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The Cross Spells “Freedom”
By, Pastor John Motz

We live in a condemning culture, each side quick to jump on and condemn the other. We feel condemned when those around us pick on or devalue us. We often magnify that judgement, by not forgiving ourselves, holding on to self-condemnation for mistakes we've made that we can't get past. And because we’re human, it's so easy to get in the habit of taking offence/holding a grudge/making a judgement about those around us.

The Bible speaks very clearly about the place of condemnation in a believer's life: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1). Certainly, the Apostle Paul is speaking specifically about how God sees us in light of the Cross, that our sins are no longer being held against us as He offers us a freedom that we don't deserve. I also believe that this freedom we are invited to is intended to set us free from both from feeling condemned and being so quick to condemn, creating a healthier church.

In the month of April, we'll be starting a journey to experience more freedom with each Sunday's message as we open a series entitled "No Condemnation". In the weeks ahead we'll seek a clearer understanding of God's forgiveness offered in the Cross, pursue greater freedom from the pain others have inflected and seek to show how quick we are to go negative with our words and attitudes. We will separate out the difference between conviction when we've screwed up, and condemnation the enemy or the world heaps upon us and experience His freedom.

I am looking forward to this journey together.