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Sunday, February 14^th 

" The Spirit Brings Freedom "

Join Us This Sunday As  Elder Steve G. shares the
Morning Message

 February 14, 2010      " The Spirit Brings Freedom "

 Scripture Setting : II Corinthians 3:12—4:2; NRSV

  In this passage Paul contrasts the new life in Christ with the old life “under the veil.” He refers back to Moses, specifically in Exodus 33, where the people are not permitted to see God because of their sinfulness. Because people’s sinfulness was judged as disobedience to the law, this meant they could not see God. However, in Christ, one’s relationship with God is not dependent on obedience to the law. Instead, through God’s grace, Christ makes it possible for us to see God. The “veil” is removed.

The image of the veil describes how those who have not received Christ are unable to see clearly—unable to see God, themselves, or others as they really are. With the removal of the veil, God’s glory can be perceived. It is like seeing one’s reflection in a mirror. But what is seen is not the old self, but the new self in Christ. In a sense, we see ourselves as God sees us. In Christ, we are transformed from the old self to the new self; we become new. But this is not of our own doing; rather, it is the work of God in Christ. “This comes from the Lord, the Spirit” (v. 18).

An important verse, the one from which today’s theme is taken, says: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (v. 17). In today’s world, freedom often means that one has the right as an individual to do what they please, even if it violates the well-being of others or the norms of the community. But this is not what Paul means here. For Paul, freedom is associated with freedom from slavery to the law and to the separation from God that disobedience to the law created under the old covenant. The new freedom is the freedom to be who we were created to be under God with the guidance and enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

The last two verses of this week’s lesson (4:1–2) remind the disciple of God’s mercy and that all “shameful things” have been renounced. The call is to openness and honesty that allows us to “commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God” (v. 2). There is no longer any need to be deceptive, deceitful, or dishonest, or to hide from anyone anything that we do.

Emphasis here is on the work of the Spirit and how it brings us freedom. On this Youth Ministries Day, in societies where temptations to selfishness and competition are all around, this is wise counsel: Life in God’s Spirit frees us for the greatest experience of fulfillment in life.

From Worship Helps  2/14/2010

 President Veazey's Address to the Church  

Counsel with the Church

Counsel about the Presiding Quorums

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                    Regular Activities

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Men's Prayer Breakfast,  8:30 AM
 

Wednesday

Prayer & Testimony Service, 7:00 PM
 

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The After School Homework Club (at  Wichita Central)

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