JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Titus 3, verses 3 through 5a.

The Apostle Paul said, “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

When we hear testimonies from believers, we hear of the various ways that God can change a heart. In the case of Paul the Apostle, his transformation was dynamic. The kindness and love of God changed him from the inside out. Instead of being foolish without Christ, he became wise in Christ. Instead of being disobedient to the Gospel, he became obedient to the Gospel. The hatred and hardness that he once harbored in his heart were replaced by love and tenderness toward God and His church. Today, followers of Jesus also have a story to share of transformation.

Through Jesus, we are set free from the strongholds of our past to enjoy God’s love in the present.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com