Legalism

Written by Joyce C. Lock


Within Christian circles is knownrepparttar term "legalism." We know it when we see it, couldn't possibly be guilty of it, but know someone who is. When pressed to define it,repparttar 126893 bottom line answer is, "Not what we're doing."

What makes this word so unthinkable? We can confess to lies, cheating, stealing, adultery, gossiping, and more. But, no way could "we" ever fall prey to legalism.

Perhaps we need to feel superior to each other. Though, surely we're not claiming superiority overrepparttar 126894 great men of old!?! The Apostle Paul had terrible time overcoming legalism and wasn't too proud to admit it.

So, what is legalism (?) ... any custom, routine, obligation, service, regulation, or deed performed to win God's acceptance and favor. The Pharisees were great at it. Paul gave a simple definition. He called it "confidence inrepparttar 126895 flesh" and "having our own righteousness" (Ph. 3:4,9) ... as if there's anything we could possibly do to measure up to God.

What Kingdom Builders Know ...

Written by Joyce C. Lock


(How to Build a Lighthouse)

Kingdom builders know thatrepparttar temple is within each and every one of you who are God's children and that it can only be built by discoveringrepparttar 126892 passions of your soul, listening forrepparttar 126893 Spirit, then believing God; providingrepparttar 126894 necessary tools (torepparttar 126895 extent God equips) to meet your need and or to aid in accomplishing your calling, and to encourage you in taking steps toward becoming all God created you to be ... to be your heavenly cheerleaders.

Is not thisrepparttar 126896 fast that I have chosen? to looserepparttar 126897 bands of wickedness, to undorepparttar 126898 heavy burdens, and to letrepparttar 126899 oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

Thus saithrepparttar 126900 Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Exodus 8:1

To do anything less is to sit upon God's throne.

To subvert a man in his cause,repparttar 126901 Lord approveth not. Lamentations 3:36

In essence, Kingdom builders know to do whatever it takes to lift up God's chosen.

God hath chosenrepparttar 126902 foolish things ofrepparttar 126903 world to confoundrepparttar 126904 wise; and God hath chosenrepparttar 126905 weak things ofrepparttar 126906 world to confoundrepparttar 126907 things which are mighty. 1 Co. 1:27

Also knowing where to place their faith ...

Becauserepparttar 126908 foolishness of God is wiser than men; andrepparttar 126909 weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Co. 1:25

Exceptrepparttar 126910 LORD buildrepparttar 126911 house, they labour in vain that build it: exceptrepparttar 126912 LORD keeprepparttar 126913 city,repparttar 126914 watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Th. 5:24

Kingdom builders know to berepparttar 126915 door opener, as talents multiply once doors are opened, then applied.

Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. Matthew 25:22

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