Christ Set Us Free (Gal 5:1) by Pastor Don Bird

13 Oct Christ Set Us Free (Gal 5:1) by Pastor Don Bird

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” ~ Gal 5:1 (full readings)
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Pastor Don’s Reflections:  Paul’s application of the Genesis account exposed the real danger facing the Galatians.  They were on the brink of losing their freedom in Christ.  Paul was disappointed at the report that though the Galatians had been growing in their faith, they were being influenced by those trying to destroy God’s work of grace in them.  Paul reminds them, as he does us, that the freedom we experience comes through Jesus Christ, not from adhering to rules and policies or good deeds.  He reminds them, and us, that when we try to earn what Christ has already given it mocks His sacrifice.  We honor the work of Christ on the cross when we allow God’s grace to work through us, giving us the freedom to offer grace to a world in need.  If we read a little further in verse 13, Paul shares “You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  When we are living into the free grace that Christ offers, we are able to serve one another freely, lift up the sacredness of all life, and allow grace to redeem even the darkest corners of our world’s heart.  There is nothing holding us back from sharing the transforming power of God’s grace. We are free!
* Pastor Don Bird is the Lead Pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, CO.  He lives in Aurora, CO with his wife of over 17 years, Mandy, and his two children, Ethan and Haleigh..

Faith Challenge:  Lift up the sacredness of all life, and allow grace to redeem even the darkest corners of our world’s heart.  

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Edward the Confessor
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Faith Quote:  “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” ~ Peter Marshall
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Through Christ our Lord,
Pastor Don Bird
1 John 3:18