Freedom from Limitations

SERMON TITLE:   “The Gospel of Freedom:  Freedom from Limitations”                                     
SERMON TEXT:    Matthew 9:27-34                                                                                                      
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James                                                                                                       
OCCASION:           July 23, 2017, at First UMC                                                                                     

INTRODUCTION
                 On Tuesday, I was at a meeting where one of the speakers was Julee Smith, the Executive Director of YCC, Your Community Connection.  YCC wasn’t the main topic on the agenda, so Julee only had a few minutes to speak to our group.  But she caught my attention quickly when she handed out a red, white, and blue flyer decorated with fireworks and the Statue of Liberty.  Attached to the paper flyer was a similarly-decorated refrigerator magnet.  YCC created this publicity to announce their July “Freedom Campaign” to “liberate all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”  They’re using this month in which we Americans reflect on liberty to remind us “of the women, children, and men trapped in cycles of abuse” and to entice the public to join their “freedom team.”  YCC wants us to donate to their cause so they can provide “education, safe living quarters, support services, and counseling,” so that those suffering from abuse “can heal, develop healthy relationships, and start their bright futures.” 
                YCC’s “Freedom Campaign” sounds a lot like our church’s July sermon series on “The Gospel of Freedom.”  Since the beginning of this month, we’ve been working our way through Matthew chapter nine and reflecting on all the different ways that Jesus did and does liberate those who put their faith in him.  Already, we’ve considered how Jesus can give freedom from paralysis, freedom for mercy, and freedom for life.  Today, as we continue on in Matthew nine, I invite you to consider with me how Jesus offers freedom from limitations.

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