2.21.16 Youth Service

Freedom in the Chains of Holy Love

Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.

Many people complain about the laws and regulations that are listed in the book of Leviticus and its rigorous detail. This points to a deeper issue inside our heart, namely our desire for freedom and independence over God's sovereignty. We complain that God takes away our freedom by telling us what to do because in mainstream culture, freedom and independence are absolute virtues. The reason we value freedom so much is because we have never experienced (in this life) a perfect father, a loving president, or a benign king. We will not trust them with our civil rights, and we will not trust God with ultimate sovereignty over our lives. The only way we can trust Him is He gains our trust by demonstrating true justice and mercy. For Christians, we know that the cross is where justice met mercy, a loving God dying for our sins (justice) so that we would be restored unto him (love). When we encounter the cross, Christ not only earns our loyalty, but our love. Hence, the Levitical laws, and even the higher demand of living a perfect life in the Holy Spirit no longer seem burdensome, but appealing and delightful.

Announcements:
1) Congratulations February birthdays!
2) We will have our winter retreat February 26-28, 2016. Details will be provided via facebook!





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