Hello Gloria Dei,
The words written above are straight from the mouth of Jesus. “The Truth will make you free.” What is the Truth with a capital “T”? And how can we know it? Later in John’s gospel, Jesus gives us more than a hint when he says about himself, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.”
This weekend in our “Made For” sermon series, we focus on the theme “Made For Courage”.
Knowing Jesus means knowing the ultimate truth, for knowing Jesus means knowing in a deep and lasting way the very love and heart of God. Knowing that Jesus has come to this earth to save us from sin, death, and the power of evil imparts courage. And it imparts freedom. When you think about it, what is it that truly sets you free? It is loving relationships.
In my marriage, for example, I know my wife loves me. Therefore, I am free to be open, vulnerable, awkward, honest, caring, funny, and all the rest. In other words, I am free to be myself, sharing in mutual love and support with and for her.
The same is true, but in an even more perfect way, with God. As we know the love of Christ, we are set free to be our true selves. Set free to live with courage. Set free to be bold. Set free to be Christ for one another. Free to love, free to serve, free to simply be who God created us to be. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son…” Yes, it is God’s love in Christ that sets us free and enables us to move through this life with courage and strength.
This weekend at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday service and the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, we celebrate, as we did this past weekend, with more of our young people as they publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and his promise of love for them. Come and join in Reformation worship (wear red if you’d like) as we give praise to God, as we support our confirmation students, and as we experience the very love that sets us free to live with courage, faith, and trust in God.
We are together in Christ,
Pastor Tim
