Freedom, a much sought after way of life rings loud in the news media and merits bold headlines in the newspapers. Here in the United States and other free nations we live in societies that experience freedom on a daily basis. In fact it would be safe to say that countries such as the United States have lived in freedom for a long enough time that we have become so accustomed to it that we take our freedom for granted. We really do not give freedom much of a thought until we find that a piece of our freedom is in jeopardy of being taken away. Lets examine freedom for a moment and see just what it is that we all seem to want so much .
I would not be far off in saying that if those of us that have not experienced the lack of freedom do not really know what it is like to live in a country where freedom is not allowed. We do not really know the emotions of the people who have to live under a dictator that rules with an iron fist, where people live in poverty because the governing forces take from them to support the interest of the government. Where people cannot express themselves openly except to agree with the government. We who live in freedom have the freedom of the press, can voice our opinions and openly disagree with our government. In countries that live under a dictator or in a military style government most likely do not have the freedom of religion. The religion is what the government allows, or those in authority say the religion is. If you do not practice their religion you could well be punished by imprisonment, tortured, beaten or any other form of controlling discipline.
So just what is freedom then? What does it really mean to be free? Look at the definition from an on-line dictionary: The state of being free: such as, (a) : the power to do what you want to do : the ability to move or act freely. (For the rest of the definition just click on the blue link.) The basic of being free is to do what you want when you want. This is the reason you find in the Mid-East countries today a rebellion taking place, the people are fed up with the oppression of a dictatorial government. They are tired of the ruling authority taking from them and telling them what to say, what to believe or where they can go. Freedom is a basic need in all people, yet a large portion of the worlds countries do not live in freedom. When you look into the conditions that most of these people live in, you begin to realize just how oppressed the governments have kept their people. Listen to the news, read the papers and look into these conditions and you will begin to realize just how desperate the people of these countries are. Freedom is a driving force in a person's soul that cannot be kept in prison forever.
What is sad in all countries of the world is that no matter how free one thinks they are, no matter if the oppressed gain freedom from their government's, their is a freedom that still eludes every person that is born into this world. The fact is that we are all born into this world enslaved to an oppressor. Even those that live in what would be termed a free country, are not truly free until they find the true source of freedom.
What will happen when the mid-east countries do gain their freedom? Will they experience freedom as the already free countries do? Will their pursuit of freedom be short lived and come under a more harsh dictatorial regime? These questions and many more need to be answered in order to put in place a system that guarantee's their freedom. If these countries do gain freedom, and I hope they do, set up a government that will maintain the people's freedom, will they truly be free?
There is only one source of true freedom that will set each individual free in this world today, and that is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. I realize that most of these countries are of the muslim religion and have a different view from other religion's, but it does not change the truth about Christ and the freedom each will find in Him. According to the Holy Scriptures, or God's Word, true freedom comes through Jesus Christ. His Father, God, sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man back to Him by the shedding of His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for our rebellion against God our Heavenly Father. It is through the shedding of blood that our sins have been forgiven. Without the forgiveness of our sins there is no freedom. We will remain a slave to the oppressor of this world and continue to live in a depraved state. We are all sinners when we come into this world and are a slave to sin until we are set free through Christ. Lets take a look at some of the scriptures that talk about the freedom we have in Christ.
First of all we need to realize that every person born into this world is born with a sin nature and we are a slave to sin. Look at Romans 3:9-19, Paul is referring to both Jews and Gentiles when he says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The law was given to show us just how sinful we are, it removes all of our excuses when we sin. You and I must realize that we cannot avoid sin because we live in a fallen state. The law was given not to live up to and hope to achieve perfection, the law was given to show how imperfect we are and that nothing we can do will bring us back into the presence of God. Sin or rebellion separates us from God. We became slaves to sin when man's first act of rebellion allowed sin to become part of our nature. Paul, speaking to the Galatian's emphasis's that "Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law," Galatian's 5:1.
