It’s Sunday in a country of 1.38 billion people, in a city whose population is approaching 25 million with 9,700 people per square mile. The population density leads to pushing, shoving and zero personal space on streets and subways. Growing up, people who didn’t push may not have eaten before the food was gone. This seems more a country of masses than individuals.  
I’m in an old Anglican church with 300+ people and it looks like Heaven to me – people of diverse colors, countries, social and economic status. For the many locals, going to church in this country can land them in prison or worse. Nevertheless, they are there joyously singing:

“I am no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God…

You split the sea so I could walk right through it. My fears are drowned in perfect love. 

You rescued me and I will stand and sing. I am a child of God.”*

Despite the tall hedges and fences surrounding the church, there can be no questions in the neighbors’ minds – this is a loud celebration of life in Christ. Most of us combine tears of joy and relief, smiles of victory and liberation, hands held high in worship or clasped in prayers of thanksgiving.

I once prayed with a small group here that church persecution would end. “Oh no,” they said, “we might start taking church for granted like they do in your country.”

We say that Christ has set us free, but what does that mean in our lives? What does it mean when we have so much, and so much freedom? What is Jesus calling us to do with our freedom? Are there any fears getting in our way?

Read John 8: 31-36 and remember that God loves you UNCONDITIONALLY!

Mike

 
* “No longer slaves” (CCLI# 7030123) Written by Brian Johnson, Jonathan David Helser, Joel Case, ©2014 Bethel Music Publishing