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From the Pastor’s Keyboard... |
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“Freedom” The following devotional was emailed to me recently from our UCC Writer’s Group Daily Devotional Service; a free service of the United Church of Christ supported by our contributions to Our Church’s Wider Mission. I found it to be particularly meaningful as we contemplate freedom during this month of Independence Day Celebrations. What does it mean to be free? Free for what? Free from what?
“…Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free.'?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin." -John 8:31-34
Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell
To what are you enslaved? What forces, institutions, people direct your energy and productivity without your consent? What are the drives, the needs, the addictions that control who you are and what you do? From what do you long to be freed?
Jesus says that the truth of God as revealed in him has the power to free them from sin. I believe that to be true, but I think Jesus was being a little too modest. I think the truth of God in Christ has the power not just to free us from sin, which is anything that separates us from God. I think it also has the power to free us from sins which separate us from ourselves, and from one another; things like addiction, hatred, selfishness and fear—forces that enslave and separate. (Sins)
One of the ways God sets this power free in the world is the church. In the church, at its imperfect best, we are reminded by good people as fragile and messed up as we are of our heritage as beloved children of the Creator of the Universe, heirs to the promises of God. We are reminded that God longs to be in control of our lives, and that we will be better—and freer—if we let it happen…”
The church, as imperfect as it is, is one place we can experience ‘freedom’- the right to choose our own ‘slavery’. Who/what rules/dictates your life? To what/whom are you enslaved? Whom will you serve?
I’ll see you in worship! —Pastor Rick |
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St. John’s United Church of Christ |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 573-437-3698 Pastor: rick@bemchurch.com Secretary: carole@bemchurch.com
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A Family of Faith |
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St. John’s United Church of Christ Bem, Missouri |
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Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 8:45 a.m. |