First and foremost we must realize that we all are born into slavery to sin. Even if all the nations of this world gained there freedom from oppressive government's and the people were free to come and go where ever they desired, and everyone could be free to have whatever religion they could come up with, there still is a master that controls us until we find true freedom through God's Son, Jesus Christ. Paul was simply telling the Galatian's that you cannot live by the law and expect to become righteous. There isn't anything that anybody can do as far as doing good or living by the letter of the law that will set you free from being enslaved to sin. James speaking to Jewish Christians living in Gentile communities outside Palestine said this about living by the law: "For the person who keeps all of the law except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws," James 2:10. So what is one to do if they cannot achieve a righteous state by following the rules or doing good? Christ in His teachings stated this to His audience, "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. Consider what Christ went on to say to those around Him at the time. He made a definite distinction between who His father was and those who sin. Read the following scriptures to see how sin is the master of human nature, which makes those who sin a slave to sin. John 8:31-47 makes it clear that when we sin we cannot claim God as our Father. Living in a free country does offer you a better life, free from tyranny, freedom of religion, and many other benefits, but no matter how free one's country becomes, you cannot be truly free until you are free from the control of sin. Being free from this master through Jesus Christ means that you can live in a state of freedom even in a country that is not free. Being free from guilt and shame is far more liberating than having our freedom from tyrants. Yes, life would be easier and choices would be better, but to be completely free is the place one should strive for.
When Christ came and lived among us, He came to set us free from our captor, sin. He did not come to set us free from tyrants and and evil men. Even though man can persecute the believer and even take your physical life, one thing is for sure, they cannot destroy your spirit. Look at what Christ says in Matthew 10:28, "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Luke describes this a little differently, it says the same thing, but shows us that we need not fear death if we are truly free through Christ. Here is how Luke 12:4-5 describes our position in this world; "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, He's the one to fear." "True Freedom" is knowing that you have been set free from sins control. You must realize this one important aspect about your life; you are not what you see in the mirror, you are more than just a physical being, you are a spirit created in the image of God the Father but sin has separated you from God the Father. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to set you free from the burden of the law, or sin. Through Jesus Christ you have been given access back into the presence of your Heavenly Father, free from the clutch's of sin's grasp, the shackles that have you bound will be broken because the Blood of Christ paid the full price for your redemption. There is absolutely nothing you can do to gain your own freedom except invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. This is true freedom, no matter what your physical condition may be in, your relationship with the Heavenly Father will be restored when you put your trust into His Son.
If you have not put your trust into God's Son, Jesus Christ, now would be a good time to do it. You will need to submit to God and surrender your will to Him. You do this by believing in God's Son and asking Him to take control of your life. Just bow your head and say this simple prayer; Father, God, I am a sinner according to your word, I am a lost soul in need of salvation, I believe Jesus Christ is your only Son and He is the Lord and Master of all. I accept Him as my redeemer and as my Lord. Forgive me of my sins and create in me a new heart filled with your Spirit. Thank you for saving me and giving me a new life, Amen. Jesus said that "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."
If you prayed this prayer and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then from this point on you are now a new creation. From this moment on, live for Him and receive the love that He has for you. This is the true freedom that you seek, no matter where you are in this world, no matter what state you find yourself in, you are His and you are free. Read and study God's word, you will not regret it.
If you are already a believer, one who believes in Jesus Christ as God's only Son, and find yourself struggling with sin in your life, confess your sins to God and return to following the Word of God. Find a fellow believer and tell them that you are struggling and need their support and prayers. God will help you to find your way and return to the path He set before you. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that we are to; "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." In doing this you will once again find the peace that passes all your understanding. Don't allow sin to win out. You have choices because God gave you a free will. You can continue down a path that keeps you enslaved or you can choose to take the path that brings you freedom from sin. In Proverbs 3:7, we are told not to be impressed with our own wisdom, but instead, "fear the Lord and turn away from evil."
