Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
I always knew work was important and that the vocation you choose should be one that corresponds to the passion within you. Some refer to this as your "calling" in life. I honestly feel that "laboring in love" is a gift from God as it brings you a sense of purpose, allows you to use the talents you have been given and it builds on connecting important relationships with people. It leads to a rewarding and happy life which is what I believe God wants for all of us.
I always knew work was important and that the vocation you choose should be one that corresponds to the passion within you. Some refer to this as your "calling" in life. I honestly feel that "laboring in love" is a gift from God as it brings you a sense of purpose, allows you to use the talents you have been given and it builds on connecting important relationships with people. It leads to a rewarding and happy life which is what I believe God wants for all of us.
Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through this devastating hurricane that is bringing unprecedented destruction, harm and death to all of life along the Texas and Louisiana coastline. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer, Amen.
Sunday Worship
August 27th - 11:30am - Join us for our "social time" in the conference room for coffee, cookies and conversation.
12:30pm - Join us for Worship Service with Rev. Kati L. Houts as we consider the following, "Living the Good Life".
Lost coming to service? Map HERE or Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.
August 27th - 11:30am - Join us for our "social time" in the conference room for coffee, cookies and conversation.
12:30pm - Join us for Worship Service with Rev. Kati L. Houts as we consider the following, "Living the Good Life".
Lost coming to service? Map HERE or Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.
Dear God,
We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we've carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we've carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
We all have cause for celebrating the growing number of people who are awakening from their deep sleep, realizing that they are experiencing an acute spiritual hunger, an inner sense of restlessness, and a desire for a greater sense of "purpose" in their lives.
The purpose of our work is not material but spiritual. We do not go to work solely to manufacture widgets or to produce reports. We go to work because it is part of our life "purpose" and our "cause" - to contribute to the healing and recovery of the Planet, to create greater wholeness throughout life.
If we wish to live on "purpose" we need to take advantage of opportunities to provide for the Soul to express its voice.
Living on purpose brings inspiration and renewal to our souls. So when we act purposefully, we are fulfilled. Amen.
The purpose of our work is not material but spiritual. We do not go to work solely to manufacture widgets or to produce reports. We go to work because it is part of our life "purpose" and our "cause" - to contribute to the healing and recovery of the Planet, to create greater wholeness throughout life.
If we wish to live on "purpose" we need to take advantage of opportunities to provide for the Soul to express its voice.
Living on purpose brings inspiration and renewal to our souls. So when we act purposefully, we are fulfilled. Amen.
The word community means "a series of relationships". The Soul seeks to belong, to create relationships, and to be a part of a community. In building churches we are seeking to build communities to which we contribute and by which we are nourished; a holistic, symbiotic relationship built on acceptance and permission among members that offers not only survival, but leads to much more: growth and evolution. Most important it must lead to spiritual nourishment, to a deep and mutual caring of the Soul - the Soul of every member of the community. This is the essence of the Sacredness of relationships in a community.
Some may recognize the above picture. It was taken in 2008 when MCC of El Paso gathered to record a special song for our denomination's 40th anniversary. You can find it on www.youtube.com under MCC's 40th Anniversary (meaning the denomination). The Interim period was just beginning and learning "the sacredness of community."
Some may recognize the above picture. It was taken in 2008 when MCC of El Paso gathered to record a special song for our denomination's 40th anniversary. You can find it on www.youtube.com under MCC's 40th Anniversary (meaning the denomination). The Interim period was just beginning and learning "the sacredness of community."
In her book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway", Dr. Susan Jeffers says " If we wait to stop feeling scared before trying to do what frightens us, we could wait forever; pressing ahead is the only way to erase fear." I read this book several years ago. Its message was imprinted upon my heart and mind. If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it.
I read an article called "Why Courage Requires Fear" by Michael Hyatt who says "Courage is the willingness to act in spite of your fear." He also says "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear." Sounds a little odd probably to most of us since we equate one to be the opposite of the other and the two shall not meet.
Consider these statements about courage and fear:
I read an article called "Why Courage Requires Fear" by Michael Hyatt who says "Courage is the willingness to act in spite of your fear." He also says "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear." Sounds a little odd probably to most of us since we equate one to be the opposite of the other and the two shall not meet.
Consider these statements about courage and fear:
We were made to be courageous.
In trials, our first response is to run.
We were made for trouble.
Stand for what matters.
Courage cannot be separated from action.
Rev. Ed Litton takes our view of courage and fear a step further as he makes a connection between them when says: "Fear is just a call to exercise courage."
