Embracing Freedom

The greatest freedom in this kingdom is from the tyranny of your own desires, agendas and plans.

The second greatest freedom is from the tyranny of other people's opinions about you.

John Piper - What is Humility?

Our Belief System

Most of our beliefs were formed before we had any "spiritual" awareness of God.

Because we had no conscious understanding of God or "truth" as He defines it, we formed our own belief system apart from His truth. We have grown up living independently of god and relying on our own understanding-which has courrupted our belief system. Our corrupted beliefs seems more true than God's Word. They may even seem more rational.

There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12 NAS

A "belief" is an assumption we hold to be true: a presupposition or conviction. We do not usually question it and are often not even consciously aware of it. We have belief about everything. We do not live by animal instincts, but by beliefs that have been developed and reinforced throughout our lives. Just as our eyes recognize color but fail to percieve x-rays or radio waves, so our beliefs cause us to process certain information and block other information.

Like a filter, our beliefs cause us to accept or reject new data.

God's Word Reveals the Root of Our Problems

We face problems every day, and we struggle from time to time in our Christian lives. Jesus assured us that we would have trouble in this world, but He also promised that He would be with us and would make us a overcomer. Only Jesus has the power and authority to overcome the problems of this world, and only Jesus can overcome the personal, internal problems we struggle with each day. Our Creator understands us better than we understand ourselves. He came that we might have and enjoy life.

I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance 9to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 Amplified

Why then, do I experience so little victory and joy in my life? Why are so many Christians plaqued with personal problemss? Why are we not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised? Whether we are struggling with emotional, relational, behavioral, or spiritual problems, Jesus is the answer and has revealed the solution in His Word. The Bible contains everything we need to know to live a successful and abundant life.
Where do you turn for help in the midst of life's problems? Where do you look for solutions? to whom do you turn for wisdom? Do you try to resolve your problems in your own strenght ans with man wisdome? Do you become so focused on the problems that fail to apply the supernatural resources available to you in Christ. Are you forcused on the symptoms instead of the solution? Do you turn to God as a last resort? In the midst the of your confusion, do you find it difficult to know where to turn in His Word for answers?

Regardless of our problems or confusion, God's Word is Truth, and Jesus is the Answer.

God's Word Reveals the Root of Our Problems

"Do not be mislead. Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame." 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

He who walks with the wise become wise, but a companion of fools suffer harm. -Proverbs 13:20

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child. Proverbs 22:15

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 27:12

Follow your instincts and say no! Have courage and be bold--these are our children that are at stake. God put you in charge. No one will love and protect them the way you do. The people who will want to influence your children and lure them away will not be around for them when they fall.

Stand your ground, parents!

Protect your children

Sloth

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. Proverbs 19:15

How can we use this time to advance God's kingdom on earth and bring glory to Him while we are here?

The Sola Panel | Job and prayer

Job and prayer Andrew Barry

The Sola Panel | Job and prayer