SATURDAY, June 21st, 2008

Yeah! It is Saturday! That means tomorrow is church!! Woo Hoo!!! Arent you excited about it? I hope so! Today is a great passage, I think it will teach you something you never thought about so go ahead and get started!

A Few Thhoughts from yesterday:
Tank: Glad you could join us!
Brooke: I think the words are great! I need to figure out how to fit them into the song... maybe sometime next week I will do that.
PLMA: Love you! Thanks for yesterday! (if you are who I think you are)
Jessica: So did you get it? or not yet?
Slacker: I wouldnt have called you that, but you told me to. Thanks for getting back on! When are ya'll leaving for Tampa?
Josh L: obviously you had Clinophobia last night! What in the world were you up all night on the computer for?? You are crazy! Glad you did your devotions though!


John 8:31-36
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.
36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

This is a smaller passage but it packs a powerful punch! Jesus says: If you abide, stay, live in my word, then you are my disciples! Wow! That is such a complement to so many of you. There are definitely many of you who "abide" in the word every day.

We cannot be disciples, or followers of Christ unless we are abiding in His word! When we do, we learn the truth and the truth of His word sets us free.

Free from what you may ask? Well, the believers that Jesus spoke to asked the same thing: They said, we are not in bondage and never have been. But Jesus said, oh yes you are, you are in the bondage and chains of your sin...

I know exactly what He means there, do you ever feel like you just keep sinning and you cannot stop it. Well, the truth is, before you were saved, you honestly could not stop it. However, when you accepted Christ, you became free from the bondage of sin, and now you dont have to sin...

So why do you? Well, sometimes, we sin because we forget that we have been freed from the bondage of sin and even though we have no chains around us, we still just sit there in prison and pretend like we are back in the bondage of sin.

Jesus Christ alone has the power and ability to set each of us free from our sin. We must stay in His word, and trust that we have been freed from our sin: by doing those things, we can live a much more sinless life...

So many pastors will tell you that you will always sin again, they tell you that there is no way to stop that: but it is not true. We are free from the bondage of sin... Can you go one second without sinning?... ... ... ... Can you go two seconds without sinning?... .... .... .... .... ... .... ... what about three? Four? Five? Sixty? One full minute? 2 minutes? 3, 4, 5, ? 10 minutes? We have been freed from the bondage of sin! How long can you go without sinning?

21 comments:

Jessica M said...

NOMBRE UNO!!! YAH!!!

I have volleyball camp tomorrow I will miss you guys! :)

Sinning, what a variety of meaning that has because you think that maybe you can go awhile without doing such a thing and than your brother or parents come along and do something that can be sooo annoying :) and you sin. Not as easy as we think! Huh?
Jesus is telling them here that the truth shall set them free meaning that if you follow Christ and the truth He has given us for our lives than you will be set free. Set free from what? The bondage of sin. The eternal hell after this life on earth. The very first sin that you EVER committed like when you stole a cookie from the cookie jar after you were told not to, you are a sinner and are deserving of a life without Christ. But because of Christ’s forgiveness and grace we don't have to be separated from Him if we accept His truth.
We need to learn to not let our own pride get in the way. We need to accept that Jesus is the ultimate truth and is the ONLY one who can give meaning to our mixed up lives.


HASTA LA VISTA!!!

Phil said...

Pastor lee, we cancelled it till another time for two reasons 1. you told me to B. we don't have the money
So there you have it and I posted the word of the day today I took a suggestion haha it's very fun and thank you for calling me a slacker! it makes me feel more obligated to do these (idk if that's the word I want but I tried it) today is very discombobulated... el oh el

Then jesus is all like pssh if you do what my word says then you're truly my disciple
and you will know the truth "THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!"
then THEY say we're abraham's descendants and we've never been bonded up before so how can you say "THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!"
then he says whoever has sinned against my father is a slave to sin
and a slave doesn't stay in the house forever, a son does
so if the son (jesus) makes you free, you shsall be free fo' sho'

wow I feel special that i'm second to do my devos and this late in the day too

wow this lightning this morning was right outside my bedroom window

Antidisestablishmentarianism

–noun
opposition to the withdrawal of state support or recognition from an established church, esp. the Anglican Church in 19th-century England.



