Jesus Makes Us Free

As we look to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, we give thanks to the blessings received for living in the United States. Men and women have given their lives fighting for this freedom and these blessings. This makes it all the harder to realize there are no guarantees. All can be lost in a blink of an eye.

This is why, as Christians, we need to remember our freedom ultimately comes from the work of Christ. 

34 Jesus answered, “I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is. 36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free. (John 8, CEB)

Jesus sets free all who believe in Him, who trust in His work.

We have to remember our freedom does not depend on what happens around us. The Apostle Paul reminds us how the world is often against Christians.

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. 11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. 12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. (Ephesians 6, CEB)

There are Christians today living in countries where they are persecuted for their faith. They are not surprised to hear Paul’s words.

While we don’t know what the future holds, we can be assured that nothing can separate us from God’s love and the freedom He provides. 

35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

We are being put to death all day long for your sake.

    We are treated like sheep for slaughter. 

37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. 38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.  (Romans 8, CEB)

Blessings,

Pastor Matt