Prison Break 08-15-10 Guest Speaker Mark Rennie

Being in prison doesn’t always mean a cell with four walls. From time to time, many of us find ourselves is a different kind of prison, one without walls: the prisons of self-image, addiction, and disappointment. Ultimately, Jesus sets us free from the prison of sin, and this message gives practical steps on how to live in that freedom. 

Sermon – Prison Break 

Isaiah 61:1-2a & Luke 4: 18-19 

#1 – Jesus has the power to free us from prison

Luke 4:18-19: Jesus reads from the Isaiah 61:1-2a prophesy….and says, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears”

Acceptable Year of the Lord refers to the Year of Jubilee, where every 50 years Israel “restarted” and all debts canceled and all slaves & prisoners were set free

#2 – The prisons we need liberty from:

 Self-Image

 Negative self appraisals – “I’m stupid, I’m uninteresting, I’m unsuccessful”

 Can’t acknowledge imperfections – never says “I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer, I’m confused”

Addiction – Some addictions are our comfort and we have a hard time letting go of it, it’s all we know, it’s become our identity

Disappointment–Disappointing your self through - “Musts” in life – you find yourself not where you thought you’d be, not happy with your current life

Disappointing others – pressure to act, behave, or perform for someone else, no matter what you do, you feel like you’ll disappoint

#3 – Ways to live in freedom      

            Follow the one who set you free

            See the need to change

            Want to change

            Learn the triggers & avoid them

            Accept help

            Be productive

#4 – Prison of Sin

            -Jesus made the way, offers