How to Finally Find Freedom
August 23, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "How to Finally Find Freedom" A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
Patrick mentioned a connection between this series and the SOZO series last year. If you're interested in links to those SOZO videos as well as my weekly essay on each, here they are:
4/13/25: SOZO: Now What?
4/6/25: SOZO: Trust the Process
3/30/25: SOZO: Why Doesn't God Always Heal
3/23/25: SOZO: Healing is a Choice
3/16/25: SOZO: True Freedom
3/9/25: SOZO: Free from Sin
3/2/25: SOZO: Freedom
2/23/25: SOZO: Saved
2/16/25: SOZO: Finding Wholeness
Toward the close of his message, Patrick taught that "who you spend time with makes a huge difference" (probably paraphrased). Here are a few Old Testament verses on the topic:
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Proverbs 14:7
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. Proverbs 1:10
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Psalm 1:1
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person who has friends must show himself friendly. Proverbs 18:24
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2
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Bonus
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself; Like Dolly Parton Did
Erick Erickson wrote a poignant email to his listeners and subscribers (he's a radio talk show host) about Dolly Parton and her approach to life. He titled it, "Dolly Parton and the Two Commandments." You may be surprised...
Read it (PDF).
FYI: The Erick Erickson Show.