FreeWay Church Clemson FreeWay Church

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

This past Sunday, Casey defined the word "blesing" and spoke about how we can recieve God's blessings in the present. A blessing is the flourishing and multipication of life. In God we see increase. In order to be positioned for a blessing, we need to be planted and rooted in Christ, be connected to Him to have discernment of what feeds you, and be consistent and faithful in Christ.
Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream...It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." 

This past Sunday, Paster Landon spoke about how as Christians, we believe that if we come to Jesus, we will have life later in heaven. However, Jesus' resurrection gives us hope in the present as well. God loves us for all of who we are, including our mess. We cannot continue to be bystanders in our own life. Jesus brings life, so we need to walk with him in the day-to-day to experience his love in the present.