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Part 12: The Freedom Furnace

November 2nd, 2025

Message

  1. The test of OBEDIENCE—Freedom from fear. Gen. 46:1-4, Heb. 11:6, Ps. 56:3-4
    1. Hidden bondage: Fear
    2. Truth Learned: God’s presence sustains
    3. Freedom found: Peace and direction
      Freedom Principle: Obedience liberates from fear faith in God’s presence, not circumstances.
      Application: Will I obey when it costs comfort?
  2. The test of HOLINESS—Freedom from conformity. Gen. 46:31-34, 47:6, 27, Rom. 12:2, John 17:14-18, 1 Pet. 1:15-16
    1. Hidden Bondage: Conformity
    2. Truth Learned: Identity in Christ
    3. Freedom found: Integrity and stability
      Freedom Principle: Holiness is not isolation but consecration — it frees us from needing the world’s approval.
      Application: Will I stay distinct when culture pressures me?
  1. The test of INFLUENCE—Freedom from pride. Gen. 47:7-12, 12:2-3, Phil. 2:3-8, Mt. 5:14-16
    1. Hidden Bondage: Pride
    2. Truth Learned: Servant Leadership
    3. Freedom found: Humility and Grace
      Freedom Principle: Influence is given to lift others, not to elevate self. When you bless instead of boast, you break pride’s hold.
      Application: Will I use my influence to bless or build up myself?
  1. The test of STEWARDSHIP—Freedom from material bondage. Gen. 47:13-26, Luke 16:10–13; Phil. 4:11–13; 1 Timothy 6:17–19
    1. Hidden Bondage: Greed
    2. Truth Learned: God owns it all
    3. Freedom found: Contentment and Generosity
      Freedom Principle: Stewardship frees us from greed by teaching contentment and generosity. God more readily entrusts provision to those who won’t be enslaved by it.
      Application: Will I steward what I have wisely?
  2. The test of HOPE—Freedom of worldly attachment. Gen. 37:29-31, Hebrews 11:21–22; Phil. 3:20; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18.
    1. Hidden Bondage: Attachment
    2. Truth Learned: Eternal Perspective
    3. Freedom found: Joy and Endurance
      Freedom Principle: Hope fixes the heart on eternity; it frees us from settling in the temporary. 
      Application: Will I keep hoping when heaven feels far away?

Announcements

NEXT SUNDAY: Join us next week for Part 13 of our series going through the life of Joseph titled “Blessing the Future” as Jacob blesses his sons for an abundant future.  See you next week!
THANKS FOR COMING! We’re glad you are here, and we hope you’ll make yourself right at home. If you are visiting with us today, we would love for you to fill out a Connection Card and place it in the offering box; or you can scan the QR code and fill it out that way! Also, please feel free to pick up a Welcome Bag on the back table. We hope you are inspired and encouraged today!
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: Please join us every Sunday morning at 9:20 in the conference room right off the front lobby to pray for our church and our community. Let’s seek the LORD’s presence and trust him through prayer together.
YOUTH CONNECT: Today at the Webb’s home from 4:00 to 6:00. Come on over to grow in the Lord and have a great time connecting! 4445 Story Rd, St Cloud
FINANCE & INVESTING WORKSHOP: Join us Sunday, November 9th from 12-2 for a practical seminar on how to manage and invest finances, with helpful tools and resources. Scan the QR code and write “Finance” today.

BAPTISM CELEBRATION: Nov 23 we are planning to have a baptism. If you are following Jesus and have not been baptized, this is your opportunity. Please fill out a Connection Card or talk with one of us.
MISSION SUNDAY: Nov 16th we will be celebrating and learning about the mission trips as well as participating in our silent auction to help fund our trips. Hope to see you there!
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: We are collecting and sponsoring shoe boxes again this year to give a child in need a happy Christmas with presents and the Good News of Jesus. Check out the display in the lobby and take one home to fill. Return by November 9th.
STEP 1: BLUEPRINT FOR BELONGING. Sunday, Dec 14th at 12:00 is our introduction to The Connection. We will get to know one another and learn about the blueprint for our church and is our first step in membership. Lunch is included. Write “Blueprint” on your connection card or scan the QR code.
THANKS FOR GIVING: We have an offering box that you may contribute in. You may also donate through our App or online through our website: www.connectionchurch.net. Thank you for giving to The Connection ministry.

Weekly Budget: $19,434
  • Congregation: $5,343
  • Counseling Centers: $13,629
Total Church Income: $18,972