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To: calgal who wrote (5933)	9/1/2004 2:22:56 AM
From: calgal	Respond to of 14396

How the Truth Can Set You Free EPHESIANS 1:5-8 Human beings are united in the desire for acceptance and appreciation. Generally speaking, we want our peers to express approval so we can experience the feeling of being accepted. Though Christians know emotions are unreliable indicators of truth, believers fall into this pattern of searching for tangible approval too. Truthfully, one of our most priceless possessions is God's acceptance of us as we are now. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we own a full measure of God's grace. The Father does not say, "When you clean up your life, I'll accept you." Grace plus performance is not a workable formula in God's economy. If being a Spirit-filled believer meant achieving some lofty standard of behavior on our own, we would all wear ourselves out in the attempt. Performance-based faith is a worldly idea. People alter their clothes, habits, finances, and jobs to gain acceptance from peers. The only problem is that the people who like your appearance today won't like it tomorrow. It is true you can't please everybody, but you can please the Lord by recognizing He unconditionally accepts you. We have all the status we need: we are children of God and ambassadors of Jesus Christ, living in the kingdom of light! If we ignore our acceptance by God, then we will end up in the world's vain cycle of constant effort and activity as an attempt to earn the Lord's acknowledgement. Freedom and intimacy are rooted in His freely given acceptance. Instead of shielding ourselves from His judgment, we can bask in God's gracious love.

To: calgal who wrote (5933)	9/1/2004 2:23:06 AM
From: calgal	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 14396

03 September Freedom’s Responsibility ROMANS 12:1-5 Previously, we studied the concept of gaining freedom by knowing God's Word. For us to absorb the truth, we must do more than simply read or even memorize Scripture; it is necessary that we also meditate on it. When we do, the Holy Spirit will teach us to apply biblical principles to our lives. God doesn't simply free us from old negative thought patterns and feelings of inadequacy; He frees us to serve Him with our whole being. When we become overly concerned about whether we are secure enough, what the neighbors think of us, or which things we are lacking, then we have little to give away to anyone else. However, the Lord wants His people pouring their lives into those who are suffering and hurting. His limitless love releases us to accept others in their present condition. Godly freedom carries responsibility. We are accountable to our brothers and sisters who are in need. If we believe that God has liberated us only for ourselves, then we have missed the point, and we are not truly free. The Lord has saved us, equipped us, and armed us with His love so that we can carry out His universal goal: to bring to everyone the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord. In a complete reversal of the world's system, our freedom is rooted in our obedience to God's purpose for our life. We have a choice to accept His love for us, and we must decide whether or not to communicate that love with others. Will you choose to share His love today?