In essence, without fear, we can't have courage. We cannot act courageous in any situation unless we have something to protect, something to honor, something to prove, or something to commit to. Fear is a call to action and that action should be courageous.
But lets keep in mind that there needs to be a healthy level of fear. "All things in moderation" is a saying I try to apply to most areas of my life. Don't let fear take over and cause inaction. That would be cowardly.
Ask your self this question;
Are you afraid of making decisions . . . asking your boss for a raise . . . leaving an unfulfilling relationship . . . facing the future? Whatever your fear, here is your chance to push through it once and for all.
God is there for all of us if we but ask. Remember this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7;
"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline."
No one said life was easy but with God all things are possible. Amen.
I read an article called "Why Courage Requires Fear" by Michael Hyatt who says "Courage is the willingness to act in spite of your fear." He also says "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear." Sounds a little odd probably to most of us since we equate one to be the opposite of the other and the two shall not meet.
Consider these statements about courage and fear:
- We were made to be courageous.
- In trials, our first response is to run.
- We were made for trouble.
- Stand for what matters.
- Courage cannot be separated from action.
I read an article called "Why Courage Requires Fear" by Michael Hyatt who says "Courage is the willingness to act in spite of your fear." He also says "Courage is not the absence of fear but rather requires fear." Sounds a little odd probably to most of us since we equate one to be the opposite of the other and the two shall not meet.
Consider these statements about courage and fear:
We were made to be courageous.
In trials, our first response is to run.
We were made for trouble.
Stand for what matters.
Courage cannot be separated from action.
Rev. Ed Litton takes our view of courage and fear a step further as he makes a connection between them when says: "Fear is just a call to exercise courage."
In essence, without fear, we can't have courage. We cannot act courageous in any situation unless we have something to protect, something to honor, something to prove, or something to commit to. Fear is a call to action and that action should be courageous.
But lets keep in mind that there needs to be a healthy level of fear. "All things in moderation" is a saying I try to apply to most areas of my life. Don't let fear take over and cause inaction. That would be cowardly.
Ask your self this question;
Are you afraid of making decisions . . . asking your boss for a raise . . . leaving an unfulfilling relationship . . . facing the future? Whatever your fear, here is your chance to push through it once and for all.
God is there for all of us if we but ask. Remember this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7;
"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline."
No one said life was easy but with God all things are possible. Amen.
Faith is more than believing. Faith is more than thinking, talking, or having convictions about Jesus. Faith is action. It is movement; it is activity. Faith is something you do. In fact, the Bible says in James 2:14, "If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing" (NCV).
God will never be finished taking you deeper into faith. There is always a next step.
If you don't take the next step, you're going to get stuck in a rut - and the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length. If you don't move forward in faith, you will die. Your heart will grow cold, and you will feel more distant from God. He isn't going to help you with step three, four, and five until you take step one. If you're asking God to help you with something, he's asking you, "Why haven't you done what I've already told you to do?" You may have "been aiming to" do something. Stop aiming and pull the trigger.
Where do you get the faith to begin a fresh start? There's only one source: Jesus Christ.
"Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG).
So take the next step! (Excerpt from an article by Rick Warren)
God will never be finished taking you deeper into faith. There is always a next step.
If you don't take the next step, you're going to get stuck in a rut - and the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length. If you don't move forward in faith, you will die. Your heart will grow cold, and you will feel more distant from God. He isn't going to help you with step three, four, and five until you take step one. If you're asking God to help you with something, he's asking you, "Why haven't you done what I've already told you to do?" You may have "been aiming to" do something. Stop aiming and pull the trigger.
Where do you get the faith to begin a fresh start? There's only one source: Jesus Christ.
"Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG).
So take the next step! (Excerpt from an article by Rick Warren)
MCC of El Paso continues to provide this unique opportunity of martial arts and spirituality to the community. With a history dating back to 16th century Japan, Bushido Yamashita, Akis, Budu Ryu is a traditional Japanese Martial Art with its origin based in Christianity.
All classes begin with physical training in martial arts and conclude with spiritual reflection and discussion on how our faith can guide our lives.
This class gives students a taste of history as well as a strong will for their journey toward the future. At this time all classes meet at 7:30 pm.
God, help me trust myself
And grow in my ability to trust others.
Let me see the holiness that resides in every Soul.
Give me the wisdom to connect deeply,
Unpeeling my defenses carefully and uniting in purpose with those around me.
As grow in trust, we strengthen love,
We reawaken our spirit,
We inspire the world.
