Pastor Jim & Lori Bakker and the Students from Morningside Master’s Media discuss Freedom for Day 6 on The Jim Bakker Show.
Quotes
Freedom to destroy other people’s freedom is not freedom. It becomes bondage. -Pastor Jim Bakker
Narrative
Pastor Jim went further into the subject of freedom, returning to Galatians 5. He continued outlining how social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter serve as “parodies of community,” a phrase used in verses 19-21 of The Message translation of the Bible. He reminded that the Bible commands Christians to assemble together in person, a practice that assists in building the friendships that people will need to survive the coming days of trouble. “Social networking will not help you when the power’s out,” he said, adding that misusing the freedom God grants will result in a believer losing out on the Kingdom of God, as stated in verse 21.
Preachers regularly expound on the fruits of the spirit, as listed in Gal. 5:22-23 in traditional Bible translations, but Pastor Jim favors the modern day language found in The Message version: “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
He called upon Lori to detail her life experiences with unhealthy romances, an abusive marriage and several abortions, as an example of how “free” love and living result in emotional and physical scars. They also caused the destruction of her life long dream to bear her own children. She recalls that, at 17 years old, her fiance beat her the night before their wedding, and although police told her she needed to get out of the relationship, she chose to stay. When Pastor Jim asked her why, she shared it stemmed from immature thinking, lack of a positive father figure in her life, and the fact that she did not want to lose the love she believed she had.
From that time until the age of 22, she underwent five abortion procedures, but in the last one, the doctors left parts of the baby in her womb. This resulted in difficulties that later forced her to undergo surgery to rectify the mistake the doctors made. In the end, the damage required removal of all her reproductive organs. Although she still grieves at times, Pastor Jim said God has healed his wife, and because of her commitment to living His way, has now blessed them both with a family of eight adopted children, to take the place of those she lost. Her story ending, he said, provides a living example of the serenity and exuberance for life mentioned in the above verses.
In contrast, Pastor Jim remembered days of working in the ghettos and observing how many young people, who lived a “free” life of drugs, drinking, sex, crime and ,looked much older than their years. Living contrary to God’s way stole from them, not only their innocent, youthful appearances, but any zest for life. Nehemiah says, however, that righteous living will fill the hearts and lives of believers with the “joy of the Lord,” which becomes the strength which guides them.
Scriptures
Hebrews 10:25 KJV Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Galatians 5:21 MSG the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.
Galatians 5:13 MSG It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.
Galatians 5:22 MSG But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
Psalm 98:4 KJV Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Galatians 5:22-23 NCV But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.
Galatians 5:23 MSG not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
Proverbs 25:28 NIV Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
