Is Anything Free?

Galatians 5:1a...It was for freedom that Christ set us free;...freedom is the ability to choose whole heartily the right thing regardless of consequence. This freedom of choice is indispensable in what should be the goal of every christian which is to be Christ like or a fully mature son of God, Romans 8:19. The world, flesh and the devil have successfully blurred the lines between right and wrong so that many choices facing us today seem to be varying shades of gray. This is opposed to black and white, right and wrong. It is my intent over the next few months to provide insight from the Word of God that makes this journey towards freedom, a greater possibility. At the very least it should sweep away some of the haze and leave you with a clear view of what you are dealing with, thus the name "Clear View".
My wife and I helped to pioneer aspects of personal ministry...ie counseling, inner healing, deliverance etc. back in the early 80's before there was really much written on the subject. We learned by personal revelation while seeking God on the matter. Since then there has been a deluge of information books, manuals, courses (good and bad, most redundant) bearing the seal of whatever is the latest christian mecca. Our intention here is not to offer another "How To" course with ministry credentials at the conclusion. What we hope is that by offering some of our own personal insight, it might possibly be of some benefit in your own journey. You can't give what you don't have, and what you do have can be imparted with or without a diploma.
The Old Testament offers some excellent examples of such a journey. One that is easily applicable is the story of Joshua leading the children of Israel to take possession of the land of Canaan or the Promised Land. God gave it to them little by little in order that they would be able to maintain what was conquered; Exodus 23:30. Your own journey will not be any different. Some changes may seem more drastic than others, but in general it will be one thing at a time, one foot in front of the other. It is important to note that in this day and time when so much information is available people who actually change are very rare. Ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Romans 12:2 says not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Being conformed requires nothing on your part. Do nothing and it just happens. Transformation is an activity resulting in change.
Many are overwhelmed at how great the struggle is. James encourages us to "Count it all joy when we encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing". Eternity is long and life is short. If this life is going to prepare you for eternity it will have to be intense by its very nature. In Isaiah 43, the prophet speaking the word of the Lord makes this statement..."Jacob I have created, Israel I have formed..."That word formed in the hebrew means to be fashioned under pressure. Jacob and Israel are the same man. Jacob was the raw material, Israel was the product of the forging. You can change if your willing to take the pounding. The pounding is exposing yourself to truth, not just being beat up. The world will beat you up, that's one way it conforms you. Hey even your friends will beat you up, but being fashioned under pressure by God is very necessary. It's the difference between an artificial firearm and a high powered rifle. The artificial firearm looks good hanging over the fireplace but would explode if you actually fired a round through it. God wants you to come out of this useful, not ornamental.

Subjects to be covered

An article will be devoted to everything that follows:

I. Prerequisites for freedom

1. New birth

2. Baptism

3. Repentance/Forgiveness

II. Body-Soul-Spirit

III Sin (Transgression/Trespass)

A. Pride

B. Fear

C. Lust (Primarily of things that pertain to the body)

IV. Primary Influences

A. Inherited Inward Influences

1. Iniquity

B. Outside Influence

1. Judgements

2. Vows

3. Curses

4. Inner Healing

C. Spiritual Forces
D. Physical Body

1. Genetic

2. Chemical

3. Illness, Injury

V. What motivates us?

A. Legitimate Needs