(by Marie Knapp)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding". (Proverbs 3:5)
To trust in the Lord means more than believing in who he is and what he says; the word here for trust can also mean "to have confidence in." Having confidence in something means having an assurance that leads to action. Trust in the Lord is a faith that lets us boldly serve. This confidence should infuse our whole being. Amen.
And grow in my ability to trust others.
Let me see the holiness that resides in every Soul.
Give me the wisdom to connect deeply,
Unpeeling my defenses carefully and uniting in purpose with those around me.
As grow in trust, we strengthen love,
We reawaken our spirit,
We inspire the world.
(by Marie Knapp)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding". (Proverbs 3:5)
To trust in the Lord means more than believing in who he is and what he says; the word here for trust can also mean "to have confidence in." Having confidence in something means having an assurance that leads to action. Trust in the Lord is a faith that lets us boldly serve. This confidence should infuse our whole being. Amen.
Whether it is "Gay Pride" month, or not, diversity should be appreciated and celebrated everyday. It was created for a reason. Since God is the Creator of all life, then the diverse nature of God's world is of value to us all. The definition of diversity is something like this: the concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Here are some example of diversity to consider.
Next weekend we celebrate Gay Pride which will continue through this month. As a nation consisting of different races, religions, political views and sexual orientations, we honor those who have given their lives and continue to fight for our freedom as we observe Memorial Day this Sunday. In a few weeks we will continue this celebration of freedom with fireworks, parades, picnics, etc., on the 4th of July. In spite of whether we agree with the politics of what is happening in the world today, we are continuing to defend our nation and at the same time, helping others to benefit from this gift of freedom. God has given us the responsibility to bring about freedom from hatred and injustice and establishing God's reign of love and peace through the sharing of the Good News and to bring about healing of both the soul and the body. However, in the face of the real problems of the world, we may feel that we are too insignificant to make an important difference in the middle of such political and seemingly meaningless chaos. I challenge you to look at your dreams. Those seeds of potentiality are in all of us. God does not discriminate. What you plant today, others will reap from the harvest tomorrow. You see, whatever seed we sow into our lives determines the harvest we will have. We always get back more than we sow. In answer to the question in the title of this article, yes, each one of us working together make a difference as we are an important part of what makes this world a truly better place for all. We make a positive difference when together we follow the example of Jesus in our lives; making a positive difference in the lives of those we meet. As we say at the end of the service, "Go in peace to love God and one another!" We have been chosen and we are being sent. This is a great time to be the church! Amen.
Creator of All Life,
Please hear our prayer as we go along each day, trying to run our lives our own way. We forget to let go and give you control. We wonder why things aren't going the way we want them to go and forget to stop and ask what you want, Lord. Please help us to give you control, for our desire is to follow you. Help us to trust that when you close one door, you open the one you want us to walk through. Help us to realize that what we desire may not be what is best for us. Lord, let us accept each day as a gift and to follow the path you chose for each of us. We thank you for what you have given us; trusting you will take care of all our needs. Guide us, to follow the path you have chosen for us. Give us strength, faith, hope, and most of all, give us guidance each and every day as we let go and give you control.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Please hear our prayer as we go along each day, trying to run our lives our own way. We forget to let go and give you control. We wonder why things aren't going the way we want them to go and forget to stop and ask what you want, Lord. Please help us to give you control, for our desire is to follow you. Help us to trust that when you close one door, you open the one you want us to walk through. Help us to realize that what we desire may not be what is best for us. Lord, let us accept each day as a gift and to follow the path you chose for each of us. We thank you for what you have given us; trusting you will take care of all our needs. Guide us, to follow the path you have chosen for us. Give us strength, faith, hope, and most of all, give us guidance each and every day as we let go and give you control.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
It is a fact that commitment to the church seems to be at an all time low. Also, due to economic reasons many churches have had to close or merge with like minded denominations in order to continue. This is a tragic shift, and nationwide figures seem to be showing the exact same trend. People just don't seem to be all that "into" God anymore. People are clearly busier than ever, and that does not help the situation. Others have been hurt or disillusioned by churches or "religious" people, so they use that as a "reason" for why they do not attend church often. However, most people just seem to be looking for something better to do on Sunday mornings than go to a church to worship and learn about God and His ways. Golfing, sleeping, sports, and many other things turn out to be that "better option" for them than church.
I came across four reasons why church matters in our lives. Consider these reasons and see if they relate to your situation.
Why You Should Make a Huge Commitment to Being in Church Whenever the Doors Are Open . . .