That's the word of the day today

Anonymous said...

wow it is 11 o clock and only 2 people did there devotions, and I thought I was lazy!!!
So I was sick yesterday and my mouth is all puffy from my spacers! they hurt Like CRAZY but i get my full braces on July 1st (half exicited/half i don't want them!
so like I guess that before we were saved we never could stop sinning and when we do get saved we are free from it! but I guess I lot of people don't understand that when they do get saved so they think now that there "saved" they can go off and do whatever they want because there fine in this world!

Robert J Bellis-Nottingham said...

Well, it depends on how you look at it, I do not even think we as people can truthfully understand all the sin we do. For instance, you aren't suppose to draw blood from anyone, and love them, but when you say or do something to embarrass them, and their face blushes, are you then not drawing their blood? If they are slightly hurt because their face turns red, and you drew the blood to their cheeks. Have you not sinned?

Now I honestly don't think to this degree that is what it means, but what would Jesus do? What would he think? What would God think?

If you point out someones miss fortunes to other people and cause that to happen, what could it mean?

Of course you could go into detail with all of the commandments.
Technically Idology, we really shouldn't be too busy for God, or his house (church) or our parents, because we must respect and obey them, and our spouses.

Disney World, stems a lot of toys and stuffied animals and really technically 'idols' for children because they grow up around all of that and instead of being in church or being read a bible, or spending time with Rightious Christians, they are been giving just tons of the same stuff, and left to be. Theoretically it could be.

Now i'm not saying that I agree that you can't do things like that, or that it is bad. I'm just saying, where do you draw the line, and how do we know for sure?

Simple things like, playing WoW or something instead of church, or going into your room and watching a movie instead of opening your bible for the first time in the day, that's putting wordly things in front of God.

I think that deep down in side, when you're saved, and you're a Christian, you know when you're not following the word, to a very good degree even if you're not an expert and know everything, there is something inside you that tells you HEY stop that!! you should be doing this, and it's our choice to act on that. That is one thing that helps save us from sin and sets us apart from the world of worldly people.

I myself struggle with many of these things. I'd say that I'm a pretty decent Christian, because there is alot of things that I do correct, but equally there are things I do not.

I say it's possible to go for a long time without sinning, even for the best of Christians, but we are only human, and as we strive to be like Jesus, we will most likely fall incredibly short, because this world and the way we live has a huge impact on our lives, and our society has instilled in us, a system that constantly challenges our beliefs and what we know we shouldn't do.

So I would say don't get discouraged if you are having trouble, but pray!!! Pray about it!

Truth, honestly, and forgiveness are very important.
Have a good day everyone
-Rob

Robert J Bellis-Nottingham said...

Well, it depends on how you look at it, I do not even think we as people can truthfully understand all the sin we do. For instance, you aren't suppose to draw blood from anyone, and love them, but when you say or do something to embarrass them, and their face blushes, are you then not drawing their blood? If they are slightly hurt because their face turns red, and you drew the blood to their cheeks. Have you not sinned?

Now I honestly don't think to this degree that is what it means, but what would Jesus do? What would he think? What would God think?

If you point out someones miss fortunes to other people and cause that to happen, what could it mean?

Of course you could go into detail with all of the commandments.
Technically Idology, we really shouldn't be too busy for God, or his house (church) or our parents, because we must respect and obey them, and our spouses.

Disney World, stems a lot of toys and stuffied animals and really technically 'idols' for children because they grow up around all of that and instead of being in church or being read a bible, or spending time with Rightious Christians, they are been giving just tons of the same stuff, and left to be. Theoretically it could be.

Now i'm not saying that I agree that you can't do things like that, or that it is bad. I'm just saying, where do you draw the line, and how do we know for sure?

