Have you ever felt that Christianity seems like the opposite of freedom - all rules and restrictions? Or perhaps you've pursued what the world calls freedom, only to find yourself feeling empty and alone?
Revd. Mark Fletcher tackles this paradox in his exploration of Galatians 5:13-25, where Paul declares "You were called to be free." Using the parable of the prodigal son and a powerful metaphor of two trees - one standing "free" but barren on a mountainside, another thriving in a walled garden - this sermon challenges our modern assumptions about what freedom really means.
Drawing from personal experience and pop culture (yes, even Star Wars gets a mention!), Rev. Fletcher warns against two thieves that rob us of true freedom: licentiousness that enslaves us to our worst impulses, and legalism that traps us in self-righteousness. The answer? Neither rebellion nor rules, but relationship - keeping in step with the Spirit to bear the fruit of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
This thought-provoking message asks: Are you truly free, or just following your feelings down a path that leads to isolation? Discover what it means to be genuinely free - free to become who you were created to be.