Freedom is a central part of what it means to be a Christian. However, it is easy for us to confused worldly freedom for spiritual freedom. In this opening to the series, we will examine the ways Jesus has set us free, and in the coming weeks, we’ll discern how this is different from worldly freedom.

Fire from Ashes: Find Power in Death to Rise Again

Embracing an evolution into a people who more clearly resembles Christ begins with his presence with us and in us. While we can change our behaviors ourselves, only Christ can change our hearts to truly become what he meant us to be.

Evolving into a church that is inclusive and affirming of all people, regardless of our differences, means that we invite them into our holiest moments, including the communion table. Going beyond external inclusion and affirmation, inviting others to the table of the Lord means that we draw near to others as Jesus drew near to us. As the Spirit opens our hearts as the heart of God is open, we begin to truly receive others the way God receives them.

Part of embracing the journey of evolution as the church is examining the behaviors of God such that our evolution makes us more like him. While the world finds innumerable ways to reject people, God is affirming at his core. Therefore, to become like him, we must learn what it truly means to be affirming.

The church is intentionally comprised of people of all kinds. While scripture only names a few different categories of diversity, the theme is clear: no person with a desire to follow Jesus is excluded from being a part of his people.

Part of being a part of the body of Christ is embracing change as a beautiful and essential part of growth. While every person resists change on some level in favor of stability and predictability, the Spirit calls us into a much deeper and broader experience of life.

While baptism is carried out by human hands, its deepest work is done by God. In baptism, we are adopted into God's family, given a new name and a new nature. We often lose sight of the love that invited us into this family, and when we remember our baptism, we can recommit to counting the cost of love so that we can truly live our new lives for his glory.

The world and God who made it offer very different wisdom. The wisdom of the world says to destroy threats to your power, while the wisdom of God calls us to lovingly, humbly surrender power in order to transform enemies into allies.

What ancient prophets foretold, a pair of prophets contemporary to Jesus’ time saw with their own eyes. Their responses of worship teach us the importance of devotion even in waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled.