Skip to main content

Set Free

A ripe corn field in Montgomery County, IL.

 Fall is upon us. The fields are ripe. Combines are out. That means, it’s that time of year for -- corn mazes.
Life can seem like living in a maze. It can be very confusing and frustrating. You feel stuck and like a prisoner.
We all get into situations where we feel like we can’t get out. A commitment we made to a friend, an obligation we have to our family members, or the consequences to a mistake or what we said.

 Word
Jesus makes it clear that he is a Messiah Savior, who takes on human sin in order to make us righteous and set us free. And that freedom comes through suffering, rejection and death.
Mark tells us in his gospel (Mk 8:31): “... he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

 Connection
Christians wonder whether they will get to heaven. And it’s understandable. None of us is perfect, and we all make mistakes. (Jms 3:2)
Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. God has forgiven us all. Death is only a transition from life on earth to life in heaven. We will be raised as God raised Jesus from the dead.
If you believe that, then you are free from guilt to live new life now and forever. Trust that God is with you through suffering. Let go of regret, fear or blame. And claim the gift of new life.

 Message
The good news is: You are anointed with the cross of Christ in baptism. You are loved and forgiven. And you can trust in God’s will and power to help and save you.
Jesus says to you: Do you believe I am God’s anointed Messiah? I am the Savior of the world. I died for your sins on the cross. Trust that you are baptized to live free forever.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Give Praise

Church vocal and bell choir in worship leads the assembled congregation to give God praise. Throughout the Bible, God and humans have used music to communicate with each other and about God’s greatness. Word In the Old testament, King David instructed the worship leaders of Israel to praise God for the kind and powerful help they received: “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. ” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9) The songbook of the Bible encourages creativity and diversity for giving glory to God with a new song. In one of its poetic hymns we are told that it is not only fitting but pleasing to God to join all creation “... with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!” (Psalm 98:6) And the early church saw spiritual songs as an expression of their new life in Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to believ
Post a Comment
Read more

In Touch with Jesus

The Matrix movies explored religious themes like alternate realities or salvation through a sacrificial hero. I like watching movies that entertain me, and touch on religious themes. For example Star Wars, the Matrix, or Gravity because I like Science Fiction, and also because they explore the reality of the supernatural while entertaining me. Do you remember the TV show “Touched by an Angel”? According to the late author Phyllis Tickle, it brought religion to TV and made faith accessible to a wider audience. It also showed that there is a desire for getting in touch with the divine in our lives. Word People flocked to Jesus to hear him and touch him. They came to hear him, and touch him to access his power that healed people. Getting in touch with Jesus shows us and connects us with the God’s goodness, possibility of life in harmony, and way to be blessed. Jesus declared that life with God transcends even adversity: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom
Post a Comment
Read more

Power of Faith

Your faith doesn't need to be huge like a mountain. Faith the size of a tiny seed can accomplish great things. What are our excuses? We need more faith like the apostles? Or we don’t speak well like Moses? Or are too young like Samuel? Or are too old like Abram and Sarah? Faith might be able to move mountains, but only if you are committed to put it into action. Word The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” (v. 5) Oh, says Jesus, if you just had faith the side of a mustard seed, you could instruct a tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea. No, Jesus tells his followers, what they need is not more faith but the right attitude and purpose. He wants them to be messengers and servants. Connection Is it possible that too many people stop with faith confession and don’t take the next step of faith action? Can we call ourselves Christian without acting like Christ? Instead of only understanding or knowing God, you and I are called to work for God.
Post a Comment
Read more