1) The local church is a central part of God's strategic plan for your spiritual growth. I have often heard the statement, "Well, I don't need to go to church to be a Christian." On a slight technicality, that may be true, but it is certainly far-removed from God's true plan. Jesus said, "On this rock [Peter's statement that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God] I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not be able to stand against it" (Matthew 16:18). You see, the church is Jesus' idea, not humanity's idea. It seems like we should pay attention to His plan since it came directly from Him. When a person says they don't need the church, that is a departure from God's plan. I would advise against that.
2) It has been said that we are basically a composite of the five people with whom we spend the most time. Friends can influence people, no matter their age, for either good or for bad. It is important, therefore, that we choose those people well. This is why it is so valuable for us to be in church every time the doors are open. We need to expose ourselves as much as possible to other followers of Christ who will draw us nearer to God. We need the support of other believers if we are truly going to grow in Christ.
3) We need the voice of the church to counteract all of the deception that is crammed into our minds all throughout the week. Paul warns believers in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of humanity, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (NKJV) The word for "cheat" in this passage refers to kidnapping another person. We need to be careful that we are not "kidnapped" by false ideologies, by wrong thinking. The term "traditions" refers to teachings. Do you realize how many ungodly teachers are speaking into your life every week? Internet. News media. Hollywood. Music. Co-workers. Friends and family. The list seems never ending. With so many messages streaming into your life every week that can "kidnap" you and take you away from God, it is extremely critical that you spend as much time in church as possible to fill your mind with godly wisdom and discernment. Soak in all you can whenever you can!
4) Weekly ministry in a local church helps to build up your spiritual muscles. In Ephesians 4, Paul says that we all are gifted in different ways. When we use our own particular gifts to serve within a church, it is a like a body with many body parts that all work together for a common goal. As Paul discusses serving in this chapter, I find it interesting that he threw in the comment in Ephesians 4:14 in which he says, "... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of humanity, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting...." In other words, when we use our spiritual gifts by serving within the local church community, we somehow become better-grounded theologically. It will be more difficult for us to be deceived into thinking things that are not true according to God's Word. Isn't that amazing? Serving makes us more theologically astute. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but I do know that I have observed it to be true in my own life as well as in the lives of so many I have watched to grow in their journey with the Lord.
Commitment certainly is not what it used to be. But I hope for you, you will go all out in your commitment to Christ and His church.
See you at church this Sunday!
I came across four reasons why church matters in our lives. Consider these reasons and see if they relate to your situation.
Why You Should Make a Huge Commitment to Being in Church Whenever the Doors Are Open . . .
1) The local church is a central part of God's strategic plan for your spiritual growth. I have often heard the statement, "Well, I don't need to go to church to be a Christian." On a slight technicality, that may be true, but it is certainly far-removed from God's true plan. Jesus said, "On this rock [Peter's statement that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God] I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not be able to stand against it" (Matthew 16:18). You see, the church is Jesus' idea, not humanity's idea. It seems like we should pay attention to His plan since it came directly from Him. When a person says they don't need the church, that is a departure from God's plan. I would advise against that.
2) It has been said that we are basically a composite of the five people with whom we spend the most time. Friends can influence people, no matter their age, for either good or for bad. It is important, therefore, that we choose those people well. This is why it is so valuable for us to be in church every time the doors are open. We need to expose ourselves as much as possible to other followers of Christ who will draw us nearer to God. We need the support of other believers if we are truly going to grow in Christ.
3) We need the voice of the church to counteract all of the deception that is crammed into our minds all throughout the week. Paul warns believers in Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of humanity, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (NKJV) The word for "cheat" in this passage refers to kidnapping another person. We need to be careful that we are not "kidnapped" by false ideologies, by wrong thinking. The term "traditions" refers to teachings. Do you realize how many ungodly teachers are speaking into your life every week? Internet. News media. Hollywood. Music. Co-workers. Friends and family. The list seems never ending. With so many messages streaming into your life every week that can "kidnap" you and take you away from God, it is extremely critical that you spend as much time in church as possible to fill your mind with godly wisdom and discernment. Soak in all you can whenever you can!
4) Weekly ministry in a local church helps to build up your spiritual muscles. In Ephesians 4, Paul says that we all are gifted in different ways. When we use our own particular gifts to serve within a church, it is a like a body with many body parts that all work together for a common goal. As Paul discusses serving in this chapter, I find it interesting that he threw in the comment in Ephesians 4:14 in which he says, "... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of humanity, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting...." In other words, when we use our spiritual gifts by serving within the local church community, we somehow become better-grounded theologically. It will be more difficult for us to be deceived into thinking things that are not true according to God's Word. Isn't that amazing? Serving makes us more theologically astute. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but I do know that I have observed it to be true in my own life as well as in the lives of so many I have watched to grow in their journey with the Lord.
