FreeWay Church Clemson FreeWay Church

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff preached a foundational principle of Christianity centered around the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda.  He recounted how the man had been stuck in his destitute position for 38 years before he met Jesus.  His encounter with Jesus led to his deliverance in an instant.  What was the catalyst for his healing?  It was receiving and obeying the word of the Lord. In order to “take God at his word,” we must strive to have the mind of Christ. The scriptures remind us that this is attainable …Corinthians 2:16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”  Yes, we have the mind of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Are there areas in your life where you need healing… sickness, distress, negative thoughts? If you want to get well, you must change the way you think.  Then, just like this man, you can get up, pick up your mat and represent Christ in every way, every day.

This past Sunday, Justin focused his sermon on breaking down the points found in 2 Corinthians 4:4-18. In this chapter, "God has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel." Throughout our life, it's easy to name and fixate on all the troubles we deal with on a daily basis. However, this chapter tells us that what we see with our natural eyes is not what God sees. We need to trust and have faith in God in order to see with spiritual eyes and take in all the blessing God gives us. A way to do this is to speak what we believe and turn to Him first when things get hard. Do not despair, for God has a plan for all of us. We must continue to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a message derived from the first verse in the book of Job. In Chapter 1 verse 1, the Bible records that Job was “blameless and upright.” It was because despite the trauma and trouble Job experienced, he continued to cultivate his relationship with God.  This is indeed a serious matter to God.  In Psalms 50 he rebukes Israel because they have become rote in their sacrifices and religious rituals.  God desired for them to come before him with a grateful heart, walking in obedience with constant trust in him. He despised their pretense.  He was seeking those that would be “perfectly honest” in their interactions.  This is exactly what we should guard against today in our relationship with Christ.  We must purpose to convey the depths of our love and devotion to him in a manner that dispels any hint of guile.  Yes, our God, the righteous judge is seeking those who practice “true worship.”  This is our prayer today and always as we strive to attain His approval and become blameless. Matthew 15:8 (NIV) These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

In today’s world, the greatest celebrations occur around athletic events or entertainment venues. This should not be the case with Christians.  Our greatest joy should be derived from experiencing the effects of a transformed life. This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff highlighted a familiar bible story known as the Prodigal Son. He contrasted the response of the father and the older brother upon the son’s return home. The father immediately began to prepare for a celebration. Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate. But, the older son was sour and had no plans to join in making merry.  Sometimes, this is our attitude about even our personal transformation. Pastor Jeff admonished us to recognize the reasons for the father’s joy.  He was elated at God’s manifest divine love, immense mercy and immeasurable grace towards his younger son. We too, walk in this authentic evidence or our heavenly Father’s forgiveness. So, let’s take our spiritual celebrations to heights even far above the heavens. Psalms 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his loving kindness toward those who fear and worship Him. 

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a rousing message affirming the necessity of practicing our faith in God. He referenced the story of Joseph and his desperate battle to fend off the advances of Potiphar’s wife as recounted in the familiar story in Genesis. God was with Joseph his entire life from betrayal by his brothers, prison and even promotion as a high-level official in Egypt.  God gave him access to the “power” that enabled him to remain steadfast even in a foreign land.  Like Joseph, it is difficult to cling to our faith in the midst of this “strange land.” But according to 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But, when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  Our victory over sin, death and the grave lie in practicing our faith each day. Then, we will be blessed to experience God’s presence, power, providence and the realization of his purpose in our lives.  Phillipians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a profound Easter message about the necessity of following Jesus.  We may not realize that sometimes, even though we profess to be Christians, our patterns of living are much different than Jesus and his Word.  We are following someone or something else.  This is why our relationship with God is lacking because “followship begets fellowship.” Such was the case with the disciple Peter.  Though his denial of Christ hindered their relationship, God knew he needed to restore him (John 21:15-19). Therefore Jesus “reached” to Peter in the middle of his mess.  1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved, God but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus paid the full price for our sins of yesterday, today and forever so that we could answer Him appropriately when he calls us.  Our aim, to follow Him! Selah