The turning point came here, on a brief trip across the Pennines, back to my home county.
Church-with-friends is always easier somehow; accessible, comforting even; hospitable perhaps with
ξενία at work.
A family service: all ages, across the spectrum but a sermon which could (still) wield a wake-up call right enough.
In the midst of the sermon and studies;
This be the verse:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I repeat,
There is no condemnation for those in Christ.
Time, high time, to stop beating oneself up with body blows* to heart & mind.
It doesn't matter. It never mattered. Time rather to start over.
2 Tim 2:13 ~ If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
It's a long, slow walk back - nay, crawl may'ap - but still. It's a beginning...
Come back, to your, first love, first love - Kirk Franklin
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
*With
apologies to St. Paul; he is otherwise always my hero.