Commitment certainly is not what it used to be. But I hope for you, you will go all out in your commitment to Christ and His church.
See you at church this Sunday!
Sunday Worship
June 25th - 11:00 - Join us for our annual "Pride Sunday Service". We will be listening to new music by our Music Ministry, hearing God's message of "Radical Love" and enjoying fellowship and lunch as well.
Lost coming to service? Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.
June 25th - 11:00 - Join us for our annual "Pride Sunday Service". We will be listening to new music by our Music Ministry, hearing God's message of "Radical Love" and enjoying fellowship and lunch as well.
Lost coming to service? Jeremiah keeps his phone on into the service, 915-706-6599.
We read about freedom, dream about freedom, rejoice in the notion of freedom, teach, advocate, and hope for freedom, but what do we mean by freedom?
Freedom means many things to many people. We can view freedom politically, as having the opportunity to vote for particular ideas, people, or parties which best represent our views. Closely tied to this is the notion of freedom of speech, where one has the liberty to voice their personal opinion or perspective. Others understand freedom in a financial context, where people seek to free themselves of financial debt, outstanding credit, and burdensome loans.
We also think of freedom in a military sense-a war is won, soldiers return home, prisoners are freed, and bullets no longer fly. People walk their streets in safety, and citizens enjoy such rights as free speech, voting, and worshiping as they choose. From this perspective, liberty is achieved through force-combat or a military presence and maintained through laws, governing bodies, judges, and men and women who fight against those who oppose freedom.
This is certainly a simplistic representation of liberty, because true freedom is so much more than living without war-freedom goes far beyond mere outward order and nominal compliance. Dr. Henry Morris III addresses this in his feature article "Genuine Liberty" (pages 5-7). He points out that true freedom is found at a spiritual level, saying, "The ultimate freedom that is promised is freedom from the rule of evil secured by the salvation granted through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus."
Through the love of God, Jesus was sent to come to earth and willingly die for each of us for our salvation.Therefore, all who entrust their complete life to Jesus Christ are saved and given eternal life in Him and enjoy an intimate and personal connection and relationship with God.
This is true freedom. And true freedom only exists in Jesus Christ. How does it happen? God changes our heart through the Holy Spirit. God makes us spiritually alive by giving us a new heart. This heart desires to love God. It sees Jesus Christ as beautiful and desires to love Him as the Lord and Savior of our life. By faith, we give our life to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and freedom from sin. Not only this, but we are now free to do the very thing we were created to do - to honor and enjoy God forever. And this joy in God is from our heart - our new heart given to us by God. Amen.
Freedom means many things to many people. We can view freedom politically, as having the opportunity to vote for particular ideas, people, or parties which best represent our views. Closely tied to this is the notion of freedom of speech, where one has the liberty to voice their personal opinion or perspective. Others understand freedom in a financial context, where people seek to free themselves of financial debt, outstanding credit, and burdensome loans.
We also think of freedom in a military sense-a war is won, soldiers return home, prisoners are freed, and bullets no longer fly. People walk their streets in safety, and citizens enjoy such rights as free speech, voting, and worshiping as they choose. From this perspective, liberty is achieved through force-combat or a military presence and maintained through laws, governing bodies, judges, and men and women who fight against those who oppose freedom.
This is certainly a simplistic representation of liberty, because true freedom is so much more than living without war-freedom goes far beyond mere outward order and nominal compliance. Dr. Henry Morris III addresses this in his feature article "Genuine Liberty" (pages 5-7). He points out that true freedom is found at a spiritual level, saying, "The ultimate freedom that is promised is freedom from the rule of evil secured by the salvation granted through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus."
Through the love of God, Jesus was sent to come to earth and willingly die for each of us for our salvation.Therefore, all who entrust their complete life to Jesus Christ are saved and given eternal life in Him and enjoy an intimate and personal connection and relationship with God.
This is true freedom. And true freedom only exists in Jesus Christ. How does it happen? God changes our heart through the Holy Spirit. God makes us spiritually alive by giving us a new heart. This heart desires to love God. It sees Jesus Christ as beautiful and desires to love Him as the Lord and Savior of our life. By faith, we give our life to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and freedom from sin. Not only this, but we are now free to do the very thing we were created to do - to honor and enjoy God forever. And this joy in God is from our heart - our new heart given to us by God. Amen.
