Tag: Forgiveness

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Anchored in Freedom: 7 Chains Broken Through Christ

Freedom

Culture promises freedom by casting off all restraint, but what if true liberation comes through surrender? This beautiful paradox lies at the heart of Christian faith—that genuine freedom is found not in doing whatever we want, but in placing ourselves under God’s protective care.

The Paradox of Freedom

Consider two powerful images: a kite soaring gracefully through the sky and a boat anchored safely in harbor. What enables the kite to fly? Not the absence of constraints, but the string connecting it to its master. What allows the family on the boat to enjoy themselves freely? The anchor that holds them secure. When we’re tethered to God and anchored in His love, we don’t lose freedom—we discover what it really means.

Seven Freedoms Through Obedience to Christ

Freedom from Sin’s Bondage

Before Christ, we were slaves to destructive patterns we couldn’t break. Addiction, bitterness, dishonesty—these aren’t expressions of freedom but forms of slavery. When we surrender to Jesus, He breaks chains we could never break ourselves, liberating us to soar to new heights.

Freedom from Guilt and Shame

Romans 8:1 declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Guilt and shame are anchors dragging us down, whispering lies about our worth. God’s grace silences these voices, allowing us to walk with dignity—not because of our goodness, but because of His.

Freedom from Fear

Fear paralyzes us, keeping us from our calling. But when we’re anchored in God’s love, we can rest in His power and wisdom. The storms may rock our boat, but they cannot move our anchor.

Freedom from Lack of Purpose

You’re not an accident—you’re God’s masterpiece, created for specific good works. When we’re connected to our Master, we’re free to use our gifts, talents, and experiences for His glory and others’ benefit.

Freedom to Love Others

Perhaps most beautifully, God’s love frees us to love others. We can forgive because we’ve been forgiven. We can serve sacrificially because we’ve received grace. This freedom includes living in healthy, accountable relationships with fellow believers.

Freedom from Financial Slavery

God’s principles of contentment, generosity, and wise stewardship lead to financial freedom. When we’re not enslaved to debt, we’re free to be generous and respond to God’s leading.

Freedom from Death

Death has lost its sting for believers. Physical death becomes not an end but a graduation—a homecoming to our heavenly Father.

Living Under His Protective Care

The safest place isn’t where there are no storms, but where you’re properly anchored. The freest life isn’t one without boundaries, but one tethered to the One who loves you most.

Stay connected to God through His Word, prayer, and community with His people. Your relationship with God isn’t holding you back—it’s holding you up, keeping you secure under His protective care.

True freedom comes not from cutting the cord, but from staying anchored in the One who sets us free indeed.

Call to Action: Are you ready to experience true freedom? Surrender to God’s protective care today and discover the liberation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Watch the sermon: https://youtu.be/K1WJ7afRWK0

Also enjoy: Fast Forward with Jesus Judo

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Reconciliation: Is it Really Possible?

hands-2888625_1920Bred for Hate

Born and raised in a perfect storm of loss, hatred, racism, and pain, JP was a poster child for the case against injustice. He had every reason to hate and precious few reasons to trust anyone. His life was on a collision course that would echo repercussions around the world.

During the hot summer of 1930 on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, JP was pushed into this world. He would quickly experience racism, class envy, bootlegging, gambling, frequent fighting and more. The family was rough and tough; but some might argue it was the only way to survive the times and the geography. Continue reading “Reconciliation: Is it Really Possible?”

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“We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Church”

12 Biblical Reasons Why We Still Need Church

 

churchAccording to polls, per capita church attendance may be lower than any time in American history. Has the church-age run its course? Is church no longer needed except for the occasional wedding, funeral or concert?

If God has anything to say about it – and He does – church attendance is as important as ever.

Continue reading ““We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Church””

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12 Blessings Inside The House

blessingsDid you know that God establishes blessings at the same time we are busy messing things up? While it is certainly true that God cannot bless your mess, He certainly can bless you in spite of it. He can even transform your mess into something wonderful. Continue reading “12 Blessings Inside The House”

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Think Inside the Box

insidetheboxNo, it’s not a typo. The fact that you thought maybe it was, shows that you are thinking inside the box that says you should always think outside the box.

Likewise, some so-called sacred cows are not sacred cows at all, (a sacred cow being a false god) instead they are immutable principles of God’s universe that should not and cannot be violated without severe consequences.

Confused on the metaphors yet? Let’s break it down.

Continue reading “Think Inside the Box”

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I’m a Freak!

iamafreakOK, this is probably not big news to those who know me. I learned something while attending a Conference last week. One definition of a freak is something that is often unusual and unexpected. Who knows, maybe you are a freak too.

My beautiful, wonderful and long-suffering wife ,Teri, is probably tired of hearing it, but I frequently say to her, “I must be a weirdo!” or “I feel like I was born in the wrong century.”

Continue reading “I’m a Freak!”

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Riots and Religion–Four Things the Church Can Do

riotsandreligionAs our cities burn, I am straining to hear the voice of God speaking clearly through His church. While there are a lot of church leaders speaking, much of what is being said is not helpful and therefore is obviously not the voice of God.

In Romans 12:18, Paul the Apostle wrote, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (NIV) Some will quickly argue that it was written to a different time, with different people and different conditions. Indeed it was. It was written to a church that was ostracized from a pluralistic society that blamed natural disasters and other unfortunate events on the people Paul was writing to. Just a few years after this letter, Paul himself would die at the hands of Roman executioners, Peter would be crucified upside down and Nero would blame the city fire on Christians. This is the same guy – by the way – that liked to wrap Christians in oil soaked cloth and set them on fire to light his gardens in the evening.

Continue reading “Riots and Religion–Four Things the Church Can Do”

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Where Does the Evidence Lead?

EvidenceAccording to a recent ABC poll, 83% of Americans currently identify themselves as Christian. According to your definition, how many of these do you think legitimately qualify for the title?

The Apostle Paul urged the congregants in Corinth to examine themselves in order to make sure they were “in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) This appeal was given in the context of an upcoming visit where he was concerned that he would have to call out sin in the membership. He was hopeful that they would get their lives right with God before his visit so that he could enjoy his visit with encouraging words instead of experiencing an unpleasant trip focused on harsh correction. Continue reading “Where Does the Evidence Lead?”

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Please Sit Down and Shut Up

sitdownandshutupI did say “please.” 🙂 Not a day goes by when we aren’t lectured by a Talk Show Host, News Commentator, secular University Professor, Actor or some other theologically inept person about the Christian Faith. They hike their noses in haughty disdain for the ignorant Evangelical Bible Thumpers who simply don’t get it. They school us on what the Bible really means or what Jesus would do if He were walking the earth today. I, for one, am fed up! Continue reading “Please Sit Down and Shut Up”

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Love Is A Verb

loveisaverb*** Warning Do Not Read this if you are a Hopeless Romantic ***

To be painfully honest, falling in love, as we have learned from our culture, is more related to the way we feel about ourselves than it is about the way we feel toward the person we are supposedly in love with. The romantic notions that pervade our modern minds and emotions are more rooted in the literary inventions of poets and storytellers than they are real life. Continue reading “Love Is A Verb”