Some view following Jesus as restrictive with rules and regulations that must be followed. In reality, Pastor Troy Murphy said during his message on Sunday, July 7, at Green Bay Community Church that a relationship with Jesus brings freedom.

Here are key points from Troy’s message:

*A relationship with Jesus leads to the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is freedom in allowing Jesus to carry your burdens and experiencing joy and peace. 

*Jesus is the only way to eternal life. There are not multiple ways for salvation. In John 10: 7-10 Jesus says he is the door that leads to the Father. There is no other way. The concept of a door comes from a sheep pen in Jesus’ day, in which sheep were kept in a pen and the only way in or out was through one door.

*Some would consider Christianity “exclusive” because of its claims that you must trust in Jesus to be saved. In reality, it is inclusive because God welcomes all to come to him, no matter what you’ve done in your past. Anyone can get to heaven because Jesus died for all. You don’t have to earn religious points or be good enough. You simply have to believe that Jesus died for your sins and trust in his saving grace.

*A lot of people have met Jesus but don’t know him. In other words, they are familiar with facts about Jesus but don’t really know him personally. To know him means you must have a relationship with him and walk daily with him. That relationship grows stronger as you read the Bible, spend time in prayer and interact with fellow believers.

*Some people look for other ways outside of Jesus to obtain salvation, such as by being religious, doing good works, being moral, giving, serving and going to church regularly. While none of those things are bad, they are not a means to find favor with God — only Jesus can do that.