Simple things like, playing WoW or something instead of church, or going into your room and watching a movie instead of opening your bible for the first time in the day, that's putting wordly things in front of God.

I think that deep down in side, when you're saved, and you're a Christian, you know when you're not following the word, to a very good degree even if you're not an expert and know everything, there is something inside you that tells you HEY stop that!! you should be doing this, and it's our choice to act on that. That is one thing that helps save us from sin and sets us apart from the world of worldly people.

I myself struggle with many of these things. I'd say that I'm a pretty decent Christian, because there is alot of things that I do correct, but equally there are things I do not.

I say it's possible to go for a long time without sinning, even for the best of Christians, but we are only human, and as we strive to be like Jesus, we will most likely fall incredibly short, because this world and the way we live has a huge impact on our lives, and our society has instilled in us, a system that constantly challenges our beliefs and what we know we shouldn't do.

So I would say don't get discouraged if you are having trouble, but pray!!! Pray about it!

Truth, honestly, and forgiveness are very important.
Have a good day everyone
-Rob

HADOKEN!!! said...

This is a short but cool passage. Jesus tells the Jews that when they have heard and believe the truth, they shall be set free. So the Jews reply we are in bondage to noone so how can we be set free? Jesus tells them that when you commit sin you become a slave to it. Jesus said the only way to be set free is through Him.

I think that the application here is to not become a slave to sin. When we commit sin it can make us do things and control us. We must turn to Christ when confronted with sin.

Jessica M said...

YES I GOT MY LICENSE YESTERDAY YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA
I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THAT THOUGHT OF THE DAY WAS REFERING TO ME OOPS :)

weird high school kid said...

Ahhhh today is a wonderful day. First I'm gonna party with the Supples for a while. Then they leave and I party with Alex and David. Then tomorrow I'll party some more.

Sooooooooo Jesus tells us how if we believe in him then we shall be free. I know what it feels like to be a slave when my parents are working me to death when they want the whole house spotless. Meaning 2 days of nonstop cleaning. I can't even take a break for a little bit of t.v. or even go outside. Haha that was a little off topic so pretty much I'm glad to know that I am no longer a slave to sin. Also that means I am a son of god and am going to heaven Yipee.

Hey I just made a blog about glowsticking you guys should totally check it out.

red head said...

i think this says if you follow jesus word you will follow him if you don't your a sinner of course:(

sorry i did them so late:(:(:(:(::(:(:(:(:(:(::(:(::(::(::((::((:(:(:(:

Amy :) said...

If we r not abiding in His word, we r not disciples of Christ. But if we r we r disciples of Christ! thats exiting to know! before you were saved you didnt know this probably u were under the bondage of sin. But when ever you got saved you were let go and are saved by the grace of God.

Anonymous said...

SPEAKIN A LIL FRENCH ON US THERE JESSICA...whoops caps is on...4 a 2nd i thought it was spanish cuz nombre in spanish is NAME-lol- So 4 a 2nd i thought it said NAME ONE-LOL-

Set free from sin...i tend 2 forget that sometimes, BUT im workin on it, as pastor saw w/my song=]

We, b4salvation, r bound 2the chains of our sin.By being saved we're set free & not bound 2 a life in hell.

I read this & that's what i thought, as well as when Pastor Lee said we kinda just sit there in jail even though we've been set free...

y on EARTH WOULD WE DO THAT???That's like accepting a 1way ticket on the train of death that leads 2 our destruction & a life w/Satin.

If we've been set free(believe) we need 2get up out a the ruins of our past & the chains we were ONCE bound 2...If u believe, get outa jail!

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

How true=]

sometimes i DO feel like i cant stop sinning, ive got a few issues of my own.But since i've been doing the blog...ive been learning the truth & it IS setting me free in MANY ways...

