I didn’t think I needed to read, Breaking the Bondage of Legalism (Harvest House, 2003) as I thought that I was already free from legalism. However as Neil Anderson, Rich Miller and Paul Travis discussed this subject in depth, I realized that legalism still had a hold on me. Prior to writing the book the authors undertook a survey and discovered that legalism not only had a hold on the majority of Christians but most were oblivious in its impact on their thinking. Therefore the first part of the book is devoted to looking at what legalism is and how it impacts our thinking while the second part is concerned with being free.
It is an important truth that the authors present as we so easily fall into the trap of thinking we are pleasing God by what we are doing and yet our attitudes can be very ungodly. Legalism pulls us into pride when we keep our self-imposed standards and shames us when we don’t. Neither result is God’s intention.
Breaking the Bondage of Legalism is easy to read and apply, with lots of personal illustrations.
Technorati Tag: Breaking the Bondage of Legalism
Wow sounds like a good read. I might have to look it up.
Wow sounds like a good read. I might have to look it up.
Hi Susan,
I have been faithfully reading your site, but not many comments though. This book sounds a lot like where Jon and I have ended up in our studies. That following God, is not following the “RULES” that any organized church have given. But by study and following the impressions God lays on your heart. Those are from the holy spirit. If you take those impressions to the church, they will give you their filtered view of it by showing you verses that, when interpreted throught their doctrine, show you how you should follow their rules. We believe that this is not God’s intention. But that you interpret these things on your own, and obey God as you see fit. That is how you use the unique talents that he has given you. For only God knows why he has given them to you.
Hi Susan,
I have been faithfully reading your site, but not many comments though. This book sounds a lot like where Jon and I have ended up in our studies. That following God, is not following the “RULES” that any organized church have given. But by study and following the impressions God lays on your heart. Those are from the holy spirit. If you take those impressions to the church, they will give you their filtered view of it by showing you verses that, when interpreted throught their doctrine, show you how you should follow their rules. We believe that this is not God’s intention. But that you interpret these things on your own, and obey God as you see fit. That is how you use the unique talents that he has given you. For only God knows why he has given them to you.
lol Hmmm better look into this one
lol Hmmm better look into this one
Thanks everyone for the comments.
I’ve been thinking about your comments, Nate. I agree that we need to follow God’s direction rather than a set of man invented rules. I have often felt disillusioned with the organized church however I personally feel God would have me persevere with it, as I don’t feel that He has given up on it.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Sometimes I think the organized church is one of the weak, foolish things!
Thanks everyone for the comments.
I’ve been thinking about your comments, Nate. I agree that we need to follow God’s direction rather than a set of man invented rules. I have often felt disillusioned with the organized church however I personally feel God would have me persevere with it, as I don’t feel that He has given up on it.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Sometimes I think the organized church is one of the weak, foolish things!
2 thoughts.
1. How cool someone with a last name of Travis….imagine if he has a male child …he could be called “Travis Travis” now i understand the phrase double trouble.
2. All churches are tainted with legalism. Because the people in them are tainted with legalism. Even if i go and start a church with no rules it would still have aspects of legalism…(Rule 1 would be that your not allowed to have rules here). The point is we are not going to find or create a church that is perfect.
But God does want to redeem us, our society and yes our churches and free us from legalism. I don’t see how someone can make the church better by not being part of it.
2 thoughts.
1. How cool someone with a last name of Travis….imagine if he has a male child …he could be called “Travis Travis” now i understand the phrase double trouble.
2. All churches are tainted with legalism. Because the people in them are tainted with legalism. Even if i go and start a church with no rules it would still have aspects of legalism…(Rule 1 would be that your not allowed to have rules here). The point is we are not going to find or create a church that is perfect.
But God does want to redeem us, our society and yes our churches and free us from legalism. I don’t see how someone can make the church better by not being part of it.