April 9th, 2024
The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
Free Indeed
A pastor was speaking on the topic of Spiritual Freedom. He began to wax eloquently in his delivery as he repeated over, and over the phrase… “I’m free! I’m free! Praise God I’m free indeed!” After service a little boy shook his hand and said, “Preacher, I’m free! I’m free! I’m free indeed!” The pastor beaming with pride just knowing his words had touched such a young heart responded, “That’s wonderful young man!” The little guy quickly replied, “Yes sir, and next year I will be four!”
In John 8:31-36, Jesus attempted to help people who were chained to dead religion to find freedom through following him.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Many people today, even some who claim to be Christians are all chained up by things that hold them back from the freedom He came to give. Some are tied to legalism, trying to keep rules that they keep breaking because of weakness. Some folks are chained to their sinful habits that keep them bound to destructive behavior and chaotic lifestyles. Some are chained to dead lives that sin has created for their depression and destruction.
When Jesus came into the world, he brought with him a new law, a law of liberty. This new law was one of grace and life transformation. When He ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to continue this work of freedom in Christ. Jesus’ work on the cross and resurrection from the grave created a new path to God that allows us the freedom to live with and through Him. Sin no longer holds captive those who have been born again into the life Christ created for them. The strong man who held us captive is Satan, but the Stronger Man, Jesus broke the grip of his chains and freed the captives to live an exciting life of freedom in Him. (See Luke 11:21-22)
If you want to experience true freedom, trust your life to Jesus and experience more than religion. Enjoy the life-giving joy of a relationship with Him.
This Sunday we will share a message titled Jesus, the Chain Breaker based on Mark 5:1-20. Bring your family and friends to experience the excitement of this freedom only Jesus can give.
Living free with Jesus and you,
Jon
Free Indeed
A pastor was speaking on the topic of Spiritual Freedom. He began to wax eloquently in his delivery as he repeated over, and over the phrase… “I’m free! I’m free! Praise God I’m free indeed!” After service a little boy shook his hand and said, “Preacher, I’m free! I’m free! I’m free indeed!” The pastor beaming with pride just knowing his words had touched such a young heart responded, “That’s wonderful young man!” The little guy quickly replied, “Yes sir, and next year I will be four!”
In John 8:31-36, Jesus attempted to help people who were chained to dead religion to find freedom through following him.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Many people today, even some who claim to be Christians are all chained up by things that hold them back from the freedom He came to give. Some are tied to legalism, trying to keep rules that they keep breaking because of weakness. Some folks are chained to their sinful habits that keep them bound to destructive behavior and chaotic lifestyles. Some are chained to dead lives that sin has created for their depression and destruction.
When Jesus came into the world, he brought with him a new law, a law of liberty. This new law was one of grace and life transformation. When He ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to continue this work of freedom in Christ. Jesus’ work on the cross and resurrection from the grave created a new path to God that allows us the freedom to live with and through Him. Sin no longer holds captive those who have been born again into the life Christ created for them. The strong man who held us captive is Satan, but the Stronger Man, Jesus broke the grip of his chains and freed the captives to live an exciting life of freedom in Him. (See Luke 11:21-22)
If you want to experience true freedom, trust your life to Jesus and experience more than religion. Enjoy the life-giving joy of a relationship with Him.
This Sunday we will share a message titled Jesus, the Chain Breaker based on Mark 5:1-20. Bring your family and friends to experience the excitement of this freedom only Jesus can give.
Living free with Jesus and you,
Jon
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