Freedom

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5: 1).

     How can we, the church,  lead "philistines" to salvation in Christ without turning them into "pharisees?"

     Paul writes the letter of Galatians to warn of the tendency to use religion as an instrument to control and keep people in their place.  Paul's passion for freedom was grounded in his memory of living the Pharisaical life "BC" (before Christ).  He couldn't stomach the news that believers were cashing in their freedom in Christ for a false sense of security in conforming to the demands of the religionists. Paul did not want the Church's future to look like his past.   Paul the "freeman" had no use for Saul the "lawman," or for that matter, Christians demanding gentiles be circumcised to prove their worth to the church.  

     Believers must learn the Scriptures to counter the demands of a "Christ-less" religion.  Every church is cultic to the point it impedes or supersedes the example and teachings of Christ.  True worshippers of Christ will see through the efforts of those who use religion to manipulate and control.  The sad history of religion bears out the concern and warnings of Paul to the churches of Galatia.

May the Lord lead you into a sabbatical rest from the efforts of Satan to burden christians with demands that run counter to His Word--

Pastor Tim

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

We are so excited about the fish fry this Saturday night at 6 PM!  Make sure to give out those tickets to unchurched friends and neighbors to invite them to come be a part of what God is doing among us.  Jim, Ron, Smiley, Ruel, Grover, and Garrett promise to have plenty of delicious fish, fries, and trimmings for everyone...thanks guys!

Also, we need 4 more people to volunteer for dessert for Saturday night.  Be sure to let Julie or Pauletta know if you can bring something sweet.

Thanks again for the amazing way you all have worked together as a faith family to make Sabbatical Life the great success it is!  We have heard some powerful testimonies of how God is moving through this ministry, and it is such a blessing to be able to witness it first-hand!