Contemporary world is full with propaganda of freedom. Freedom is much talked about, though a few are interested in freedom from sin that can be given only through Christ. This was the topic Aleksej Obukhov talked about at the Sunday meeting of the church “Philadelphia”. The Hebrews who had lived in slavery in Egypt got so accustomed to this condition that it took a long time to get free from it. They got used to being ruled by somebody. They were fed and given clothes, no matter of what quality. Coming across the difficulties in the desert instead of thinking they start blaming Moses and in the end  — God. The images of the Old Testament give us a chance to feel keenly this situation. It is high time we got free from slavery of sin. There is only one driving force for this — Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to Galatians: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

Senior pastor Pavel Zhelnovakov suggested thinking about the verses from 1 Peter 2:11-23. Paul claims that all we are strangers and aliens in this world. Jesus Christ should be our role model. He showed how we should live, laid out “a ski trail” for us so that it would be easier to go.

We are called to react and live in a different way, “for it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God”(1 Peter 2:15, 16). The interesting thing is that the Calling One gave us all the tools to live like that, though we may not see it all the time. Then we should ask God to open our eyes.

Next Sunday the church “Philadelphia” is going to have a holy communion.