The Bishop's Convo is an opportunity to meet new people from all over New England. So of course, me being me, I usually stick around people I already know. Like tonight - we filed into the Commonwealth room here at the Crown Plaza, Worcester, and I sat with...two other NH pastors--Joan from Prince of Peace, Claremont, and Pat from Community Lutheran, Enfield. We had a little New Hampshire section going.
"Live free or die," said I, quoting my license plates. Then I commented glibly about how New Hampshire-ites are stubborn and maybe with the example given of no helmet laws for motorcyclists, the slogan is more realistically Live free and die!
Joan added, "Jesus said, 'Die and live free.'" (She's a gem)
Jesus bids us die--to sin and self--and to live free--free from guilt and from the need to justify our own existence before God. We're free to be caring and loving of others in an authentic, not-for-brownie points kind of way. There's no worry that God won't love and forgive us. The old self dies. (but he has a knack for reappearing like a killed off soap star. Has to die daily. So remember you are baptized!) We're free!!
And that's the gospel according to New Hampshire!
From Worcester,
Pastor
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