TRUE FREEDOM

By: Dennis Harworth

     July 4^th, what a great time for this day in our USA, celebrating our own Independence Day!  The ringing of the Liberty Bell celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, thus the saying (and may we continue to say), “Let Liberty Ring!”   How very appropriate then is the inscription of Leviticus 25:10 around the top of the Liberty Bell:

 “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”

     What a blessing it is to live in a nation that allows us the freedom to worship God so openly.  In many countries around the world, the church must meet in secret while always risking the threat of bodily harm, prison, dismemberment, or death.  Our freedom that we enjoy in this country was not without a cost.  Blood was shed and lives were sacrificed in order to make it the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

     What better comparison to understand the importance of our spiritual freedom.   Jesus shed His blood and sacrificed His life to set us free from sin and spiritual death.  Our faith in what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection gives us eternal life.  Jesus also promised us that in this life, we might have L.I.F.E. – Living In Fullness Everyday.   Jesus said not only might we have life and enjoy it, but have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10 AMPC). 

     If you continue in My Word—hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them—you are truly My disciples.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:31-32).  So, it doesn’t matter what is holding you back or holding you down, you can be free.  It doesn’t matter whether you are in prison, in bondage to a lifestyle, or even stuck in traditions, you can be free.

     So, if the Son liberates you—makes you free men—then you are really and unquestionably free (John 8:36 AMPC).  In Jesus, you are free indeed and that my friend is TRUE FREEDOM!!!