“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” ~ Romans 6:1-2

In this message, Mark Driscoll said that when him and his wife first starting dating, they started sleeping together. They didn’t know any better.He said once they found out that was wrong, they stopped until they got married. Now when he talks about sex, he always teaches abstinence. People will come up to him and say, “Yea, but you did it and it worked out fine.”

He said, “Yea, well I know people that have driven through a school zone while they were drunk and they didn’t kill anybody, but I am never going to tell anyone to do that either. We got a grace card from God on that one. (referring to sleeping with his wife before they were married)”

Photo Courtesy of GraceWalkMinsitries

(more…)

Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:2

The Other Side of Bondage

We’ve talked about this verse before, but I want to point out the latter part of it . . . Because of the joy (seeing you live the life He intended you to live) awaiting Him, He endured the cross. NOW, He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Jesus is now on the “other side” of the cross.. Do you think he ever looks back and regrets it? No Way! Would you not agree that He is living the life right now (He is seated on the right hand of God in Heaven!)

I want to conclude this series with a few encouraging words for those who may be in bondage:

There is an “Other Side” to your Bondage – Listen to me, the bondage your in right now is temporary, and if you’ll focus on Jesus… you’ll be on the other side of it in no time.

When You’re Free, You Won’t Need Anything – James 1:2-4 changed my life! The end result of going through trials is that you’ll “Be Perfect and Complete, NEEDING NOTHING!” It’s hard to put into words, but you have not lived until you have lived in the freedom Christ has provided for you.

When You Don’t Need Anything, You’re Free to Give Everything - Perhaps this is the greatest joy in being free… When you’re free… you no longer need to focus on yourself. You can focus on others and help lift people out of their addictions, bondage’s, etc. by pointing them to Jesus.

If you’re bound to anything my prayer for your today is that you’ll realize the freedom that is available to you through Christ. He died so you could live a life free from sin, free from addiction, and free from bondage.

If you’re bound, please listen to me, you do not have to live like this anymore… There is another side and another life that God intended you to live – Don’t go another day without seeking Him.

If you have questions or would like help with something you’re going through – let me know and I’ll try and get the right resources in your hands and help you in anyway I can.

So don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing IF WE DON’T GIVE UP.                                                                                          -Galatians 6:9

People who get free are the people that do not quit…they don’t stop believing….they keep pressing on regardless of the circumstances… they refuse to live at a level lower than God’s best.

Keith Moore said this and it’s had a huge impact on me, “Do you know you can believe God for 3 weeks and quit and get the same results as someone who never believed at all?”

No matter where you’re at in your Christian journey you’re going to face things that will make you want to throw in the towel.

The key is recognizing that God is faithful…He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, He isn’t a respecter of persons, what He’ll do for one, He’ll do for you. In fact, He’s already provided everything you need to live a life of victory you just have to receive it.

Your victory, your freedom, and God’s will for your life will all come when you make the decision to never give up.