Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818.  He fell in love with a free black woman named Anna Murray.  She helped him escape from the bonds of slavery, having given him money, connections and a sailor outfit.  He got papers from a free black sailor and made his way by railroad and boat to New York.  On his first day of freedom, he said that he felt delivered from the lions’ den.

 But Douglass wasn’t satisfied with becoming free.  He wanted to free as many others as possible.  He became the most important leader in the civil rights of the blacks in the 18^th Century.  He also became a preacher, offering the freedom that only Christ can give.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Be Free” from John 8:31-44.  We’ll look at “Be Free through God’s Word,” verses 31-33; and “Be Free by Overcoming Sin with Jesus,” verses 34-44.  Most people think Christianity is a bunch of stuff we’ve got to do.  We’ve got to be good, we’ve got to go to church, we’ve got to tithe, etc.  Actually, Christianity is freedom:  Freedom to soar like the eagle on the wind or Spirit of God.  When you truly get that freedom, you can’t help but share it!

My thanks to all who helped with Vacation Bible School, as a teacher, worker, administrator, musician, tech person, decorator or kitchen personnel.  The enthusiasm was amazing.  People were lighting up the world with their freedom to learn and teach God’s word!

Love,

Jim Meek