No Condemnation

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, NKJV)

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... Depending on the version of the Bible, that's basically all that verse says. And, some people just stop there with that part of the scripture verse whether they have read another version. However, when we look at the NKJV, there is a lot more to that scripture verse. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who don't walk according to the flesh [which is the old, sinful nature] but according to the spirit [which is the new, born-again nature]. There are people within the body of Christ who unfortunately still walk according to their old, carnal, fleshly ways. Partly due to spiritual immaturity. Partly due to lack of spiritual knowledge (See Hosea 4:6a). Basically, due to not daily renewing the mind on God's word though (See Romans 12:2).

Make sure to read this entire scripture verse in a good translation, so you will really know and understand what the author means and wants the reader to see with their spiritual eyes of faith.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [new spiritual identity] who do not walk [live] according to the flesh [the old, carnal nature] but according to the spirit [the new nature].

For all of those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. The Holy Spirit never brings condemnation but only conviction---conviction of the righteousness which comes through faith in Jesus. The Son of God traded His righteousness for all people’s original unrighteousness on the cross. He became the propitiation for all people’s sins in the world. The conviction of righteousness means that all believers in Jesus Christ spiritually know, understand, and discern that they need to do better, because they now know better by the spirit of God.


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Loved by God

Many people in the world do not know that they are loved by God.  Believe it or not...There are many believers today within the body of Christ that do not truly know that they are loved by God.

Not too long ago, I completed a Bible study with a group of ladies at my local church.  In one of the video lessons, the Bible teacher wanted everyone to know that they were loved by God.  In fact, she had us to do an exercise where we would tell each other in our small group..."You are loved by God."

The Apostle Paul was one of the most bold, courageous believers in Biblical times.  In some of his letters to different churches, he wrote and spoke about being loved by God.  He also encouraged other believers to know that they were loved by God.

Let's take a look at specific portions of some of those letters to other believers in a few of the churches back then.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  (Galatians 2:19-20, NIV)

Paul understood that God not only loved him but gave Himself up for him.  Because of that revelation, this apostle knew that he wasn't his own.  He put his faith in Jesus and lived for God.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul spoke about the Father's love for them.

"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 1:7, NIV)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled together throughout the region of Thessalonica.

In their letters to fellow believers, they also spoke about God's love for them. 

"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV) 

"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NIV) 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

Do you know that you are loved by God?  Believe and receive the Father's love for you.  You are loved by God!

Repeat after me, "I am loved by God."

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Magnitude of the Cross

[Watch this excerpt video for the purpose of this lesson. *Note: This is a graphic portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Therefore, please be aware that it may be too graphic for anyone under the age of 21 to view this video.]

 

The Passion of the Christ

This portrayal from the movie, The Passion of the Christ, was only a portion of what our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ endured for us as believers.  And, it still doesn't fully depict all that He went through upon the Cross of us.  However, hopefully, you will gain some insight and a better understanding of His suffering for us through this depiction.

Now, some people within the body of Christ do not understand the magnitude of the Cross.  I am not saying that I, or anyone, can fully understand it.  The more we better understand it though, the more it will cause all of us to live a holy life just like Jesus.  He literally lived a holy and sinless life, and He lives within every believer today.  Therefore, it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit for believers to also live a holy and sinless life. 

Unfortunately, there are some people in the church as a whole who think since Jesus already died on the Cross for them----it gives them a so-called license to sin.  That is not true.  That is not the case.  I am here to tell you, "No!  Stop it!  Stop sinning against God, yourself, and others!"

It is unacceptable for believers in Jesus Christ to look and act like the rest of the world.  We are called to be set apart from the world.  We are in this world but not of this world.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."  (Romans 12:2a, NIV) 

When all believers get a better grasp of the Cross, people will live a more holy life like Jesus Christ Himself.  He took on all of our sins on Himself.  He bore it once and for all.  (Hebrews 7:27)  Therefore, we are forgiven of all sin.  

That doesn't mean to be flippant (meaning: disrespectful, shallow) about it though. It doesn't give us permission to sin.  It means we should want to live more for Him---honor Him, resemble Him---be holy.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15, NIV)

What does the word 'holy' mean?  According to scripture, it means that we conduct ourselves in a Godly way.  We don't knowingly and willfully sin against God, ourselves, and/or others.  We yield to and follow the Spirit of God.  (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18)  We obey God's word---His truth.  We walk in that truth.  We live it out in this world.  (1 John 4:17) 

That's what it means to live a holy life before God, ourselves, and others. 


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Let Jesus Out!

I have observed members of the body of Jesus Christ quenching the Spirit of God in their lives.  (1 Thessalonians 5:19)  I have also experienced the effects of it myself because of others' poor choices.  Perhaps, you also have observed it and experienced it yourself.  After all, we each affect one another when we are a part of the body of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Because believers do not obey God's word, they are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  They are not becoming more like Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, some Christians are becoming less like Him.

They choose to give into the flesh or the old sinful nature.  It's a shame.  It's disturbing.  It's sad.  Perhaps, they don't realize that they are a new creation.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Most of all, it's disobedient to God and His word.  It dishonors Him and does not glorify Him at all.  One of the main purposes is for His children to honor and glorify Him.  (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Timothy 1:17)

I want to say to those people within the body, "Let Jesus Out!"  Let Him live in and through you.  (Romans 6:1-14)  Allow Him to change you from the inside out.

Of course, it takes a daily renewal of the mind for all believers to experience the transformation.  (Romans 12:2)  We cannot be slack about being true followers and disciples of Jesus Christ.  It takes time, effort, communication, and an on-going relationship with Him. 

The more we spend time with Him---communing with Him---the more we will look and act like Him.  Make sure that you have let Jesus into your heart and life.  (Romans 10:9-10)  Then, you can definitely "Let Jesus Out!"

Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

“Who do you say I am?"

"Who do the crowds say I am?"  (See Luke 9:18)

‎"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  (See Luke 9:20)

Jesus posed a few questions that day to his disciples. One particular question stands out though. He asked his disciple, Peter…

"Who do you say I am?"

It is a very important question too! Have you ever thought about it?

"Who do you say I am?"

Just think, consider, and ponder that question for a minute.

Who do others say you are? Who do you say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are? Most importantly, who does your Heavenly Father say you are?

You may say…Who cares what other people say? Correct? Well, that is the way it should be in this world. However, that is not always the case.

Many people care what other people think or say. It is human nature. However, God wants us to care less about what people in this world think or say and care more about what He thinks and says about us.

Admittedly, it is hard though, when you are bombarded with all kinds of audio and video in this world that sends out messages to the contrary. All of the media with its advertisements of what you should look like physically, what you should wear, what you should think, what you should say…

Unfortunately, society plays a huge part in us and in our lives. However, God wants us as believers to be in this world but not of this world (See John 15:19, 17:16; 1 John 2:15). That in itself is difficult at times unless you totally isolate yourself from the world. That, of course, is not very possible.

Even if it was possible, it is not good to be isolated from one another for very long. After all, God tells us not to forsake the assembling as some do.  We, as His children, need each other. We are not made to be separate from each other. We are all part of the body of Christ. In order to properly work together, we are dependent on one another (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

That is only one reason that it is so important to renew your mind is God’s word (See Romans 12:2).

Who do you say you are? Who does your Heavenly Father say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are?

‎"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (See Luke 9:20)

Most importantly, who does Jesus Christ say you are?  After all, He is the Son of God!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.