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Have you ever considered the influence other religions have had on your walk of faith? What defines them as different and what makes them a distraction rather then a help within our spiritual journey?

The struggles that follow every worldly religion on earth are based on a level of devotion to their cause. This often sets into motion a work ethic, as well as a drive to sacrifice time and means for the betterment of the faith. Also don’t forget religious good works are a prerequisite for gaining favor with men, if not an invitation into heaven. And last but not least, religion is always in need of a spiritual deity to add validation.

Of course you maybe catching on early that no two worldly religions are the same and no two faiths support the same principles or goals. How is that possible?

It boils down to understanding the difference between religion and true faith.

Religion is based on man seeking after God, where as true faith is based on God seeking after man (For God so loved the world that He “GAVE”)

If we give thought to the paradox we should automatically recognize that man and his good intentions actually stand in the way of relationship with One God, One faith, One hope and One Father over all. Then again, if Jesus is the proper answer to faith, then too many men and their ideals remain the problem. Yet this conundrum can affect Christianity in a similar fashion.

Too many human opinions within the faith can only mean that man has put his hands on the message and has taken God hostage. This dilemma finds its power due to early Judeo/Christian influence. Let’s begin with a walk through the Old Testament to get our bearings.

The Old Testament showed us a unique example of faith. Beginning with Adam and Eve, a covenant of flesh was established making mankind a sovereign creature over the natural world.

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

For all intents and purposes if the first family had never eaten from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil then mankind’s natural sovereign rule would have continued to be a blessing. However as Adam and Eve experienced defeat they were doing so at the behest of another master. As the saying goes; the Devil basically sold the first family a bridge. From that day forward flesh was now subject to the god of this world and man couldn’t repair the damage that had been done. Simply stated, fleshly man would never again regain dominion over the earth or even over his own flesh; but he certainly hasn’t stopped trying.

You see, taking dominion is still in his blood. However without the glory of God bringing balance and an unshakable standard of truth to his heart and mind man seeks to dominate within his every endeavor. This includes his attempts at returning to a place of favor with the Most High.

The garden event ended an intimate fellowship between God and man. What commenced was a distortion to all things holy and even a greater degree of poor reason within man’s heart. The result was one poor choice led to every man doing what is right in his own eyes. From that day forward humanity would seek to redefine the meaning of life, but also faith.

Early biblical history shows us this deceptive rise in religious thinking. We could site;

• Cain who brought an unacceptable sacrifice before the Lord.
• Balaam enticing the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord.
• Moses’ sister Merriam questioning his authority.
• Korah rising up with 250 Israelite men to oppose Moses and Aaron.

We also see how religious motives breed a destructive unity in the faith. A misguided attempt to reach heaven on man’s own terms explains what went wrong at the Tower of Babble. This unity in spirit motivates large people groups to come under the control of a single leader (Nimrod). Likewise such unity allows a demonic power to rule the narrative. From modest beginnings, every step deeper into any religious captivity reinforces ownership as well as a level of corporate spiritual blindness.

For this reason and for mercy sake, God Most High would seek to redeem mankind back from the error of his ways. The road to redemption would offer two paths for gaining renewal:

1. Of first importance “faith” found a convert in Abraham. As God came to test Abraham’s devotion, his willingness to trust the Most High with his own son’s life; became a righteous act acceptable unto God.

2. Secondly “works” gained precedence with the implementation of the Law of Moses. This was significant in that it showed mankind a standard of righteousness that must be adhered to if man were ever to gain acceptance.

Both of these paths to righteousness were ordained of God; yet only Jesus/Yeshua was able to succeed in fulfilling both. It is for this reason that we now define ourselves as “Christian”; or more to the point, we find ourselves in Christ and dependent on His accomplishments in order to be saved. Let me reemphasize our place of standing; for those that receive the free gift of salvation Jesus spiritually hides us away within Himself signifying He is the Head and we are His body. Likewise as a new creation we are also spiritually hidden with Christ in God.

The differences that we find within faith have us either responding as a child of flesh or a child walking by the Spirit. For this reason we ask:

• Are you an Old Testament saint or a New Testament saint?
• Are you an Old Testament prophet or a New Testament prophet?
• Are you faithful to the Father’s Old Testament books, yet bypassing the Son’s New Testament provision?
• Does spiritual gifting emanate from your flesh or is it from the Holy Spirit within?

