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.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 6, 2014

Our Sunday School lesson continues in Revelation but our teacher often goes on very worthwhile rabbit trails. We have been studying Revelation 18 and 19 where there are "Hallelujahs", rejoicing in Heaven, over the destruction of Babylon. Our teacher has interpreted Babylon to be not necessarily a city but a system of evil, of idolatry.  God objects to idols that provoke jealousy (an idea from All In). Idols are anything that takes our focus and devotion away from God.

We want the blessings of God but the blessings should not be just to bring us material possessions. Blessings are to flow through to share with others. Are we reservoirs or conduits? Jesus says that if someone asks for your shirt, you should give them your coat too. Matthew 5:40. We need to share what we have. Most importantly we need to ask God each day: What do You want me to do today?

Pastor's sermon on Freedom went along with the Sunday School message.  'If Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed.' John 8:36. But freedom is a choice. We have to choose everyday to be free from sin. We also should realize that freedom is never free. Someone paid for it. Our country's freedom was paid for by the sacrifice of many warriors. Our freedom from sin was paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

I was looking for another song but, once again, was led to this awesome song that fits.

I Give Myself Away

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
5 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.

More and more, Lord, I feel you calling me to focus more fully on what is important in this life: obedience to Your Will.  I seek your strength to help me to have no other idols, to love my neighbor as myself; to serve by allowing you to use me. Let my freedom be found in following your example and serving while showing your love and light to others.