Category Archives: grace

Live Free: The Curse Has No Right

“God has given me this, and I’m going to receive it.” In the same way, you and I have been redeemed from the curse of the Law, but too many people don’t walk in that redemption. Why? Because they haven’t fully understood it, or they haven’t dared to believe it.

Now, let me tell you something, friends: just because the Lord allows something doesn’t mean it’s His will. I’ve heard people say, “Well, if it happened, God must have wanted it to happen.” But that’s not true. Lamentations 3:32-33 tells us clearly, “Though He causes grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” God doesn’t take pleasure in our pain. He’s a loving Father, full of compassion.

Sometimes, His righteous judgment allows the destroyer access. But make no mistake—God is not the destroyer. The Bible is clear about who steals, kills, and destroys. It’s the enemy, not the Father. God’s heart is always for restoration, for healing, for blessing.

Think about this: 1 Corinthians 11:29-31 reminds us that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. That’s good news! It means we have a choice. We can examine our lives, repent of sin, and align ourselves with God’s will. And when we do, we step into His blessings and out of the enemy’s territory.

But here’s the key: even if you’ve messed up—maybe you’ve rebelled, made wrong choices, and opened the door to the curse—it’s not too late. God’s mercy is new every morning. You can repent, confess your sin, and receive His forgiveness. When you do, the curse loses its legal right to operate in your life. Isn’t that powerful?

Galatians 3:13 tells us that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. That’s why we can stand boldly and declare, “I am redeemed!” Redeemed from what? Deuteronomy 28 spells it out: sickness, disease, poverty, lack, and every kind of oppression.

Take sickness, for example. The curse includes pestilence, consumption, fever, and wasting diseases. But Jesus bore those for us. Isaiah 53:5 says, “By His stripes, we are healed.” Healing is part of your redemption, friends. You don’t have to accept sickness as your portion. You’ve been redeemed!

Does that mean you’ll never face challenges? No, but it does mean you have the authority to resist them. You can stand on God’s Word and say, “No, I don’t accept this in my life. Jesus paid the price for my healing, and I receive it by faith.”

Let me ask you: are you living like someone who’s redeemed? Or are you still tolerating things that Jesus already paid the price to free you from? It’s time to take a stand. It’s time to put your foot down and declare, “The curse has no right in my life. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!”

Some of you might be thinking, “Well, I don’t feel righteous.” But righteousness isn’t about how you feel. It’s about what Jesus did. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” You’ve been made righteous, not because of your works, but because of His grace.

And if you are righteous, then the curse has no legal right in your life. You’ve been redeemed! So, don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise. Don’t accept defeat, sickness, or lack. Stand firm in your redemption and declare God’s promises over your life.

Teach your children to do the same. Instead of letting fear take root, teach them to say, “I’m redeemed! Sickness has no place in me. I am healed by Jesus’ stripes!” Build that truth into their hearts so that it becomes their first response in every situation.

Friends, the redeemed of the Lord ought to say so! We ought to walk in boldness, declaring the victory Jesus won for us. When the enemy comes knocking, trying to bring sickness, lack, or fear, don’t open the door. Instead, remind him—and yourself—that you’ve been redeemed.

Say it out loud with me:
“I am redeemed! I’ve been made righteous by the blood of Jesus. The curse has no place in my life. I am healed, whole, and free in Jesus’ name!”

That’s the Good News, friends. That’s the Gospel. Walk in it, live in it, and let it transform every area of your life. You are redeemed!

Breaking Free from the Law’s Curse: A Christian Perspective

The concept of redemption through Christ is central to understanding our deliverance from the curse of the Law. In the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, the curse of the Law is outlined as the consequence of disobedience to God’s commandments. Sickness, poverty, and condemnation are all part of this curse. However, the New Testament brings a transformative message: Christ has redeemed us from these curses.

To be redeemed means to be “bought back.” Galatians 3:13 declares that Christ purchased our freedom by becoming a curse for us. The Amplified Bible expands on this by stating that He redeemed us from the curse and its condemnation, bringing freedom and life. Condemnation, sickness, and poverty are manifestations of death that Christ came to overcome. As John 10:10 emphasizes, Jesus came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. This life is the antithesis of what the curse represents.

Sickness and poverty are insidious forms of death. When sickness overwhelms the body, it leads to physical death. Similarly, extreme poverty can result in deprivation, harm, and even death. Yet, through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are no longer bound by these manifestations of the curse. Instead, they are called to embrace the life and blessings that Christ offers.

Unfortunately, many Christians live under the misconception that they deserve sickness, poverty, or other forms of suffering because of their past mistakes. This sense of unworthiness stems from a lack of understanding of the redemption Christ provides. The curse was meant for those who disobeyed, yet Christ took upon Himself the punishment for all humanity’s failures. His death and resurrection freed us from the curse, making life and blessing available to all who believe.

Psalm 107:2 instructs the redeemed to vocalize their freedom: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” This confession of faith reinforces the reality of redemption. Believers are encouraged to declare, “I’ve been redeemed from the curse of the Law. I am redeemed.” This affirmation aligns with God’s will, which is life, healing, and abundance.

Living in the Blessing

Deuteronomy 28 vividly contrasts the blessings of obedience with the curses of disobedience. When God’s people diligently obeyed His commandments, they experienced overwhelming blessings in every aspect of life. These blessings included prosperity in the city and field, fruitful harvests, healthy livestock, and abundance in their storehouses. The Lord even commanded blessings on their work and possessions, ensuring that they thrived.

Obedience to God remains a pathway to blessing today. The same God who declared “Light be” at creation commands blessings upon His people’s lives. For instance, verse 8 states, “The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses.” This imagery depicts God actively declaring prosperity over savings, investments, and resources. Such blessings make it impossible to remain in lack or poverty.

