And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and  boldness and courage.—Acts 4:31

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).--2 Corinthians 3:17, AMPC

Are you being oppressed--at your church?

It is a sad thing when one realizes that. We have to acknowledge that disappointment, unmet expectations, and even grief, to our Father God, and to ourselves.

Of course "freedom" means different things to different people. While there can be some freedom at a church--even one that preaches "continual freedom," there can also be deception. Leaders of a church are responsible for preaching and teaching what they think (which can sometimes be different from what the Word actually says, and certainly different from what people attending can think; such is the problem with the human condition in the earth, born again or not!), and that often is not what is expected from the flock. 

However, each of us is responsible for our Path as the LORD God directs us. There is certainly wisdom in submitting to church leadership, but when the LORD is truly telling a person to leave, (as He has told me and made it clear, by speaking His Word to me, and giving me deep peace; that rightness that, in spite of the leadership declaring that the lives of people who leave will fall apart; and giving me much more satisfaction, peace, joy, and fulfillment and opportunity to truly use my gifts to expand God's Kingdom--which is why I'm on the earth!), then the LORD will perform His Word--Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28, just to name a couple! 

²⁰ As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.--Genesis 50:20, AMPC

²⁸ We are assured and know that [^[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.--Romans 8:28, AMPC

The more we grow in Christ and realize how we and leaders should be (walking in love, peace, joy, grace, understanding, patience, freedom, lack of judgment, etc.), and the less we see these things in the leadership—especially on a continual basis, then the more it may be that it’s time to change vineyards.

“Church-hopping” vs. Moving With the Cloud (of the Holy Spirit

I am not a “church-hopper”. I truly believe people should pray and listen and, although it may require visiting a few different churches until one understand the will of God for “the one,” I believe God’s Plan is for us to get connected, overall during the week at least, a single church body; get involved in learning and serving, to the glory of God.

Each of us are responsible for our lives; what we do to promote God’s Kingdom and otherwise bring Him glory.  He is so loving and kind, and totally understands us (more than we understand ourselves! Hallelujah!), and is very patient and merciful in helping us work out our Salvation.

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).—Philippians 2:12, AMPC

Oppression Defined

Oppression’ means, in essence, to be held down, held back, wrongly constrained (one picture is that a soldier has his foot on an enemy soldier’s neck, etc.   

This is a definition I found online of "oppression": "Oppression is malicious or unjust treatment or exercise of power, often under the guise of governmental authority or cultural opprobrium. It is related to regimentation, class society and punishment. Oppression may be overt or covert, depending on how it is practiced."

That covers a lot.  We are not to show respect of persons, like unsaved people do. I have experienced a lot of that, too. I suppose every human does it to a point; we have those people we connect with better than others. Still, a leader needs grace to be impartial, and when I see blatant favoritism in the leadership of a church, I try not to judge, but it's been disappointing. 

However, I don't have to answer for anyone else, except to pray as the LORD leads and teach as He leads, His Word to those to whom He sends me.

The Word says that we are to be "far from even the thought of oppression."

You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.--Isaiah 54:14, AMPC

Legalism and Religion Are Controlling Spirits and Can Hide in Church

Even in the Body of Christ, we sometimes think differently.  There is a lot of religion and legalism in churches, including in those that purport to support freedom.

Part of the problem is that “freedom” means different things to different people—and we all want to think we’re right.

However, only the infallible, unchanging, eternal, holy Word of God is always right!

We see in part and know in part and we need each other—and we need to continue to ask God for Grace to draw close to Him in our personal relationship with Him (each of which is unique, and for us not to judge.

There are some things, however, that are just flat wrong—especially when they are repeated; when they happen over and over.

In the next part of this article, we will discuss how the Spirit of God brings conviction, not condemnation; how the LORD is our loving Father, once we come into the eternal Royal Family by faith in His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ; and how the LORD wants us to learn to rest, even as we are active in expanding His Kingdom. 

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.