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The Power of Loosing
 "...and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Matthew 16:19
Last week I wrote about binding. Loosing, of course, is the opposite of binding. It's all about freedom and liberty.
In John, Chapter 11 we find the story of Lazarus, Jesus' good friend. Lazarus had died and had been in the grave several days when Jesus arrived at his home. We all know the story. But here's the interesting part: when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, Lazarus "came forth" fully alive! He should have been ready to go! After all, Jesus had just raised him from the dead. Still, the words of instruction Jesus gave to those who were there on that day to "loose the grave cloths and set him free" imply an additional step.
What's that step? When someone gives their life to the Lord and makes a decision to follow him, they are saved by the grace of God and are heirs to the throne. But they still need to be unbound in order to be set free. And we, my friends, get to do the "loosing," both for ourselves and to help others.
And what things do we need loosing from; and what do we need to help loose others from?
How about unhealthy ties that hold us back. Things we won't let go of. Past rebellion, sin or disobedience. Residue from past hurts. Stinking thinking. And the big one--unforgiveness. Our human spirit is not made to withstand the poison of unforgiveness. It needs to be loosed!
When we are angry, worried, upset, anxious or fearful we often use the phrase, "I'm tied up in knots." Don't let it be so! Loose it!
We were broken free from sin when we received the salvation of our Lord. But to live free is a life pattern--a daily choice to walk in the freedom that was purchased for us on the cross.
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1
May we live as people who know the power of the cross to loose. And may we welcome that freedom, purchased at a price, in our lives each day. May we be aware of those around us who may need our help in the process of loosing.
It is my prayer that we grow in being people who "set the captives free."
Greg
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Monday, October 29: Monday Night Class
This Monday we will pick up on John Eldridge's DVDs from his latest book, Beautiful Outlaw. The DVDs explore the personality and human side of Jesus. Who was he? How did his disciples know him? This is a beautiful, unique series that allows us to get to know Jesus better. Come and enjoy. Potluck at 6:30 PM. Class starts at 7:15 PM at Peace Lutheran.
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EVENTS
POSTPONED: Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake
Due to Jeannie Mendoza's memorial service being held on the Saturday we were going to do Dolly Steamboat, we have cancelled the steamboat event for that day. There are many people in our fellowship who knew Jeannie and we wanted to give them an opportunity to go to the memorial. Thanks for your patience. Watch for info to come!
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ON-GOING MINISTRIES
 TUESDAY Evenings, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy - Meet in the Church Lobby 21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale Isn't it time? Whether you have gone through a divorce recently or have difficulty picking up the pieces from a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can provide insights into getting through major issues of divorce and moving forward with your life. This is a safe, small group setting with others who have gone through the same thing. You can start anytime! Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.
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