The simple truth is that followers of Christ can and do experience tremendous freedom in their lives. They are free from the power of sin and death and shame. Because of this, they live differently than they used to because of what Jesus has done. In Roman's 8, Paul talks about:

• Freedom from sin & control

• Freedom from death & decay

• Freedom from self-sufficiency

• Freedom from shame

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2

And, Paul doesn't just say that Christ-followers were once slaves, but are now free. He takes it one step further. He says we once were slaves, but now we are adopted. Adopted into God's family.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him,""Abba, Father."" His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-17

We are in the family of God now and nothing will change that fact.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God' love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:38-39

Grace Church - the next four months is our chance to introduce the people we love to a God who will do anything to bring them home.

It's time to set them free.