These are choices we all can make whether we live in a free country or a country that is not free. The choice is yours to make a decision to follow the one who can set you free from the shackles that have you bound.
May the God of peace set you free and bring you a life free of sin and guilt.
I would not be far off in saying that if those of us that have not experienced the lack of freedom do not really know what it is like to live in a country where freedom is not allowed. We do not really know the emotions of the people who have to live under a dictator that rules with an iron fist, where people live in poverty because the governing forces take from them to support the interest of the government. Where people cannot express themselves openly except to agree with the government. We who live in freedom have the freedom of the press, can voice our opinions and openly disagree with our government. In countries that live under a dictator or in a military style government most likely do not have the freedom of religion. The religion is what the government allows, or those in authority say the religion is. If you do not practice their religion you could well be punished by imprisonment, tortured, beaten or any other form of controlling discipline.
So just what is freedom then? What does it really mean to be free? Look at the definition from an on-line dictionary: The state of being free: such as, (a) : the power to do what you want to do : the ability to move or act freely. (For the rest of the definition just click on the blue link.) The basic of being free is to do what you want when you want. This is the reason you find in the Mid-East countries today a rebellion taking place, the people are fed up with the oppression of a dictatorial government. They are tired of the ruling authority taking from them and telling them what to say, what to believe or where they can go. Freedom is a basic need in all people, yet a large portion of the worlds countries do not live in freedom. When you look into the conditions that most of these people live in, you begin to realize just how oppressed the governments have kept their people. Listen to the news, read the papers and look into these conditions and you will begin to realize just how desperate the people of these countries are. Freedom is a driving force in a person's soul that cannot be kept in prison forever.
What is sad in all countries of the world is that no matter how free one thinks they are, no matter if the oppressed gain freedom from their government's, their is a freedom that still eludes every person that is born into this world. The fact is that we are all born into this world enslaved to an oppressor. Even those that live in what would be termed a free country, are not truly free until they find the true source of freedom.
What will happen when the mid-east countries do gain their freedom? Will they experience freedom as the already free countries do? Will their pursuit of freedom be short lived and come under a more harsh dictatorial regime? These questions and many more need to be answered in order to put in place a system that guarantee's their freedom. If these countries do gain freedom, and I hope they do, set up a government that will maintain the people's freedom, will they truly be free?
There is only one source of true freedom that will set each individual free in this world today, and that is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. I realize that most of these countries are of the muslim religion and have a different view from other religion's, but it does not change the truth about Christ and the freedom each will find in Him. According to the Holy Scriptures, or God's Word, true freedom comes through Jesus Christ. His Father, God, sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man back to Him by the shedding of His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for our rebellion against God our Heavenly Father. It is through the shedding of blood that our sins have been forgiven. Without the forgiveness of our sins there is no freedom. We will remain a slave to the oppressor of this world and continue to live in a depraved state. We are all sinners when we come into this world and are a slave to sin until we are set free through Christ. Lets take a look at some of the scriptures that talk about the freedom we have in Christ.
First of all we need to realize that every person born into this world is born with a sin nature and we are a slave to sin. Look at Romans 3:9-19, Paul is referring to both Jews and Gentiles when he says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The law was given to show us just how sinful we are, it removes all of our excuses when we sin. You and I must realize that we cannot avoid sin because we live in a fallen state. The law was given not to live up to and hope to achieve perfection, the law was given to show how imperfect we are and that nothing we can do will bring us back into the presence of God. Sin or rebellion separates us from God. We became slaves to sin when man's first act of rebellion allowed sin to become part of our nature. Paul, speaking to the Galatian's emphasis's that "Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law," Galatian's 5:1.