Old problems & feelings r goin away, & im getting WAY CLOSER 2 gettin ungrounded.Learning the truth is making me a better person.

i realized i've got CHRIST on my side & w/him next 2 me nothing is impossible & i stay away from sin ALOT better.

im BURSTING outa these chains & setting myself free...& u should 2.If ur saved, get outa jail.If ur not, acceot Christ & he'll set u free...W/Christ on ur side, u can do anything=]

IM A BLUES BROTHER (brooke's bro tyler) said...

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I think it means that if you know the truth which is the bible you can be set free sin just like Jesus said

IM A BLUES BROTHER (brooke's bro tyler) said...

pastor lee sissy called me tank.
im tamk you know that rite?
ok makin popcorn for me and my sissy and wach a movie

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS, JESSICA!!! Now all you have to do is save your money for gas & ins. Btw, let me know when you're on the road & I'll be sure to stay home. JK

On these verses, we are either the slaves of Satan or because Christ has saved us, we are free to be His servants and He is our best friend!!

Mrs. W

Tylermon33 said...

in the begenning of the passage Jesus says if you abide in my word then you are My disciples and you will know My truth and the truth will make you free. then someone says we have never been in bondage and that we don't need to be freed from anything. then Jesus says that since we have committed sin we are in bondage of sin. so to get our of bondage we need to be in God's Word everyday and listen to God because He will lead us in the right path because He has something planned for us in our lives.

Pastor Lee i wont be able to come to church tomorrow and probably wednesday, and i wont be able to do my devotions because i am going to a basketball camp sunday-wednesday and am not getting back until wednesday afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Ok i so totally get this Jesus is asking them if he wants to be his chosen people i think and if they will just obey then they will be.

Rachel☺; said...

ok so im going to write about this tomorrow cause im running on nothingg right now
gnightttttttt

weird high school kid said...

Wow Rachel it was only 2:04 and I'm still up and running.

McCue said...

Well although I can't be at church I can still sing one of my favorite songs. Sunday! Hallelujah its not so far its not so far away. If I were home yesterday id be singing that because I miss church. Anyway so we performed our first show yesterday and it felt great. I haven't been around much lately its been crazy here becaise we're finally on tour but anyway so the passage is about these people who think we are sons of abraham and have never been slaves. They almost treat jesus comment as an insult vut jesus says look if you sin then your are a slave to sin unless you accept me and abide in my word.
Peace peace

Rachel☺; said...

well josh did u babysit at 9am for five hours and then not get home till some later pm hours without a nap all day?
probably not :I
well thats why i wasnt on/didnt have the energy to do these yesterday night (i couldnt do them before i babysat cause we were runnging late) but like always, im here to make em up (:
I think this is the coolest thing to read; that MY life can be amazing and sin-free if i just follow God.
When we are reading His word, we are absorbing the guidelines and instructions on how to live a sinless life.
In a way its good but also bad; we are free from sin... but do it anyways?
Like going to jail; ive never heard anyone say it was super great fantastic. And when they are free of it, would they really just go back to it on their own? "lock me back up please!"
Thats sounds crazy. So, with so much instruction and conviction from God, we can control our sinning, and as much as possible, erase it from our daily life.
Im excited to apply this more because just the other day my mom told me to do something i considered ridiculous and i was refusing to do it because i knew it would hurt me. So being stupid, i went to my room and grumbled and as she kept pushing me to do it, got pretty mad. Just before that, i had done my devotions and was thinking about them in my anger and though, dont get angry at her and just do it, if it hurts, you wont die, so suck it up. just stop arguing.
IDK but that was pretty rare for me because usually if i have an opinion on something, i WILL NOT set it aside for ANYTHING. i think Pastor Lee has witnessed that. When i did that, though, it felt good to be able to tell my mom that i did it anyways and without further complaning.
Sooo instead of that being a once in a lifetime thing, lol, i should practice it much more.
Ohhh yeah! i bought a cell phone the other day so if anyone needs to talk to me;
9419158653

(:

Rachel☺; said...

yeahh a long one (;

Buffalo Wild Wings Reward Activity!! Thanks for being faithful!

Stay Faithful and Join us Next Time!