Here is the intro to our series on Freedom in Christ. We started Thursday, June 4th. If you missed the scripture references or questions, here they are:

1 Corinthians 6:12

“Some of you believers may say, ‘I am free to do anything that I want to do.’ That may be true, but not everything will help you. I could say, ‘I am free to do the things that I want to do.’ Yes, but I will not let anything rule over me.”

Isaiah 61:1

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. That is because the Lord has anointed me. He has anointed me so that I will tell good news to poor people. He has sent me to make people happy again. They are the people that trouble has caused to be very sad. He has sent me to tell the people in a prison that they are free. And he sent me so that I can tell good news to the people in a prison. The good news is that they can come out of the dark places.”

Romans 8:1-2

“Now we know this: God has forgiven those people who are united with Christ Jesus. God will never say that they are guilty. If you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s Spirit has given you a new life. God’s Spirit now rules in your life and he has made you free. Sin and death no longer have authority over you.”

Psalm 97:10

“If you love the Lord, then hate what bad people do! The Lord makes safe the lives of his people. He will make them free from the hands of bad people.”

Psalm 119:9-11

“How can a young man live a clean life? He must be careful to obey your message. I bring all my thoughts to you. Do not let me forget to obey your commands. I always keep your message in my mind, so that I do not do anything bad against you.”

The Steps cover seven critical issues that affect our relationship with God. We will not experience our freedom in Christ if we seek false guidance, believe lies, fail to forgive others as we have been forgiven, live in rebellion, respond in pride, fail to acknowledge our sin, and continue in the sins of our ancestors.

What does freedom in Christ mean to you?

What is the big deal if I don’t have it?

What parts of your life feel bound or chained up?