Standing Free

Bending under the pressureOn a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. Luke 13:10-11•The serpent’s venom Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1•God’s cure Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17Called to freedomWhen Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Luke 13:12-13Three faces of freedom•Mary – blessed, favored, grace Luke 1:26-33•Rahab – mercy, kindness Joshua 2:1-14•Peter’s mother in law – life, generosity Luke 4:38-39Radiant, Joyful and Free! Once you are free, don’t look back!•Lot’s wife – longing, consumed, dead Genesis 19:15-17,26Choose freedom everyday•The Snake and Paul Acts 28:1-6I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20…and immediately she straightened up and praised God(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)