I'm reading this book by Steve Brown entitled "A Scandalous Freedom." I recommend it to anyone who wants to be free from sin and religious law or who is simply curious about what God means when He says, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).
The word freedom used means liberation from bondage. Bondage from what? From sin? From other people? From ourselves? From expectations? From perfection? Freedom from what? Freedom to do what? So many issues brought up by that one little word "freedom." Brown presents the idea that we, as Christians, are free to do whatever we want. That does not mean there will not be consequences. The Bible says that we are free to make any choice - but we will have to pay the price. It does mean that God will love us whatever we do - whether right or wrong - because He sees Jesus in our place.
Furthermore, "nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean" (Romans 14:14). Is God saying, then, that everything was created holy and is only made sinful by our own thoughts or uses? How, then, do we define what is sin and what is wrong? I guess I don't think Paul is talking about what God has called sinful, but controversial issues, like what to drink or eat or how to dress. I guess the main point that Brown is trying to make is that we have freedom as to how we act and what choices we make. We are not God's puppets.
However, Paul warns us: "For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence" (Galations 5:13). God will still love us if we do, but that does not mean we will be better people for it. See Romans 6: 15-18 for a discussion on what freedom means. These verses say that some acts of freedom actually destroy our freedom. It says that God is now our master, and we are free from sin. How does this new "bondage" fit in with the idea of freedom? Freedom from sin that does not let us do anything is another kind of bondage.
Then again, God is not saying that we have to do this or that. He is merely saying that our freedom comes with a steep price. The price of blood. The price of consequences - even the price of slavery. Paul answers this question in 1 Corinthians 9:19: "Even though I am free from the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people." That's huge. Freedom is frightening, but it is also powerful. It takes from the religious their control over people's actions and souls and places that right in God's hands.
God has a just side, but when we become Christians, He is merciful and compassionate. We should be in awe of God, but not be fearful of His disappointment or condemnation. We are free! We are not bound by the old Law. We are not bound by certain rules and expectations in order to approach God. We don't have to be good or perfect or always thinking about our sins. In fact, constant guilt over our sins is a form of bondage. A bondage that Jesus has already paid the price for! That's freedom.
I'm also reading this book called "Revolution in World Missions" by K. P. Yohannan. It is completely changing my views on missions and evangelism. I highly recommend it. The book presents this idea that sadly enough, I've never really heard preached before with such boldness: the spiritual needs of the lost are more important than their physical needs. I'm struggling with this one, but it makes sense. Jesus fed the thousands after he preached. He told us to clothe the poor and offer drink to the thirsty, but He also told us, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behond, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).
We are not send out to be social activists or political agents of change - we are sent out to bring the Gospel and to change people's spiritual eternity. The Bible says, what use is it to gain the world and lose your soul? Well, what use is it if we feed the poor and clothe the naked but abandon their spiritual hunger? I'll be honest, I don't want that to be true. It makes me squirm and feel uncomfortable. I would rather just minister to people's physical needs. Less controversial. But I am free in Christ! Free from the opinions and statements of others. Thus I have the boldness and concern to share what I know of God with others. If I truly believe in Hell, and Jesus speaks more often of Hell than Heaven, then I must believe in God's judgment. If I believe in God's judgment, why am I not more active for Christ?!
Anyways, this post is long enough. I just have so much I'm learning! I'm in Tennessee right now - I drove with my grandparents from Florida yesterday. The trip was uneventful, although I was able to spend most of the 11 hours in prayer and reading the Bible. I didn't even get car sick, which I normally do. I pray that you all find this post speaks to you as much as it has spoken to me. God bless!
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Thanks for sharing! I really enjoy your posts and I definitely want to read the second book you mentioned. For me too, I often struggle with evangelizing, but I think what you mention about their "spiritual hunger" is really important. I'm blessed to hear how you've been growing with God! Can't wait to hear more about Tennessee <3
ReplyDeletesavanna, i now REALLY WANT to read both of these books hahahah. i think the concept of freedom in Christ is something i've been struggling with for a while (its implication, what on EARTH it means when i still daily struggle with the same sins and guilt), and i'm also really interested in world missions. dang. i now have a super long reading list to go through this summer... i guess that's a good thing since i have no internet at my apartment hahah.
ReplyDeletebut thank you so much for sharing, it's been a huge huge huge encouragement for me to see how much you're growing :) and keep telling us about what you're reading and learning!