Finding Liberation: The Cross as the Exit from Despair and Addiction (03/21/'24) -Message

Finding Liberation: The Cross as the Exit from Despair and Addiction Dear Friends, In the intricate journey of life, we often find ourselves navigating through a complex maze filled with challenges and hardships. Among these, addiction stands as a formidable barrier, a dead end with no apparent exit, cloaking our hearts in fear and suffering. Yet, in the midst of this seemingly impenetrable darkness, a beacon of hope shines brightly—the cross of Jesus Christ. This symbol, central to our faith, represents not just a path to freedom but the ultimate exit from the labyrinths of despair that entangle us. The cross invites us on a journey of repentance, a transformative process where we turn away from our past errors and embrace a life filled with divine love. It's in this act of turning that we find the door to true freedom, an opening to the fullness of life that awaits us beyond the shadows of addiction. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 5:3-5 encapsulate this journey beautifully, reminding us that tribulations forge our perseverance, which in turn shapes our character, birthing hope within us—a hope that is unwavering because it is rooted in God's love, a love that has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This message is not solitary. The scriptures abound with verses that echo this narrative of hope, endurance, and divine love. From Luke 21:19 and Matthew 5:12 to Romans 8:23, 8:14-17, 28, and Matthew 22:36-37, we are encouraged to endure, to find joy in divine blessings, to look forward with anticipation to our ultimate redemption, and to embrace the love that God extends to us. Let us, therefore, hold fast to the message of the cross. Let it guide us as we seek to escape the grip of despair and addiction. Together, let's embark on this journey of repentance and transformation, buoyed by the promise of divine love and the hope it brings—a hope that leads us to the very essence of life. In this shared spirit of faith and hope, I encourage you to reflect on the significance of the cross in your own life. May it be a source of strength and liberation for you, as it is for many. Let's share this message of hope and transformation with others, spreading the light that can guide us all to the exit from our personal mazes of despair. With hope and faith, Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 21, 2024)