Happy Monday and God Bless America!
In 1776, this great nation gained its independence. On Wednesday we celebrate that event. It’s not about a day off from work or a get together for burgers and hot dogs and barbecue. It’s about FREEDOM. Freedom to get an education, freedom to vote, freedom of speech and freedom to worship as we choose.
Sometimes, we get so tangled up in the small things that we forget just how blessed we are. Think about that the next time you go to church, to school or even the grocery store. If it still doesn’t sink in, read the newspaper or watch the world news on television. There is no other nation that compares to ours. And yet, there are many who want to end our freedom. When you meet someone in the military, take a minute and thank them, better yet, buy their lunch. It is through them that we gained our freedom and stay free. Pray for them. They need all the prayers they can get.
After all of that, maybe assess your own life. Are you free? Are you free from the bondage of sin and death? Jesus Christ died to give us that freedom. No matter where you live, without THAT freedom, you are lost.
Go ahead and grill those burgers and hot dogs and enjoy your day off. But please, never forget what got us here and what is required to keep us there.
Pray Unceasingly!!
In His light,
Lois
Celebrate Freedom!
I Corinthians 15:3-4
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures . . .
July fourth is Independence Day, and all across U.S.A. people will celebrate the tremendous freedom we enjoy. Truly we are blessed! We who know Jesus Christ as our Savior have another kind of freedom to celebrate. We are free from the bondage of our sin and death.
I Corinthians 15:1-4 gives a concise picture of the freedoms we have in Christ. First, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” He died for one reason: to pay the penalty necessary for our sins. He took our place. Because of His death, we are made free from the death penalty of sin and stand righteous before God. This is our justification.
Second, “that He was buried.” Romans 6 tells us that through faith we died with Him and were buried with Him and are now dead to the power of sin over us. Sin no longer has dominion over us, so we can choose to live righteous, holy lives. We are free from sin’s control over us! This is our sanctification.
Third, “that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” His death alone could not save us; it was the resurrection that showed God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, and that gives power unto salvation. In Colossians 3:1 we read that we are risen with Christ. His resurrection guarantees a future in Heaven for us where we will be free from the presence of sin. This is our glorification.
From that past moment when I truly believed, I am free from the penalty of sin . . . Free from the present power of sin over me . . . And guaranteed to one day be free from the presence of sin. Now that’s cause for celebration—every day!
Lord Jesus, let me never forget the great gift of freedom that You give to me as Your follower.
By Ann Shorb