First and foremost we must realize that we all are born into slavery to sin. Even if all the nations of this world gained there freedom from oppressive government's and the people were free to come and go where ever they desired, and everyone could be free to have whatever religion they could come up with, there still is a master that controls us until we find true freedom through God's Son, Jesus Christ. Paul was simply telling the Galatian's that you cannot live by the law and expect to become righteous. There isn't anything that anybody can do as far as doing good or living by the letter of the law that will set you free from being enslaved to sin. James speaking to Jewish Christians living in Gentile communities outside Palestine said this about living by the law: "For the person who keeps all of the law except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws," James 2:10. So what is one to do if they cannot achieve a righteous state by following the rules or doing good? Christ in His teachings stated this to His audience, "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. Consider what Christ went on to say to those around Him at the time. He made a definite distinction between who His father was and those who sin. Read the following scriptures to see how sin is the master of human nature, which makes those who sin a slave to sin. John 8:31-47 makes it clear that when we sin we cannot claim God as our Father. Living in a free country does offer you a better life, free from tyranny, freedom of religion, and many other benefits, but no matter how free one's country becomes, you cannot be truly free until you are free from the control of sin. Being free from this master through Jesus Christ means that you can live in a state of freedom even in a country that is not free. Being free from guilt and shame is far more liberating than having our freedom from tyrants. Yes, life would be easier and choices would be better, but to be completely free is the place one should strive for.
When Christ came and lived among us, He came to set us free from our captor, sin. He did not come to set us free from tyrants and and evil men. Even though man can persecute the believer and even take your physical life, one thing is for sure, they cannot destroy your spirit. Look at what Christ says in Matthew 10:28, "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Luke describes this a little differently, it says the same thing, but shows us that we need not fear death if we are truly free through Christ. Here is how Luke 12:4-5 describes our position in this world; "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, He's the one to fear." "True Freedom" is knowing that you have been set free from sins control. You must realize this one important aspect about your life; you are not what you see in the mirror, you are more than just a physical being, you are a spirit created in the image of God the Father but sin has separated you from God the Father. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to set you free from the burden of the law, or sin. Through Jesus Christ you have been given access back into the presence of your Heavenly Father, free from the clutch's of sin's grasp, the shackles that have you bound will be broken because the Blood of Christ paid the full price for your redemption. There is absolutely nothing you can do to gain your own freedom except invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. This is true freedom, no matter what your physical condition may be in, your relationship with the Heavenly Father will be restored when you put your trust into His Son.
If you have not put your trust into God's Son, Jesus Christ, now would be a good time to do it. You will need to submit to God and surrender your will to Him. You do this by believing in God's Son and asking Him to take control of your life. Just bow your head and say this simple prayer; Father, God, I am a sinner according to your word, I am a lost soul in need of salvation, I believe Jesus Christ is your only Son and He is the Lord and Master of all. I accept Him as my redeemer and as my Lord. Forgive me of my sins and create in me a new heart filled with your Spirit. Thank you for saving me and giving me a new life, Amen. Jesus said that "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."
If you prayed this prayer and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then from this point on you are now a new creation. From this moment on, live for Him and receive the love that He has for you. This is the true freedom that you seek, no matter where you are in this world, no matter what state you find yourself in, you are His and you are free. Read and study God's word, you will not regret it.
If you are already a believer, one who believes in Jesus Christ as God's only Son, and find yourself struggling with sin in your life, confess your sins to God and return to following the Word of God. Find a fellow believer and tell them that you are struggling and need their support and prayers. God will help you to find your way and return to the path He set before you. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that we are to; "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." In doing this you will once again find the peace that passes all your understanding. Don't allow sin to win out. You have choices because God gave you a free will. You can continue down a path that keeps you enslaved or you can choose to take the path that brings you freedom from sin. In Proverbs 3:7, we are told not to be impressed with our own wisdom, but instead, "fear the Lord and turn away from evil."
These are choices we all can make whether we live in a free country or a country that is not free. The choice is yours to make a decision to follow the one who can set you free from the shackles that have you bound.
May the God of peace set you free and bring you a life free of sin and guilt.
