Never before has there been a more measurable spiritual search in the lives of the people in our culture than there is today. People are hungry for spiritual meaning and purpose. Life hits people hard at all levels of society and no one is exempt from the realities of life. People are searching.

People are looking for the truth about things. They're not looking for membership and institutions and "big brother" answers. They are looking for hope. People want meaning and purpose; and Jesus Christ, perhaps unbeknownst to them, is exactly what they are looking for.

The poet said,

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,

Feelings lie buried that grace can restore.

Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,

Chords that are broken will vibrate once more.[1]

People need a vital and living relationship with the God of all grace, not a rigid set of religious rules that take them from one set of bondage producing things into another set.

The apostle Paul says, "It was for freedom Christ has set us free" (Gal. 5:1). That's why the message of Jesus is powerful for today. Jesus takes people to the truth and then by that truth, sets them free.

I have a lot to be thankful for, and this truth is at the top of my list.

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[1]. Verse 3 of “Rescue the Perishing” by Fanny Crosby, 1869