Christ Sets Us Free

July 2020

Message from Pastor Tom:

With Independence Day coming up, the topic of freedom is on many minds. So what is freedom? I can tell you this, Jesus declared, ''Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin'' (John 8:34). And then he said, ''If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'' (verse 36). The really true freedom is the kind of freedom Jesus is talking about. Freedom to live as God projected us to live. We have however, deliberately limited ourselves in this work to the problem of freedom. We have become the “me” and the “now generation" with no thought to others, no matter ones ethical, racial background, or religious beliefs. Look, I’m not even talking about the teachings or the upbringing of one’s life here, that’s another blog. I am talking about how we treat one another right now, today!

What is needed is a change in one's lifestyle, beliefs or personality. A journey with God, having faith, and with the help of the Holy Spirit ultimately bringing spiritual healing and peace, will guide one to today's Freedom in this world. So please remember, God’s Grace is a gift and the source of our forgiveness of sin. It is by God’s mercy we receive it, because we have not earned it and we do not deserve it. That God’s Grace is part of His plan of salvation for His believers, beginning with the acceptance that our salvation is through the atoning sacrifice His Son Jesus made for us. That the gift of God’s grace leads us to salvation through our faith and God’s grace will keep our Freedom and faith enduring until the end.

So I ask you this. Do you want to live your life in peace, having a loving spirit, with complete freedom? Or, continue being yoked to sin and chained to the worldly legalism? We have all been granted free will, so the choice is ours.

Heidi and I wish to join you all in praying for peace and healing for our country, our leaders and those who are racially persecuted worldwide. Until next month, may God richly bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you.

 Blessings from a pastor and his wife

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)