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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.

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