On this Independence Day weekend, today’s church service was a little different. No teaching or sermon, but lots of patriotic songs about our country and the Christian faith. If there was a theme to the service and songs, I’d say it was freedom. In that light, I’m going to share some random thoughts I have about freedom. Here we go:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1
Once I was a captive to my sin. I am now free in Christ Jesus.
God is the Deliverer from our sin and the bondage it brings us.
The cross is to Christians as the Statute of Liberty is to Americans.
Our freedom from sin was accomplished by Jesus on the cross over 200 years ago. The choice is ours whether to receive this freedom associated with His death and resurrection. We are free to choose life or death. (Deuteronomy 30:15-19)
We have freedom in our country to worship and pray as we desire.
We have the freedom to proclaim God’s truth and share it with others.
God loves us so much that He’s given us a free will…. to believe in Him, love Him and to obey Him. Without this freedom of choice, it would not be love.
Salvation from God is a free gift. It’s grace.
This freedom we have available to us cost God the temporary death of His only Son. For that I am so grateful.
For the freedoms I have enjoyed because I am a believer, I have a responsibility to share the Good News with others.
“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
This weekend is also a time to remember that the freedom we celebrate in our country is in part because of the lives of many who have served in our Armed Forces over the years.
And I’ll end this post with a prayer… passed along to me by a dear friend:
Dear Lord,
There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.
On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.
Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.
Amen
