2008 Woodie Awards
Freedom comes from faith
By Josh Bortnik
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Opinion
Are you ready to get free? My purpose in writing is not to separate, create a riot or inspire a war of theological debate, but I do not have a problem if that occurs. I find it funny that some people express I am forcing my beliefs upon them. You never know what this crazy "Jesus Freak" Josh will be saying next! Yes, I am cutting up on myself. I am so secure as a child of God that all this "drama" does not affect my peace. But, just in case you did not notice, my article is in the Opinion section and the reality is you hate or love it. No one is forcing you to do anything against your will. My article can either encourage or convict you.
Malachi 4:2 says: but unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams. The Sun in this verse is Jesus Christ and He can be found in the whole bible, not just the New Testament. Let the healing in His wings mend your broken heart, and His beams of light open your eyes to the truth that will set you free. But what do you need to be free from? Sin. I know it is a word that has an ugly religious tone and probably makes you cringe. But sin is real and will destroy your life. It separates you from God. The Lord is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. But there is a problem-your sins have cut you off from God. You will never know the Power and Presence of God if you are living in sin. God will seem non-existent. When you are living in darkness you need light to show you the way. Sin can make you a slave, but the truth will set you free. Here is my advice to you. If there is anything in your life you think might be sin, check it out with God in His word. The bible says we all sin and the wages of it are death. God hates sin because it messes up your life. Once you get rid of sin, your life will constantly get better and God will become real to you. I am a sinner and strive everyday to become more like Jesus. I will never be perfect but I have His grace. Believe me, I know what it is like to be caught up in sin. Sin is fun for a season, but it ultimately destroys you. It sucks. But the good news is God has amazing plans for your life. Ignorance is not bliss and God will give you victory if you seek Him.
Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is living and active. But, you need to know it is only alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not only the author, but also the only interpreter. If someone wrote a book, whom would you go to for the best interpretation? The author! The knowledge of the world and intellectualism are worthless. Just believe and trust in God. Take a step of faith. The wisdom of God will give you all the answers you need in life. God wants an intimate relationship with you through his Word and prayer. It is so simple. Don't get confused. Accept the truth and be free.
Josh Bortnik is a senior communication major and can be reached at:
joshbortnik137@yahoo.com
Malachi 4:2 says: but unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams. The Sun in this verse is Jesus Christ and He can be found in the whole bible, not just the New Testament. Let the healing in His wings mend your broken heart, and His beams of light open your eyes to the truth that will set you free. But what do you need to be free from? Sin. I know it is a word that has an ugly religious tone and probably makes you cringe. But sin is real and will destroy your life. It separates you from God. The Lord is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. But there is a problem-your sins have cut you off from God. You will never know the Power and Presence of God if you are living in sin. God will seem non-existent. When you are living in darkness you need light to show you the way. Sin can make you a slave, but the truth will set you free. Here is my advice to you. If there is anything in your life you think might be sin, check it out with God in His word. The bible says we all sin and the wages of it are death. God hates sin because it messes up your life. Once you get rid of sin, your life will constantly get better and God will become real to you. I am a sinner and strive everyday to become more like Jesus. I will never be perfect but I have His grace. Believe me, I know what it is like to be caught up in sin. Sin is fun for a season, but it ultimately destroys you. It sucks. But the good news is God has amazing plans for your life. Ignorance is not bliss and God will give you victory if you seek Him.
Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is living and active. But, you need to know it is only alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not only the author, but also the only interpreter. If someone wrote a book, whom would you go to for the best interpretation? The author! The knowledge of the world and intellectualism are worthless. Just believe and trust in God. Take a step of faith. The wisdom of God will give you all the answers you need in life. God wants an intimate relationship with you through his Word and prayer. It is so simple. Don't get confused. Accept the truth and be free.
Josh Bortnik is a senior communication major and can be reached at:
joshbortnik137@yahoo.com
