WHERE IS THE SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE? (Part 2)

WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM FOR ALL PEOPLE.

In or outside of the church, the Spirit does not compel or coerce.

• Unbelievers have a choice:  accept or reject Christ. 
• Believers have a choice:  obey or disobey the Spirit of Christ. 

Jesus let people follow Him or refuse to follow Him.  He didn't beg people to stay, nor did he force them to leave.  He made the conditions of discipleship very clear. Some accepted them, and many rejected.  The Spirit of God in believers will lead them, if they will be led.  But all are free to choose how close they will be to God, as it is written,

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."  James 4:8
"The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you."  2 Chronicles 15:2

 

God responds to our choice.  But the choice is ours.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, all people are free.


WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM FOR YOU.

Have you ever been to a church service and felt forced to join into their "church culture."  This happens when a certain atmosphere or behavior is put forth as a standard that all must conform to without consent.  If it's really quiet, then you have to be really quiet.  If the church is loud, then you have to be loud.  If everyone is raising their hands and loudly praising God, you better do it.  If there are ritualistic movements in silence, you better learn them.  If a minister thinks you should pray, then you better repeat after him a regurgitated prayer without knowing what you're saying. 

In all of these examples one word is key:  passivity.  You must passively follow without forethought or the consent of your will.  But if you must be passive, then then the Spirit is not there.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom for you.  You will freely choose to be silent or speak, to clap or bow your head.  You will pray intelligently, knowing what you are saying and why you are saying it. 


click HERE for the conclusion