Happy Sabbath, and Happy Fourth of July, friends!

In the United States, today is the day we celebrate America’s freedom and independence from the British Empire. In 1776, the United States of America was established. As I reflected on Independence Day this week, I couldn’t help but think about another freedom that is far greater than any freedom this world could ever offer.

Well, our freedom as believers of Jesus Christ was established when Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. Through His sacrifice, He broke the power that sin once held over us and made a way for us to be reconciled to our Heavenly Father. Because of Jesus, we have been given true freedom in Christ.

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
““He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.””

Free Indeed

With Jesus, we are free indeed.

Maybe you’re wondering…free from what?

We are free from the captivity that sin tries to place us in. Whenever our lives are centered around sin, we are giving it the power to run and control our lives. Entertaining sin never leads to anything eternally good. It may bring temporary satisfaction, but it will never bring the everlasting joy, peace, and fulfillment that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The key to being saved and experiencing true freedom is to continually choose to follow Jesus Christ every single day. The Lord never said it would be easy, but He did promise that it would be worth it.

John 8:34-36 (NIV)
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Freedom From Our Past

Even when we choose to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ, and we are given that freedom which can only be found in the Lord, the world is still going to try to take that away from us.

One of the ways the world does this…or shall I say, Satan…is by bringing up our past sins and using them against us. Satan wants to regain possession and control of our lives. He wants us to stray away from the Lord. He wants us to feel discouraged, ashamed, and not good enough.

Our Heavenly Father tells us something completely different.

The Lord reminds us in His Word that by grace we are saved, and through Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven. Yes, we may have a past. Yes, we may still make mistakes. But the Lord still loves us and desires a relationship with us. All we have to do is choose to follow Him and receive the true freedom that only He can give.

Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”

Freedom To Be Who God Created You To Be

Freedom does not mean that we can do whatever we want, or whatever feels good — it means that we are free to become the person our Heavenly Father created us to be.

Our God cares about each and every one of us. He does not want us to pursue things that only feel good temporarily. He wants us to pursue the things that will truly fulfill us and lead us closer to Him.

As I stated earlier, the world is going to try to separate us from our Heavenly Father, or limit us from becoming the person our God called us to be. But in Christ, you are truly free to be exactly who God wonderfully created you to be.

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Living In Freedom

There are various things that will hold us captive if we allow them to. A few of them would be shame, guilt, fear, condemnation, and sin.

In Christ, we are truly free from them all.

This doesn’t mean that we will be perfect — it means Jesus is perfect.

Because of Him, shame no longer defines us. Guilt no longer controls us. Fear no longer has authority over us. Condemnation no longer has the final word. Sin no longer has power over our lives.

It is easy to fall short and allow shame to creep in, or feel guilty for something we have done, or become fearful about something that could happen, or feel condemned by those around us, or even give in to sin. Even if that does happen, know that the Lord is merciful and gracious. If you surrender it all to Him, He will surely take care of the rest.

You will be free indeed.

Romans 6:22 (NIV)
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Closing Prayer

I pray over each person reading this message today that their heart may be open to receiving Your Word, O Gracious Father.

As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, may we not only honor the freedoms we enjoy in our country, but also celebrate the true freedom that can only be found through Jesus Christ.

Lord, if any of us are holding onto shame, guilt, fear, condemnation, or sin of any kind, may we surrender it all to You.

Fill our hearts and our lives with Your everlasting love and grace.

Thank You for Your mercy.

Thank You for seeing each of Your children beyond their mistakes and looking upon them with compassion and love.

In You, we are all free indeed.

Amen.