Why the Name Freedom Rains?

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" background="009bc0d3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Freedom Rains Ministries</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Freedom Rains Ministries"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Why the Name Freedom Rains?</I></div> <div>  <html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel=File-List href="./WHY%20THE%20NAME%20FREEDOM%20RAINS_files/filelist.xml"> <title>WHY THE NAME FREEDOM RAINS</title>  <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>WHY THE NAME <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>FREEDOM RAINS</b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>FREEDOM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>John 3:16</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'> For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. <sup>17</sup> For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Freedom is salvation from the kingdom of hell in all its forms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>I John 3:8</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'> tells us the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Galatians 5:1</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'> It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>1 Peter 2:16</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt'> Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Freedom is salvation for a future life beyond death to live in the presence of God. It is being freed from the kingdom of darkness to live in the kingdom of light. To have freedom is to be released from guilt and condemnation. To have freedom is to have the ability to choose to do the right and honorable thing in obedience to God’s Word. Many Christians live in the freedom of eternal life after death, but they do not live in the freedom Christ died to give us here in this life. Their growth as children of God does not continue because there are the places in their lives that are still bound up by their old sin nature. Jesus came to free us from the things on this earth that would try to prevent us from becoming all God created us to be. <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></sup></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>2 Corinthians 3:17</span></i></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'> <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. <sup>18</sup> And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>In the ministry at Freedom Rains, we are dedicated to the continual contemplation of the Lord’s glory, through His Word and His presence, so that we may gain greater and greater freedom as God transforms us from glory to glory into His image for His great glory and purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>RAINS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Zechariah 10:1</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; <span style='mso-bidi-font-style: italic'>so</span> the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyText>Latter Rain is the spring rain that is sent to mature the crop for harvest. </p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Joel 2:23</b> "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Zechariah 10:</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>1 Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>1 Kings 17:4</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Psalm 147:8</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; the makes grass grow on the hills. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Scripture shows us that rain comes from God. It is also symbolic of God’s blessings. It is symbolic of the harvest. We are seeking God’s blessing of growth, maturity and the freedom in Christ to be all God created us to be. We are seeking God’s blessing so that we may be labors to help bring in the harvest of souls. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Matthew 9: 37-38</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>While this is a miracle work of God we seek, we are responsible to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit as we grow and walk in obedience to God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This ministry is about assisting people to become all God created them to be in Christ Jesus. We need to work toward understanding what part of the Christian walk is God’s responsibility and what part is our responsibility; and then to put actions to our faith and do those things God asks of us. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Freedom Rains <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>We recognize that the freedom from our sin nature, and the freedom to become everything we were created to be rains down from God. The only way to live in this place of blessing and growth is to commit ourselves to receiving God’s gift of grace to us and then to walk in the ways of God and continue to grow from glory to glory for all our lives. How do we receive this gift of Grace? It is by faith in the truthfulness of His Word and our complete surrender to receive that Word. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>If you have never surrendered your life to God through Jesus Christ, we invite you to do that now. Let these words guide you as you pour out your own heart to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Dear Lord Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>I confess to you that I am a sinner. I confess to you that I believe that you are the Son of God sent to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Forgive me I pray and free me from sin and death so that I may spend eternity with You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Free me from the sin nature that keeps me from being everything You created me to be here on this earth. Free me to obey Your Word, free me to obey You, free me to grow in maturity and become more and more like You. Dear heavenly Father, thank you for receiving me as Your child through Jesus Christ. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>Please contact us and let us know if you’ve just prayed this prayer. If you would like to come be a part of Freedom Rains Ministries we will welcome you to us. If you aren’t in our geographic area and cannot come be a part of this ministry, we will assist you in finding a good, Bible-believing group of people where you may go and grow in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We all need to encourage each other. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Hebrews 10:23-25 </span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>We wait to hear from you! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>God bless you as you begin your new life-journey in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'><a href="mailto:cathomas@freedomrains.org">cathomas@freedomrains.org</a> <sub><o:p></o:p></sub></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> </body> </html>  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>