Breaking Chains and Experiencing Freedom...

This past weekend I had the privilege of being part of our church's Encounter ministry team. This was our 50th (give or take a few) Encounter, and as usual, God showed up POWERFULLY! I'm always amazed at how a person can begin an Encounter so bound and chained up with the sins of life, and yet by the end of it, they're a completely different person. So many of these people are experiencing freedom for the first time in years. They stand on John 8:36 which declares to us, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." And that's exactly what happened with this group of eighty or so attendees. They became free! Not because of what any person did at the Encounter, but solely because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. They experienced Colossians 2:13-15, "Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." As with any person, if you're hungry and desperate for God, He will meet you. He will be found. Why? Because He's a loving Father who created you for relationship with Him. God's faithfulness and love towards those He died for is so obvious. Thank you Jesus for the freedom you gave us, not because of anything we can do (except believe), and for your amazing love :)