Following Christ…out of lockdown
The concept of freedom is at the core of the Christian faith:
'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. '
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It was this scripture that was a driving force behind William Wilberforce’s push in abolishing slavery. It was the desire for freedom that throughout history toppled political regimes, changed laws, and created new nations. We get so much mileage from the word freedom don’t we… From teenagers fighting the draconian regime called “parenthood” all the way to protesters in the streets…the word freedom rings clear. Those of us who watch Mel Gibson movies certainly can remember his iconic impersonation of William Wallace shouting “Freedom….!” in the 1995 movie Braveheart.
No doubt…the city of Melbourne’s acquired title of “most locked-down city in the world” directly contrasts its title as one of the top ten “most livable cities in the world”. And this dichotomy is where we find ourselves, don’t we? How do we protect our freedom in Christ when our day to day functioning and decisions are seemingly curbed by the lockdown? Here are several helpful scriptures relating to our freedom as Christians and how to apply it:
'You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. '
Galatians 5:13-15 NIV
Freedom is a calling…a responsibility…>>>
to take on the mindset of a Christ Servant
'Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.'
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NIV
The greatest of freedoms is basking in Christ’s glory…>>>
and this leads to the Holy Spirit’s rejuvenation of the worshipper
'Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. '
1 Corinthians 7:21-22 NIV
Don’t let temporary realities trouble you so much that...>>>
you lose the awareness of your spiritual freedom in Christ
'Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. '
1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV
Freedom from accountability equals captivity to selfishness...>>>
be respectful, loving and honouring
It is within the guardrails of biblical freedom that we find liberty to progress towards a life with a bigger purpose! Take a few moments and think through the implications should we be able to apply these scriptures mentioned in our engagement with the Roadmap out of lockdown!
As elders we truly sensed God’s guidance in prayerful discussion on how to engage with the Roadmap out of lockdown. As we work through the practical implications it has on several aspects of our ministry, we will create safe and applicable solutions. We covet your continued prayer in these matters and will inform you on our plans going forward soon.
Website | New user-friendly calendar!
We have been busy creating a user-friendly calendar on our website. You can now view our events in list format or the traditional calendar view. With big bright images and Google maps, you won’t miss our coming events! Check it out.
Fuse Youth | Friday 8th October
It is Term 4 and that means the amazing Grade 6’s are joining us and are officially part of the Fuse Youth Fam! This Friday is #FortNight so come along for a night of games, chats & laughs! The catch? You must join your Zoom groups from the comfort of your very own blanket fort that you have built yourself!
We can’t wait to see how creative you all get and Grade 6’s, we look forward to meeting you all! Zoom links will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram Friday.
Kids Church | Sunday 10th Ocboter
This week on Kids Church TV… The kids will go on a journey with Elfie the Elephant and Gazza the Gorilla. Gazza boldly asks Elfie if he would like to come to church with him. Though Elfie declines the offer a seed is planted in his heart that will change his life forever!
Included in the teaching video are an ‘Activation Prayer’ and an ‘Activation Exercise’ for the kids to immediately apply this week’s teaching. Catch the action here on Kids Church TV.
Sunday Service | Jesus’ road to resilience!
We are consistently pressured to do more in less time, achieve more with less resources and be calmer under increasing pressure. How can we regain resilience when we’ve fallen for the five traps of a draining life? We find great solutions in the life of Jesus. Watch this Sunday on YouTube and Facebook.
Living Springs Counselling Centre | We are open!
Our living Springs Counselling Centre is still open during this lockdown providing an essential service to our local community. If you are in need of counseling, please don’t hesitate to contact the centre on 97026687. We have male and female counsellors available daytime and evenings. For more information, visit our website.
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
