Wednesday, 21st April 2010 @ 14:11

Living Free

21-4-10

 

Living Free

Freedom is often the cry of the modern society we live in.
In fact not freedom per say, but rather the freedom of the individual to do
whatever they please.
The bible is a book very clearly in favour of the concept of people living free.
Galations 5: 1 says: It is for freedom that Christ has made us free...
There is a difference however in the context, or the presupposed position of the individual
who is living in freedom.
In the world, freedom is to go to the limit of your capacity in maximizing pleasure and
accumulating possessions. If it feels good do it.
In the bible there is a different world view. Freedom is designed to bring strength and health
to others in your community. Instead of the selfish pursuit of pleasure with no boundaries,
the bible tells us that our freedom should be used, always in a way that will be a benefit to
others. with this in mind, the writer of Galations in chapter 5: 13 says it like this.
"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 you have the right to something, it does'nt always make it right to do.
If we are going to be a loving community, then we will learn to practise restraint and balance
in order to preserve our relationships and protect them from our desires out of control.
Let me explain,
The banks of a river serve to create a safe boundary in which the life of the river system can
flow,giving food and refreshment to the communities on its banks.
However if the river bursts beyond it's banks, what was good, quickly becomes destructive to
those influenced by it.
Getting a new car can be a very liberating, freeing experience for a teen. It allows them to
spread their wings a little further and be able to travel independant of lifts and favours.
It is a great time in the life of a young person.
If however that new freedom becomes an opportunity to speed and drive dangerously, what was
meant for good can very quickly become evil and even ruin someone else's life.
Intimacy in relationship is a great need in most people's lives. For most people the need for
friends will continue to grow into the need for a life partner to share the journey and intimacy
of life.
When God established the boundaries of marriage he established one man with one woman.
His goal has always been the building of strong communities out of the primary bond and
leadership of the couple.
In the building of that community, if one partner becomes unsatisfied with their spouse and look
for intimacy else where, the primary relationship will quickly begin to erode and break down.
with that breakdown comes a multitude of hurt and suffering and consequences that flow out to
other lives.
When we play a game of footy, we are free to play the game and experience all the joys it can
bring as long as we stay within the defined limits of the game. The boundary line serves, not
to stop our fun or ruin our life, but in fact to preserve us and keep the order and balance that
allows us to function to maximum capacity.
My encouragement to all of us is, when you encounter a boundary or a limit that seems to be a
kill joy or robs you of your fun. Understand that it is God's support and framework to keep you
strong and healthy.
His love and compassion for you is enormous and it's that love that caused our God to give us
freedom within the context of boundaries.
I pray that you will see God's amazing favour and grace and be able to function freely within
the limits He has placed around you.

Lots of love and blessings
Ps Phil and Sue Ayres
MCLC Senior Ministers

Coming Events:

Generations Outreach

23 - 25th April
Margaret River

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30 - 1st May
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18th May (13 Weeks)
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Partners Lunch

13th June
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Marriage Course

5th Juy  
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Family Camp

16 - 18th July 
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Real Men's Conference

7 - 8th August
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Go to link;
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Rockit Youth Camp
27 - 29th September
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Connect Conference

26 - 28th October
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HEAVEN'S GATES - HELL's FLAMES

4th - 9th November
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