True Christian faith is as simple as knowing the Word of God and believing it… if God’s Word tells us that we are seated with Christ in the heavenliness (a spiritual seat - see Ephesians 2:6), and that we believers have the authority (or ability) to cast out demons (Mark 16:17), then it is up to us to take God at His Word and exercise our authority through faith!

Faith comes through hearing (and receiving) the Word of God (see Romans 10:17).

Do you know what the blood of Jesus signifies or represents? It was shed out of the DEEP LOVE that God has for US! Even while we were sinners, God had this DEEP love for us… we were loved to a point where Jesus was willing to pay the steep price for our sins so that we might be forgiven and our relationship with God restored!

Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus didn’t HAVE to shed His blood for us, but He did it… He did it because we meant THAT MUCH to Him! Jesus said that there is no greater way to show your love for a person, but to lay your life down for them:

John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

I believe it’s important to realize how much love was being demonstrated when Jesus shed His blood for us! It is beyond what our minds can comprehend without the Holy Spirit helping us realize how much we are TRULY LOVED!

One common problem I find among many is that they will justify their weakness, thus making it nearly impossible to minister lasting freedom to them. Sometimes we need to be shown how wicked our weakness is before we are willing to give it up. For example, people who are bitter usually will be quick to explain to you why they are bitter… people who are controlling will do the same… while the rebellious will share with you their side of the story. They don’t stop to think that their rebellion, bitterness or controlling of others does nothing but glorify the devil and keep them in bondage. If something in our lives does not line up with God’s Word, then we need to rid ourselves of it… stop defending or justifying why we are like that!

“But my parents are so controlling or mean!”… that is no excuse to disrespect them, because God’s Word tells us clearly to respect our parents. There’s a difference between disagreeing with them and disrespecting them. The question isn’t what they are doing, it’s what God’s Word requires of you to walk in the Lord’s ways!

“But that person has done me wrong so many times, I have a right to be angry!”… again, this  is no excuse in light of what Christ has done for US on the cross. When Christ died for our sins, who are we to be bitter against others who have wronged us? People who do this are known as the unthankful servant in Matthew 18:23-35. What if somebody has repeatedly offended us? Look at Matthew 18:21-22 and tell me what you should do:

Matthew 18:21-22, “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

The question is, are you doing what is right in God’s eyes? If not, then there is no excuse or justification for your behavior! Bitterness, controlling and manipulation, disrespecting of parents, etc. are all sins and wrong in the eyes of God. Trust me, if all we need is an excuse, then Satan will be glad to provide us with one… he will allow something to come across your path that will cause you to fall into his hands. Unforgiveness lands countless into bondage and in the hands of the enemy (see Matthew 18:23-35). It is a deadly poison, or as John Bevere calls it… “The Bait of Satan”.