FreeWay Church Clemson

In today’s world, the greatest celebrations occur around athletic events or entertainment venues. This should not be the case with Christians.  Our greatest joy should be derived from experiencing the effects of a transformed life. This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff highlighted a familiar bible story known as the Prodigal Son. He contrasted the response of the father and the older brother upon the son’s return home. The father immediately began to prepare for a celebration. Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate. But, the older son was sour and had no plans to join in making merry.  Sometimes, this is our attitude about even our personal transformation. Pastor Jeff admonished us to recognize the reasons for the father’s joy.  He was elated at God’s manifest divine love, immense mercy and immeasurable grace towards his younger son. We too, walk in this authentic evidence or our heavenly Father’s forgiveness. So, let’s take our spiritual celebrations to heights even far above the heavens. Psalms 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his loving kindness toward those who fear and worship Him.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a rousing message affirming the necessity of practicing our faith in God. He referenced the story of Joseph and his desperate battle to fend off the advances of Potiphar’s wife as recounted in the familiar story in Genesis. God was with Joseph his entire life from betrayal by his brothers, prison and even promotion as a high-level official in Egypt.  God gave him access to the “power” that enabled him to remain steadfast even in a foreign land.  Like Joseph, it is difficult to cling to our faith in the midst of this “strange land.” But according to 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But, when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  Our victory over sin, death and the grave lie in practicing our faith each day. Then, we will be blessed to experience God’s presence, power, providence and the realization of his purpose in our lives.  Phillipians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a profound Easter message about the necessity of following Jesus.  We may not realize that sometimes, even though we profess to be Christians, our patterns of living are much different than Jesus and his Word.  We are following someone or something else.  This is why our relationship with God is lacking because “followship begets fellowship.” Such was the case with the disciple Peter.  Though his denial of Christ hindered their relationship, God knew he needed to restore him (John 21:15-19). Therefore Jesus “reached” to Peter in the middle of his mess.  1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved, God but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus paid the full price for our sins of yesterday, today and forever so that we could answer Him appropriately when he calls us.  Our aim, to follow Him! Selah

This past Sunday, Casey defined the word "blesing" and spoke about how we can recieve God's blessings in the present. A blessing is the flourishing and multipication of life. In God we see increase. In order to be positioned for a blessing, we need to be planted and rooted in Christ, be connected to Him to have discernment of what feeds you, and be consistent and faithful in Christ.Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream...It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

This past Sunday, Paster Landon spoke about how as Christians, we believe that if we come to Jesus, we will have life later in heaven. However, Jesus' resurrection gives us hope in the present as well. God loves us for all of who we are, including our mess. We cannot continue to be bystanders in our own life. Jesus brings life, so we need to walk with him in the day-to-day to experience his love in the present.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a profound message about our attitude in giving. He referenced the story of the widow that gave two mites--or what was considered a small amount of money. He admonished us to search our hearts as we pursue to give of our money, time, and talent. We should strive to give “all that we have,” today, knowing that our God will meet all our needs tomorrow. This woman moved Jesus deeply and he commented to the wealthy about her gift. Luke 21: 3-4 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Our aim: to offer our ALL to God, in view of Him.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff preached a foundational message about understanding that God’s word is “alive.” He used the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her response to the angel’s message about her impending pregnancy. Mary accepted the word and began to walk in it. It is similar for us once we embrace that God’s word embodies Jesus. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word and word was with God, and, the word was God… 14 the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Once we accept the word of God, we must keep it and live it. Living the word means being a servant of God and being obedient. And we know that obedience to the word brings blessings. Psalms 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff preached a rousing message about understanding the very purpose for which we were created. God’s purpose is to love. Our purpose is to worship God and be his witnesses. As we endeavor to represent Christ, we sense his divine presence and know that we are not alone. God is with us. But, the question becomes, are we with God? How can we know that we are with God? One of the primary ways seems simple, but it is actually profound. If we know that God is with us and our very purpose is to worship Him, we should not worry. Matthew 6:25-26 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Jesus goes on to say for us to seek God first and then ALL our physical needs will be met. Once we embrace our purpose, we can walk in peace since God is with us and we are with Him. Then, we will experience his powerful provision each and every day of our lives.

Pastor Jeff preached a challenging message on the life of John the Baptist. He explained that John’s primary aim was to advance the kingdom of God. Despite being around the same age as Jesus and having his own following, he constantly pointed people to Jesus, literally and figuratively. John 1:35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the lamb of God!” Scripture records that John’s disciples followed Jesus and spent that day with him because of John’s proclamation. We are called to do the same, to testify of Jesus in such a manner that people will be compelled to “come and see” what He is all about. John 1:34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s chosen one.

Pastor Jeff continued our study of the book of Galatians, focusing on the iconic symbol of the cross. Paul, despite being known by some as “the second founder of Christianity”, said that his identity and reason for being was a direct result of the cross. While he was highly educated, rarely did he discuss his own accomplishments. He explains this in Galatians 6:14, writing, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world". Our first need and only boast should be the cross because when Jesus died we were “redeemed” from our sins of yesterday, today, and forever. Also, the cross is the origin of our spiritual healing or wholeness and right standing with God. 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore out sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” Therefore, we bear witness with the timeless hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” that says, “I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection."

