Thank you for joining me. This song is based on Romans 8:1-3
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
It has taken me nearly 28 years as a Christian to begin to understand how different God’s ways are to my own fearful and transaction-ally based understanding of love. No one can stand up under the weight of legalistic, performance based religion, so why do I try to put myself and others under it. It is only when I truly accept that I am fully known and fully accepted just as I am that I am able to be transformed into fully free person that both God and I desire to be. No amount of fear, guilt or behavioral modification can every produce true freedom in Christ. It is a mystery; the closer I draw to and identify with Christ, the more my own unique and true identity emerges. Love is patient; I thank God for his patience with me.
I Am Free
When I think of all the years that I tried to earn your grace, if I’m honest with myself, my heart was out of place
and I tell myself it might be time for a change
Sitting high and mighty passing judgment on myself walking like a hard case: man, I don’t need no help
talking round in circles from the center of my stage
Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s time for a change
Hallelujah I am free
Hallelujah I am free
It is for freedom that I am set free
When I think of all the things I tried to take your place if I’m honest with myself there’s still shame upon my face
Stepping out before you, taking all the praise hiding behind excuses that I could make for days
Running round in circles just trying to rearrange
Oh for sure, it ‘s time for a change
Now, there is no condemnation for the Spirit set me free
Now, there is no condemnation for the Spirit set me free
Hallelujah I am free
Hallelujah we are free
It is for freedom that I am set free
It is for freedom that we are set free
Music and lyrics written by John Ivey
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