Breaking Free

Recap:
In our English service, we heard a message of hope from the prophet Isaiah:  The God who is for you—even now, He is still God. The things that have kept you captive, let them go, for there is a new beginning.

Theme Today: Breaking Free — Let Freedom Reign
Breaking free from the yokes of the enemy.

The things holding you back, the things keeping you captive, it is time to break free. There are places we want to go, blessings we want to receive, and accomplishments we desire—but often, we ourselves become the barrier. By holding on to past words, wounds, or fears, we prevent ourselves from walking into the blessings of God.

Wednesday Fellowship Recap

We reflected on words spoken long ago—maybe by ancestors you know or don’t know, by a father in anger, by a teacher in your childhood, or even by someone in church. Those words may still bind you or your family, keeping you captive. Some even walked away from the church hurt by words spoken. But God says: there is a way out.

Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25–27)

• Isaac and Rebekah had two sons, Jacob and Esau. Even before birth, they struggled in the womb over who would come out first, because the firstborn would receive the blessing.
• Esau grew to be a hunter, favored by his father. Jacob stayed close to his mother, Rebekah. Here we see division within the home—something that sadly continues even today.
• When Isaac grew old and blind, he prepared to bless Esau. But through Rebekah’s influence, Jacob deceived his father and received the blessing.

Esau pleaded for a blessing, crying out in distress. Yet Isaac said:

“You will live away from the richness of the earth,
and away from the dew of heaven above.
You will live by your sword,
and you will serve your brother.
But when you decide to break free,
you will shake his yoke from your neck.” (Gen 27:39–40)

Though Esau was angry and Jacob fled, the key word here is: “When you decide to break free.” There is always a way out.

Breaking Free (Matthew 9:1–8)

Four men brought a paralyzed friend to Jesus. The house was so crowded they couldn’t get in through the door, so they went higher—onto the roof, removed the tiles, and lowered him to the feet of Jesus.

He was healed not because of his own faith, but because of their faith. Jesus told him: “Your sins are forgiven… Take up your mat and go.”

Notice this: the mat that once carried him, he now carried. When you encounter Jesus, the things that once held you down lose their power.

• The four men didn’t let protocols or obstacles stop them. Their only focus was getting their friend to Jesus. Likewise, don’t let tradition or fear hold you back from seeking Him.
• Esau was told: “When you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” You have the power—through Christ—to break free from bondage.
• Some of us live in the past, or let the past live in us. But God says there is a new beginning.

What is holding you back from serving God? From receiving Him as your Savior? From stepping into your breakthrough?

It is time to break free. Forget the past. Let go of the words spoken over you. In Christ, there is freedom.

Jesus came and died for us so that we might have life and walk in power. When you have Jesus, you are no longer bound—the yoke is broken, and freedom reigns.

It is your time to break free.