Posts Tagged ‘ Life ’
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35, ESV
Firstly, we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, for we will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
Secondly, all our appetites shall be satisfied in the Lord, most especially in eternal life.
As born again Christians, we understand the foundational truth about Jesus’ sacrificial, atoning death and resurrection that brings us freedom and life, but I want to focus on the post-salvation implications of Jesus’ awesome work. Keep in mind, this will only apply if you have already committed to the side of Jesus.
After salvation, what does freedom and life look like for a Christian? Many might think “well, if a Christian is addicted to alcohol, etc. then Jesus can set them free from that” and that is true. But beyond that, what does freedom and life look like? It looks like this:
1. Freedom from false guilt.
2. Freedom from fear about what others may think.
3. Freedom from people who try to control and manipulate.
4. Freedom from the idea that you need anyone else’s approval other than God’s.
5. Freedom from circular or destructive thought processes.
6. Freedom…to grow, which is life-giving.
Pastors are supposed to promote freedom in Christians lives so that they can grow, but sadly many pastors do just the opposite.
Friends are suppose to be life-giving and help us grow, or at the very least, not hinder us from getting closer to Jesus, but sadly, many friends do just the opposite.
Assuming they already have a sincere faith in Christ, here are some things to ask yourself about a pastor or a friend:
1. Are they someone in whom I can see consistent growth?
2. Do they listen well?
3. Am I afraid to talk around them? Why?
4. When I come away from them do I feel burdened, or more free?
5. Does what they say ring true and bring clarity?
6. Can I see any ways that they attempt to manipulate?
There are many forms of manipulation, some are quite subtle and can even be seen as pious. Some of the more subtle ways of manipulation include:
* False guilt – does this person make me feel guilty if I don’t do what they want?
* Tone – are they talking down to me as though I don’t know anything? (Pay great attention to this one!)
* Leading Questions – do they appear to have all the answers? This is accomplished through the use of leading questions, that is, a question that is asked, with a very specific answer in mind. Therefore, unless you answer with the specificity that the manipulator is fishing for, you appear inferior while the manipulator appears to have all the answers.
* Positioning – there are many types of positioning, but one example is, is the person using tactical empathy? That is, do they claim to know and empathize with what you’ve been through, in order to earn your trust?
* Redirection: there are many types of redirection, but one of the most cunning is exploiting your emotional wounds to shift the attention off of something they don’t want to talk about.
Ask yourself, “who helps me walk in freedom?” It may surprise you who you DON’T list.
Jesus came to bring us freedom and life, and I believe the Lord wants the church to walk in Freedom and Life in 2020!
Wishing you freedom and life as you celebrate Resurrection day!
In His Love,
Jesse ישי
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16, ESV
To be saved from sin and God’s wrath, we must believe that Jesus is the perfect Son of God who died for our sins and rose again to life.
There is no other way to eternal life.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord , that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV
Today is the day of salvation. Once this life is over, there are no more chances to seek and call on the Lord.
Choose today to know God and be pardoned of all sins!
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV
We have victory over death and sin because our God came and overcame these in our place, for our benefit, and for His glory!
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31 ESV
Whether being talked out of a stupid idea or convinced of sin and separation from God, listening to wise advice (telling you you are stupid or wrong) will save your life.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Luke 9:24, ESV
To save your soul, you must realize your life does not belong to you. Realizing God is in control of your life and letting Him will grant you peace and eternal life.
