Friday, December 9, 2011

Captain or Captive

 When it come right down to it - you are either captain or captive. I do not believe God wants us to be captive. To feel imprisoned by sin or constantly reminded of it. We have conquered sin , at least Jesus Christ did - we just need to believe it. How can it hold us captive there are many ways but these are the most common.
1. Not believing in Gods grace and accepting that the gift is free. Some people just do not like accepting something that is free, they think there is a catch - nothing is for free. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: This means without merit - we did not earn it , so we are free because Grace is free. It is not a matter of being worthy.
2. We still feel temptation, how can we be holy. Well that is because temptation is all around us , our thoughts are continually being challenged. 1 Corinthian 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
 Temptation is nothing to be ashamed of , we are all tempted God promises to us a way to bear it.
3. We feel not responsible for our condition or salvation. We feel others are responsible for our sins perhaps our parents or economical circumstances. We need the help of a priest or someone with a collar to give us absolution. This is the caged bird syndrome, we are taught we need a key to unlock our cage even though we are free. I am here to say no one is responsible for you but you it is OK to speak to a minister who is filled with the Holy spirit but your sins were pardoned by Jesus Christ, he paid for our pardon on the cross. We will all stand before Christ and the truth is Christ will stand with us, not any man. Roman 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We cannot be condemned if we are in Christ, anyone who tries to bring you into the cage avoid.
4. We have fallen , we disobeyed .  All fall short of Gods glory- we are saved by believing in Jesus divine grace not our own. We will eventually grow and defeat fear , and doubt- it does not happen overnight - it may even take a lifetime. Until such a time we rely on Gods grace.Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
There is another gospel , one that does not teach grace it foments in sin. It denies Jesus, it is like quicksand eventually will take you under- but Jesus forever holds the olive branch to save you from sinking- you just need to grasp and hold on.

  The Captain is someone who take responsibility for the ship, just like you take responsibility for your destiny. Making a clear choice to follow grace, to believe in Christ that he died that we may be free from sin not held captive.
 John 8:3 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 We also need to recognize Jesus promised a helper , the Holy spirit to guide us on our journey. The scripture says he will never leave us or forsake us. Yes- I believe Christ died once and for all and His grace is sufficient- without the help of the Holy spirit it would be impossible to grow in faith. He leads us into obedience, He cleanses us continually and teaches us faith. The Captain needs a navigator the sea is rough .
John 16:13  But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
 Interesting the Holy Spirit will not speak of himself. He will speak only of the Lord- Jesus Christ that is how we discern which spirit is talking. For as there are many false prophets there are many spirits among us. Be a Captain not a captive- Peace. 

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