Child of Freedom

Everyone understands that life can be difficult. We have several metaphors that we use to describe the difficulties. We call them battles, storms, tests, and burdens, among other images. When we find ourselves in these situations, we ask two questions: why and how long. We ask why because we desire a reason for our suffering. We ask, “Why do I have to carry this burden?” The Bible provides us with a general answer to the why question: sin. To be clear, every difficulty is not the result of a specific sin in our hearts. However, every burden that we carry is a direct result of the sin that we humans brought into the world. In fact, this curse of sin is the actual burden. If we want the burdens and storms to go away, we need to deal with our sin. But what about the second question? We ask how long because we want the difficulty to end. We ask, “How much longer until I am free?” The Bible gives a general answer to this second question too. Again, the Bible doesn’t give us a specific amount of time that we, as individuals, will have to endure our suffering. But it does point us to God as the restorer of all things, and the One who reverses the curse. He promised to do this through the Messiah, whom He promised from the time sin entered creation. And we know that He will complete that restoration when the Messiah returns. We ground this confidence in the Old Testament promises that God fulfilled in detail. So we know He’ll do the same again. Freedom from the burdens of sin, suffering, pain, death, and oppression is coming. It’s coming from God through Jesus. This is the promise that emboldens our hope. It’s the completion that we anticipate through advent. So wait! So hope! The freedom you long for is sure and near. –Pastor Rory

Sunday at Liberty

9AM: Can We Believe God’s Promises?–2 Peter 3:8-15

10AM: Pastor Rory–Child of Freedom–Isaiah 9:4/Psalm 102 (sermon notes)

11:45AM: Potluck

12:30PM: Members’ Meeting