the Gospel is . . . Freedom

Finally . . . my favorite word when it comes to Christianity - freedom.  I know so many people that prize "rugged individualism" but have never really experienced freedom.  We love to talk about freedom, but do we know where it comes from and how we can live with it?  Freedom is so much more than  independence, self-determination, or getting to do things my way.   Freedom is deeply spiritual.

Isn't it amazing that Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  (John 8:32)  Paul followed up with words to the Galatians on freedom.  He wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ set us free." (5:1)  What did they mean?  What kind of freedom were they talking about?

Freedom is at the heart of the Christian message and the gospel.  Jesus spoke of spiritual or moral freedom when he spoke to his disciples about freedom.  Jesus believed that people are enslaved by what they believe about God, themselves, and the world around them.  He came to set us free from our slavery.

Paul wrote to the Galatians to remind them that true freedom comes, not as we observe external rules and regulations, but as we walk in the presence and power of Jesus.  Paul believed that there is actual power in the teaching of Christ and the grace he offers to us.  I believe it too.

If you want to be free -- free from sinful and destructive behaviors, free from self-loathing, guilt, and shame, free from negative emotions which trap us in the past -- then "stand firm" in the grace of God in Christ Jesus.  True freedom is building a relationship with God which produces peace, power, and potential.

I hope you are enjoying real freedom today.  See you Sunday as we continue our focus on the gospel.  Pastor Tom

The Gospel is . . .

Good news - that's the meaning of the word "gospel".   In the original language it is euangelion which literally means "eu" = good and "angelion" = message.  The early church went everywhere spreading the good news of Christ Jesus.  So what is the good news?  John 3:16 sums it up well, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."  the gospel is centered in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  It is love, grace, forgiveness, freedom, transformation, and the hope of heaven.

The New Testament uses words such as redemption, sanctification, salvation, sin, and justification to describe the good news of the gospel.  Paul's opening words in his letter to the Galatians makes plain that their is only one gospel.  Any other gospel is a perversion of the truth.  So what is the core message of Christianity and the church?  Join us in May on Sundays @ the ARC as we take a deeper look at the gospel and Paul's letter to the Galatians - It's good news!