Best Summer Yet: Freedom Freedom begins when we respond to God’s call to love and obey. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -- John 8:36 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. -- Galatians 5:1 We are free to love. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. -- Galatians 5:1 The pharisees asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. -- Matthew 22:36-38 Freedom from sin begins with a daily remembrance of the gospel. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. -- Galatians 5:5-6 2. We are free to obey. If you love me, you will obey my commands. -- John 14:15 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. -- Galatians 5:7-9 "If you’re going to dab your toe in the water of disobedience then you will eventually jump into the pool." - Joyful obedience is the only faithful response to the gospel. A. Develop a rhythm of loving God. B. Develop of rhythm of obeying God. 3. We are free to be a slave. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. -- Galatians 5:13-15 "The measure of a man is not how many servants he has but how many people he serves." -- D.L. Moody