Freedom 07/04/2010
 
"But their (Jews) minds were hardened.  For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil (seperation of God and man) remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.  Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.  But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed (no seperation between God and man).  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we (Christians) all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:14-18).

What happens when Americans of the USA reject the freedom that the Declaration of Independance offers?  It may be similar to what Jews rejected when they refused to follow the teachings found in Christ - freedom.

Interestingly, people come to understanding when they listen to the author of freedom.  People, who become free, grow in that freedom and become more than mere followers but; rather, leaders.  Leaders who understand where true freedom comes from truly are followers of the One who gives freedom - Jesus.  If you give up on freedom and refuse to follow the thing that makes you free; then, you are not free.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves 
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"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

"but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord" (Philemon 1:14). 

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:  shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:1-3).

There are those in the "Christian" world that promote tithing.  Is this accurate?  Is this teaching false?  Compulsary serving is something that God does not promote among His people.  On the contrary, everything God wants from His people  is to be done willingly and from the heart.  This includes giving, leading, and serving.  I wonder how God views those who teach compulsary Christianity?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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