Freedom
One of my roles as church leader and pastor is to help people! This begins by introducing them to Jesus, a great way to start! After that, there is often a process of dealing with the past and realigning people for a better future. This has been going on for centuries and the Bible continues to help and guide in this area. Back in the early church (around 50AD) a man called Paul, one of the main preachers of the day, wrote to encourage the Christians in an area called ‘Galatia’ (modern day Turkey)...
“Let me be clear, the Anointed One (Jesus Christ) has set us free - not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. Beloved ones, God has called us to live a life of freedom in the Holy Spirit. But don’t view this wonderful freedom as an opportunity to set up a base of operations in the natural realm. Freedom means that we become so completely free of self-indulgence that we become servants of one another, expressing love in all we do.”
Paul clearly states that Jesus has the power and ability to set people free! That freedom is not limited but an incredible, chain breaking, life-transforming freedom. Only Jesus can do that! This freedom is a door opener into a new way of living. No longer bound by the past, it’s living to please and serve God, and people around us. This is fuelled by God’s Holy Spirit energizing a new rhythm or lifestyle. If you know there are areas in your life where you need freedom, may I encourage you to call out to Jesus for help! Finally, join me in praying that today we may live as Gods agents - servants of one another, expressing love in all we do.
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader