We read what Paul wrote to the Galatians, how possible it is for believers within the new covenant to still be held by old beliefs. Let us examine how the old covenant’s spirit of bondage can persist even within the new covenant’s promise of freedom.  In the home of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac are both found. Ishmael born of a slave, and Isaac born of a free woman. Isaac was born through the promise and the power of God.  Ishmael lived for a time, then he was cast out, as Isaac was to be heir of all. Paul held up this picture to the Galatians of the life they were leading.  Many trusted the flesh which proved to lead them captive to sin, and to NOT live in the freedom of the new covenant.  Only through FAITH in the PROMISES and the mighty quickening POWER of GOD could they be made truly and fully free.   In the study of the two covenants, we shall see how the one causes the wobbly, feebleness of our professed faith in Jesus. The other, victory over the flesh.

This is written to encourage readers to take a decisive step into the Abiding Power and Full Devotion in Christ. The curtain was torn as Jesus gave up His Spirit so that we can have the power to live and walk always with the consciousness of God’s presence in us. The high priest in Jerusalem did not have the liberty of daily access into the Father’s presence. Throughout the church today, there are two classes of Christians. Many are content to live a mingled life of half flesh and half spirit, half self-effort and half grace. Others are not content with this, and they continue to seek God to know the full abiding power in their daily walk.  God help us all to be satisfied with nothing less. In the life of every believer, a crisis comes. None more clearly marked as their conversion. Many proclaim death to their dreams and goals as they desire to surrender all. Others get baptized and return to their inferior ways without consulting the Spirit of God within. The transition from ‘who I once was, to who God called me to be’ has been called the second blessing. This ultimate blessing should be taught to believers as His way of deliverance from the ordinary life of a Christian — the hearts desire is to abide in fellowship with God with a focused devotion to His kingdom. Stride Abiding

What may we expect from being led by the Spirit of God? Why was it that God made two covenants, not one and not three? Because there were two parties concerned. In the first covenant, MAN was to PROVE what he COULD DO and what he was. In the second, GOD would show what HE could do. The former was the time of need and preparation. The latter, the time of divine fulfillment. Proverbs tells us to get understanding. Wisely the faithful seek to be filled by the Spirit of God just as it was needed following Pentecost. Conversion makes of a sinner a child of God, who was full of ignorance and weakness. Without any conception of what the whole heart of devotion that God asks, or the full possession God is ready to take of them. In some cases, the transition from the elementary stage is by a gradual growth and enlightenment by reading the Bible. But in the great majority of cases, this healthy growth is not found. To those who yet stumble even after all their best efforts and intentions, that the same sin prevents peace in God, this post is intended to give HOPE.  What is needed to help seeking souls to take that step is very simple. We must see and confess the sin of a life lived by its own understanding. One must see and believe in the life which scripture holds out, which Jesus promises to work and maintain unto completion. Striving in our own wisdom and strength, exhsusted, we dare to surrender all to Jesus.

Confessing and giving up all that is of self and sin, we gladly yield wholly to Christ and His service. We believe and receive a new power to live life by the faith of the Son of God. The positive relief is clear, and marked by God as wonderful. Let us stand in the freedom with which Christ has made us. Pray: “Thank You Lord for the grace, and for all that I did not understand without the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. I choose to surrender all so that I can be led by the Spirit in me. I am not in control of how people respond to the Gospel, and I gladly allow the Spirit to work in them. Father, cover my home and family with Your protection and supply.”