The blessings also extend to every area of life. Verse 11 promises plenty of goods, emphasizing God’s desire for His people to live in abundance rather than scarcity. He opens His good treasure, providing rain for crops and blessing the work of their hands. This results in a cycle of productivity and prosperity. Verse 12 further illustrates this by declaring that the obedient will lend to others rather than borrow, symbolizing their elevated position as the head, not the tail.

While the blessings are extraordinary, they require faith and obedience. Believers must trust in God’s promises, align their lives with His will, and speak His blessings over their circumstances. This partnership with God unlocks His provision and sustains His blessings.

Freedom and Authority in Redemption

The redemption Christ offers is not limited to spiritual freedom but encompasses every area of life. First Corinthians 6:20 reminds believers that both their spirit and body were bought with a price—the precious blood of Christ. This comprehensive redemption calls for glorifying God in all aspects of life.

Many Christians, however, struggle to fully embrace their redemption. The enemy often deceives them into believing they are unworthy of God’s blessings due to past sins or shortcomings. This deception leads to a life of condemnation, guilt, and shame, preventing them from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. Yet, Scripture repeatedly affirms that Christ redeemed us, not because of our perfection, but despite our failures. His sacrifice covers every mistake and ensures that the curse has no legal right in a believer’s life.

Believers must resist the enemy’s lies by standing on the truth of redemption. The curse is spiritually illegal in the life of a redeemed believer. By faith, they can reject its manifestations and claim the blessings of health, provision, and victory. This is why Psalm 107:2 emphasizes the importance of declaring, “I’m redeemed.” Such declarations affirm faith in Christ’s completed work.

Deuteronomy 28 provides further encouragement by detailing the blessings of obedience. These blessings include abundance, protection, and success in all endeavors. When believers walk in obedience and faith, they align themselves with God’s will, ensuring that life, not death, manifests in their circumstances.

Ultimately, redemption through Christ restores what the curse sought to destroy. It empowers believers to live free from sickness, poverty, and condemnation, reflecting the abundant life Jesus promised. By embracing and confessing their redemption, believers can walk in the fullness of God’s blessings, fulfilling His purpose for their lives.

Joyful Service: Embracing the Call to Ministry

Commitment is at the heart of a meaningful pastoral calling. It begins with surrendering fully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This devotion shapes a life not driven by personal ambitions or desires but by a higher purpose—God’s will. Such commitment naturally extends to the Word of God and the ministry of serving others. A pastor’s steadfast focus must remain on their divine calling, even when uncertainties arise, as illustrated by unresolved doctrinal debates like the nature of tongues. The essence of commitment lies in humility before God’s Word, allowing it to guide rather than seeking to interpret it through personal bias.

Throughout history, God’s call has been evident in challenging circumstances, like Lot’s experience in Sodom. His righteous spirit was grieved by the corruption around him, yet he remained steadfast, showing hospitality to strangers and standing firm against wickedness. Similarly, Jesus rebuked unbelief among His followers, reminding them that belief is a choice—a decision that ignites a burning passion within one’s heart when grounded in God’s truth. This power is evident in the natural world, where God’s intricate design, like the regeneration of a starfish’s arm or the complexity of the human eye, mirrors His divine ability to restore and renew.

The life of a pastor is not without challenges, yet it is a privilege to serve God. Commitment requires not only diligent study of the Word but also dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance. The intricate beauty of Scripture, as seen in First John, provides endless opportunities for spiritual growth and teaching. True pastoral work involves surrendering personal desires to fulfill God’s purpose, whether through teaching, serving, or simply being available to minister whenever and wherever needed.

Lessons from Scripture and the Church

Scripture provides profound lessons for the church and its ministry. Revelation’s letters to the seven churches offer a detailed view of church history and the challenges of maintaining faith and integrity. For example, the condemnation of the Nicolaitanes reflects God’s hatred for compromise and false doctrine. The warnings in Scripture about doctrines of demons and false teachings serve as a reminder to ground faith in God’s Word rather than personal experiences.

Paul’s letters emphasize the importance of pure motives in ministry. Works done for self-glorification will not withstand the test of fire, though salvation remains secure. This underscores the necessity of abiding in Christ, as fruitfulness stems from a close relationship with Him. John’s writings further remind believers that their identity as children of God will be fully revealed when Christ appears. Until then, the church is called to serve as a witness in the world, embodying love, humility, and faithfulness.

Churches are called to create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects God’s love. The warmth of fellowship and the inclusiveness of a diverse community are hallmarks of a vibrant church. This openness transcends superficial distinctions, focusing instead on the unity found in Christ. Such environments foster spiritual growth and draw others to the Gospel, as seen in the early days of Calvary Chapel, where casual worship and heartfelt praise created an authentic sense of belonging.

The Gospel carries the power to transform lives, even in the most dire circumstances. Whether facing organized crime or personal despair, the Gospel provides a path to renewal. This power is not limited to dramatic conversions but is also evident in everyday acts of faith and service.

The Jewish law of redemption, with its provisions for setting slaves free and reclaiming property, symbolizes the spiritual freedom offered through Christ. Just as a kinsman-redeemer would pay the price to restore a family’s inheritance, Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity. This theme of redemption resonates throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Service to God should never feel burdensome or resentful. Instead, it is a joyful response to His grace. Whether picking up litter around the church or sharing the Gospel with others, every act of service reflects a heart devoted to God. True ministry flows from a place of gratitude and love, recognizing that every believer has been uniquely equipped to contribute to the body of Christ.

In conclusion, the call to ministry is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires unwavering commitment, a deep reliance on Scripture, and a willingness to serve with humility and joy. Through faithfulness, the church becomes a beacon of hope, offering redemption and transformation to a world in need.