This Amazing Freedom We Have Been Given!

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"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message).

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Why then is it that so many who preach and teach the truth seem so bound up with religious shackles? Not only that, they seem equally intent on seeing to it that others are as bound up as they are. What's that all about? It's about control.

There is something dreadful lurking in the hearts of men and women, which almost compels them to dominate and subjugate others to their will and whims. Be it political or religious, academic or economic, cultural or personal -- there is an evil at work in the affairs of men that causes some to advance themselves by putting others down.....and keeping them that way.

This is not what Jesus came to do to us, nor did He teach us to do this to one another. In fact, in one of the most forthright statement in Scripture, Jesus says he "hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes" (Rev.2:6).

What does this mean? And who were these sorry people?

Their name comes from two Greek words; the first, nike, which means to conquer; and the second, laos, which means the people. Literally, it means to conquer the people. It means to dominate, intimidate, or manipulate; for the sake of holding control over them -- and Jesus hates it. That word means to detest; to regard as abhorrent.

My dear friends, be done once and for all with any group of any kind that tries to put a yoke of slavery on you; for Jesus has set us free! Take your stand in freedom -- even if you have to lay down your life to do it!
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