Do we have freedom or is it licentiousness?

(Audio: Spanish, English) ->Original

SUMMARY: Dr Neil Anderson spoke at a church in Boston about the importance of spiritual warfare and liberation for Christians. He emphasized the need to walk in the spirit and not live under the law or in debauchery. He explained that living under the law leads to feeling cursed and guilty, while living under grace and faith in the power of God leads to freedom and life. He shared a story about a woman who was an expert in nutrition and dieting but still struggled with obesity, illustrating the point that simply knowing what is right or wrong is not enough to overcome sinful behavior.

The speaker discusses the limitations of living under the law and the concept of freedom in Christ. The law cannot give life and can even stimulate sinful passions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking by the spirit and not falling into legalism or licentiousness. The invitation is to come to Jesus and take his yoke upon oneself, finding rest for the soul. The speaker uses the analogy of two oxen pulling a yoke and emphasizes the importance of learning from the experienced ox and taking one day at a time. The speaker also shares a personal story about training a disobedient dog and the importance of being a firm and determined owner.

The speaker talks about their experience with training a disobedient puppy and compares it to our relationship with God. They mention how sheep can be led easily if they are kept moving and how we should listen to God's voice and follow Him. They emphasize the importance of walking in the spirit and having a personal encounter with Jesus. The speaker ends by inviting the listeners to live in the abundant life that Christ has made possible.

Many years ago when I was beginning my ministry, God led me to be concerned about the area of spiritual warfare and liberation, how I as a pastor could help my people to free themselves from the chains and attacks of the enemy. That is a dimension of the Christian life and I understood that this was a dimension for my pastorate as well. Just like preaching and administration and all other things, I understood that this dimension of seeking the liberation of my people and understanding the demonic aspect and evil in their movement in the world and in the church was important to my training as a Shepherd. And God led me to two people, Dr Ed Murphy who wrote a well-known volume called "The Spiritual Warfare Manual" and the writings of Dr Neil Anderson who has been in ministry for a long time and has written dozens of books that literally they have circulated throughout the world teaching and instructing the church in the area of spiritual warfare, counseling, spiritual liberation and all these things that are so important.

And his ministry is very broad, very varied, very multifaceted and this week we had him here with us and he has been a great blessing. I never thought we would have him in our church because he is a man who is in great demand in the US and in other countries around the world as well, but glory to God, we have had a wonderful weekend and now we have the privilege of having him with we. Give a big round of applause to welcome Dr Neil Anderson.