During my childhood I had a good reason to obey my parents and teachers – fear of punishment.  While that can be a deterrent to choosing evil in order to avoid disastrous consequences, it is purely a self-focused motivation to obey – so that I might avoid unpleasant consequences. Unfortunately, this same fear-based motivation has plagued me over the years as a Christian in my motivation to obey God.  I want to avoid pain and His displeasure.   This again is a reason based on how it profits me.  And, while it can......

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In Galatians Paul describes the effect of the Gospel in terms of our freedom.  “For freedom Christ has set you free.”  But what are we free from? Here are a few freedoms the Gospel makes possible for those who believe in Jesus: I am free from failure for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) I am free from want for “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) I am free from fear for “God did not give......

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