The first GPS youth service organized by FeG Wienhausen addressed a question occupying many young people: What is freedom?
Looking back · June 17, 2016
Freedom consists of more than permission to do something. It also concerns what controls us. Jesus invites us into a relationship that frees us from guilt and enables a new life.
On June 17, 2016, FeG Wienhausen hosted the GPS youth service for the first time. GPS stood for ‘God’s Presence Saves’. With around 150 visitors, the room was very full; I experienced the atmosphere as pleasant and relaxed.
I was able to share the message on ‘What is freedom?’ Using my testimony, I illustrated how seeking independence can lead into new dependencies. The desire to determine everything ourselves does not protect us from being controlled by habits, expectations, or destructive desires.
One young guest who had been brought along was particularly touched. He wanted to entrust himself to Jesus, received prayer, and asked God for forgiveness in his own words. Many others also accepted the offer of pastoral conversation and prayer, so further counselors were called in. This gave us much reason for gratitude.
Free from what?
In John 8:34–36, Jesus speaks of slavery to sin and the freedom the Son gives. Sin is more than an external problem of rules: it shapes our relationship with God and can control our conduct. The call to Jesus therefore also concerns our deep bonds.
A strait can illustrate separation from God. The widespread derivation of the German word ‘Sünde’ from ‘Sund’ is, however, no sound justification. We learn the concept’s content from biblical contexts.
Free through whom?
The gospel points to Jesus Christ, his death for our sins, and his resurrection. Freedom from guilt is not acquired by first creating a flawless past. We may trust the Savior who promises forgiveness and eternal life.
A prayer can express this trust. The saving power, however, lies not in a particular sequence of words, but in Christ himself.
Free for what?
Galatians 5:13 connects freedom with serving one another in love. Christian freedom is therefore no indifference toward others. It opens the possibility of breaking free from constant self-assertion and acting for good.
Personal conversations can be a beginning. For further growth, people need understandable teaching, encouraging fellowship, and patient support.
The three reflections explain the theme of the historical report. For further reading: John 8:31–36; 5:24; Galatians 5:13.