Jesus = freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Paul was absolutely correct. In Christ, we find utmost freedom.

If you don't believe me, or doubt that yourself even a little bit, I'd offer this. Reading through Mark 5, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man. When Jesus exorcises these demons, they ask Him:

The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned (Mark 5:12-13)

Now you might say, well, that's not freedom, the evil spirits had to ask permission. Well, that view, no disrespect, is horribly arrogant. I think checking with Jesus for any request or decision is generally a good idea, since He created everything.

Really, think about it. Demons, yes demons asked Jesus to do something, they requested specifically to go into the pigs, and He gives them the freedom to do so.

So if Jesus gives great sovereignty of choice, does that mean He is not sovereign?

Not in the least, I don't think. In fact, I think it enhances His greatness. He doesn't have to be some autocratic, domineering totalitarian over what He created because He knows that love really doesn't exist in that way. He's obviously mature enough to know that the ones He created will rebel against Him and do stupid things.

Does Jesus get mad and quickly snap His created back in line?

No, just the opposite. He loves even more and offers even more grace. It's really quite counter-intuitive for what we're familiar with here on earth.

In a world that is deprived of all sorts of freedoms for all sorts of people and nations, Jesus offers real freedom from sin and the ways of the world.

Jesus means freedom.

the ookey kooky Spirit?

Well, it's Halloween. In light of goblins, ghouls and ghosts, it got me thinking about things spiritual and related to the Holy Spirit.

In the world, we seem to place quite a bit of emphasis on things of the flesh. Money, clothes, food, a house, a job, sexual relationships. If you disagree, I'd ask that you look or listen to the substance of media advertising, that essentially markets having more and more of these things. I would say that well-intentioned and good meaning followers of Christ struggle with these things as well, fairly regularly, it's not simply isolated to just non-believers. There seems to be this underlying voice or hand, if you will, that pushes or draws us to fill our lives up with these material things. But I'm doubtful that this is in line with what Scripture teaches. Paul writes:

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:13-26 NIV)

Paul advocates that our lives be led by the Holy Spirit. Now, the world would most definitely think that as crazy. "What, led by a spirit? Ok, that's weird. Ya, witches and ghosts and things are spirits...what a wacko."

Maybe so to the world. But living for Christ, being led by the Spirit is the way to go for everything, including all these things that the world enticingly attempts via the flesh.

Again, Paul writes (me summarizing/emphasizing) "You, my brothers, were called to be free...serve one another in love......So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit"

So in light of it's Halloween, it's perfectly ok to be led by and depend on a spirit...the Holy Spirit!