Keep In Step
Galatians 5
"Keep in step" literally means to stay in line. Many of us are reminded of the 2nd grade teacher who would yell, "Get in line!" the moment one of us dared to exercise nonconformity. Many people think of God in those terms. He's perceived as a white-haired curmudgeon who zaps us with lightening bolts if we so much as think about a little fun.
Instead, we must think of "keep in step" more like "Follow the Leader."
To play follow the leader all you do is do exactly what you see your leader doing. The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus' teaching so that we can closely follow Him. We are to copy Him step for step. We're to keep in step with Him move for move. That flies in the face of our American way of thinking. We think that staying in line is punitive; it is restrictive.
Actually, staying behind your leader is freeing. The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, is a powerful example of the freedom found in living for Christ. In that story, the son thought that freedom was found by following his own leadership, leaving home, leaving his father, and embracing his impulses. He found only devastation and bondage in the pig pin, eating slop like a pig, when in truth, he was a son and heir. When he returned home, he found freedom, protection, and provision in the outstretched arms of his father, who had waited patiently for him.
The truth is there is pleasure in sin for only a season. Sin's enticements lead eventually to slavery. Guilt, pain, bondage, addiction, and condemnation are not fun. As we walk in step with the Spirit, we find joy, contentment, and freedom.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Used by permission from NewSpring Church
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Upcoming Events
Ladies' Small Group - The ladies meet on Sunday Nights at 6 PM and are going through the book Made To Crave by Lisa TerKeurst. If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Robinson at (724) 678-9520.
Men's Small Group - The men will be meeting on Friday Nights at 7 PM and are going through the book The Resolution for Men by Stephen Kendrick. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Robinson at (724) 255-1695.
June 24 - We will be observing the Lord's Supper and taking up the Deacon's Fund Offering following the AM Worship Service.
July 1 - Carry-In Dinner following the AM Worship Service.
July 8-12 - Vacation Bible School for 4 year olds through those going into 6th grade. Begins at 6:30 and will end at 8:30. Questions? Call Stephanie.
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Special Opportunity
We have been approached by an individual who wants to help our church to be proactive in being prepared for the future. Recently there was a chance to purchase the house behind the church, but we were not in any position to purchase it. They have since taken it off the market, but will most likely be putting it back on the market in a year or so. This anonymous person has offered to match up to $5000 each month (from May through December) that would be given to the parsonage fund over and above your regular offerings. This is a great opportunity to get prepared to purchase some needed property for parking since our church is landlocked. Please consider donating some money towards this fund so we can be better prepared for this possible opportunity. Last month we raised $5,090! Praise the Lord!!
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