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Much has been surmised regarding the COVID-19 pandemic dilemma. Some believe it to be a completely fabricated situation to disrupt American life, remove personal freedoms, destroy the economy and thereby derail the democratic political process. Others believe this is truly the beginning of the end and will usher in the apocalypse. And, still others see it as a global situation that needs to be handled in pragmatic and reasonable ways, and that the human spirit in each individual is strong enough to get us through together.

Whatever your flavor or personal take is on the situation, followers of Jesus Christ understand that born again believers walk according to principles of a higher authority than even that of the United States government. For the Christian believer, the rite of passage to eternal life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, entitles them to live in freedoms completely endowed by their creator. The true freedoms endowed by the savior, Jesus Christ, far surpass the certain inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As precious and defendable as those are, Jesus said, in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Jesus spoke of an explicit freedom that sets people free from their sin, and the slavery that accompanies it, and renders them truly free eternally. In John 3:16, Jesus declared, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever would believe in him would not perish but have everlasting life.” The freedom afforded the Christian believer knows no boundaries in heaven and earth. It reaches beyond all geographical, racial, ethnic, national and international boundaries. This freedom is freely offered to all as it has been purchased by the shed blood of Jesus, and it can be freely accessed by everyone through salvation which comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

I have personally witnessed this freedom set people free even though they might be incarcerated, even though they live in countries where they can be persecuted for their Christian faith and even when there seems to be no hope. I have witnessed this freedom relieve people from years of guilt, anguish, condemnation and bitterness. I have seen this freedom restore marriages, families and relationships. The freedom Jesus offers sets people free from fear, worry, doubt and anxious living. When people avail themselves of this true freedom, they receive a freedom that can never be taken from them by any human government. I want you to know that I love you, and I am here for you. If you would like prayer, or just need someone to talk to, please call me at 507-473-0376.

George Marin

pastor

Grace Christian Church