The Truth Shall Make You Free – Part 1

This week Michael writes, a prayer from the Puritan prayer book says, "Gracious Lord, I see the smile on your face. You have reconciled me and have anointed the shield of faith to strengthen me for every conflict by your grace to conquer every foe. As a floodgate of your tender mercy, quicken me and strengthen me. Strengthen me so I will hold on to you and not let go. Let me walk humbly to do the work to be engaged in. May I never forget that your eye always sees and your ear always hears. That your word is a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet."

The passing of friends, family and loved ones reminds us that every relationship in this world will end in pain and sorrow except for one. Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Although we grieve for believers who have passed away, we grieve not as others who have no hope. We look forward to the coming of our Lord when we shall see Him as He is. The joy is in the rejoicing in the hope that we have in our eternal life and fellowship with our Lord. We can celebrate the memory of those who have gone before us. That is how “all saints day” originated.

In John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the Jews who believed on him, ..."If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;   And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Those who believed are those who were convinced in their hearts that Jesus was their Lord and Savior. Most of the people in the crowd were not really His “true” disciples.  Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then are you my true disciples.” The Jews recited Deuteronomy 6:4-5 known as the the Sh'ma, the Hebrew word for hear: “Hear O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord.  And you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Those who abide and remain in Him and continue in the truth of the Word of God, then they shall know by experience the truth of the Word of God.  Psalm 1 reminds us that “blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law does he meditate day and night.”

We're encouraged to commit our minds and hearts to meditate upon the Word of God. For all scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and correction, for instruction in righteousness. The purpose is that the man and woman of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. When we live according to the word of God, then we are fully equipped unto the works to which he's called us. When the world cheats, slanders, and humiliates us, are we furnished and equipped to be about our Father's business? The word of God and prayer is our defense and offense in the spiritual battle. 

In Romans 5, Winning the battle means that tribulation works patience and patience experience hope and hope makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us. We live in an upside down culture where the world calls good evil and evil good. By definition, the devil is the accuser and Satan is the deceiver. Jesus said, you are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Jesus turned his world upside down. 

Let's continue Michael message on being set free by Jesus Christ in the next post.
In Christ, Brian