Rights or Priviledges?

Perhaps no other topic today, except for salvation, is more obscured by falsehood than that of rights. Just about everyone thinks that he or she is entitled to a long list of rights not guaranteed by the Bible or the Constitution. For instance, some people believe they have the right to do illegal drugs. Other think they have the right to play their music loud at all times of the day. Some believe they have the right to break the law and get away with it. Still others think they need to redefine the covenant of marriage.

Clearly, the demand for rights has gotten out of hand in America. Paul has an antidote for Christians caught up in or dismayed by a rights-obsessed society. His advice is to imitate Christ, who sacrificed his rights as God's own Son to save His people. Jesus had every right to be worshipped, obeyed, and honored. Yet He did not lay claim to that right. Instead He lowered Himself, gave up His rights and died a humiliating death for our sins. He had more rights than anyone will ever have, and He gave them up all to save His people.

All kinds of evil deeds have been committed in the name of "rights". Selfish attitudes, such as "I deserve it," and "It's my right," and "You have no right to stop me," have been used to justify cheating, abortion, materialism, sodomy, and other countless sins.

Those who follow Christ must not only refuse to selfishly uphold their rights, but avoid having selfish attitudes as well. Instead we should have and attitude of humility.

Freedom

I am so excited! I have experienced freedom. Freedom in Christ. I'm not saying I am perfect, but I have freedom! I have done many things that I am ashamed of and have hurt many people, but Jesus has set me free and forgiven me. I don't have to be concerned what people think about me. Jesus loves me for who I am. I am not in bondage any more. You too can experience freedom. Just give it up! Jesus wants to set you free.

I am free to dance, sing, praise, worship, and minister to people. I am not going back. No way! We have an awesome God. I want to say what His Word says. Do what His Word says. I want all to know this true freedom. If you want it, just ask. I will share it with you. Wow, I can hardly contain myself. John 8:36 says, " So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Come experience this with me.

Prayer

Has anyone ever had trouble sleeping at night? Well, it happens quite often for me. I have learned that when I am awake and can't sleep, the Lord is wanting me to pray. It puts me at peace and I fall asleep. I had one of those nights last night. So, I began to pray. My mind wanders all over the place. I pray for my family, friends, church people, country, government, whatever comes to my mind. Then, I sit quietly and hear this small voice saying, " Just as my disciples came with me to pray in the garden of Gethsemane I too call you to pray. Don't get weary and fall asleep as they did, but be alert and be praying." I thought, WOW, could this be God? Oh yea. I thought, how selfish I was to think I deserve to sleep when He (God) wants me to pray. We all need to be alert. God is calling His people to pray. If we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways, then we will hear from Heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land. That is from the Bible, in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Let me just encourage you all that God is calling us to pray. Just had to share this with you all. Have a blessed day, Pastor Melissa

Hey ya'll! Wasn't Wednesday night awesome? God was certainly there. Did you all feel that too? Do you have questions about what was going on? Feel free to message me on here or text me. No question is a dumb question. All questions are welcome. I hope you have had a good week at school. Let me know how you guys are doing. Remember what Pastor Mark said about how to be a Christ follower (Christian) is to read your Bible. Start reading in John. If you have any questions feel free to ask me or Pastor Tim. We are there to help you understand and help you with your relationship with Christ. We love you guys. See you Sunday! Love in Christ, Pastor Melissa