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Beware of the Religious Spirit of BONDAGE
The Bible emphatically declares: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 The “yoke of slavery” Paul was referring to is the yoke of religious law. In this particular case,..
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What Is LEGALISM and Its Four “Limbs”?
Here’s a summary of general legalism and its four “limbs”: General Legalism refers to legalism in general. It’s an obsession with legalities and could just as well be described as law-ism or rule-ism. It’s the emphasis on the outer at the expense of the inner. As such, outward conformity..
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Can Believers Have TATTOOS, PIERCINGS and ODD HAIRCUTS?
Can believers have tattoos, piercings and odd haircuts and, if so, how far can they take it? How much is too much? Where do local assemblies draw the line in regard to style & dress at their services? Such questions naturally bring up connecting topics, such as the Christian’s ‘witness‘..
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Do Believers Need a “Spiritual COVERING”?
Anyone who takes the initiative to step out in faith and do something in service of God’s kingdom will inevitably hear criticisms like: “Who’s your covering?” “Who are you accountable to?” “You’re not one of us!” Those who voice such criticisms are curiously upset that someone’s actively doing the work..
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Why Wasn’t God Pleased With CAIN’S OFFERING?
Let’s read the passage in question: Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor..
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LEGALISM Creates Sheeple; CHRISTIANITY Creates Unique People
Because religious legalism is obsessed with outward adherence to the letter of the law and “the letter kills” (2 Corinthians 3:6), it typically creates either automaton-like sheeple or prune-faced authoritarians; it can’t produce unique people who are freed-up and full of the life and love of the LORD. Consider some..
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Is There Such a Thing as RIGHTEOUS ANGER?
We tend to look down on anger and for good reason in light of passages like these: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Proverbs 29:22..
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LEGALISTS Are Obsessed With the LETTER of the LAW
Legalists by definition are obsessed with strict adherence to the letter of the law, whether the rule in question is biblical or extrabiblical. This would include things they feel the Lord instructed them to do or not do. A good example from the New Testament is when the Pharisees objected..
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Beware of Developing a Religious SPIRIT OF FAMILIARITY
A religious “spirit of familiarity” is when a believer develops a go-through-the-motions manner concerning God and the things of God, including things related to church & ministry. Take, for instance, a pastor who has a “go through the motions” manner. How does a minister of God fall into such a..
