Word:
 
The words from Isaiah 42:7 are very similar to the words in Isaiah 61 that Jesus quoted in the Temple.  At first glance we could be forgiven for thinking that the two are the same.  The gist of the words certainly is:
 
Speaking of the Lord’s servant in Ch42 the prophet says:  “I will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
 
In Isaiah 61 we read:  “…He has sent me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” 
 
In both these passages, which have traditionally been understood to have met fulfillment in Christ, one aspect of the life and mission of the Messiah is made clear – the bringing of freedom and release. 
 
Of course on one level this means the freeing of mankind from Sin and the release of humanity from death into glorious life – Jesus work as the atoning sacrifice, the one who wins forgiveness for us. 
 
But it also applies on a host of other levels too.  It’s a mistake to think that Jesus, and after his ascension, the Holy Spirit, are only interested in this one macro-transaction, and that this accomplished, we’re just left to get on with life, fighting our way through as best we can.  No, quite the reverse.  Jesus frees us from Sin and death, and he also frees us from anything that would bind or enslave us in our lives as his disciples.  He’s not only concerned with our end destination and the eternal life with God, he’s also interested in the journey we make and the life we lead now.  And it is here that we’re able to find freedom.
 
Much is often made of the tension in the Christian life between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’.  The tension that exists as the rule of reign of Christ is begun, but not fully realized.  The tension of being at the same time forgiven and made clean and yet continuing to struggle with sin. 
 
One of the most helpful ways to think about it is that we are taking hold of what is already ours, making manifest and real in the present what we will only fully know in the future.  It’s about the kingdom of God, established and present, breaking through into the here and now.
 
And it is in this sense that Christ sets us free in the day to day.  As we long for and walk towards our assured future life with God, where we will know complete freedom, so we are freed from the things that ensnare and bind us now.  The freedom that we can know in the present is a foretaste of the freedom that we will fully know in eternity. 
 
Jesus demonstrated this ministry of bringing freedom in numerous ways,   perhaps most strikingly in his healing miracles, which testified to God’s concern for the here and now, and spoke of the time which is coming.
 
But there were other ways too.  In forgiving the woman caught in adultery Jesus freed her from her sin (and sent her out to change her ways) and freed her from the condemnation of her community.
 
In forgiving Simon-Peter Jesus freed him from the burden of his actions and freed him from guilt and regret. 
 
“I have come to set the captives free…”
 
This session is really less about discussion and more about actively praying for the thing we’re talking about.  It’s no use talking about freedom, discussing it’s merits, saying how nice it would be, and then doing nothing about it!  That would be mad.
 
So, instead of discussing freedom I’d like to invite you to pray for freedom for one-another. 
 
Every Christian that I have met has on an ongoing basis needed to know the freedom that Christ brings.  Freedom from big things, small things, and medium sized things.  Freedom from common things (anger), less usual things (fear of upsetting others), socially acceptable things (acquisitiveness) and embarrassing things (lust)… the list goes on. 
Spend some time praying for particular things that your group members need to be freed from.

It’s scary and means being very open and honest, but if we can’t be open and honest with each other how will we ever minister the love of God to one-another!
 
It might be that there are some particular struggles that members of the group would like to share with the Pastoral Team and receive on-going prayer and support with.  If so please contact Sharon Seal on 01372 813200.  We can offer confidential prayer and listening, and if required refer to specialist organizations and counselors who may be able to help.
 
 
Witness:
 
Writing to the Galatian Church Paul says “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”  - Although Paul had a very particular context in mind as he wrote these words, the truth of them stretches beyond his particular situation.  As Christians, freedom has been won for us, and so we can take hold of what is ours, living it now as much as possible, trusting that in the future it will be fully known.
 
Part of our witness is found in living out what we hold to be true.  Spend some time reflecting on your own life and the degree to which you live in the freedom that has been won for you.  How might this witness to others?
 
Jesus often spoke prophetically to people.  The woman at the well for example.  In this situation Jesus identified something in the womans life, saw her need, and then spoke words of hope and freedom to her. 
 
It might be that you have an opportunity to speak prophetically into the life of someone you know.  Perhaps you know them and their situation well and can speak Gods words of hope and freedom into their situation.  Perhaps it’s someone you don’t know well but sense that God may be giving you a particular insight into their situation so that you can speak words of hope and freedom to them. 
 
Regardless as to the situation, step out in faith this week.  Speak Christ’s message of freedom and release to someone you know who is longing for this very thing.  Speak sensitively, warmly, and boldly, and ask the Lord to work…
 
If, having spoken to someone this week they are keen to explore the Christian faith for themselves then don’t forget:
 
Our next Welcome Evening is on January 16^th and is an ideal event for those who are looking to get involved with Church after a time away, those who are new to the area, or new to church.  The evening includes a meal, a chance to meet the senior staff team, and an brief talk about the priorities and structure of St Giles’ and St George. 
 For more information or to book a place please email:  welcome@ashteadparish.org
 
 
Alpha begins on January 23^rd and is a 10 week course exploring the basics of Christian faith.  The evening includes a meal, a short talk, and an opportunity to discuss and ask questions in a non-pressurized environment. 
 For more information or to book a place please email: alpha@ashteadparish.org