holy Spirit inside of me". This is not some empty calorie or temporary "good feeling", yet it is YOUR Spirit, the Spirit of the Almighty Creator allowing us - guiding us - comforting us along this journey called life. We thank You Father, Son & Spirit - Trinity in One and Trinity apart for all that has, is and will take place. May we align ourselves closer to Your will, as to not be a roadblock in the middle of it (either for ourselves or another). In the name Yeshua we pray ><>

SiC <3

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

Person A: Volunteers several times a week for many years with a variety of organizations. 

Person B: Volunteers once in a while with no set schedule and no set organization.

So I ask, who is the better person … A, B or are they both the same?

Well that is really for none of us to now eh? For we do not to the heart of the people involved, only God does. People equate quantity with ultimately being better (whether it be money, physical possessions or time spent), but yet what if person A’s heart was just doing it for “outward gain and recognition” and never really “meant” any of it at all? Perhaps person B was a single mother of 3 who had to work 2 jobs just to make ends meet, but yet at her free moments turned them over to serving others, instead of wasting any moments sitting on a couch?

You may be able to fool the world with your outward appearance, words and acts, but God knows what makes you tick and what has come about to make you tick that way. It is one of the things that people mean when they say you cannot run from God.  But do not think of this as a burden, nor do not be scared. Likewise, as He does know ALL OF YOU, He still decided to send His son to die and be resurrected FOR YOU. He counted you special enough to be born, despite any self-serving actions, slight manipulations of people and unspoken evil thoughts about your fellow man you may have had or will have in the future; for it is in Christ we are MADE PURE – not through ourselves least any man should boast. 

Don’t run from who you are, don’t try to hide it. Should there be something in your life or within your make-up you feel you wish to/should change, seek God – ask Him to comfort and lead you to a solution of rectification. Every being mindful that we are commanded, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things” in Colossians 3:2, for that is when a believers mind can get all sorts of jumbled as we are NOT OF THIS WORLD.

I commend you all though, as we live in a generation where keeping your mind set upon God is not an easy task and in the months and years to follow, it will be ever-more difficult. However, your use tools – read your Bible – communion with others, be fervent in prayer and you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will be able to withstand all that comes your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, We humbly thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to die and rise again for the replacement of our sin. May we search ourselves for things that you find undesirable and may we seek You to search our hearts as well. May we not be motivated by outward forces, but my Your will, desire, correction and ultimately, love, for all others. May we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, to better serve this space, for as so long as You allow us to be here. In the name of the perfect One, we pray ><>

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, ><>