Sunday Words of Encouragement July 2, 2023 - Called to Freedom!

Our Sunday School teacher taught this week on James 1:16-17 expounded with Hebrews 4:14-16 and Romans 5 and 6. We are given the gift of mercy and grace. We are no longer enslaved to sin and dealing with sin is part of growing in Christ.

Pastor’s Sermon was title “Called to Freedom” with scripture from Galatians 5:1 and 5:13-14.
Paul is writing to Galatians. There was a sect teaching salvation by works, and another group proclaiming freedom to do whatever you want (sloppy grace).

Our freedom is found in Jesus. We have freedom within the authority of our submission to Christ. We are His servant, not the servant of sin. The enemy comes and creates a slippery slide of sin. We must learn to stand firm.

There is a spirit of antichrist at work in the world, We need to stand firm.

Paul says in Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Our freedom is not for the flesh but for love to serve. We are called to experience His kingdom and the King’s dominion. If you feel oppression, stand firm on the Spirit of God. Our lives are not our own. We give up our sinful nature as a sacrifice to serve. When you walk by the Spirit, you will not gratify the flesh. Don't let sin grow in your life.

Pastor had two side comments. First, he spoke about how we need to be careful not to act on feelings and not to allow love and compassion to accept sin. We always love the sinner but not the sin. We cannot abandon truth to promote love. Showing true love is to lead sinners to the truth of God’s way.

Second, a lack of faith can lead to doubt which then can hinder the moving of the Spirit. Worship is an expression of faith. It is more than a religious act.

I found several videos to pick from. I chose this: Greater Still.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:13-14
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Lord, I thank you for Mercy and Grace. Help me to use your gift of freedom to serve and to show your love to others.