The Stand

True Freedom
Dr. Charles Stanley

John 8:31-36

At the time when Jesus was born, the Israelites were experiencing great oppression. They looked forward to thepromised Messiah, who would bring freedom and victory.

But instead of overtaking the Romans, Jesus spoke about respecting authority and loving enemies. Rather than win victory for the Jews alone, He brought blessing even to despised Gentiles (John 4:4-30; Luke 7:6-10). The people expected Him to overpower the domineering nation through battle, but He allowed those in authority to crucify Him.

So the Jews rejected Jesus. Surely, they thought, this was not the promised Savior who would liberate the chosen people. They failed to understand that Christ was most concerned about the freedom of our hearts. He came to release us from the sin bondage in our lives, but He does not always free us from our current circumstance.

A letter I received illustrates this beautifully. After 15 years in prison for habitual criminal acts and drug addiction, the writer shared that everyone had given up on him. He felt hopeless until he was saved and began following Jesus. Now, the bitterness and anger are gone, and he is filled with joy and peace. He has been liberated. He still faces temptations and he still is in jail, but he has experienced true freedom.

Jesus came for you—He died to pay your sin debt. Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? His power can tackle sin in your life, and His truth can overcome harmful faulty thinking. Walking with Him is truly walking in freedom, so lean on His strength, and choose the right path.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.intouch.org/.

Three Relationships that Make Us Rich
Bayless Conley

Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:13-15).

This man came to Jesus to get him to "sort his brother out" over the inheritance, not realizing that his brother was the real treasure in his life - not the things he might inherit.

Here are three relationships that make us rich:

1. Our relationship with God. To know God makes you rich, no matter what material resources you may or may not have.

Some of those that the world would call rich are actually bankrupt when it comes to the most important treasure of all.

2. Our relationship with others. People, not things, are the real treasures in life. I can honestly say that I am a rich man. I have family and friends that I love and that love me. Things lose their meaning, and serve as a very poor substitute for relationships with people.

3. Our relationship with our own heart. Commune with your own heart… declares the psalmist in Psalm 4:4 (KJV).

That means hold some serious communication with your heart—get acquainted with your heart. Don't let you and your own heart be strangers!

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God





Jaime Jamgochian - The Stand




This is a Hillsong United song, written by Joel Houston of Hillsong (the pastor's son at Hillsong Church in Sydney, by the way; I'm sure he gets tired of hearing that). I've just discovered Jaime Jamgochian, and she is fabulous. I really like her delivery and her style and her passion. This is a wonderful song about surrender, and about the reason why we surrender to God, because He created this amazing world for us, and because He sent His son to carry the burden of our sin. coolram52


TAKE AWAY POINTS TO CONSIDER

We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it to life. Edwin Markham

The Golden Rule would reconcile capital and labor, all political contention and uproar, all selfishness and greed. Joseph Parker

For all the all is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. Galatians 5:14

He who returns a good for evil obtains the VICTORY! Thomas Fuller

Have nothing to do with godless philosophical discussions--they only lead further and  further away from true religion.   2 Timothy 2:16

Nothing is more dangerous than associating with the ungodly.  John Calvin

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven, against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Romans 1:18