Law is a Burden

This post is from my notes as Pastor Allan ministered Sunday Morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law can be a Burden

A meeting has been called to thank God for preserving our city when a few months back there was a warning of eminent danger of the dam breaking and flooding our land.

God desires to pour out his mercy on this region and he wants to flood us with spiritual blessings.  God wants to move in our city by His Spirit.

It seems at times I can only take in so much of his pouring out of his Spirit.

Jesus was asked a question by the religious leaders; “Why aren’t your disciples fasting?”  Jesus replied, they have no need to fast while I am with them, but later on they will fast.

God’s plan of redemption began way before the cross and continues after the resurrection.  It is mind boggling to realize that God had a plan even before Adam and Eve.  Because of His love and His knowledge of man’s heart, his plan was to redeem mankind.  Jesus was willing to become the volunteer to complete God’s purpose.

God gives us opportunity to repent and follow His Word.

The book of Romans reveals that we are IN/Christ and the “Law” does not affect the Christian.  The Law is for the unbeliever.

God loves us regardless of our situation, and he draws us to follow Jesus and walk a holy life.  Jesus simplified the law by saying that we are to love God and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. 

If we are not bound by the law, then why do we impose the Law upon others?  If we are not careful, we take God’s Word and make it impossible to follow Jesus.  There is a natural balance in following Christ.  Not too far in either direction or we get off kilter. Keep the balance.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  Romans 6:1-2  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

To continue to live in sin is nonsense and an absolutely NOT.

Pastor says, he grew up in a strict church with many rules, and as a teen ager, he rebelled.  It was later he realized it was a relationship with Jesus that he needed.

Keeping rules can be bondage, and become a “religious spirit.”  Following culture, tradition and rules can lead to bondage.  Understand that those in other lifestyles and other cultures, are loved by God and He desires them to discover truth in His Word. If we aren’t careful, we can push seekers away.

Romans 14:1-5   Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  Who are you to judge one another?

One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.  But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord.” 
So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

God may not require of me what He requires of you.  We must be careful not to put a stumbling block in the way of others.  What you allow in your life may be an offense to others.  Don’t destroy your brothers with your careless living.

In stead of judging others, it is time to worry about yourself and to get your own house in order.

Nothing is unclean of itself, but if you are convicted of the thing, they you should abstain.  It is important for your life to be an example to those who are weak.  You are responsible first for yourself and then for others. 

Some things that we know are certainly and morally wrong, and other things are excusable.  Be careful not to break off relationship with your friend because they are still bound and you are free.  Love them and pray for them, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict them. 

Pastor interjected:  I know some Godly ministers who still smoke cigarettes.

If God tells you NOT to do something, then stay away from it.  I Corinthians 6:12  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Some things may be “legal,” but they are not appropriate and I will not be pulled under the power of it.

The body is not for sexual immorality, but the boy is for the Lord, therefore glorify God in your body.

May God convict individuals without judgment, but gently reveal how to walk holy before God.  Not with a spirit of Religion (law) but a spirit of surrender to the will of God.  Allow your head knowledge to become heart knowledge and more Godly minded.

Be a person who wants more of God, Discover for yourself what God wants from you.  I challenge you to read the Bible for yourself, and allow him to give you new wine skins.