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff continued the study of the book of Galatians. He talked about our daily quest to be known and accepted by men and society. This type of “pressure” often causes us to be bound. Our true freedom lies in striving to be known by God. One of the primary ways that we can be known by God is to practice righteous acts motivated by faith, hope, and love. Paul told the church at Thessalonica that they lived a life indicative of their commitment to Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. This type of behavior confirms God’s love for us and our love for him, an expression of a life free from the burden of sin. I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. Selah.

Pastor Jeff continued our study of the book of Galatians by emphasizing that our freedom in Christ is not based upon simple works or behavior. Today, people talk about and are judged by their "grind" or how hard they work to achieve goals, status, or amass wealth. While we understand that we must work to care for our basic needs, that work (wherever the Lord has placed you) should not feel like a grind. Plus, this working will not buy our salvation, nor will doing "good works." Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that, "It is by grace that you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God." After the message, the congregation separated into groups of men and women and discussed several strategic questions related to the "grind" versus grace. One of the questions asked was, "Is it a battle" to keep the right perspective of works and grace? As Christians, we must recognize that the immeasurable power of the miracle of salvation comes from His grace, not our grind.

On this past Sunday, Pastor Jeff opened the year by introducing the book of Galatians. By recounting apostle Paul's conversion, he emphasized that we are to live free through our relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Galatians 1:11-12: I want you to know , brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not recieve it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I recieved it by revelation from Jesus Christ. This freedom is activated by a clear testimony of our transformation experience that validates our faith. This is the primary method of sustaining the freedom we experience in Christ. Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Then, we continuously strive to obey God's commandments and live in a manner that exemplifies Him. John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Selah

Pastor Jeff preached a timely New Year's Eve message on this past Sunday. He emphasized that we will need God's supernatural help or strength in order to be successfull in the coming year. The story of Sampson teaches us invaluable principles related to that power and strength. In Judges 16:28 after Sampson had been demoralized at the hands of the Phillistines, he prayed and asked God for strength to avenge his enemies. How was Sampson able to summon God's help during this dismal time? First, he had to acknowledge God in his totality or triune form. Just like us, he needed God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be victorious. Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." The conquering strength and might belong to Him and because we are his, it also belongs to each and every one of us. Selah

Paster Jeff preached from a thought-provoking topic on this past Sunday. Have you ever thought about the fact that there must be a level of humility to have fiath in God? He recounted the story from Matthew Chapter 8 of the centurion's request for Jesus to heal his servant. While the man held a powerful office, he acknowledged that Jesus was more powerful and asked for help. Specifically, he told Jesus that he was not worthy to have him come to his house but if he would just "speak the word," his servant would be healed. The centurion displayed his faith in God through profound humility. James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Words have power and we can access that same power by speaking forth the word of God. Selah

Pastor Jeff continued our church-wide study of the book of James on this past Sunday. He was led to remind us that no matter the circumstances in which you find yourself, God deserves your praise. Even in discouragement. Psalm 42:5 admonishes us to "..put our hope in God and yet praise him..." Additionally, if you are struggling to find legitimate reasons to praise Him, simply recall what he has already done in your life. Psalm 150:2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Our salvation is a daily reminder of one of the many powerful acts he has done in our lives. Every creature has an obligation to praise God, for he is worthy. Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Selah

Brother Justin Carter delivered a powerful, essential word to us on this past Sunday. His scripture reference was James 5: 10-14 emphasizing the necessity of prayer. Prayer is not reserved just for times of trouble. As Christians we must pray all the time in order to know what God's will is for us.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. God even gives us the "how" for prayer: without ceasing, with confidence and in all circumstances. Furthermore, as we pray let's make sure we are not just reciting our list to Him but also listening to what He has to say to us. Selah

Pastor Jeff continued our church-wide study of the book of James on this past Sunday. He highlighted Chapter 4 and the importance of seaking God's will for your life and walking in that trajectory as much as you can. Sometimes, we can know the right thing to do and make a conscious choice not to do it. James tells us in Chapter 4:17 "If anyone, then knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." This is because God has a specific plan and course for our life that is far greater than we can ever imagine. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." Doing good, this is what God wants for us (KJV) Selah

Paster Jeff continued our church-wide study of the book of James on this past Sunday. He highlighted Chapter 3 and the importance of what comes out of your mouth. In fact, verses 5-7 declare that our tongue can disrupt our entire life. James 3:7 It corrupts the whole body; sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Therefore, one of our primary spiritual goals should be to "tame our tongue." Paster Jeff gave us the prescription. In order to clean up our language, our hearts must be right or filled with God: heart right, mind right, mouth right. Matthew 12:34b for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (KJV) Selah

Paster Jeff continued our church-wide study of the book of James on this past Sunday. The overall theme for this study is derived from James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will recieve the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. This week Paster Jeff emphasized James 2:14-26 reminding us that true faith is demonstrated through our works. He enumerated four levels of faith: saving faith, genuine faith, rich in faith, and living faith. Living or active faith in God, in other words not just saying you believe, but showing, is manifest in a fruitful life. Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV) Selah