Celebrate Freedom

[Chad]

Celebrate Freedom - Message #036 - July 02, 2006

On July 4, 1776 America declared its independence. Every July 4th since then we have celebrated the personal, economic, political, and religious freedom that has grown out of that Declaration of Independence.

But are we really free? Sure, we have the freedom to work at the job we choose and enjoy our favorite hobby. We may enjoy the freedom to operate a business or run for public office. We have the freedom to worship or not to worship as we choose.

But with all this freedom, we may not be truly free. How so? If we do not have that inner joy of heart which makes freedom of expression so wonderful, we are not free at all. We are in bondage! Jesus said, "Everyone who commits [practices] sin is the slave of sin" (John 8:34).

But Jesus Christ came into the world to break the reigning power of sin over human lives. When Jesus Christ breaks the ruling power of sin, you actually are free to express all that is good and healthy and joyous! You are free to follow God! This is why the Bible says, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free" (Galatians 5:1).

For a free audiotape on this subject, call 1-800-777-0389
email: freetapes@wordfortheweek.org; or visit: www.wordfortheweek.org

 

[stephen]

Only the one who Jesus set's free.......is free indeed.



Make me a captive Lord, and then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conquerer be.
I sink in lifes alarms, when by myself I stand;
Imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

My heart is weak and poor, until it Master find;
It has no spring of action sure -
It varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move till thou has wrought its chain;
Enslave it with thy matchless love, and deathless it shall reign.

My power is faint and low till I have learned to serve;
It wants the need fire to glow, it wants the breeze to nerve;
It cannot drive the world until itself be driven;
Its flag can only be unfurled when thou shalt breath from heaven

My will is not my own till thou hast made it thine;
If it would reach a monarch's throne, it must its crown resign;
It only stands unbent. amid the clashing strife,
Till on thy bosem it has leant and found in thee its life.

George Matheson

George Matheson was a Scottish preacher. Occupying a good pulpit. Engaged to be married. He awoke one day to realise that he was losing his sight.
Becoming blind his fiancee left him.

But he never lost his Salvation and trust in Jesus.

He also wrote that beautiful hymn....O love that will not let me go........
A precious life, lived for Jesus.

Freedom...Independence is a wonderful and a precious thing. We thank the Lord for those who did so much to procure it for us.

We celebrate.....with joy.