Freedom

 

Dear readers,

It was a relatively uneventful week for us. There were some appointments to keep, but this is a good thing as going to various appointments gives us a reason to get out of bed some days. We certainly aren’t complaining about our weather, these cooler days have been refreshing after the heat of a week ago.

 

As we celebrate the birth of our nation this week, and the freedom we have, we must remember those who have worked and fought for those freedoms. Many of those who have gone before us sacrificed greatly to attain our independence.

 

From a spiritual standpoint we must also understand the great sacrifice that frees us from the bonds of sin. Ever since Adam sinned in Eden, mankind has been under the judgment of God. Scripture tells us all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). In another place, we are told, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10).

 

The only remedy for our sin problem is to place our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Dying, He satisfied the demand of God that there be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. God proved the truth of this by raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus, referencing the prophet Isaiah said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). Tired of sin? Come to Jesus.

 

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).

 

Peter, writing to Christians advised “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a coverup for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

 

Good words for all.

 

For Freedom,

Pastor Jerry