This last point brings awareness to how within the Old Testament even the Holy Spirit did not enter the saints, but came upon them. This is also true for how the Old Testament prophetic voice was inspired or how the power of the Lord came on Elijah. In each case man’s natural authority was being honored. Remember everything that relates to the Old Testament is about the dominion of man’s natural fleshly rule.

This brings up another valid question;

Does the Christian keep the law by fleshly means or is it by the Spirit?

Christians of today may delight in trying to control and prosper through natural strength; yet when we speak of such an attempt we are measuring success by “good and evil” standards; a significant hindrance to life by the Spirit.

If you recall, God pointed out that man did not need the “Tree” to be in right standing with Him. Mankind was initially held within the glory of a Holy God. Yet by choice Adam and Eve disobeyed and became subject to condemnation. Hence fallen humanity measures by faulty good and evil standards; one man’s good is often another man’s evil. This is also what it means to be double minded; as long as we delve into a natural way of thinking and acting, we are obligated to measure all things by good and evil standards. For emphasis let me say; we literally hold within our mind and heart a room for good rationale and another room for evil rationale. In essence we are trying to take dominion by keeping a good and evil law, or better said a law of our hearts. Paul the Apostle says it like this:

Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.

This doesn’t free us of sin or bad habits, but rather it causes us to eventually falter. Did the Old Testament Law go away? No, its still there, but to this day it measures those that remain outside of the life of the Savior.

So here’s a question worth asking; as a new creation in Christ are we hidden away in God’s good and evil nature? Absolutely not! Good and evil does not properly explain our Righteous and Just King. But it does explain the nature and character of every religious god. I bring this to light because the struggle that encompasses many a believer is based on having to walk a religious tight rope. Yet as long as good and evil is the standard failure is assured.

Pardon the pun, but Christians are full of themselves. Through previous associations and experiences of life they have become a law unto themselves. There is literally no room for more of Jesus, if in fact they remain obligated to serve fleshly reason; the proverbial cup is full. Hence we give no thought to a gospel that changes ownership of our minds and hearts.

From start to finish the gospel is about “out with the old and in with the new”. This leads us into a relationship with the Spirit of God who provides new purpose and direction in life and in faith. And just as profound this gospel continues to clean house every time we remain stuck in fallen antics. Paul explains it like this:

Romans 8:12 -15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear (To the law – Romans 8:1-2) again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

What does Paul mean “put to death the misdeeds of the body by the Spirit” Our way to freedom from the law of our hearts as well as freedom from so many religious antics is found at the Cross.

When Jesus died on the Cross He was taking humanity in to death with Him. No, we didn’t die physically; but rather we were supernaturally brought into Jesus’ own death so that we can know His life.

We read in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Make no mistake we are not creating new doctrines to live by, but rather talking about fundamental principles that are found in salvation.

It’s the same Savior, the same Holy Spirit, the same death in Christ, and the same separation from the flesh, the world and the Devil.

And just like salvation we then experience the same newness of life on the other side of our confession. All that is required of us is a willingness to let Jesus decide whether we are really living within the life of His Spirit or being distracted by religious rhetoric.

What does it mean to walk by the Holy Spirit?

It means we let Him make changes “for us” as well as “in us”. All deliverance in Jesus and by the Holy Spirit begins by resolving spiritual matters within us. That means firstly renewing a right spirit within us (Gaining newness in Christ). But also in resolving where we’ve been playing around in the world. What then follows is valuable transformation in physical, emotional, intellectual ways. Only then can we respond to the gentle leading and counsel of our God and King.

Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

This should inspire us to ask;

What do we place in front of knowing Jesus as LORD?

This may actually be the deepest well of all. You see, we have allowed a natural world to define who we are. In this environment we have come to rely upon earthly experiences to have a say in our development. They’ve been able to pull us around by the nose and set improper boundaries for how we should live, move and have our being. This includes the improper influence of people and organizations alike that may seem benevolent, but are just as stuck as we have been in a natural world. Even the Devil has had a say in determining our direction in life and faith since we have on occasion played around in his kingdom.

