This week we have been witnesses to what feels like the miraculous return of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the bodies of several who died in captivity, and additionally, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees returned to Gaza and the West Bank. I’m not sure many of us thought we’d see this day of freedom come to so many in this war-torn part of our world.

The peace and freedom that we are witnessing are both very fragile in these moments, so please continue to follow the Biblical imperative to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It will only be in peace that all involved might experience freedom.

Ultimate freedom is only found in this life, through our Lord Jesus and in His teachings found in the Gospels. This Sunday we continue our journey through the Parables of Jesus as Garrett Walker leads us to explore the Parable of Two Sons found in Luke 15. Both sons have their struggles in life, but only one will walk in freedom, which one may surprise you. I’m sure it shocked those who originally heard Jesus speak those famous words!

I can’t wait to hear Garrett open the Word of GOD that can lead us to full and eternal freedom!

Pastor Joe Still