CrossPointe Core Values: Freedom

Pastor Jonathan continues the church's series on core values, focusing on the value of freedom in Christ. He begins by emphasizing the importance of freedom, not just for individuals but for families and future generations. The pastor contrasts human freedom with godly freedom, using examples to illustrate how worldly freedom often leads to bondage.

The sermon's key scripture is John 8:31-32, which says, "Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" Pastor Jonathan identifies self-justification as a major enemy of freedom, defining it as the act of making excuses for oneself and minimizing God's standards.

Using Romans 6:1-14 as the main text, Pastor Jonathan outlines three steps to experiencing true freedom in Christ:

1. Know: Believers must know that their old sinful nature was crucified with Christ. The pastor emphasizes the importance of knowing this truth rather than merely feeling it, stating, "Facts don't care about your feelings."

2. Conclude: Based on this knowledge, Christians should conclude that they are dead to sin and alive in Christ. This involves making a conscious choice to embrace their new identity.

3. Do not: Believers must actively resist sin and not allow it to control their lives. Pastor Jonathan urges the congregation to present every part of their bodies to God for His glory.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Jonathan uses vivid illustrations to drive home his points. He compares the struggle against sin to a game of "Whack-a-Mole," emphasizing the need for constant vigilance. He also draws parallels to sports coaching, asking the congregation, "Who's your daddy?" and "What team are you on?" to reinforce the importance of submitting to God's authority.

The pastor warns against "giving CPR to the old man," a metaphor for breathing life back into the sinful nature that should remain dead. He challenges the congregation to stop justifying sin and instead embrace their freedom in Christ.

Pastor Jonathan concludes with a powerful altar call, urging listeners to be real with the Holy Spirit and let go of pride and self-justification. He encourages them to declare, "Old man, you must die in Jesus' name," emphasizing the need for decisive action in pursuing freedom in Christ.

Throughout the sermon, Pastor Jonathan maintains a conversational yet passionate tone, frequently engaging the audience with rhetorical questions and personal anecdotes. His message is clear: true freedom is found in submitting to Christ, rejecting self-justification, and actively living out one's new identity in Him.