Now we don’t want to dismiss that salvation has made all things new. However the day “after salvation” doesn’t mean we automatically stop thinking and acting upon natural impulses. In this regard if we are listening, or better said, responding to a new standard of righteousness and holiness; we begin to avoid reigniting many of these old fallen patterns. Yet realistically flesh will at times have its way with us. When the world wins these fleshly battles they begin to define us; even redirect our steps away from the counsel of the Holy Spirit. This brings into view what the Apostle Paul once wrote:

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

We often view this scripture as directed at those in ministry who lay foundation from behind a pulpit. Yet each individual redeemed by the blood of the Lamb has been brought into the Body of Christ and serves with true kingdom purpose. It is for this reason we want to be conscious of our own “foundations”; what have we placed in front of our devotion to Jesus Yeshua?

As it stands the signs of the times suggest that God is letting all men gain the desires of their heart.

• If it’s lust; then lust owns the whole man.
• If it’s wealth; then wealth consumes us.

But what if its politics? What if it’s a want of worldly leadership? What if it’s the Old Mosaic covenant and ritual? What if its religion or even a misapplied doctrine that we think can save us?

These activities “in the name of god” actually become a physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual stronghold which leads to blindness within our Christian journey.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Can we return to just wanting Jesus? Is there a way back to Him and to the foundation of One God and One Lord?

Yes. It begins with rededicating our lives to Him apart from any want of worldly support. Secondly we can take our many idols to the Cross and allow the Holy Spirit to free us of our enslavement to these things. And quite frankly only He knows how to release the heart so that we can serve in the new way of the Spirit.

For those that heed the call and want to start throwing off the shackles of a compromised way of life; here’s a simple prayer.

Application

God, on my behalf; I repent for loving the world more then loving You;

• Test by the Cross and by the Holy Spirit where I have been worshiping my self and my own wants and desires.
• Test by the Cross and by the Holy Spirit where I have been worshiping (name it).
• Test by the Cross and by the Holy Spirit where I am a slave to its physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual bondage.
• Test by the Cross and by the Holy Spirit where I am “improperly” subject to the will of men and organizations that hold me captive to the same strongholds.
• Judge by the Cross the spiritual realm associated with these issues.

Jesus, You are the resurrection power that now saves me and makes me new.

If you want to learn more about freedom in Christ, then ask for the free PDF books that are available.

Out from the Shadow of Other Gods

Every Christian is desperate for a true relationship and life changing experience with God, but our most prevalent model of success and failure has been religion. The things that have been taught us have had more to do with man’s search for meaning, rather than in God showing us His ways. There is a place where religion dies and genuine relationship begins. The first in a series, the author provides a platform for change and a simple yet powerful way out from the trappings of humanities religion. Ministering with honor to the pastor as well as to the prodigal and revealing a surprising bounty of Jesus in every page. Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and renewed in your walk of faith.

The Shadow of the Spiritual

Got Spirit?

That’s an interesting question, but after two thousand years of Christian history, maybe we should be asking “which spirit?” Though the Christian faith has been provided with a sure foundation in Christ, our propensity to get worldly or even religious has actually pushed us past safe boundaries. There is a quagmire of spiritual alternatives all vying for our attention, yet none of them has anything to do with a true faith in Jesus. “The Shadow of the Spiritual” is meaty, thought provoking, in-depth look into the rising tide of spiritual pollution within the Church. Its lingering effects remain oppressive and damaging to any believer who desires a pure expression of relationship with the Son of God. This self help book is a must read for any Christian wanting to understand how improper spiritual connections get formed, fed and how unhealthy spiritual bondage gets passed around. Yet, by embracing a simple biblical truth, we can separate ourselves from all sorts of added trouble. The second in a series, the author provides a platform for change and a simple yet powerful way out from the trappings of humanities many fallen exploits.

Lord I Want To Change!

Is It time for a change? The Christian life is not always an easy life. Though we are assured that all things have become new, “New life” may end up looking a lot like the old one. This is due to our inability to properly transition away from certain worldly influences. A growing number of our troubles include the weight of family dysfunction, years of social conditioning and any number of personal failures remaining a black mark on our record. All of these issues have a tendency to warp our sense of “self” and we walk through life emotionally crippled; yet Jesus has other plans for us. The Bible provides the Christian a “get out of jail free card”. Jesus offers us a simple and effective way of escape out from the trappings of a difficult past. If you have ever wondered whether there is more to the Christian life, then get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and set free in your walk of faith.

For Free PDF Version for any or all of the books send an E-mail message to

gordon@shadow-free.com

In the “subject” heading abbreviate the title of the book you want.

Out from the Shadow of Other Gods = OFS

The Shadow of the Spiritual = SOS

Lord I Want To Change = LWC

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