Though Jesus came with the Good News to set people free, too many times because of the churches rigid man made rules and laws that good News has sadly become bad news. Just as emotional abuse affects one emotionally and physical abuse inflicts pain and bodily injury on its victim, spiritual abuse affects one spiritually. It is the result of a spiritual leader or system that tries to control, manipulate, or dominate a person. This control often comes in the form of fear. It is possible for some to be so determined to defend a spiritual place of authority, a doctrine, or a way of doing things that you wound and abuse anyone who questions or disagrees or doesnt behave spiritually the way that you want them to. When your words or actions tear down another or attack or weaken another persons standing in Christ, to make your self feel better, more spiritual, or to show your authority - that is Spiritual Abuse. Christ has called us to Grace Freedom and Rest. Hebrews 4:9 † There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Too many in the Body of Christ are not encouraging the wounded, struggling people to find the Grace of God and enter into Christs rest, through the Grace of God. Instead of teaching Salvation by Grace through faith, ( Ephesians 2:8 >>For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:), they are taught that they must work for their salvation and if they want to receive anything from God they must perform or do something in order to get Gods blessing. This results in nothing less than a Salvation by Works. Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues. And if these formulas, are questioned those in spiritual authority often feel threatened, and protecting a doctrine or their own position they will turn on the very ones who come to them seeking help. This is what I see and what I have experienced in more than a few denominations, and it is something that I cannot keep quiet about. I have seen too many people hurt to the point of even giving up on God completely. Too many times I have seen people hurt in church. Too many times I have had people come to me for help after someone in the church having no regard for the feelings, or the emotional or spiritual well being of others, have been pushed aside put down, publicly humiliated or outright attacked in order to show anothers Spiritual Power or Authority. Many times those in these positions will try to make others live up to a spiritual standard and this promotes external spiritual performance to prove ones spirituality or standing with God. And those who do not perform or act in a certain way are labeled as powerless Christians or they lack something that God would give them if they would only perform externally. These people attempt to find fulfillment in the religious performance of the very people that they are supposed to serve and build up. This is an inversion of the Body Of Christ. Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 1Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Ephesians 2: 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 † For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Have we forgotten the incredible price that was paid in blood for our freedom in Christ? We have been called to a spiritual life built upon the free gift of Gods grace! Its not about what we do or look like on the outside. This new Christian life begins with freedom from dead works, from religious systems and all human attempts to please God. Its time for many of us to shake off these religious systems and external expectations that we have created, and return to the true joy and freedom in Christ Jesus!!! I know this is a controversial subject but I will be speaking and writing on this a lot more in the future. If you have any questions or comments please contact me. GOD BLESS
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 00:03:30 +0000
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