Spying Out Freedom

GracePointe Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, PA

Paul tells of his successful ministry among the Gentiles, and the threat of those who were spying out the freedom they had in Christ. In every generation of the Church there are those who believe they are called to keep the church pure and unstained from the world by opposing innovation and change. The debates over music styles, projection systems, and community centers built by churches are all examples of places where our social ideas have become theological mandates. Paul appeals to the fellowship he was given by pillars of the Judea Christian movement - namely Peter, James, and John - and shows that while their spies try to stop of the leading of the Spirit in a new way, others saw it as a legitimate work of God. For Christian Freedom, we must learn that we have different styles, and when we see MY STYLE as the true way, we are supplanting Christ and putting our preferences on the throne of heaven. (Yikes)