I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want to live in freedom. The idea of freedom is immensely attractive. It is no wonder that those who want us to buy their products or enlist in their projects make promises of freedom. Advertisers invest enormous sums of money and energy pointing us to the elusive free life that awaits just around the corner if we buy what they are selling. Whole industries are developed out of a promise of freedom; a free life based on power, sex, fame, comforts, etc. However, you must admit, the world we live in is visibly and woefully lacking in the experience of freedom.
Unfortunately, I look around and see this same reality for many who call themselves Christians. Living in the land of the free has not made us free; we appear to be a nation of addicts and complainers. Being provided with the amazing gift of freedom of religion has not made us free; the frequency of fear, offense, and scandals has provided the outside observer with a stereotype of those in the Church. When I look around at those who call themselves Christian, I sadly see many who are anxious, weary, defensive, and appear to be unfree compared to the lives we are called to live with Jesus!
When you examine your heart, mind, and soul, do you sense freedom? In the midst of the chaotic ways of this world, do you find yourself walking with peace, joy, hope, generosity, and love that makes those around you wonder what “medicine” you might be taking? Do you even believe living a truly free life is possible? I’ve come to personally realize that when I center my life on my own will, my freedom diminishes drastically. I live a small-minded, selfish, and anxious life. Yet, when I set Jesus at the center of my life, I realize vast freedoms and great joy. When I live by faith, I live freely.
This coming Sunday, we will be starting a new sermon series and working our way through the letter of Galatians. The Apostle Paul passionately and methodically calls the Church in Galatia (and us) to not give up our freedom in Christ, and in doing so, he calls us to live a life centered and focused on the truth of Jesus.
In talking about Galatians, Eugene Peterson wrote, “Through Christian centuries, this letter has often been used by God to restore vigor and passion to the life of faith and to confront the world with the realities of the free life in Christ, a life that is free for all: given freely to all of us, making all who receive it free; enabling us to live freely in relation to God and all others…. Free in Christ, we are free for all.”
I’m convinced that most of us settle for far too little in matters of freedom. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday for this new sermon series. Help us spread the word, invite a friend, and please be praying for your own heart, mind, and soul to receive the journey of freedom that Jesus has called us to. 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. (Galatians 5:1)
Peace,
Nick
Unfortunately, I look around and see this same reality for many who call themselves Christians. Living in the land of the free has not made us free; we appear to be a nation of addicts and complainers. Being provided with the amazing gift of freedom of religion has not made us free; the frequency of fear, offense, and scandals has provided the outside observer with a stereotype of those in the Church. When I look around at those who call themselves Christian, I sadly see many who are anxious, weary, defensive, and appear to be unfree compared to the lives we are called to live with Jesus!
When you examine your heart, mind, and soul, do you sense freedom? In the midst of the chaotic ways of this world, do you find yourself walking with peace, joy, hope, generosity, and love that makes those around you wonder what “medicine” you might be taking? Do you even believe living a truly free life is possible? I’ve come to personally realize that when I center my life on my own will, my freedom diminishes drastically. I live a small-minded, selfish, and anxious life. Yet, when I set Jesus at the center of my life, I realize vast freedoms and great joy. When I live by faith, I live freely.
This coming Sunday, we will be starting a new sermon series and working our way through the letter of Galatians. The Apostle Paul passionately and methodically calls the Church in Galatia (and us) to not give up our freedom in Christ, and in doing so, he calls us to live a life centered and focused on the truth of Jesus.
In talking about Galatians, Eugene Peterson wrote, “Through Christian centuries, this letter has often been used by God to restore vigor and passion to the life of faith and to confront the world with the realities of the free life in Christ, a life that is free for all: given freely to all of us, making all who receive it free; enabling us to live freely in relation to God and all others…. Free in Christ, we are free for all.”
I’m convinced that most of us settle for far too little in matters of freedom. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday for this new sermon series. Help us spread the word, invite a friend, and please be praying for your own heart, mind, and soul to receive the journey of freedom that Jesus has called us to. 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. (Galatians 5:1)
Peace,
Nick